Basin Basics: Material and Type Options for Your Bathroom Sink

Out of all the rooms in our homes, perhaps the most useful yet often underappreciated is the bathroom. It’s where we start and end our days, prepare for important events, and take care of our personal hygiene. Not only does this small space hold great importance in our everyday routines, but it also has the potential to be a luxurious area of refuge.

From taps and showerheads to tiles and toilet seats, there are many ways to give your bathroom a true polish with accessories. Oftentimes, even the smallest details can transform a room completely. But one particularly crucial element in the whole equation that delivers both aesthetic and practical value is the bathroom sink.

Which Type of Wash Basin Is Best for the Bathroom?

When trying to find a functional yet tasteful bathroom basin to complete your intended aesthetic, you need to think about how you want it to be installed. This depends on the space you’re working with, as well as the style you’re aiming for.

Bench Mount

A model that has gained popularity in recent years thanks to its convenience and simplicity, the bench-mount variety is designed to be mounted onto a vanity or other surface. It’s essentially a freestanding basin incorporated into the overall design, with subtle or intricate detailing that can tie everything together.

It’s connected to a bench top by a tap hole and is space-saving and easy to maintain. It doesn’t feature any visible plumbing, which gives it that clean and contemporary look. The key advantage is that you have the freedom to choose exactly where you want your basin to sit, meaning you can make sure it’s in the optimum position for both practicality and style.

Inset

For a more classically timeless feel with modern convenience, you can opt for an inset basin. This is essentially a drop-in model that features a rim or ledge around the edge that sits flush with the countertop when installed. It’s placed on top of a vanity unit, and the rim can be used to support it in place.

It’s a great way to incorporate a classic and traditional aesthetic into your bathroom without investing in overly ornate fixtures, as well as being easy to install and maintain. The beauty lies in the attention to detail, with small yet impactful details like rims and decorative edges that can give your bathroom a touch of sophistication.

Undermount

If you’re after a truly seamless, modern look for your bathroom sink, then an under-mount model could be an excellent fit. This sees the basin installed below the countertop with minimal visible plumbing, making it one of the most visually pleasing and sophisticated types available. It features no rim or ledge, with all of the pipes and connections hidden away, giving it an ultra-modern feel.

Undermount basins can be connected to any type of countertop, ranging from minimalist and contemporary to more rustic styles. The main benefit is that they provide an uninterrupted look, creating an effortless and seamless flow from countertop to sink.

Wall Hung

For a truly striking statement in your bathroom, the wall-hung basin brings a signature look that adds a bit of edginess and character to the room. As its name suggests, it’s fitted directly onto the wall and comes in a variety of different shapes and sizes to choose from. It eliminates any need for a vanity unit or countertop, which can be extremely beneficial if you have limited space in your bathroom.

It’s also great for creating a highly modern and minimalistic feel, with all of the plumbing hidden away behind the wall-mounted fixture. It’s best used in spacious bathrooms that don’t need countertops as part of their design, allowing for a truly unique look that stands out from others.

Semi-Recessed

Finally, you have semi-recessed options, which are certainly more contemporary yet also offer some traditional flair. It’s similar to the inset model, except it does not feature any rims or edges around the basin itself. Instead, part of it is embedded into the wall, while the other half hangs over the countertop just like with a drop-in model.

This type brings together both modernity and vintage elements, coming to a happy medium between the two. It eliminates the need for vanity and offers an unobtrusive yet still stylish look that’s perfect for contemporary bathrooms.

What Are Modern Basins Made Of?

No matter which style of bathroom basin you opt for, you need to be mindful of the materials used in its composition. This can directly affect its durability, lifespan, and even the overall look it will bring to your space. Below are some of the best materials for modern basins:

Ceramic

This is one of the most popular and common materials used in basin construction due to its affordability and versatility. It can be fashioned into a variety of shapes, sizes, and designs to meet your design needs, and it’s also incredibly easy to clean. It does require some extra maintenance compared to other materials as it can stain over time if not looked after properly.

Porcelain

This is a much denser and harder version of ceramic, though it’s also more expensive. It’s easy to clean and maintain while being highly resistant to stains, scratches and fading. It can also be glazed, which makes it extremely durable and prevents damage from chemicals or other liquids that may come into contact with it.

Composite Materials

In recent years, composite materials are making a splash in the bathroom design world. They are built from recycled materials like glass, stone and metals to provide a unique look that is both durable and aesthetically pleasing. The added benefit is of course the environmental factor, as these are often made from reclaimed or sustainable components.

Perhaps the most notable option of the bunch is Terrazzo – which is basically an engineered stone that is made from marble chips and other materials bound together with cement. It features small flecks of color throughout that give it an interesting texture and look, while also offering durability and strength.

Concrete

This option is growing in popularity thanks to its modern and unique aesthetic. It’s perfect for contemporary bathrooms as it offers a truly unique and personalized look, as well as being extremely durable and lasting for many years without requiring much maintenance. It’s also relatively affordable when compared to other materials, making it a great choice for those on a budget.

Stainless Steel

Last but certainly not least, you have stainless steel bathroom sinks. These are ideal for commercial settings due to their durability and resistance to discolouration or rusting over time. They’re also incredibly easy to clean and maintain, making them a great option for busy bathrooms with plenty of foot traffic.

This material can offer an industrial yet stylish appearance to your bathroom, thanks to its sleek and minimalist appearance. It’s also relatively affordable compared to other materials, making it a great option for those looking to add an air of modernity to their bathroom without breaking the bank.