Creating your dream bathroom demands meticulous attention to detail, not just in terms of appearance but also in terms of functionality. Especially when it comes to the sink. Considering the fact that washbasins are the most often used item in the bathroom, choosing the proper one is of utmost importance.
At first, choosing a bathroom washbasin may not seem to be a tough process, but once you discover the variety of options available, it can be confusing to know which one is the right fit for your needs. From top-mount sinks to wall-mounted hand basins, pedestal sinks, and even vessel sinks, the options are truly endless.
The type of bathroom sink you choose will also depend on your daily requirements. Are you a single working woman in a small apartment, or a busy parent with three children and a spouse who forgets to put his socks in the wash basket? When shopping for a hand basin to suit your bathroom design and lifestyle, there are several aspects that you need to consider.
Which Type of Washbasin Is Best?
When selecting your ideal sink, take into account the overall design of your bathroom, as well as whether the style is conventional, ultra-modern, or transitional. Pedestal and countertop washbasins are more traditional, whilst wall-hung washbasins are more contemporary. Making these considerations prior to purchasing can assist you in navigating the variety of possibilities available and narrowing it down to something that is most suited to your own style.
Full Pedestal
The most well-known basins are full pedestal basins, which conveniently hide the piping and plumbing. These are the easiest to install, and a larger pedestal allows for a larger, heavier basin. A common presence in family bathrooms, there are numerous options available to fit both conventional and ultra-modern minimalist spaces.
Wall-Mounted
A wall-mounted sink does not require the use of a vanity or a countertop because it is fastened directly to the bathroom wall. It has a smooth, clean, and ultra-streamlined appearance that instantly gives your bathroom a minimalistic sense.
This type of sink saves a lot of space because there are no cupboards, drawers, or vanities behind it, giving you more visible floor space and giving the impression of a much larger bathroom. If you’re planning to install a wall-mounted sink, make sure that all of the plumbing components, including the waste, are located within the wall to achieve a smooth, clean appearance.
Top-Mount
A top-mounted sink may be fitted on practically any surface, so whether you have a wooden vanity or a laminated countertop, the washbasin will completely cover the cut-out, preventing water damage. This sink is perfect for an opulent en-suite bathroom with plenty of counter space for all of your cosmetics and accessories.
Vessel (Freestanding)
Freestanding or also called vessel basins are often fairly deep, allowing you to fill them with a large amount of water, which is ideal if you frequently use the basin for shaving or other duties that demand a large amount of water. They’re also so attention-grabbing that they may easily serve as the focal point of a bathroom’s design.
Just make sure the countertop and vanity you choose are appropriately measured and planned in conjunction with your sink so you don’t wind up with a sink that is too high and uncomfortable to use.
Which Basin Material Is Best?
It’s critical to pick the proper washbasin material since it will influence the appearance, feel, and style you want to bring to your area. Consider the texture, finish, and colour you desire, then select from a variety of choices. And keep in mind that this will also affect how easy to maintain the sink is.
Ceramic
Ceramic is perhaps the most frequent material for basins. Ceramics have been used for ages and are one of the oldest technologies known. As they are burnt in an ultra-hot kiln, a mixture of clays and fillers fuse together. The product is long-lasting, although it is prone to wear and scratching with time, especially if it is low-fire.
In a more recent production technique called as ‘bisquing,’ the clay is heated to around 1,000° C. The basin is then glazed and re-fired at temperatures of 1,200° C. The glaze will melt into the clay, chemically uniting and sealing it. As a consequence, the product is extremely long-lasting and resistant to stains, fading, heat, scratches, and acidic cleaners. So, if you decide to go for a ceramic basin, make sure it’s done using the bisquing technique.
Acrylic
Acrylic basins have increased in popularity due to their low cost. However, because acrylic is a plastic, it may be harmed by hot items, and an acrylic basic can also be damaged by impact. Acrylic is frequently used in solid surface’ bathroom countertops, where the basin is built into the surface. These have the advantage of not creating a gap between the sink and the countertop, which might trap dirt and bacteria.
Stainless-Steel
Stainless-steel basins offer a nice compromise between price, durability, and cleaning simplicity. Because stainless steel is such a robust material, it can be manufactured to be quite deep.
Stone
Stone basins, such as marble, granite, and onyx, are at the top of the pricing scale. These have a sumptuous appearance and are quite durable.
Moulded Concrete
Concrete basins are commonly seen in industrial settings and are gaining popularity in residences. Concrete or terrazzo basins in decorative shapes, on the other hand, are trendy options to consider.
What Is the Best Depth for a Bathroom Sink?
The depth of a hand basin can vary but typically ranges from 12 to 20 centimetres. This is due to a variety of factors. One reason is that it makes using the sink more convenient. When a wash basin is too deep, it becomes difficult to clean and use. If a bathroom sink is too shallow, splashes are more likely to occur, and you won’t be able to fill it up if you ever need to do so.
Accessibility is another reason for the standard depth dimensions of sinks. Everyone seems to be able to reach a depth of twelve to twenty centimetres.
Taps
The taps you choose for your basin are just as crucial as the basin itself in terms of finishing it off; you want taps that complement the design and theme of your bathroom while also being suitable for your selected basin.
If your basin has only one hole, you’ll need to go with a mixer tap, which is increasingly frequent with newer basins. Because traditional basins have two holes, pillar taps are required (separate hot and cold taps).
