Looking for a sink? You'll hear about vessels and pedestals and lavs, but what are they, anyway. Here's the lowdown on all those sink styles.

Console -- combines a sink with a countertop that rests on two or four legs. The space  below the countertop is open or has a few shelves for storage. 

Lavatory, vessel or basin -- the sink sits on top of a countertop or piece of furniture

Pedestal sink  -- a one-piece sink mounted on one column. Newer variations have only part of the pedestal descending from the sink, which is mounted on the wall.

Vanity -- a sink and countertop that sit on top of cabinetry with doors and often drawers for storage.

Wondering how to mount the sink? Here are the main ways:

Integral -- the sink and countertop are one piece. This is done with cultured marble and solid surface material, for example.

Drop In -- the sink is dropped into a countertop; there is a "lip" on the sink that overhangs onto the countertop

Under countertop -- the sink is installed below the edge of the countertop. The countertop does not have a lip -- it just slopes from the counter into the sink.

On the Countertop -- sink rests on the counter

Semi-recessed -- the sink sticks out of the front of the cabinet by several inches

Wall mounted -- attached directly to the wall through the plumbing or is attached to brackets or another anchoring structure. Many lavatories, vessels and basins can be wall mounted.