The bathroom basin, often an underestimated element, plays a pivotal role in both the functionality and aesthetics of your bathroom. It's more than just a practical necessity; it's an opportunity to make a statement and enhance your daily routine. In this guide, we will explore different basin styles to help you discover the perfect fit for your bathroom.
Images Courtesy of Warwick Bathroom Company and Premier Plumbing Ltd
1. Pedestal Basins: Timeless Elegance
A pedestal basin consists of two main components: the basin itself and a pedestal that supports it. Either a full pedestal or semi pedestal is available. These basins come in various sizes, making them suitable for different bathroom spaces. They are especially popular in traditional or period-style bathrooms, although modern variations are available to suit various design preferences. For homeowners, investors, or renovators working with a limited budget or tight timelines, pedestal basins offer a practical and visually appealing solution for their bathroom spaces.
Pros: Budget friendly, hides pipework, space-saving, deep basin,
Cons: No storage, basic design.
Top 5 Brands To Consider: Roca, Vitra, Iflo, Rak, Ideal Standard
2. Wall-Mounted Basins: Contemporary Chic
Wall-mounted basins exude a sleek and modern aesthetic. These basins are installed directly to the wall, leaving the area beneath them open and creating an illusion of added space. They are ideal for contemporary bathrooms, offering a minimalist appearance.
Pros: Sleek and modern design, space saving, easy to clean, great for wheelchair access.
Cons: No storage, professional installation required for securing to the wall, can lead to exposed pipework.
Top 5 Brands To Consider: Roca, Vitra, Ideal Standard, Twyford, Rak
3. Countertop Basins: Elevated Elegance
Countertop / Vessel basins bring an air of sophistication to your bathroom, sitting gracefully on top a vanity unit or countertop. They are revered for their stylish and elevated appearance, creating a design focal point in your bathroom. When selecting a countertop basin, pay attention to the variety of available shapes, depths, and designs, and make sure to choose a tap style that perfectly complements the basin's elegance while harmonising with your overall bathroom decor.
Pros: Stylish, ample counter space, easy installation, looks great on a double vanity.
Cons: Demands more frequent cleaning a water can splash easier, may not be practical for households with young children, may not be suitable for compact bathrooms.
Top 5 Brands To Consider: Atlanta Be Modern, Roca, HiB, Crosswater, Rak
TOP TIP - When choosing a waste for your basin without an overflow, opt for an unslotted waste. This ensures effective drainage and prevents overflows.
4. Undermount Basins: Seamless Integration
Undermount basins are installed beneath the countertop, creating a seamless, smooth, and modern look. They are appreciated for their ease of cleaning.
Pros: Easy to clean, modern look, ample counter space.
Cons: Potential for water spillage, professional installation required, could feel commercial.
Top 5 Brands To Consider: Roca, Vitra, Ideal Standard, Twyford, Rak
5. Semi-Recessed Basins: Space-Savvy Solution
Semi-recessed basins are designed to be partially set into the countertop or vanity, offering a unique space-saving solution. These basins maximise counter space while adding storage options.
Pros: Maximised Counter Space, installed with furniture to add storage, usually a deeper basin,suitable for slimmer furniture installations.
Cons: Can be tricky to install, can encroach into the bathroom more due to it overhanging, may feel like a dated option.
Top 5 Brands To Consider: Roca, Vitra, Iflo, Atlanta BeModern, Calypso.
6. Traditional Basins: Vintage Charm
Traditional basins offer a touch of vintage charm to your bathroom. These basins often feature elegant and ornate details, such as decorative edging, raised ledges, options for 1,2 or 3 tap holes, and some also feature a basin with legs for support and shelves underneath.
Pros: Ideal for large bathrooms in period properties, complements classic decor, offered with multiple tap hole options, can include storage solutions underneath.
Cons: Can feel bulky in smaller bathrooms, limited modern functionality, potential for higher cost, increased maintenance cleaning.
Top 5 Brands To Consider: Heritage, Burlington, Hudson Reed, Nuie, Eastbrook
7. Corner Basins: Utilising Awkward Spaces
Corner basins are designed to fit into the corners of the bathroom, making the most of awkward or underutilised spaces. They are space-saving and ideal for smaller bathrooms.
Pros: Suitable for smaller bathrooms of cloakrooms, space saving solution,
Cons: Limited countertop space for hand wash, basin size can be compromised
Top 5 Brands To Consider: Vitra, Crosswater, Armitage Shanks, Ideal Standard, Roca
8. Inset / Inline Basins: Clean Lines and Functionality
Inset / Inline basins are designed to sit within a vanity unit or countertop, offering clean lines and functionality. These basins are known for their contemporary design.
Pros: Modern Design, easy to clean, available in varied materials, space saving.
Cons: Basin depth may be shallow, not always ceramic basin, not always a universal fit on furniture.
Top 5 Brands To Consider: Roca, Iflo, Atlanta Be Modern, Elations, HiB
9. Integrated Basins: Seamlessly Coordinated
Integrated basins are designed to seamlessly coordinate with the countertop or vanity unit. They offer a customisable and streamlined look.
Pros: Easy to clean, modern design, provides ample countertop storage.
Cons: Can be easily damaged if not handles well, not always ceramic basin, not always a universal fit on furniture.
Top 5 Brands To Consider: Atlanta Be Modern, Elations, HiB, Calypso, Roper Rhodes
10. All in One: Ultimate Space Saver
These combination units are a space-saving solution that integrates both a toilet and a basin into a single, cohesive unit. These units are designed for bathrooms where optimising space is a priority. They typically feature a toilet at the bottom and a basin positioned directly above it.
Pros: Suitable for smaller bathrooms of cloakrooms, space saving solution, water efficient.
Cons: Professional install required, possible maintenance challenges,
Top 5 Brands To Consider: Formula Bathrooms Oceana, Nuie, Arley, Trojan, Kartell
The bathroom basin is a crucial element that significantly influences both the functionality and aesthetics of your bathroom. It serves as more than just a practical necessity; it presents an opportunity to make a statement and elevate your daily routine. Throughout this guide, we've explored various basin styles, each offering its unique blend of advantages and considerations to cater to your specific needs and preferences.
By carefully considering these basin styles, you can make an informed choice that not only enhances your bathroom's functionality but also contributes to its overall aesthetic appeal. Whether you prioritise vintage charm or contemporary chic, there's a basin style to suit your unique vision for the perfect bathroom.
Images Courtesy of Warwick Bathroom Company and Premier Plumbing Ltd
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