Choosing the Right Washbasin

When you are looking to identify the best washbasin for your needs, there are different options and types of arrangements to consider. Your choice of a single, double or multi-person washbasin will depend on the number of people using it, whether this is in a residential, commercial or office space. The configuration of the area where the wash basin will be placed should also be considered as there are 5 types of installations for washbasins: countertop, wall-mounted, built-in, free-standing and console.

There are also several materials to choose from and the most common for washbasins are ceramic, stone, metal, glass and plastic. While some manufacturers do use other materials, we’ll only focus on the most common ones in this guide. How and why you choose a specific material will depend on the look you want to give your space, whether it’s a modern, rustic or classic interior that you are aiming for.

The ArchiExpo website can facilitate your search by allowing you to enter the width and length desired for the washbasin. A list of potential options will be generated so you can easily select the ideal washbasin. The site exhibits washbasins for both home and commercial markets, with different accessories and options such as integrated mirrors, counters, towel racks, mixer taps, shelves and drawers.

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How to choose between the different type of washbasin installations?

Double washbasin by Inda

You can choose between three different types of washbasins for your home. For a small space in an apartment or studio unit, a single wash basin is ideal. For spacious homes and offices that accommodate many people, a double or multi-person washbasin is recommended.

It is important to ask yourself the style you wish to achieve before buying a washbasin. If you prefer to install the washbasin by yourself, there are single-type models that can easily be installed. A double or multi-person washbasin can take more time and work to install, and a lot of brands and manufacturers offer installation services without additional costs.

The advantage of having a single washbasin is that it leaves more space in the bathroom and can be easily installed. A disadvantage for a single type washbasin is that only one person can use it at a time instead of having a double type washbasin where two people can use it simultaneously.

A double washbasin is convenient for households with families and couples, but the disadvantage of this type is that it takes up a lot of space in the bathroom.

The multi-person washbasin is ideal for commercial and office spaces, where a lot of people use the bathroom frequently. Although a lot of people can use a multi-person washbasin at the same time, the disadvantage of this type of washbasin is that it takes more time to clean and maintain.

After you have identified the type of washbasin you prefer, choose from among five installations.

Countertop

A countertop installation can easily be installed onto a counter. It is usually suited for single and double type washbasins. Modern and contemporary bathrooms look better with countertop installations as well as vintage-style interiors.

Wall-mounted washbasin by SIMAS ACQUA SPACE

Wall-mounted

Wall-mounted installations are the most common. Depending on the wall material in your bathroom, the time it takes to install it onto the wall will vary as you need to determine whether you can use screws or mounting racks. The main advantage of wall-mounted installations is that there is no need to install the washbasin on a counter or table top, making it more cost-efficient since you don’t need to purchase an additional piece of furniture.

Free-standing

Also known as a pedestal sink, this type of installation is simple and linear. Free-standing washbasins are independent pieces and do not require counters or cabinets. The autonomy of this option makes it easy to be installed in any space, be it small or large.

Built-in washbasin by Planit

Built-in

The washbasin is built into or under the counter. A good effect is obtained with this kind of installation making it pleasing to the eyes. The sink is often integrated into the top of the counter, making it look like the surface is continuous, appearing as a single unit.

Console washbasin by RAK Ceramics

Console

The console installation fits best in a classic or vintage style space. This type of installation was used in many bathroom and toilet spaces in apartments and restaurants in the early 20s and 30s and we can still see this type of installation in many brasseries, pubs and old classic homes and apartments today. It has 2 or 4 standing columnar legs that can be in wood or steel that support the washbasin installed directly on top. It can fit a single or double washbasin, making it adapted to different area sizes. This kind of installation can cost more as there are not many of these on either the home or commercial markets, meaning that buyers hunt for this kind of installation in special vintage markets where they fetch a high price for their antique value and long durability.
How can I know what material to choose for the washbasin?
It is important to choose the right material for the washbasin as this will determine the look, feel and style that you wish to contribute to your space. Ask yourself what kind of texture, finishing and color you want and choose from a myriad of options on the ArchiExpo website.

The most commonly used material for washbasins is ceramic, with many manufacturers offering their ceramic wash basins made with their own special processes that respect the environment. Brands such as Villeroy & Boch offer CeramicPlus, an exclusive surface treatment made by Villeroy. It allows water to roll off easily like drops. It can be cleaned easily, allowing for a better level of hygiene and is resistant to detergent.

Stone is another material for washbasins that has been trending recently, with marble stone as one of the more luxurious options. An obvious disadvantage of using stone or marble washbasins is the relatively higher price compared to ceramic, but the advantage of using this type of material is its durability and the refined look that it offers to the bathroom space.

Stainless steel washbasin by Componendo

Metal or stainless steel are materials commonly used for multi-person washbasins in commercial and industrial spaces. An advantage of this type of material is its low maintenance as it is easy to clean, and its low price compared to other materials. It can be easily installed in the bathroom space.

Glass washbasin by GLASS DESIGN

Glass washbasins have also started to gain popularity, as they go well with many minimalist and modern types of bathroom spaces. Some innovative models include irregular shapes as glass can be molded and formed. The price range of glass washbasins varies, depending on the type of glass used. Unlike steel and ceramic sinks, glass washbasins do not easily stain or scratch. However, an issue with some glass sinks is the breaking point. Depending on the washbasin’s thickness, when it is exposed to thermal shock, it can easily crack. Small accidents like dropping a heavy object in a glass washbasin may cause it to crack and break easily as well.
What are some other tips for choosing my washbasin?
Depending on your bathroom interior, whether you opt for a modern, classic, rustic, vintage or industrial type of bathroom space, washbasins come in different forms that include rectangular, round, oval, square, octagonal, conical, semicircular and triangular. Many washbasins on the market can fit in any modern bathroom and the more contemporary models can add a modern touch in a more classic bathroom to give more character in the space.

The choice of a washbasin depends on the available size in the bathroom and personal taste. It is important to consider the configuration of the plumbing before you choose the right type of washbasin as this will determine the placement of the washbasin, which should correspond to the plumbing and the faucet with which it will be installed. Measure the proper dimensions of the space where you will install the washbasin and properly measure the height or vertical length of your washbasin, allowing an ample amount of space for water to properly flow in the sink and reduce excess water splashing and escaping the wash basin.