Size

Size is one of the most important factors when choosing your basin, it’s important that your basin is large enough to be practical, however it also needs to fit your space, we offer a wide range of sizes from 400mm cloakroom basins right up to 1200mm double basins. Remember to always take into consideration the projection of your basin, not just the width. Some space saving basins offer a generous width of 600mm wide but a shorter projection of only 350-400mm.

Mounting

Whether you want to mount your basin on the wall or to have it floor standing is another important factor.
If you are just replacing your existing basin, the position of your existing pipework may be a deciding factor here. If your pipe work is coming out of the floor you would require a basin and floor mounted pedestal or alternatively a floor standing vanity unit, if however your existing pipework is coming out of the wall it would be possible to opt for a wall mounted basin or a floor standing basin.

If you are refitting your entire bathroom or are in a new build the location of your pipe work is less of a concern, as it will be possible to first fix your pipework to suit your preferred basin option.

Full Pedestal

This is the traditional and most common type of basin. Full Pedestal basins come in a variety of sizes from cloakroom right up to large main bathroom basins, and are also available in modern and traditional styles. Full Pedestal basins are mounted on the wall with the pedestal covering the pipework so it is not visible. They are available in 1 Tap hole to suit basin mixer taps, with more traditional styled options available in 2 Tap hole and 3 Tap hole options.

Semi Pedestal

Semi Pedestal Basins are mounted to the wall with a smaller half pedestal below which covers the pipework. Any most cases the basin is the same as the basin used with a full pedestal – with the only difference being the choice of pedestal.Semi Pedestal basins can be a good choice in smaller bathrooms as they maximise floor space by keeping the pedestal off the floor and in turn can leave the room easier cleaned and maintained.

Wall hung basins as the name suggests are mounted to the wall and have neither a full or semi pedestal. When fixed to the wall the pipe work is exposed, this can look unsightly which is why most people opt for a decorative bottle trap. Bottle traps are available in traditional style and modern round or square options. They are also available in various colours which would normally be matched to the same colour as your tap.

Corner Basin

As the name suggests corner basins are shaped to fit in the corner of your room which can help maximise space in a smaller room. Corner basins are usually available with full pedestals but can also be mounted to the wall and used with an exposed bottle trap. We have various options of corner basins available in modern and traditional styles, we also have corner vanity units available.

Counter Top Basins

Counter top basins are for use with a worktop or vanity unit with a worktop. Counter top basins generally cannot be mounted to the wall so its important to bare this in mind if choosing a counter top basin. Counter top basins are available in designs with no tap holes and designs with 1 tap hole. 0 Tap hole basins are designed to be used with wall mounted taps or with tall basin mixers which would be mounted to the counter top.

Vanity Basins

Vanity Basin is a broad term which covers a number of basin styles such as semi-recessed, inset, undermount, countertop. All of which are generally used with some kind of vanity unit.

Semi-recessed – Part of the basin is sunk into the worktop and vanity unit meaning only the front part of the basin is visible. This is beneficial in keeping the depth of the vanity unit minimal as only part of the basin needs to be in the unit.

Inset – All of the basin is sunken into the worksurface with only the top rim visible, this is popular for worksurfaces which are not suitable for an undermount basin.

Undermount – All of the basin is mounted underneath the worktop with no edges of the basin visible. This is usually only possible with solid worksurfaces such as granite, marble, solid timber or Corian; as the edges of the worktop are exposed to water and must be waterproof.

Full Pedestal

This is the traditional and most common type of basin. Full Pedestal basins come in a variety of sizes from cloakroom right up to large main bathroom basins, and are also available in modern and traditional styles. Full Pedestal basins are mounted on the wall with the pedestal covering the pipework so it is not visible. They are available in 1 Tap hole to suit basin mixer taps, with more traditional styled options available in 2 Tap hole and 3 Tap hole options.

Semi Pedestal

Semi Pedestal Basins are mounted to the wall with a smaller half pedestal below which covers the pipework. Any most cases the basin is the same as the basin used with a full pedestal – with the only difference being the choice of pedestal.Semi Pedestal basins can be a good choice in smaller bathrooms as they maximise floor space by keeping the pedestal off the floor and in turn can leave the room easier cleaned and maintained.

