How to choose the right basin for your bathroom

A basin can sometimes be overlooked as a not so important feature in a bathroom. 

Yet when you think about it, it’s actually a prominent fixture. You rely on a basin to wash your hands, wash your face, brush your teeth and aid with everyday grooming routines such as applying makeup and shaving. 

If you’re planning the design of a new bathroom, or renovating an existing one, you want to choose a basin which creates a sense of space and also works with your storage requirements. 

It’s important to get things right from the get-go as realising you’ve chosen a basin that’s too small or too difficult to keep clean can be a costly mistake to rectify. But if you plan things out carefully and know all the options available, it’s easy to make the right choice. 

A quick look at the different types of bathroom basins 

Until you’ve started shopping around for a bathroom basin, you may not have realised how many different types and styles there actually are. From counter top to vessel to wall mounted basins...there's a lot of options to consider!

Here’s a rundown of some of the most popular types including a few pros and cons for you to keep in mind. 

Counter top basins (AKA top mount basins)


Counter top basins are probably the most commonly used type of basin because they're easy to install and suitable for most bench-top materials. They are ideal for elegant ensuites and bathrooms with minimalist schemes. This style also makes the most of your surfaces such as tiles by not attaching the basin to the wall and creating a floating effect on the benchtop.

A drawback is that they require some extra effort to keep clean because of the space at the back.

Under counter basins (AKA undermount basins)

An undercounter basin creates a continuous flow from countertop to basin. They are perfect if you have space and a solid surface bench-top. They create a seamless look in your bathroom and spills can be wiped directly from the bench-top into the basin. If you choose a beautiful stone surface it can be the hero of your bathroom.

Keep in mind that these types of basins are more expensive to install compared to your humble counter top basin and usually it is recommended to provide your under counter basin to your stone supplier prior to them cutting out the required hole.

Semi recessed basins 

A semi recessed basin is a good choice if you're short on space in your bathroom but you still want some vanity cabinets below for storage. They sit at the front of your bathroom cabinet, allowing you to have a shallow cabinet depth if required without sacrificing bowl space.

While an excellent solution if you’re lacking space, they do come with the disadvantage of more spills, because there isn’t any bench-top around the front of the basin to catch splashes. 

Vessel basins

Vessel basins are a standout way of creating a statement in your bathroom. Not only do they look great, but because they're deep they can hold more water than your average basin. They also look great with a vessel basin mixer or wall mounted tapware.

While visually stunning, vessel basins can be a bit of a pain to keep clean, particularwly around the base and around the back of the basin. 

Pedestal basins (AKA freestanding basins)

Pedestal basins are still popular in some traditional style homes. They can work perfectly in bathrooms where space is limited and also add a touch of vintage style.  These basins save you the cost of building and installing cabinetry.

But a con is that you’ll have to forgo having any under counter storage, plus they do require some extra cleaning effort. 

Wall mounted basins

As the name would suggest, a wall mounted basin is mounted to the wall and does not require a bench-top to sit upon. Although, a lot of wall mounted basins can be combined with a bench or cabinet, just check the underside is suitable for fixing to the cabinet.  These types of basins make a small bathroom feel much roomier. As the floor space opens up, the room becomes brighter and easier to clean.

Just as with a pedestal basin, you’ll need to consider alternative storage spaces with a wall mounted basin. 

Intended use and number of basins needed

Now that you’ve got an understanding of the different types of basins available to you, it’s important to think about how you intend to use your bathroom and how many basins you’ll need in order to make the right choice for your needs. 

For example, if you’re adding a guest bathroom to your home which won’t be used often, a single wall basin might be the perfect choice because you don’t need to worry about having lots of storage.

If you’re planning a master bathroom for a busy family with children, a pair of undercounter basins placed side by side might be the way to go. This will help make wiping up splashes quick and easy plus having two sinks will speed up the bedtime routine if your family has young children. 

A compact wall mounted corner basin, like the one pictured below from Villeroy & Boch, can be a practical yet stylish addition to a small powder room. 

You can also save further on space and keep things looking tidy by choosing a basin with an attached towel rack.

Need help picking the right basin for your bathroom? Talk to the team at arthaus 

Whether you’re renovating a home bathroom or working on a commercial project, arthaus is here to help. 

Our bathroom experts have all the right know-how to recommend the perfect products for your needs so that you can make that final decision with confidence. 

Click here to get in touch with us today. We have a dedicated bathroom showroom in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley which is open to the public 6 days a week.  

Or give us a call on 07 3252 6111. We look forward to making your dream designs a reality.