What Do You Call a Sink With Chrome Legs?

Chrome Plating History

• Chrome plating helps metals resist corrosion. The mirror-like finish of chrome-plated fixtures and mid-century auto trim derives from a metal called chromium. The most common source of the metal is the mineral chromite -- a dark, dull-colored stone that was discovered in 1798. In 1924, it was transformed into a shiny, tough finish that was applied to other metals through the process of electroplating. Chrome plating was first used on jewelry to prevent wear of expensive materials, such as platinum. It soon became so inexpensive that chrome household fixtures, including sink faucets and legs, were popular by the 1930s.

Wall-Mounted Sinks

• Small sinks mounted directly to walls were common before World War II, according to the Retro Renovation website. Homeowners who enjoy a vintage look can find new or antique wall-mounted sinks online, as well as new, chrome-plated, replacement legs. The legs, which can be purchased with towel bars that attach to the legs and wall, may be spindly or sturdy-looking and range from cylinder to hexagonal shapes. Some leg assemblies connect to tiny glass or metal trays far under the sink for storage of limited toiletries.

  Retro Renovation notes that although wall-mounted sinks with chrome legs were originally modestly priced, new replacements can be expensive. To cut costs, it recommends searching for vintage materials at salvage shops.

Console Sinks

• Sometimes wall-mounted sinks, with broad sides for toiletries, are referred to as consoles. More often, consoles are bowl-type sinks sunk in counters made of materials more expensive than vitreous china, such as marble and glass. Chrome-plated legs with attached towel bars connect to the underside of the counters. Unlike standard wall-mounted sinks, console styles were originally a sign of wealth. Today, the Houzz website notes, they are affordable by a broader range of homeowners.

Cleaning Chrome

• Chrome stays shiny if cleaned frequently. Letting dirt and water minerals build up makes it more difficult to clean chrome-plated fixtures and sink legs. The How to Clean Things website notes that chrome is a relatively soft metal, so hard scrubbing can cause the plating to wear off. A soft cloth, soap and water are usually all it takes to shine up chrome plating. But if that doesn't do the trick, the website suggests applying vinegar to a soft cloth to remove tarnish.