The Ultimate Guide to Bathroom Sinks and Basins

The first thing to consider should be how your bathroom sink will be used. Is it for a family bathroom, an ensuite, or maybe a cloakroom? Once you’ve identified how the sink will be used, you’ll be better placed to make an informed decision about the right basin for your bathroom.

Another key thing to consider is the style of your bathroom. If you’re opting for a modern bathroom then you may want to choose a wall-hung basin whereas if your bathroom is traditional, a pedestal basin will set it off perfectly.

To help you navigate through the sea of options available and to help you find the right basin for your bathroom, we’ve pulled together this handy guide to take the guesswork out of your decision making.

If you’re looking to create a traditional, timeless bathroom, we’d suggest choosing a pedestal basin. However, if your bathroom is on the smaller side, you could choose a semi pedestal or a basin with a washstand to keep the traditional style without compromising on floorspace.

If you want a sleek, modern bathroom, you’re in luck. Nowadays there are numerous basins available to suit your style. For ultra-modern bathrooms, we’d recommend opting for a countertop basin, however, if you don’t like the full countertop style, then a semi-countertop basin is the one for you.

If your basin is for an ensuite or cloakroom, it’s likely that it’ll simply be used to wash your hands. If this is the case, then you can opt for a small bathroom sink with a shallower basin.

We’d recommend a corner cloakroom sink or a small wall-hung basin to ensure you make the most out of a smaller space. Again, if you’re in need of some storage, there are corner sink vanity units available to suit your needs.
So, whether you’re searching for a semi-countertop sink for your family bathroom, or a small cloakroom sink, if you’re interested in any of the basins we’ve shared in this blog, visit our website to find a stockist near you.

The majority of sinks need to be secured to a wall so it’s crucial that you ensure your wall is able to support the full weight of the basin. If you’re securing your sink to a solid wall (i.e., made from brick) then you shouldn’t run into any problems.

Wall-hung basins are perfect for those seeking a luxurious, contemporary look. Their design also makes them an ideal choice for smaller bathrooms as they can often be found in various sizes and can be hung at any height, allowing space for storage or a towel rail underneath. Furthermore, by opting for a minimalist wall-hung basin, smaller bathrooms will appear bigger as you’ll have more floor space on show.

Our wall-hung sinks come in a range of sizes so you’ll find something to suit your requirements. We also have chrome bottle traps available which are designed to cover the plumbing and offer a more attractive finish. Pair with our Act basin mixer tap in chrome or black for a sleek and modern finish.

Pedestal sinks are the most classic type of basin and are probably the first ones that spring to mind. Despite having a pedestal, these sinks still need to be secured to the wall, therefore, it’s important to take this into account. However, unlike the wall-hung sink above, the pedestal is designed to cover any pipework.

Pedestal basins are perfect for those wanting a classic look as they are simple and functional. However, while they are available in various sizes, these are more suited to family bathrooms or large cloakrooms/ensuites as they do take up more floor space than the other styles discussed in this guide.

As the name suggests, semi-countertop sinks are partly sunk into a bathroom sink unit or worktop so that only part of the basin is visible. Often found in luxury spas or hotels, semi-countertop sinks are ideal for those looking to create a modern yet luxurious bathroom. Due to their style, these basins are also useful for those looking for more storage as the unit beneath not only conceals any pipework, but can double as a storage unit.

We have an extensive range of semi-countertop basins, all of which are available in a range of sizes guaranteed to fit your space. If you have a larger bathroom, a basin such as our standard Langford would work well, however, if you’re looking for a semi-countertop sink for a smaller space, we’d recommend selecting one of our slim-depth sinks such as the Radar
or Serenity.

A firm favourite among those who are after style and storage, countertop sinks are the ultimate choice for a contemporary bathroom. Countertop sinks, or vessel basins as they are sometimes known, are fairly self-explanatory; they are a counter top basin that sit fully on top of a unit or worktop and are one of the easiest types of basins to install.

These bathroom sink bowls can be found in multiple shapes but nothing says ultra-contemporary bathroom like a round counter top wash basin.

Similarly to the semi-countertop sinks, the countertop basin vanity units on which the basin sits conceal any pipework and can be used as storage.

corner sinks

Corner basins are perfect for smaller bathrooms such as ensuites or cloakrooms as they offer a space-efficient solution without compromising on style. By utilising an often unused space, small corner sinks are visually unobtrusive, however, like with the wall-hung basins, we’d recommend buying a chrome bottle trap to cover any plumbing.

Our team loves the Zest Corner Cloakroom Basin from Roper Rhodes for its contrast between its sharp lines yet curvaceous bowl. It also leaves plenty of room for a cloakroom sink unit beneath, making it the perfect choice for a corner bathroom sink.

Ceramic is one of the most common and most popular materials for basins and offers a range of benefits. Not only is it a durable material, guaranteed to stand the test of time, it’s also easy to clean and stain proof, perfect for families or those who like to keep things clean and tidy.

solid surface

Solid surface sinks, or stone resins sinks as they are sometimes known, are great for those who are looking for something a bit different as they can be designed in various shapes and colours to suit your taste. They are also extremely durable as if any scratches or damage occurs, they can be sanded and polished to remove any signs of wear.

acrylic sinks

Acrylic sinks, thanks to the material, can be shaped and moulded into any shape or size and are extremely lightweight. However, its plastic substance also presents a range of disadvantages. Firstly, they are not as durable as basins made out of other materials such as Ceramic or Marble, as it can be scratched easily if it comes into contact with a rough material, such as steel wool. Secondly, as with any plastic material, it burns easily and will result in permanent marks.

stone basins

Most stone basins tend to be marble and as a result, are considered a more luxury option. Marble sinks are more expensive than their ceramic counterparts, however due to its strength, are long-lasting and easy to clean. If you’re happy to spend the additional money, marble basins are guaranteed to inject a luxury spa feel in your bathroom.