The Bathroom is one of the most important rooms in the house. It easily gets overlooked though. Good design, practical storage, suitable materials, and functional bathware such as Basin, toilet and shower are needed to create the perfect setting. Out of these the first thing that we notice when we enter a bathroom is the basin area. That’s why it’s important to give it a thought before buying.

The basin is one of those things that can make or break the room in terms of size and design. Hence, choosing the right shape and dimensions does matter.

Types of Basins

When you take your bathroom size into consideration, the number of family members and your overall design, you have plenty of options to choose from. Semi-recessed, wall-mounted, full pedestal, undermount, countertop… When you see all those options it may get overwhelming, but with a few guidelines, you’ll make the right choice.

Semi-Recessed

This basin is something between a counter-mounted and a wall-mounted type. This means that half of the basin sits back on the counter and the other half hangs over the side. If your bathroom space is limited and you’re worried about the depth of the vanity, semi-recessed Basins are a great choice. Due to the fact that just half of the basin is installed on the countertop, you get a vanity unit with a half depth. Having these basins means space-saving and practicality. They also have improved accessibility because you can put your feet underneath when you wash your hands.

These basins are positioned on the vanity’s front edge as opposed to the rest of the basins that are installed centrally beneath the counter’s opening or just atop the vanity. You could install the basin yourself if you have the knowledge and proper tools. However, given that many stores offer installation services, it’s better to let the professionals do their job. Otherwise, you may end up with additional costs for repairs that could have been avoided in the first place.

Wall-mounted basins leave the pipes exposed, which is not an aesthetically pleasing sight. Another great thing about the semi-recessed type of basin is its ability to conceal the pipework. You could do this with the vanity or by installing cupboards. This way the pipes are safe from any tampering and possible damage. If you’re wondering if the semi-recessed basins can fit into every bathroom design, the answer is yes. You can find designs that are suitable for contemporary, modern, or classic bathrooms, with round, square or rectangular shapes and with different depths.

Wall-Mounted

These bathroom sinks have brackets that support them on the wall. They’re one of the most affordable options that can bring a minimalist look. They’re perfect when space is a concern and you’re looking for some more storage space. They have no pedestal or vanity, and the plumbing is usually visible. But if you add a cupboard or install a pedestal, you’ll solve the pipe problem. They increase your storage capacity and make the bathroom appear larger than it actually is.

Wall-mounted basins are great for minimalist bathrooms. They create a sort of floating aesthetics, and you can find them in many shapes and styles. You’re not limited to any pedestals or cupboards, so you can adjust the height to your needs. Before buying and installing this basin, consult with a professional about the wall’s stability. The wall must be strong enough to hold the basing by itself. You don’t want to replace the basin and fix the wall at the same time.

Full Pedestal

We can characterise these highly popular basins as elegant, lovely, and space-saving. The pedestal here is purely decorative because the basin is secured entirely to the wall. The main role of the pedestal is to conceal the pipework underneath. Although this basin lacks a counter or storage space, it is perfect for small toilets and half bathrooms. There are also half-pedestals, which are only as long as the plumbing and don’t extend all the way to the floor.

Undermount

This basin gives the bathroom a clean, minimalist look because it’s hidden in the vanity. It works in many bathrooms no matter the style and design. Its sides are protected inside the vanity, so the possible damage is almost non-existent. But installing this bathroom basin model is pretty challenging because you’ll need to create a hole in the counter to suit the sink. That’s why you should hire professionals to do it.

Countertop

Countertop sinks are often referred to as vessel sinks and are common in contemporary and minimalist bathrooms. In contrast to semi recessed sink models, these are mounted on top of the counter and combined with basin taps or wall-mounted ones. Countertop basins are not created for space saving so you can find a variety of shapes, sizes, designs, and finishes that will match your bathroom perfectly.

Basin Materials

Ceramic

The materials that fall into this category are porcelain and stoneware. They’re a mixture of minerals baked at different high temperatures and can have various finishes and glazes. Ceramic has a nice shine and a pure white colour. It’s one of the most popular materials in Australia. You might pick one with ornamental themes if you want to liven things up. Although scratch-resistant and recyclable, this basin option is delicate, so watch out how you handle it.

Acrylic

This is a stretchable and bendable material that’s often strengthened with fibreglass or polyurethane. These basins have a slick surface and are lightweight. They come in a range of colours and shapes, are scratch-resistant, and look fantastic in practically any bathroom. They’re also recyclable so you’ll be environmentally friendly and have a marvellous basin at the same time.

Natural Stone

If you want natural stone incorporated into your bathroom, you can choose from granite, marble and slate. Because of their distinctiveness, they give the bathroom a beautiful, traditional, and rustic look. However, be careful since they’re heavy, porous and can stain easily. You’ll need to give them more care and maintenance, but when you see the beautiful natural colours and patterns, it’s worth it. They’re not great options for semi recessed basins and the wall-mounted top because of the weight.

Wood

As you may know, wood and water are not a usual match. That’s why every wooden basin is covered in resin to stop it from rotting and make it durable. If wood is what you’re looking for, teak is the right choice. It’s dense, strong, and high-quality. Each wood basin has a unique texture and colour and gives off a warm vibe. When you see how lovely centrepieces they can be, it makes all the extra care and upkeep worthwhile.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is less prone to rust and has a bigger stain resistance than the rest of the metals. This is due to the small amount of chromium in it. It’s a popular material, not just for bathroom basins but also for kitchen basins and outdoor installations. If you want something recyclable, rust-resistant, and durable, stainless steel should be your choice.