Your bathroom can look like a 5-star one if you choose the right setting for it. Buying and combining the right elements can make it coherent, elegant and comfortable. One of the most important things to get right is the basin. It can make or break the room and has an influence on comfort and practicality. No one wants to struggle with their morning routine while washing their face or their teeth. Buy it too small and you'll have water all over the place. Get an oversized one and the space will feel overwhelmed. Luckily, there are many types of basins you can choose and fit into your bathroom.
Types of Bathroom Basins
Pedestal
These basins are one of the most popular ones in Australia. They're the first choice of many homeowners because of their simplicity, elegance and practicality. The elegant and stylish bathroom basin pedestal will perfectly complement any bathroom. You can find it in several varieties. The modern one can be a real centrepiece of the bathroom. It has a minimalist look and clean and defined lines.
These models have an eye-catching shape and can blend into the environment. They can make any interior look perfect. Traditional models have elegant curvy designs and are often combined with decorative taps. They can also have a vintage look if your bathroom interior requires it. If you have a bigger family and need more basin space, you can buy the double pedestal basin.
It's also known as the “his and hers” sink because 2 people can use it at once. It works perfectly in bigger bathrooms and can be a great centrepiece. It can be minimalist or adorned with details and decorations. You can also get a semi-pedestal basin. If you have a small bathroom this is the right choice. The pedestal doesn’t reach the ground and saves you a lot of floor space. This opens up the room and it’s perfect for hiding water pipes.
When it comes to materials, these sinks come in many varieties. China, stone, stainless steel, ceramic, copper and glass are just some of the options. Every material has its pros and cons, you should choose according to your personal preferences, interior design and how much time you have for cleaning and maintaining. Colours and shapes can vary as well.
Their biggest advantage is their design. If you have some pipes exposed through the wall, these basins will take care of it. Hiding or rearranging the pipes can be time-consuming and break your budget. So, it’s better to invest in a basin that will cover them, than to break down walls and add pipes.
Wall-Mounted
If you’re dealing with limited space, wall-mounted basins are the right choice. Just as the name suggests, they’re attached to the wall and leave extra available space beneath them. Just remember that if there are pipes underneath, they’ll be visible. Even though they’re mounted on a wall, these basins are quite sturdy. Just make sure the wall is strong enough to hold it.
Countertop
Another way to save space in a bathroom is by installing countertop basins. If you don’t need a pedestal this is a great option. You install it on top of the vanity a get a clean and sophisticated look. It looks very stylish and modern. This minimalistic look gives you enough space for storage underneath, the vanity. Plus, you can place all of the accessories such as soap, toiletries, towels and other necessities a bathroom requires.
Fully Recessed
This is also known as an inset basin. It has a chic look and sits on top of the vanity or benchtop. It adds a contemporary vibe and looks very stylish. You don’t have to worry about spillage because it prevents the best out of every basin. The space around it will look clean and tidy at any time.
Semi-Recessed
A semi-recessed basin is a mix between a fully recessed one and a countertop basin. The sink is mounted on the vanity but it protrudes a bit at the front. It's a great choice when space is something you lack in the bathroom. You'll have enough storage underneath and free flooring space at the same time.
Corner
A corner basin is similar to a bathroom basin pedestal. It can have a pedestal or be mounted in the corner. This is the ultimate space saver and works great in extremely small bathrooms. You get functionality and space altogether. They can be round or rectangular and come in many colour options.
What to Consider When Buying
The Bathroom’s Size
Every bathroom is a different size. One will fit pedestal basins, others have space for a double one, and some need to have a corner sink. Of course, we would all love to have a big one that can fit everything we need, but sometimes that’s not possible. Make sure you measure the available space properly. If you have limitations be very precise. Don't buy a basin because you really love it but it won’t fit. It's a waste of money and time. There are plenty of options on the market. You'll find something that you love and that it fits perfectly.
Basin Height
When thinking about the basin’s height, think about the height of your waist. This is where the basin should be. It's the most practical and pain-free position for your body. It's also a position that allows you to have storage space underneath and a mirror just above the basin. It makes everything easy to access. But this height can change if you have small children or elderly people who can’t stand up and use the basin properly. Then, you might have to adjust and consider placing the basing lower than usual.
Basin Taps
The taps are the most important basin accessory. Most basins have just one hole for a tap, but double ones can have 2 or more. There are plenty of different taps on the market and they require different installations. Choose the material and finish carefully because some of them require more maintenance and cleaning than others. The most popular basin taps are mixer, wall-mount, pillar, 3-hole and small taps.