If you’re upgrading your vanity unit with a new sink, or are building your bathroom from scratch, you’re probably looking for the right sink. Bathroom countertop basins are one of the best choices for a bathroom vanity unit. Elegant, timeless and eye-catching, these basins are practical and user-friendly. If they’re made from the right material and in the right shape, you’ll get to use them for years. Here’s how to choose yours.
What’s a Countertop Basin?
A countertop basin is a basin that’s mounted to a flat surface, which could be a wall-hung basin shelf, a vanity countertop, an old table or a set of drawers. Usually, you’ll find such a basin mounted on top of a bathroom vanity unit, which could be wall-mounted or a freestanding cabinet.
Like all sinks, countertop models generally look like a big bowl but they come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The main difference is that countertop basins don’t have to be connected to the wall at the back.
Countertop Basins Styles
Rectangular Countertop Basin
This one is effortlessly stylish but affordable, which is a great combination. Some models of rectangle bathroom countertop basins are designed for narrow bathrooms. If you have limited space, you can even get super small models of just 25mm deep (ideal for cloakrooms). The taps are usually placed at the left or right of the basin or on the wall.
Square Countertop Basin
The square countertop basins are compact and neat and match well with angular-looking taps and bathroom accessories. This type of basin is a great way to save space in a smaller bathroom or if you want to use the most of a smaller vanity unit.
Oval Shaped Countertop Basins
This one exudes luxury and style. This is a clean, minimalist and elegant design that will make a real statement on your vanity unit. If you want to create a spa-like vibe in your bathroom (and there’s enough space for this design) choose the oval-shaped sink.
Round Countertop Basins
Round basins are another classic choice for bathrooms of any kind. This simple geometric shape will make a bold impact and is especially suitable if the bathroom has generally sharp lines. It’ll soothe the looks of a minimalist vanity unit with a simple square or rectangular mirror above it.
Sculptural / Art Basins
If you’re searching for something entirely different and need a stand-out basin, then an art/sculptural basin will help you achieve that look. It’s elegant, and yet extravagant and minimalist look; you’ll get a spa-like look and the entire bathroom will look like an art exhibition.
Materials
Marble
Marble is carved from natural stone, and features a grainy texture that enhances the visual charm of your bathroom. Marble basins are unpolished and can only be polished after installation, carrying out their true elegance. Marble is not the cheapest material, but will surely last if you take proper care of it.
Concrete
If you’re a fan of minimal and industrial looks, choose concrete basins. They come in any shape you can imagine and have textures that can fit the style of any bathroom. Durable and scratch-resistant, these basins will be worthy of your money as they’d serve you for decades.
Ceramic
These are the most common basins, as the material is super sleek, modern and timeless. Also, it can be custom-built according to the style or theme of your bathroom. Ceramics is a smooth and non-porous material, which allows easy cleaning and maintenance.
Granite
Similar to marble, granite basins are also carved from natural stone but have a different speckled look. They come in different colours, shapes, and patterns in polished and non-polished finishes. Granite is a very durable material, so your countertop basin will serve you for years, completely resilient to stains and scratches.
Glass
If your bathroom is in the modern style, then don’t hesitate to complete the look with a glass sink. It comes in various shapes, sizes and finishes. The most common styles come in white, black, clear, and frosted glass sinks. Glass sinks are scratch-proof and resilient to shocks, but it’s important to choose a model that’s 10 to 12mm thick.
Can You Install a Countertop Basin Yourself?
You’ll need some DIY skills to fit a countertop basin yourself. You’ll need to drill a drain hole in the counter and do basic plumbing. It’s important to check the basin for any special mounting instructions even though most follow a similar process. My suggestion is to seek professional to do the job for you, so you can be sure it’s all done right.
Benefits of Countertop Sinks
If you want more space, choose this type of sink. It sits on the top of the counter, so you can place it anywhere on the counter. You won’t have to worry about the pipework and whether it’s visible (as it’s going to be placed behind the vanity unit. Also, you won’t worry about tap instalments as these sinks are practically bowls without tap holes, so you can choose to install yours behind the basin, left or right. Most of these basins are glazed all the way around, including the back. Since they sit on the top of the counter, they are a bit higher than regular sinks, making them more convenient for taller people.
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