Choosing Sinks for Your Bathroom

Bathroom sinks – or basins – have a host of important functions in all homes so it isn’t surprising that they come in a wide variety of styles, shapes, and even different colors. With so many options, it is difficult to know which is best for you. In this blog, we will give you a quick guide to help you decide what bathroom basin could meet all of your bathroom needs.

Pedestal Basins

Totally freestanding, the pedestal-type bathroom sink has a central column. These support the fixture and often to hide pipework as well. They are available in a variety of heights and in numerous sizes and styles from retro to contemporary. Some have concealed wall brackets that may be used to increase stability.

Typically, pedestal basins have a central hole for a mixer or two holes for a hot and cold tap. Generally, the back ledge provides sufficient space on either side of the taps or mixer for soap and a mug. The front ledge is usually relatively narrow.

Some of these basins feature an integrated towel bar mounted in the front, which is a great idea for minimal spaces.

Wall-mounted Basins

Nowadays, wall-mounted basins and vanities can help you achieve a modern, sleek look in your bathroom. The floating basin and vanity help to create more straight lines in your bathroom, which will add more interest. This set up also allows for a small trash can to fit below the sink for easy access.

Perhaps the most obvious advantage of a wall-mounted basin is that it allows easy access to clean the floor beneath it. 

Inset or Under Counter Bathroom Basin

Inset basins are typically dropped into or installed at the top of a work surface or bathroom cabinet, insert basins sometimes have a lip that sits on the surface. Some, though, are fitted so that they are flush with the surface or just below the surface. Either way, it is important to seal the work surface and basin well otherwise water might leak.

A great advantage of under-counter sinks is that they are easily incorporated with bathroom cabinets particularly when more than one sink is required (see first picture above).

Above-Counter Bathroom Basin

Both round and rectangular above-counter sinks have become increasingly popular during the past few decades. Some rectangular types mimic old-fashioned Victorian sinks and those found in old farmhouses. Round bowls often take on an art form using a wide variety of materials including glass, pottery or fine ceramics, wood, and of course more conventional glazed vitreous china.

While some do have holes to accommodate taps or mixers, many don’t. Instead, the plumbing is behind the sink with a tap or mixer attached to the surface onto which it has been fixed. The water then drains through a pipe below the surface.

An advantage of the above-counter sinks and basins is that they can be mounted on virtually any surface at all, from tables to closed bathroom cabinets. The challenge with open designs though is to hide the pipework.

Basin Units

Basin units sit on or over a bathroom cabinet. Like other bathroom sinks, they generally have holes to accommodate taps and plugs. Because they are molded, like vitreous china basins, they don’t have seams or joins so are just as easy to clean. 

Finishing Up

Now that you have an understanding of some of the options out there, you are ready to find the perfect basin. If you are still unsure which would be the best choice for you, one way to figure it out is to head to your bathroom and take down all your measurements. Once you have an idea of the space available, you will be able to eliminate some of the larger options. Next, think about how you use your bathroom vanity. Does it need storage? Do you have more than one person using the vanity? Thinking about questions like this can also help you find the perfect bathroom basin.