Faucet on, hands washed, faces scrubbed, teeth brushed, faucet off. Just another day in the life of a bathroom sink, which generally is paid no mind until it's time to be replaced.

Simple enough, one would think. But take a walk down the bathroom aisle at the do-it-yourself store and you'll discover so many to choose from, it may take several visits to commit to a style. If the store clerks start running at the sight of you, some insight from interior designer Lara Spargur may be in order. The owner of Lara Lane Designs, based in Hawaii Kai, said the most popular sinks are pedestal, vessel and undercounter basins, and offers some pros and cons of these.

Vessel

These are beautiful and stylized but are difficult to clean, depending on where the actual sink piece meets the cabinet top. As water splashes outside the basin, which it will tend to do, it seeps into the joint, which can be difficult to get to.

This style is good for a powder room but not recommended for a main bathroom just because of the maintenance. “;But I always say if that's what you really want, it's worth it,”; Spargur said.

Fitting the plumbing tends to be more of an issue because the faucet has to be mounted to the wall or into the countertop.

If you have the sink sit on a cabinet, she recommends choosing a cabinet with a full-height door that meets the top of the cabinet, as opposed to one with a lip.

“;It makes it easier for the plumber to get under there, plus I just like the way it looks,”; she said, “;and you can hang things on the inside of the door, like a cleaning brush or a basket.”;

Pedestal

“;The reality is the pedestal sink is the least expensive and works well in a small space, assuming you have enough storage,”; said Spargur. “;But you can get really creative with (storage) by using baskets to hold things like magazines or tissue.”;

It is a lovely look that has a nice bare feel, but if you are going to go with a pedestal, make sure it is substantial enough to lean against, with room at the rim to place things while you are using the sink. It also has to have enough visual “;weight”; to carry the room. If the sink is too small, she said the space will appear or feel unfinished. Stay away from something that looks delicate.

Installation is more problematic—you have to mount the sink to the wall as the column it sits on is mostly decorative.

Undercounter

If the sink sits under the counter, it is easier to maintain because water rolls into the basin and does not have any place to “;settle”; and build grunge. The countertop will have a nice smooth look.

These are usually placed on a cabinet and are easier to install because you do not have to worry about reinforcing the sink to the wall.

If you are using a cabinet, she recommends purchasing a Hafele sink mat that can be cut to fit to line the bottom of it. “;Even with the best plumber you will at some time have water issues, and with the mat the water won't get into the MDF (medium fiber density board) or plywood.”;

If you end up moving, she said, the cabinet will look brand new, and any cleaning products stored on it won't leave a rust circle.

You can order these online at kitchensource.com (about $65 for a 45-by-24-inch mat), but most cabinet companies will offer and sell it with their own label.

Splurge

The Giogali Chandelier designed in 1967 by Italian architect Angelo Mangiarotti is a modern collectible, with vintage pieces fetching $3,500-plus at auction. Available at Design Within Reach for $2,100 to $2,660, cascades of handblown Murano glass rings add glamour to the table. The 150 pieces can be configured to compose a myriad of configurations. Manufactured by Vistosi, a smaller version is available for $845 at interior-deluxe.com.

Steal

The look for less: So it's not handblown Murano glass, but if it's sparkle you are after, the Links chandelier, at left, available at Zgallerie.com for $299, is easier on the pocketbook. It takes a 100-watt bulb and has 230 interchangeable glass links for the freedom to customize its design. Each link measures 3 1/2 inches.

Another variation at right from West Elm (westelm.com), also at $299, has a horizontal rather than circular foundation with tempered glass refracting the light to add festive sparkle to its surroundings. Takes three 60-watt bulbs.