There are compact versions of most bathroom items these days, from mini baths to space-saving showers, but should you reduce the size of your sink if it gains valuable space?
The correct layout for a bathroom can be achieved by streamlining sanitaryware, such as smaller sinks, which can be incredibly useful. However you should be conscious of the functionality you might lose in the process. Sinks are the most frequently used fixture in any bathroom design, so tread carefully when downsizing.
Why does sink size matter?
Getting the size and type of a sink right will affect the practicality and efficiency of a bathroom. For family bathrooms, having a sink too small means a queue lining up outside every night just to brush teeth, while for an en suite, a smaller sink might be more appropriate.
The size of the sink will also inform the size (or existence) of a vanity unit and therefore the storage available in the bathroom. Depending on the design, it can also impact the amount of floorspace for circulation and other sanitaryware.
That’s not to mean you can’t opt for a small sink if that's what your needs require. Too many small bathrooms are being overfilled with double sinks or oversized vanity units that the space becomes suffocating and impractical.
What is the smallest size of sink for a bathroom?
(Image credit: Burlington Bathrooms)
The smallest size sink appropriate for a bathroom depends on its use and function, but some sink designs can be as small as 350mm x 200mm. Now, this would be entirely impractical for the majority of bathrooms, so as a general rule you should think about how many people will be using the bathroom and if the sink will be used for anything more than washing hands. If people in your household like a full sink to wash their faces, a sink this small will be completely out of the question.
You also need for the sink to look proportionate to the room and furniture/fixtures within it. While more worktop space might be useful, if you have a 600mm wide vanity unit and a 250mm sink, it will begin to look odd as a design.
What is the smallest sink size for a family bathroom?
“Family bathrooms typically need a larger basin to accommodate the needs of multiple users and provide enough space for daily routines like brushing teeth, washing hands, and grooming,” explains Jorge Hernandez, head of product design at Crosswater Bathrooms.
There are some great small designs out there that would work for family bathrooms without taking up too much space, but as a minimum, try to find a basin at least 450mm wide.
“Compact pedestal and semi-pedestal basins are perfect for smaller bathrooms, as they take up minimal space while delivering full functionality,” continues Jorge. “Corner basins also make excellent use of tight spaces by fitting into corners, freeing up wall space and enhancing the room’s layout and flow.”
Jorge Hernandez
Jorge is passionate about the way design shapes our interaction with the world. He believes designing for the bathroom, a seemingly utilitarian space, is an important necessity that offers the designer plenty of tools to play with including material, colour, and experience.
Villeroy & Boch O.Novo Basin and Semi Pedestal
A semi pedestal can be fantastic option for bathrooms with limited floorspace that require a slightly larger basin. This design is 450mm wide.
Burlington Guild Wall Hung Cloakroom Basin
A wall-hung basin gives the illusion of extra floor space and is a great choice for those with young children who need stepping stools to brush their teeth. This sink is 450mm wide.
Arezzo Curved Rectangular Counter Top Basin
If you're positioning the sink atop the worksurface, a 465mm countertop basin shuch as this one would be perfect for practicality.
How small can a sink be in an ensuite?
En suites have slightly less demand on them compared with family bathrooms and can withstand a smaller basin proportionate to the space available. The smallest sink for an en suite could be as little as 350mm x 350mm, but a sink of 450mm x 400mm might be more comfortable.
“If you're looking to create extra space in a small en suite bathroom, then a really great idea is a combination vanity unit,” advises Nancy Emery, bathroom expert at Drench. “These units combine a toilet, basin and storage into one neat and compact package. This should help your en suite feel more spacious but could also allow you to install a larger storage unit or shower as well.”
“Guest ensuites, while generally smaller than family bathrooms, need to strike a balance between space efficiency and comfort,” says Jorge Hernandez. “These basins should be slightly larger than those in cloakrooms, offering enough room for guests to feel at ease while still fitting within the confines of a smaller, private bathroom.
Nancy Emery
Nancy has worked in the lifestyle sector for 17 years and is Drench's design and lifestyle expert.
Tavistock Nexus Vanity Unit & Basin Combination
At 1000mm, this combination unit would be a great solution for a compact en suite - the boxing-in of the toilet pipework also creates a little extra worktop space.
Can a downstairs cloakroom have a compact sink?
Having a downstairs bathroom can be luxury in the UK, so they’re not usually generous with space.
“Downstairs cloakrooms are typically compact spaces where functionality and efficiency are key. As these spaces are not typically used for daily routines, a smaller, space-saving sink, such as a corner sink or a wall-mounted option, is ideal for maximising the limited floor area while maintaining a clean and uncluttered look. These designs provide just enough space for handwashing or quick tasks, making them perfect for occasional use in a small, high-traffic area,” explains Jorge Hernandez.
These spaces can take a sink as small as 230mm deep, but in order to give enough room to wash hands, you will need a width of at least 300mm
“If you are fitting a basin in a cloakroom then you’ll probably want something small and compact and there are specially designed micro basins with these dimensions in mind,” Nancy Emery comments. “You will likely need to opt for a basin that is compatible with a mono mixer tap, which these micro basins usually are. This just means the tap is fitted via one tap hole on the basin itself and keeps everything neat and compact.”
Alo Cloakroom Unit 400 with Stone Resin Basin
This unit comes with a decent amount of storage thanks to its 400mm-wide design, but the depth is just 220mm - ideal for saving space in a small bathroom layout.
FAQs
What is the minimum clearance for a bathroom sink?
Of course, it is not just the sink itself you need to consider in terms of space and size. You will need to allocate decent clearance around the basin, at least enough to stand in front and turn around comfortably. The general rule of thumb is to provide at least 700mm of clear space in front of a bathroom sink.
Is a narrow sink a good idea in a bathroom?
Opting for a narrow sink in a bathroom can be a good idea if space is particularly scarce, but to do anything more than wash your hands or brush your teeth, a depth of at least 300mm will be required.
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Amy is an interiors and renovation journalist. She is the former Assistant Editor of Homebuilding & Renovating, where she worked between 2018 and 2023. She has also been an editor for Independent Advisor, where she looked after homes content, including topics such as solar panels.
She has an interest in sustainable building methods and always has her eye on the latest design ideas. Amy has also interviewed countless self builders, renovators and extenders about their experiences.
She has renovated a mid-century home, together with her partner, on a DIY basis, undertaking tasks from fitting a kitchen to laying flooring. She is currently embarking on an energy-efficient overhaul of a 1800s cottage in Somerset.
