The right basin for your bathroom

Selecting the right basin for your bathroom is more important than you may think. Afterall, it’s probably one of the most used items in your home.  However, selecting one is not as simple as it used to be with a multitude of different options available.

Our guide can help you make the right choice for your space, budget and needs.

Firstly, who will be using it?

This may seem strange but think about whether it will be adults, children, guests or all of the above.

An above counter basin may look beautiful and be great for an ensuite, but not so great for a family or kids bathroom.  A vanity basin may be a much better choice for ease of use.

What else?

While your basin needs to be practical it must also suit your space.  The right bathroom basin should not only be convenient to use but should also fit the size and layout of the space.

Also consider the look and feel of your home.  Would you like a classic look bathroom, or something contemporary and minimalist, or maybe a space that’s more organic and zen looking?

Decide on your budget before you begin your search as this may help narrow down your options right from the start.

Top Mount Basin

As the name suggests, top mount basins (aka vanity basins) are designed to sit on top of the bench and are completely exposed.  These basins are easy to install and suitable to be used with pretty much any benchtop material including timber, laminate and stone.  This design can compensate for a low bathroom bench.  However, careful planning of the bench height is required for this basin to ensure it doesn’t end up being too high.

May be tricky for little ones to reach and water spills can’t be wiped straight from the bench into the basin.

They’re an elegant addition to ensuites but are a great way of creating a statement in any bathroom.

Undermount Basin

This basin style is installed underneath the benchtop and creates a very seamless and clean look.  Easy to wipe water spills with direct access into the sink from the benchtop.

A little more complex to install than top mount basins as a custom shaped cavity must be cut into the benchtop to accommodate the basin.

Only suitable for use with a solid benchtop surface.  Not suitable for use with laminate due to waterproofing difficulties.

A great basin choice for family bathrooms.

Pedestal Basin

Pedestal basins are freestanding basins which are mounted to the wall and are positioned on top of a support column (pedestal).  The pedestal also conceals any plumbing between the sink and the floor but does not sit flush with the wall.

They’re stylish and indulgent, add a classic feel to any bathroom and are greatly used in period properties and traditional schemes.

However, the downside to having a pedestal basin in your bathroom is that there’s no storage space underneath.

Wall-mounted Basin

A wall-mounted basin is fixed directly to the wall using brackets. They don’t require a vanity or benchtop for installation.

As these basins don’t have cabinetry or a benchtop there is no built-in storage or ‘landing space’.  However, there’s more visible floor space which gives the appearance of a bigger bathroom.

For a clean, finished look ensure that all plumbing and pipes are concealed inside the wall.

The perfect basin for small spaces and offers a sleek, streamlined, minimalist look to your bathroom.

Semi-recessed Basin

Semi-recessed basins are designed to maximise floor space while still providing necessary storage and bench space.  These basins overhang the vanity or benchtop.

Perfect solution to an ensuite or bathroom with limited space.  And a good option for children as reaching the taps is made easier with the shallow cabinetry.

Cons for this basin – water splashes can spill easily to the floor without a benchtop around the sink to stop it.  Also, although there is storage space it’s obviously limited.

All-In-One Basin

These basins are a perfect choice for those wanting a quick and easy bathroom install.

An all-in-one basin, as the name suggests, is where the basin, cabinetry and benchtop are all one unit.  The basin itself is actually moulded in as part of the benchtop.

Available in various materials and sizes.

Easy to clean and practical.  However, maybe not as aesthetically pleasing as some of the other basin options available.

There are so many different basin designs out there. But if you know the look you’re after and stick to it then selecting the right one for your bathroom will be much easier.

If you would like some help with bathroom measurements then read our blog on bathroom measurements and heights.

For help or advice regarding any residential or commercial design projects click here to book your free 15-minute discussion with Robyn.