Bathroom basin buying guide

Choosing the right basin for your bathroom can significantly impact both the aesthetics and functionality of the space. You’ll want it to complement the rest of your suite and be large enough for those using it. This guide will walk you through the various types of basins available, including materials and any key considerations that'll help you make the right decision when shopping for your perfect bathroom basin.

You should choose a bathroom basin that’s suited to your bathroom size, complements the style of the room, is compatible with your existing plumbing set-up and your existing or new taps, is accessible for all users, suits your level of maintenance and offers storage if needed.

If you have a small bathroom, you should opt for a semi-recessed basin or an inset basin, which integrates into a vanity unit, so you have extra storage to play around with. If you have a large bathroom, a pedestal basin is spacious and complements many bathroom aesthetics.

Different types of bathroom basin explained

There are several types of basins you can choose from, each offering advantages while being suitable for different bathroom layouts and styles. Here’s a run-through of the most common options:

Pedestal basin

Pedestal basins are one of the most classic and popular basins you can purchase. It’s given the name pedestal because the basin is supported by a full or semi-pedestal that conceals the attached pipework. To differentiate the two, here’s more on their style:

Full pedestal: the pedestal extends from the basin to the floor, hiding the entire plumbing set-up. You’ll usually find these in more traditional or larger bathrooms as they take up extra space.

Semi-pedestal: the pedestal is shorter, with it only extending partly down the wall. This opens up the space a bit more and makes it easier when cleaning the floor. Therefore, you’ll often find semi-pedestals in smaller bathrooms or those with a more contemporary aesthetic.

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Wall-hung basins

As the name suggests, these are great for space-saving as they’re mounted directly onto the wall, leaving plenty of space to be utilised underneath. Many homeowners will make use of this by placing a bathroom unit underneath for extra storage. Because of this, wall-hung basins are ideal for compact bathrooms, en-suites and downstairs loos.

The only thing to note is that when installing a wall-hung basin, you’ll want to use extra-strong wall fixings and take extra care when plumbing it in to ensure it’s completely stable and all pipework has been concealed within the wall or a vanity unit. If you’re not feeling confident in the process, get in touch with one of our design consultants.

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Countertop basins

For a more integrated look, countertop basins sit on top of your vanity unit, counter or shelf, usually concealing the pipes within the base. Countertops are available in a range of shapes and sizes and offer a modern and minimalist appearance. As they’re so versatile in terms of their design and material, they can appear custom-made, especially when paired with a complementary vanity unit.

If opting for a countertop, make sure it’s suitable with sufficient depth and strength to support the basin. And for the finishing touches, we recommend pairing your countertop basin with a tall basin mixer tap, especially if you go for a unique or tall-sided basin shape.

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Semi-recessed basins

Semi-recessed basins are partially set into a countertop or vanity unit, often leaving the front of the basin protruding out of the unit slightly, offering a clean and integrated look. This makes them perfect for smaller bathrooms where a full countertop basin is too deep, but you’re still looking for the storage space from a vanity unit.

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Inset Basins

Inset basins sit fully flush with the countertop for a seamless and fully integrated finish, making them the perfect space-saving basin for small bathrooms. Similarly to semi-recessed basins, inset basins allow you to take advantage of the unit below, as well as all surrounding spaces because this style of basin doesn’t protrude. You’ll often see these in contemporary bathroom designs as they’re very sleek-looking and easy to clean because the bowl sits fully within the unit.

With the bowl sitting within the unit, it’s important to note that space may be minimal on the top shelf for this reason.

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Common bathroom basin materials

What material you opt for will affect its durability, longevity, maintenance and overall aesthetic, so it’s important you consider your options carefully. We’ve outlined each materials’ characteristics to help you make the right decision for your needs.

Ceramic

Durable
Easy to clean
Classic design
Affordable

Composite

Stain-resistant
Versatile in colour options
Versatile in finish options
Durable

Stone

Natural
Luxurious
Unique
Requires specialist cleaning

Glass

Modern
Elegant
Versatile in colour options
Requires regular cleaning to avoid water marks

Metal

Industrial feel
Durable
Unique
Can show scratches

What else to consider

The above are not the only things to keep in mind when finding the right basin for your needs. Space, accessibility and plumbing can also play a huge role in your decision. Let’s take at what other factors will determine your basin purchase choice.

Bathroom size: You’ll want to measure how much space you’ve got to work with before choosing a bathroom basin. The less space you have, the smaller the basin. As a rough guideline, smaller bathrooms are suitable for wall-hung or semi-pedestal basins, whereas larger bathrooms can accommodate larger basins, even double basins.
Bathroom style: Your basin should compliment the overall aesthetic of the room. For instance, if your bathtub is white, stick with a white basin, or if you’ve got an industrial theme running through the room, opt for metal for a unique touch. The material and design should match the room, whether it’s traditional, modern, minimalist or industrial.
Plumbing: Consider where your existing pipework lives, and if it’s compatible with your chosen basin. If you're looking at a complex installation for a wall-hung basin, you may require more complex plumbing which could add to the time and costs of the project.

Tap compatibility: Different basins require certain types of taps, so it’s important you’re happy with the taps you’ll have to use, or if the one’s you’ve purchased/own are compatible. For instance, standard mixer taps work with pedestal basins and tall mixer taps are compatible with countertop basins.
Storage needs: If you require additional storage due to lack of space, you might be best suited to a bathroom basin with integrated storage options, whether that’s inset or semi-recessed.
Accessibility: Remember who’s using the basin, and whether it meets their individual needs. You’ll want to consider the basin height, their accessibility and whether they’re easy to maintain.
Maintenance: As mentioned above, it’s important to think about how easy it is to clean the basin based on its size and material, and whether it needs any specialist care.

Space & positioning

The size and layout of your space is one of the main determining factors of what basin will work in your bathroom. You’ll want to make sure that all areas of the room remain comfortable, ensuring the basin isn’t too close to doors, drawers or potentially limiting to the users’ movements. You should check the height and depth of the basin to ensure it’s suitable for users and won’t cause any splashing.

What’s more, you'll want to avoid moving your existing plumbing as this can increase installation costs and even cause issues. Lastly, is it too close to other fixtures? The toilet should be at least 45–50 cm away from the basin, and the bath or shower and mirror should all fit in nicely, maintaining flow and balance in the design and functionality of the room.

FAQs

Usually, bathroom basins sit at 4-60cm wide, 35-50cm deep and are around 80-85cm in height. However, compact variations can size at 30-40cm wide, while larger options can reach 100-120cm in width.

How long your bathroom basin stays in good condition will depend on the quality of the material, the installation, if it’s being maintained regularly and how much it’s used. You’ll find that materials like ceramic last longer, but poor installation and harsh cleaning products can cause cracks and signs of wear. We recommend regular cleaning and gentle use to avoid damage and boost your basin’s longevity.

By considering the above, you’ll select a basin that ticks your every box in aesthetics, functionality, maintenance and more. For further inspiration and to explore various basin options that’ll work perfectly in your bathroom, explore our website or find out how to fit a basin and taps.