Welcome back to another installment<\/a> of what I\u2019m loosely calling \u201cMarketplace Marvels.\u201d Or perhaps \u201cSecondhand Scores\u201d\u2026[edits headline because I like that better]. The title is a work in progress, but the heart is the same: What can you do with all those interesting, affordable, and durable vintage and antique finds you scroll or walk past on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or at your local flea market? Don\u2019t get furniture FOMO; let\u2019s learn about them, figure out what they should cost you, and see how other people are using and styling them, shall we?<\/p>\n A dry sink is exactly what its name suggests: A \u201csink\u201d without running water. Prior to homes having indoor plumbing, this piece of furniture was used to hold a large wash bowl and pitcher that people used to wash their hands, faces, food, bodies, and the like. They had a small backsplash made of either wood, stone, or tile to protect the wall behind it from getting wet. The cabinet-like piece came into popularity in the early to mid-1800s, the predecessor to the simpler washstand, which was a compact wooden stand without enough room to set the bowl and hold the water, possibly even a towel.<\/p>\n Once plumbing came into play (that was the early 20th century in the US), these fell out of favor, and now are used for decorative purposes\u2026more on that if you keep reading. <\/p>\n As I learned from the comment section of my first article about barrister bookcases,<\/a> prices vary widely on secondhand items sold on local marketplaces, depending on where you are. Perhaps it\u2019s supply and demand. Or maybe it\u2019s simply different inventory in different parts of the country. But regardless, I wanted to walk through some of the dry sinks I found within 50 miles of me here in Los Angeles.<\/p>\n Before dry sinks emerged, washstands and wash basins were the norm. As you can see from above, it was just large enough for a bowl or basin, with room to place the pitcher below when in use. This one even has a mirror and side rails for towels. I can\u2019t envision much of a use for this these days, but nostalgic, nonetheless.<\/p>\n And here is a proper dry sink, as I mentioned, it\u2019s the evolution of the wash stand we saw prior. This one is so special with its pink marble and delicate detailing. And at $100 (!!!), it\u2019s a complete and utter steal. If you\u2019re near Oak Park, California, please grab this one. <\/p>\n Here is one that\u2019s a bit pricier, but still far less expensive than anything you could buy on the market new today. Solid wood, marble top, brass hardware, cute little carvings, are you kidding me? Note that this one is called a wash stand, so be sure to check both names when you\u2019re hunting for one. <\/p>\n A tick more expensive than the last, but a good size at 44 inches wide. This one is in a Shaker style, which you can see through limited ornamentation and the cabinet door design we all know (and still use) today. It has a lip around the front to prevent any spills from landing on the floor.<\/p>\n This one is called a \u201cwash table,\u201d so get creative with those naming conventions while you search, people! You\u2019ll find a lot of these leggier versions on casters, which at the time, made them easy to move around as needed.<\/p>\n Tile work can be simple and solid colored, like the previous dry sink, or more decorative, like the one above.<\/p>\n As is standard with antiques, different eras and regions dictate what materials were used and what their styling was. I\u2019m sure there are plenty more I\u2019m not covering here, but I do not have a degree in dry sinks (yet). Here are some of the most common ones I see when secondhand shopping:<\/p>\n Marble-Topped:<\/strong> These came into popularity in the Victorian era (mid-1800s to early 1900s). Marble was a common material at the time and was used for its durability. Around this time, a recessed basin was scrapped in place of a flat surface. Dry sinks from this time period are also a bit more ornate in their woodworking, as things were in the Victorian age.<\/p>\n\n Tile Backsplash: <\/strong> Tiles as a backsplash came into play in the early 1900s, when plumbing began appearing in homes. Some are in the Arts & Crafts or Mission style, others are Edwardian, such as the one above (though the seller said it might also be Victorian; it doesn\u2019t look ornate enough for that IMHO). <\/p>\n\n Here is another dry sink with a tiled backsplash. The lister notes that it\u2019s Edwardian; after a quick little looksie into what the hallmarks of Edwardian furniture are, I can see how this one checks the boxes: lighter-toned woods, less ornate woodworking, and floral motifs.<\/p>\n All-Wood With Bottom Cabinet<\/strong>: Some dry sinks have more storage than others, such as the one above. This one is a primitive design, from the early 19th century, and you can tell because of the recessed basin (the lip around the surface). <\/p>\n Now that we\u2019ve met some different kinds of dry sinks, let\u2019s see how some people are using them in their homes. Spoiler alert: I\u2019m gonna need a dry sink soon. <\/p>\n I have to admit that I didn\u2019t really know much about these prior to a few years ago, and the petite dry sink in Caroline Winkler\u2019s rental kitchen I watched come to life on YouTube, was one of the first I took true notice of. Anyhow, a dry sink works great in a kitchen where you need to add a little more counter space to hold fruit bowls, a coffee bar, mixing bowls\u2026anything you need!<\/p>\n Here is a primitive all-wood dry sink used as a console table (or perhaps an entry table?). It\u2019s hard to take my eyes off that amazing stained glass door, but the beautiful, rich tone of the wood on the dry sink cabinet also draws the eye. <\/p>\n This type of dry sink is primed to be in a dining room as a service piece. The high back and built-in shelves are pretty unique and great for little floral moments or a prized trinket. <\/p>\n Another primitive design, being used as a bar. <\/p>\n This sweet little marble-topped dry sink looks so great as a vanity table in a bathroom with some pretty apothecary jars, rolled up towels, or your most aesthetic makeup and beauty supplies. <\/p>\n Dry sink turned wet sink! Don\u2019t forget you can take one of these pretty pieces and retrofit it with actual plumbing and a sink vessel. If this is the case, it\u2019s best to find one with a natural stone surface for durability, as wood can\u2019t handle constant water exposure. <\/p>\n This little kitchen station is giving me Emily Bowser vibes<\/a> for some reason. Maybe it\u2019s the collection of little\u2026rolling pins, maybe?<\/p>\n\n Juxtapose a rustic, worn dry sink with your fanciest crystal, glass decanters and brass ice buckets or pitchers. This technique takes something old and makes it feel fresh and interesting, as opposed to looking like something sitting in an old storage unit. <\/p>\n Looking for a unique entry table? Grab a dry sink with some interesting tile work. It adds color and pattern without trying too hard. <\/p>\n As long as the integrity of the wood is intact, yes, you can use one of these as a changing table! It has a built-in lip to keep the baby from rolling. I\u2019d suggest adding a little cushion with a built-in buckle for extra safety.<\/p>\n \u2014<\/p>\n Raise your hand if you\u2019ve envisioned at least two spots in your own home where an antique dry sink could add some interest and function. I don\u2019t have a single open space of wall in my current home for one, but believe me when I tell you that whenever we move into a larger home (hopefully in the next few years), I\u2019m going to hunt one of these down. <\/p>\n What pieces do you regularly see on Marketplace or when vintage shopping? I\u2019d love to deep dive, learn, and share my findings!<\/p>\n Until next time, friends\u2026<\/p>\n Opening Image Credits: Design by Arlyn Hernandez<\/a> | Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp<\/a> | From: Arlyn\u2019s Moody Dining Room Reveal Is All About the Insane Power of Paint<\/a> | Vintage Dry Sink via Facebook Marketplace<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\nWhat Exactly Is An Antique Dry Sink?<\/h2>\n
How Do You Find One & How Much Do They Cost When You Do?<\/h2>\n
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<\/figure>\nThe Different Kinds Of Dry Sinks<\/h2>\n
Some Ideas For How To Repurpose & Style One<\/h2>\n