In this guide we take you through everything you need to know to choose the right basin for your bathroom.
What to consider when buying a basin?
There are a number of factors you’ll need to consider when choosing which basin is right for your bathroom:
- The size of your bathroom
- The location of your existing pipework
- The design of your basin
- Budget
Size of your bathroom
The size of your bathroom is one of the most important considerations when choosing which basin is right for your home. If you have a large space to work with, you’ll have a greater number of options to choose from. Similarly, if you have a smaller bathroom, a more compact basin, such as a cloakroom basin, will be more appropriate. When choosing your basin size, don't forget to factor in enough room to use it comfortably.
Location of existing plumbing
When choosing your basin, you’ll also need to consider where your existing water supply and waste connections are. For example, if you already have a corner basin, you may want to choose a like for like replacement. Similarly, if your pipes haven’t been concealed in the wall, you’ll need to do this before you install a wall mounted basin. Although waste connections and plumbing can be moved, this can be costly so it’s something to keep in mind.
Basin design
As you’ll see later, there are a huge range of different basin styles to choose from. When selecting your basin, it’s a good idea to consider how you want to style the rest of your bathroom, and pick a basin style that matches this. A traditional basin may look out of place in a modern bathroom and vice versa.
Budget
Lastly, it’s a good idea to have a budget in mind when choosing your basin. This will allow you to use the filters on our site to narrow down your choices accordingly. When considering your budget it's important to remember this is an item you'll use for many years to come, and one that isn't easy to replace.
Types of bathroom basin
There are a huge number of different bathroom sinks available at Tap Warehouse. Here we outline some of the main categories you can choose from.
Full pedestal basins
Full pedestal basins continue to be a hugely popular style. These basins are attached to the wall and feature a pedestal which doesn’t support the basin, but simply hides the pipework. These basins are some of the easiest to install as the pipework won’t usually need to be hidden in the wall. As pedestal basins are a popular choice, you’ll have a huge selection to choose from. There are sleek modern styles, alongside classic designs ideal for traditional homes.
Semi pedestal basins
Semi pedestal basins have a similar aesthetic to pedestal basins, but the pedestal stretches halfway down the wall rather than all the way to the floor. The pedestal will hide the pipework going into the basin and the fact it doesn’t stretch to the floor gives these basins a simple, minimalist quality.
Countertop basins
Countertop basins are the ultimate minimalist bathroom sink style. As their name suggests, these basins sit on top of a countertop to give a simple, clean look. Pair your countertop basin with a wall mounted or tall basin tap and you’ve got the ideal setup for a modern bathroom.
Wall hung basins
If you want that minimalist style but aren’t looking to install a vanity unit under your basin, a wall hung bathroom sink is for you. These basins are mounted onto the wall, leaving the area underneath empty which can make your bathroom appear larger. Wall hung basins will require a visible bottle trap underneath. Luckily, these are available in a huge selection of finishes including chrome, matt black and brushed brass.
Semi recessed basins
Semi recessed basins are designed to be mounted into a furniture unit or work surface. The front of the basin will protrude from the countertop and the rear will be recessed into the basin. This gives a sleek, seamless look which makes the basin appear part of the furniture itself.
What height should a bathroom basin be?
The standard height for a basin is around 800mm to 850mm. However, the height of your basin will also be determined by the type you purchase. If you purchase a full pedestal basin, the height will be set depending on how tall the pedestal is. Similarly, the height of countertop and semi recessed basins will be determined by the height of your furniture unit.
What size bathroom basin do I need?
The size of basin you need will largely depend on the space you have available and where you want to install your basin. If you're looking to fit a basin in a small cloakroom or en-suite, you'll want to choose a more compact style. If you need a sink for a larger family bathroom, then a larger, semi recessed basin is ideal.
That concludes our bathroom basin roundup. At Tap Warehouse, we offer a huge selection of basins from top quality brands, so all that's left to do is find the right fit for your home.
