Deciding which type of bathroom sink is right for your new space will depend on three things: space, style and budget. They’re an essential part of everyday life, taking us right through from morning to night; so it’s important to ensure you install the perfect basin for your routine and bathroom style.
From traditional pedestals to modern countertop sinks, this central fitting might inform the style for the rest of your bathroom, so it pays to get it right.
Choosing your type of bathroom sink
“With so many options to choose from, from the design to the materials on offer, choosing the right bathroom sink can sometimes be an overwhelming experience. As a starting point, think about how you want the space to be used,” explains Barrie Cutchie, design director at BC Designs. “If there are multiple users, it might be that a double basin option could be the right choice. In a main bathroom, it is likely you’ll opt for a bigger and deeper basin than in a cloakroom as you’ll want and need to do more than simply wash your hands.”
“The basin, or perhaps basins, could end up being a major focal point of your bathroom, depending on how you style it. However, while the design of bathrooms has changed significantly, with design aesthetics high on the agenda, it still needs to act as a functional space. A basin in a main bathroom must be able to cope with multiple daily users/uses, so it needs to be stylish, comfortable and convenient to use.”
Barrie Cutchie
Barrie Cutchie founded British bathroom brand, BC Designs in 1999. He is an award-winning bathroom designer who has been at the forefront of the industry for over 30 years.
Materials for bathroom sinks
When it comes to materials for a bathroom sink, budget will play a large role. Ceramic is a traditional-looking option usually coloured in a clean white. It is also extremely durable and up to the task of everyday wear-and-tear. Porcelain, however, is generally more expensive than ceramic as it has been treated in the kiln longer, making it even stronger and more ready to withstand bumps and bashes. The choice between the two will ultimately be decided by how much your bathroom budget allows.
That being said porcelain and ceramic sinks are not the only two on the market. Real stone sinks are increasingly popular (but are best suited for adult-only households where spills and splashes are quickly mopped up), and cast concrete sinks give a really contemporary edge to a family bathroom. Acrylic sinks, too, are a great option for bathrooms that might require a large sink in an unusual shape, due to its lightweight nature and ease of manufacture.
Bathroom sink sizes and shapes
Sinks, just like vanity units, are available in sizes anywhere from 300mm to 1500mm and in pretty much any shape you can think of. It makes narrowing down choices exceedingly difficult, without positioning them in place to see how they look and feel.
"Size matters, especially when space in UK bathrooms often comes at a premium," explains Anthony Smith, owner and managing director of Waters Baths of Ashbourne. "A basin needs to be in harmony with the rest of the bathroom and not feel cramped or cluttered."
Generally, sinks are round or rectangular, but if you’re struggling for worktop space on your vanity unit, a D-shaped basin would be worth investigating. The rear edge of the sink sits flat against the wall, reducing the profile and providing more space in general. Conversely, if you like to run a full bowl of water to wash your face, oval or elliptical designs could be of interest.
With an eye on the many homes with compact bathrooms and many bodies getting ready in the mornings, manufacturers have made a concerted effort over the last few years to offer compact basins with smaller depths or more conscientious sizing to better fit.
Anthony Smith
Anthony Smith has worked at Waters Baths of Ashbourne for over 13 years, providing luxury bathroom fixtures and fittings for every bathroom style.
Types of bathroom sinks
There are numerous types of sinks for bathrooms, with plenty to think about when weighing up your favourite bathroom design ideas. Generally, the basins can be grouped together under: pedestal, mounted and inset.
A full pedestal sink is probably what most of us think of when we consider a more traditional bathroom ideas. The basin and support are usually one form with the ‘leg’ concealing the waste and water supply pipework and reaching the ground. They’re especially useful in family bathrooms as little ones can easily push a step close by to reach the taps and bowl.
A half pedestal is a more modern alternative to a full pedestal. Instead of the supporting ‘leg’ of the pedestal reaching the floor, it stops about halfway as the pipes are plumbed into the wall. The choice to not bring the support the entire way down will help to make the bathroom look a little bit larger and it makes the floor easier to clean!
Washstand sinks are another style typically seen in more traditionally-styled bathrooms and they make an excellent pairing with a sympathetic renovation of a Victorian house. The basin sits on top of an exposed metal frame and often includes a wider rim to allow for taps, a soap dish and a small amount of counterspace. The bars of a washstand sink are ideal for hanging flannels and hand towels from.
Console sinks are very similar, but instead are supported by a painted wooden or ceramic stand with intricate molding or carving effects. They were more typically seen in Edwardian properties, but have also found a new life in homes that want to add a certain character to new interiors.