Wall hung basins as the name suggests are mounted to the wall and have neither a full or semi pedestal. When fixed to the wall the pipe work is exposed, this can look unsightly which is why most people opt for a decorative bottle trap. Bottle traps are available in traditional style and modern round or square options. They are also available in various colours which would normally be matched to the same colour as your tap.

Corner Basin

As the name suggests corner basins are shaped to fit in the corner of your room which can help maximise space in a smaller room. Corner basins are usually available with full pedestals but can also be mounted to the wall and used with an exposed bottle trap. We have various options of corner basins available in modern and traditional styles, we also have corner vanity units available.

Counter Top Basins

Counter top basins are for use with a worktop or vanity unit with a worktop. Counter top basins generally cannot be mounted to the wall so its important to bare this in mind if choosing a counter top basin. Counter top basins are available in designs with no tap holes and designs with 1 tap hole. 0 Tap hole basins are designed to be used with wall mounted taps or with tall basin mixers which would be mounted to the counter top.

Vanity Basins

Vanity Basin is a broad term which covers a number of basin styles such as semi-recessed, inset, undermount, countertop. All of which are generally used with some kind of vanity unit.

Semi-recessed – Part of the basin is sunk into the worktop and vanity unit meaning only the front part of the basin is visible. This is beneficial in keeping the depth of the vanity unit minimal as only part of the basin needs to be in the unit.

Inset – All of the basin is sunken into the worksurface with only the top rim visible, this is popular for worksurfaces which are not suitable for an undermount basin.

Undermount – All of the basin is mounted underneath the worktop with no edges of the basin visible. This is usually only possible with solid worksurfaces such as granite, marble, solid timber or Corian; as the edges of the worktop are exposed to water and must be waterproof.

After choosing your basin you will need to choose a tap, basin fixing bolts if you have opted for a pedestal or wall mounted basin, basin waste and basin trap. If opting for a wall mounted basin you may want to consider a decorative bottle trap.

An essential part of your basin, the basin waste connects the basin to the water pipe, allowing water to drain away safely instead of ending up on the floor. Choosing your basin waste will largely depend on the type of basin in question. But here are the three main types: firstly slotted waste (the most common type), which is designed to use with basins that have an overflow slot. Then there is the unslotted basin waste type (far more uncommon) which tend to be required by decorative basins that have no overflow to the waste pipe. Lastly, chainstay waste (or plug and chain) is commonly used for more traditionally styled basins. This type of basin waste is only compatible with basins that have a pre-drilled chainstay hole. If you want to be entirely sure contact a member of our team and we’ll be happy to help.

Small in stature but big in effect, choosing the taps for your basin can really enhance your bathroom’s overall look. Before you start browsing, make sure you note how many tap holes your basin has, as you don’t want to get set on pillar taps when you have one tap hole. If you’re working with one tap hole, we have a range of mixer taps, highly practical in allowing you to adjust the level to get the ideal water temperature. If you have two tap holes, you’ll need to go for pillar taps (one for hot and one for cold). If you have a countertop basin, you might want to opt for a wall-mounted tap, which requires three holes in the wall (one of each handle and one for the spout). Choosing taps that have a suitable spout is also vital; you want to be able to comfortably position your hands under the running water. Also, consider how much room you need, will several tiny hands be going under the tap? Do you want adequate space for beauty regimes? Go for a higher spout if you’re after plenty of room. If you have a more compact basin, then a shorter spout is probably your best bet. With practicalities considered, Now for the fun part, choosing the style, and we certainly have the range of taps that allow you to get creative with colour and style. Why not go bold with a matt black tap or opt for a period piece for a more traditional feel? The choice is yours (but we’re always here to help if you need that extra bit of advice)!

No, not necessarily. However, a matching toilet and basin is a popular choice; it creates a sharp look of cohesiveness. Alternatively, a sink and a toilet that aren’t completely matching can add the edge of an eccentric coolness. Generally, there should be a degree of visual connection between the two, but the level of complete uniformity is completely up to you!