Long gone and forgotten are the days when bathrooms were used exclusively in case of necessity. Today, this part of our home is supposed to ooze serenity and calmness. For that very reason, designers and architects put a lot of effort into making these rooms modern and functional, ideally blending with the rest of the interior decor of the home.
One component that is among the biggest contributors to the aesthetics of the bathroom is the wash basin. This bathroom unit comes in different types, forms and materials leading to different aesthetic realizations. Your choice of bath sink is important as it can make or break the entire look and feel of your bathroom. So, take your time to shop around and choose one of the most popular bathroom sinks for sale.
Pedestal
Pedestal sinks are practical, convenient and long-lasting. However, nowadays they are most commonly installed in small-sized bathrooms that are not used frequently. This model features a column that supports the basin and hides the pipes, which means it adds aesthetical value. Today, modern pedestal wash sinks usually come as one piece – the basin and the column are not separate.
Under-Mount
This type sits beneath the benchtop. These basins are secured to the base which results in a seamless appearance as not much of the actual basin is exposed. Another great thing about under-mount basins for bathrooms is that water spills can be easily wiped off without a problem, which makes them easy to clean and maintain. That, in turn, makes them a perfect choice for family bathrooms that are frequently used.
Semi-Recessed
This type of wash basin is perfect for bathrooms with limited space and for people who are looking to install a vanity cabinet underneath it for storage. These units leave you with enough space for storing towels and toiletries, freeing you up valuable floor space.
Washplane
These are probably the most simple type of all basins available. They are more stylish and streamlined than the other types, which is why they can be usually seen hotel and restaurant bathrooms. They are ideal for small bathrooms as they need very little space to be installed. Generally made of ceramic, porcelain or glass, they can be commonly seen in modern bathroom plans. You can also find some models made of granite and marble.
Vessel
These sit entirely on the benchtop. However, some models can also sit a bit below the bench. Vessel basins are very eye-catchy and a great way to amp up the aesthetic value of the bathroom. As their name suggests, they are large bowls that can hold plenty of water.
Top-mount
Top-mount basins are the most common type. For the most part, they sit underneath the benchtop and only their rims are on top of it. You can choose a model with slim rims or one with chunky rims. These basins work great with most benchtop materials and their installation is cheaper than the one of other basins. Since they cover the entire benchtop, they have a smaller risk of being damaged by water and their cut-out edges don’t need to be polished as in case of under-mount basins.
The Most Common Basin Materials
- Ceramic – Ceramic basins are a standard choice as they are easy to maintain and clean. They come with a glossy finish and are a perfect choice for family bathrooms.
- Resin – Usually, basins that come with vanity units are made from resin. They are less heavy and are a more affordable alternative.
- Stone – Most of the basins available on the market today are made from stone. They are a bit expensive but they are also more luxurious. You can mostly see them in high-end suites.
- Glass – Glass basis are most commonly installed in modern bathrooms. They are not as costly as stone models but they don’t last very long and need to be replaced every couple of years due to the wear and tear they have experienced.
How to Install Bathroom Basin
This can be a challenging DIY project but it can also be a great way to learn something new and save some money. If you think that you can handle the job but still need a little bit of help, check online for installation instructions. If, on the other hand, you don’t have any experience on the matter, your best bet is hiring professionals to get the job done.
How to Clean Bathroom Basin
Bathroom sinks see a lot of action during the day, so keeping them clean is important. You can use a dishwashing liquid and warm water to scrub a dirty sink. Dip a sponge in the mixture and scrub gently. If you want to make a porcelain basin sparkle, line the sink with paper towels and soak them with bleach. Let them sit for about 30 minutes and then rinse the sink with water. Don’t use bleach on coloured porcelain. Instead, you can use vinegar, liquid detergent or baking soda. Also, baking soda is perfect for cleaning sinks made of non-porous, acrylic-based solid surfacing.