The bathroom is one of the most intimate rooms in a home, and at the same time, one of the most frequently used. If you are remodelling your bathroom or building a new one, there are many decisions you’ll need to make. Choosing the bathroom flooring is important, but it’s always a good idea to choose the sink first and build your bathroom design around it.
The bathroom sink is not only a functional necessity but a design statement as well, which has the power to embrace the overall look and feel of your bathroom space. You can buy bathroom sink online, but there is a variety of basins out there, so choosing one can easily turn into a daunting task. To help you narrow down your choices, here is what you need to know about the two most popular options in homes across Australia.
Top Mount vs. Undermount Bathroom Sinks
Basins come in many different shapes, sizes, colours and applications and they are certainly one of the most exciting pieces in the bathroom. Your choice of basin is very important because it will affect the function and the appearance of your bathroom space.
Selecting the right basin for your bathroom will depend on a few things, including how much space you have available, who will be using it and your bathroom style. You can find a selection of basins suitable for different bathroom styles and buy bathroom sink online that will define the look of your bathroom.
Top Mount Basins
As the name implies, a top mount sink is designed to sit on top of the counter. A top mount bathroom sink requires a simple and easy installation process and has a visible rim, which allows for easy cleaning. Most of the sink sits below the counter, with just the rim sitting on top of it. The rim can be slim or chunky, depending on the style you opt for.
This type of bathroom sink is a great choice if you need some extra storage space. Also, it’s suitable for most countertop materials, including wood, as the cut-out is covered by the sink and can’t be damaged by water. With the body of the basin on full display, you can show off its beautiful design characteristics and it’s a great way to make a stylish statement in your bathroom.
Undermount Basins
This type of sink sits underneath the counter. An under-mount sink may require a bit more complex installation than a top mount sink, but once the process is done, it will give a sleek and modern appearance to your bathroom space. The rim of the sink is fixed to the underside of the countertop, and since less of it is visible, it provides a clean look.
This type of basins is ideal for small bathrooms because its shape is simple and free of details, leaving you with a lot of usable space. Also, it’s an easy-to-clean option for family bathrooms as water and spills can be wiped directly from the countertop into the sink. Undermount basins can help you achieve a timeless look in your bathroom and more than any other type of basins, they allow the other features of your bathroom to stand out, including the tapware, the bathroom vanity unit and more.
Other Types of Basins
Inset
This type of basin is getting popularity lately as it offers the best of both worlds. Half of the basin sits above the countertop and half below, so you won’t have to compromise on style and functionality. It’s easy to clean, too, which makes it a great choice for busy family bathrooms.
Wall Mounted
These bathroom basins, also known as wall basins, wall hung or pedestal basins are bolted directly into the wall, and don’t need a vanity unit to sit on. A wall-mounted basin can easily become the focal point in your bathroom, especially if you are working with a small bathroom space or a bathroom where storage is not needed, or there are other storage options available, like a mirrored cabinet.
Semi-Recessed
This type of basin overhangs the vanity unit and even though it may encroach on your bathroom space, it’s a good option for kids and elderly people, as it allows the users to get their body closer to the tap, making it easier to reach.
Tips on How to Choose the Right Bathroom Basin
Before you choose your bathroom basins, make sure you ask yourself a few important questions that can help you make the right choice. The following is what you need to consider.
• The number of people your bathroom basin needs to be accessible for (whether it’s only one or two people, or more);
• The type of bathroom you need the sink for, whether it’s a master bathroom, second bathroom or guest bathroom;
• The storage space you need, whether you’re working with a small bathroom space and you need to maximise your storage options, or you have storage elsewhere, so you can focus more on the functionality and aesthetic of your bathroom sink;
• The taps, if they are easy to reach for kids and/or elderly people;
• The size, whether you need a large or small basin and make sure it suits the vanity you choose accordingly.