The basin is one of the most important parts of the bathroom. It should be functional and match the rest of the aesthetics. Choosing a basin that doesn't work with the space can break the whole look. Picking the right size, shape and material can elevate the bathroom experience for you, your family and the visitors.
Types of Bathroom Basins
Wall-Mounted
The wall-mounted basin is one of the most popular and most commonly used ones in Australia. It’s installed on the wall and it has brackets for extra support. This is a fairly affordable alternative that may enhance practically any bathroom design. This unique and functional hand basin sink is the best option if you're tight with space and need more storage.
This is a basin that doesn’t need a pedestal or even a vanity. Keep in mind that the plumbing is always visible underneath. So, if this bothers you, it might not be the right option for you. If you want to cover the piping, you can install a cabinet underneath. This will give you extra storage space.
In case you’re not sure how the sink will look or how will the cabinet work, you can always visit a showroom. It's a great place to get a visual about your ideas. Plus, there are plenty of people that can help you. Wall-mounted basins look great in minimalist bathrooms because of their floating aesthetics. You can easily adjust the height depending on the family members. Just make sure the wall is strong enough to hold it.
Pedestal
The pedestal basin has a very simple design. It's very elegant and practical which makes it very popular among homeowners. It's a great addition to almost any bathroom design. With its clean-lined, minimalist and modern look, it can easily become the focal point of the bathroom. There are also more traditional designs that are a bit more curvy but still elegant.
Invest in a double pedestal basin if more than two individuals use the bathroom. They're also known as "his" and "hers" basins. These basins come in a variety of materials, including ceramic, stone, copper, stainless steel, glass etc. Every material is unique and has its pros and cons. Which one you choose will mainly depend on the bathroom’s style.
The main advantage of these basins is the way they're designed. All plumbing that passes through the wall will be concealed behind the pedestal. This is a great thing because it can save you a lot of time, money and effort you’d spend to hide the piping or completely rearrange the plumbing.
Semi-Pedestal
The semi-pedestal is another popular hand basin sink. Instead of the full length of the pedestal, it’s only halfway towards the floor. This is the length you need to cover the pipes from the plumbing. Leaving the floor clean means more potential storage space (which is always a good idea) and more floor space for movement.
Countertop
A countertop basin is the best option if you're looking for a solution to free up some space in your bathroom. It's ideal because there's no need for a pedestal. All you need to do is place it on the vanity and you're ready to go.
With contemporary and fashionable twists, these basins always have a sleek and refined look. The design itself allows you to add different types of storage options underneath and have more space for towels, toiletries, toilet paper, accessories and much more.
Undermount
You can hide the sink underneath the vanity if you want a clean and minimalist look. The undermount basin is the right way to accentuate the beauty of the bathroom. It’s a component that works well in a variety of home decor styles. Because of the way it’s positioned, the basin is protected from potential chips and cracks.
Corner
Corner basins can be pedestal-mounted or wall-mounted. This one is designed for really tiny bathrooms—places where every inch counts towards creating a cosy and practical atmosphere. Just as their name implies, these basins are mounted in the corner. They are available in a variety of styles and can be triangle, round, or rectangular.
What to Consider when Buying
Materials
When it comes to bathroom basins, porcelain is the most commonly used material. Its white design makes it easily recognisable. Some brands make them in colour, but this only pushes up their prices. There's also the option for custom-made basins if you want it to fit your bathroom setting perfectly.
Another popular material is enamelled cast iron. This one comes in a few colours and it’s very durable. Glass and stone basins are perfect if you want to add some drama to the space. They can stand out and become the focal point of the bathroom. Wood is an unusual basin material that will bring a natural element into the setting. It just needs more upkeep than the rest.
Style
When it comes to style, we are all different in our preferences and needs. Even the tiniest changes can make a big difference, let alone changing the whole basin. There are plenty of options, traditional, vintage, classic, modern, contemporary, retro, glass, metal, porcelain, wood, clean cut, rounded, detailed and much more.
Space & Height
To get the right fit, always measure the space you have available. A basin that’s too large or too small will look unnatural and won’t make the space cohesive. Grab the measuring tape and narrow down your options. As a general rule, the basin should reach up to your waist and no more than that. But every household is different so tend to your needs.