Shop larger bathroom sinks
Milano Richmond Traditional Basin and Washstand
This washstand basin is a great example of how a period-style can really complete a modern bathroom. It is available in multiple sizes and metal finishes.
Burlington Riviera D Shaped Basin & Semi Pedestal
A gentle nod to Edwardian styles but with a modern twist, this semi-pedestal is a generous size, but utilises a D-shaped basin to minimise projection from the wall.
RAK 105cm Deluxe Console Basin inc. Ceramic Legs
This console basin is elegant and practical with it's wide stature that creates a handy worktop that's easy to clean.
2. Mounted sinks
A wall hung sink is a minimalist approach to a bathroom that best suits rooms with storage solutions elsewhere(Image credit: Grohe)
Wall mounted basins are a stylish alternative to pedestal sinks. They are fixed directly to the wall with no support from below. In order to look their best, all plumbing must be concealed within the wall, or behind a partition.
Countertop sinks, also known as freestanding basins, are mounted atop the work surface or vanity unit, allowing under sink bathroom storage ideas to be better utilised. This style of sink works great with tall pillar taps or wall-concealed faucets to really emphasise the luxurious finish. This style of sink works particularly well in alongside ensuite bathroom ideas for adults with double basins side-by-side so each person has their own ‘zone’.
Corner basins are ideal for small bathroom or downstairs toilet ideas. They are shaped so they fit neatly adjacent two walls rather than alongside just one. Although they are generally wall mounted, you can purchase options with storage below, or as a pedestal.
Shop small basins
RAK Petit Wall Hung Basin
The best of both worlds, this RAK design includes a side storage unit that can be specified on whichever side suits your bathroom
Kurv Countertop Basin in Powder Blue
Modern in every way, this stylish freestanding countertop mounted sink is an elipical shape to sit beautifully in your bathroom.
Bayswater Fitzroy Corner Basin
This Bayswater sink is almost art deco in its style, and would fit perfectly in a cloakroom or downstairs bathroom to maximise space.
3. Inset sinks
This drop in sink is incorporated into the vanity unit(Image credit: Travistock Bathrooms)
Undermount basins are most commonly seen with vanity units. The sink sits below the countertop with only the bowl on show, even the rim of the sink is covered by the worksurface. These can be quite expensive compared to a simple wall hung sink. A drop-in sink is extremely similar, but with the lip, and perhaps tap mount, still visible.
Semi-inset basins are somewhat of a halfway house between undermount basins and countertop sinks. The sink is partially recessed within the worktop, normally with the top and front sides sitting proud.
Shop bathroom vanity units
Solid Surface Double Curve Worktop with Undermount Sink
This 20mm worktop sits elegantly on top of the undermount sink, it overlaps the sink's rim, so only the bowl shows.
Capri Mystic Green Vanity with Semi-recessed Basin
Stylish and Elegant, the top and front of the semi-inset basin creates soft curves that balance the shaker-style unit doors.
4. Unusual sinks
This double sink and vanity is ideal for those that use their bathroom at the same time as their partner(Image credit: Roper Rhodes)
For a more eclectic aesthetic, using reclaimed materials is a fantastic option, and it opens up an entire world of sink potential. Farmer’s troughs can be used with multiple sets of wall-mounted taps for an incredibly efficient arrangement for family bed-times and copper buckets look great when brought back to life and given a new home in a downstairs bathroom.
Entirely practical and timeless, a smaller version of the ceramic Belfast basin can also be installed as a countertop sink, or as an inset.
Alternatively, make the most of a large bathroom by doubling up on your basin game. You can get pretty much any style listed above in a double unit, or you can simply buy two of the same style and place them side-by-side. It’s endlessly useful for busy bathrooms or just showcases a certain luxury in an en suite.
Compact sinks are commonly seen in small downstairs bathrooms that have limited space. Their small profile ensures users can safely walk in, turn around and wash their hands without banging any hips.
FAQs
Do I need tap holes in my bathroom sink?
“Many basin options will have pre-drilled tap holes which will determine the type of tap you need to purchase – one, two or three holes. However, those that aren’t, which tend to be countertop basins, need to be teamed with wall-mounted or tall washbowl taps, depending on the design,” explains Barrie Cutchie.
Do I need a warranty for a bathroom sink?
"Try and opt for the best quality that is affordable. Look for a lifetime guarantee that gives you the assurance that you will not be replacing it through necessity after a couple of years," advises Lee Frost.
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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.
