Everything you should know about bathroom basins

Everything you should know about bathroom basins

Regardless of whether you want a basin to replace what you already have or for a new bathroom installation, you need to make sure that you measure the available space accurately. Before you decide on your choice of new bathroom basin, you should also think about how you want to use it. If the basin is for a cloakroom, there’s a chance that it may be utilised simply for washing your hands, so you can to opt for a small basin that has a shallower depth.

And, if the storage space in your bathroom is limited, you can choose a vanity unit that comes with a integral basin. You can find different types of bathroom basins that are designed to be fitted in unique ways. This post discusses everything you should know about bathroom basins.

Bathroom basins with full pedestal

Perhaps, pedestal basins are the most popular type of bathroom basins because they are easy to install and you can find them in a wide range of sizes and styles. You can decide to have either a full pedestal or a semi pedestal.

You should note that a full pedestal tends to sit on the floor while the basin is fixed to the wall. This bathroom basin option offers a practical way for you to hide ugly pipes and plumbing. In addition, a full pedestal offers a larger, heavier basin, so it’s suitable for a family bathroom.

On the other hand, a semi pedestal bathroom basin is wall mounted, though instead of having a full length pedestal, it has a small pedestal that can also conceal pipework. Because the pedestal doesn’t reach down to the floor, it gives the illusion of more space, making your room look larger and easier to clean. If you plan on choosing this type of bathroom basin, you need to be sure that your wall is strong enough to support the basin’s weight.

Wall mounted basins

Wall hung bathroom basins are a great option for small bathrooms, cloakrooms and en-suites. Also, if you’re disabled or not of average height, they can be fitted at a position that’s suitable for you. A wall mounted design maximises floor space as well as creates a more minimalist look.

With a wall mounted basin, the plumbing is exposed. Therefore, you may wish to fit a chrome bottle trap instead of a plastic one to have a neater, more attractive finish. You can find wall hung sinks in both traditional and modern styles and they come in a wide range of sizes.

Corner bathroom basins

If you have a small cloakroom or bathroom, it’s a good idea to opt for a corner bathroom basin. This type of bathroom basin can help you to make use of what could otherwise be wasted space.

Just like a wall-mounted bathroom basin, it makes sense to install a chrome bottle trap to the corner bathroom basin to ensure that you have a tidy and neat finish to the pipework. A corner bathroom basin is suitable for en-suites and small cloakrooms. The advantage is that they combine stylish appearance with a space saving design.

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Working out the layout of your bathroom

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If you’re planning to revamp your bathroom, it’s a good opportunity for you to consider reconfiguring the space. Doing so could help you to make more of the room, save you money and add value to your home.

Here’s a guide to help you to choose the right layout:

Compact bathroom with marble-clad walls

Functionality

Your primary consideration should always be functionality. There’s no point in spending a fortune on a new bathroom suite, only to discover that your shower cabinet is so small that you end up banging into the taps while showering and being blasted with water that’s too hot or too cold. Therefore, thinking about the practicality of each item of the suite is a vital step in the design process.

Compact bathroom with corner shower cubicle

Fill the space

You need to make the most of the often limited space you have. That could mean fitting things like your shower into the corner of your room. You’ll want to avoid expanses of space being left unused.

For example, a 7-inch gap between your bath and bathroom cabinet is just wasted space. Potentially, a better option would be to choose a cupboard that fits flush with the end of the bath. That way, those 7 inches becomes usable space. You can find a fantastic selection of bathroom cabinets on www.betterbathrooms.com. The fact they sell such a wide range in so many different sizes means none of your precious space needs to be wasted.

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The right size suite

It’s especially important to buy the right size suite for your home. As well as making sure that everything is big enough or small enough for family members to use. If everyone in the family is tall, you’ll want to avoid compact suites which will be too impractical and uncomfortable to use.

Compact loft bathroom

Make your bathroom appear bigger

If you have a small bathroom, chances are you’ll want it to look as big as possible. You can do this by using a few clever decorating tips. For example, adding a large mirror to the far wall to draw the eye, as well as one above the sink, or using light colours instead of dark tones to finish the walls and floor give the impression of space.

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Factor in the extra cost of your new layout

If you’re planning to move key elements such as your bath, shower, toilet or sink, it’s important to factor in the additional cost of moving the pipe work. It’s usually wise to employ a plumber to carry out this work. They’ll give you a quote and confirm that the bathroom suite you’re planning to fit will work with the layout of your pipework. There’s no point in buying a new bathroom suite because you like its shape or design, if you’re going to have to spend too much money to have the soil pipe moved.

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Where to find layout ideas

If you need more information, this page is just what you need. There you will find several bathroom layout plans that you can use to help get your bathroom redesign started.

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Creating a vintage-feel bathroom

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Grey, vintage-inspired bathroomimage credit

No matter how many modern bathroom designs and features we’re exposed to now and in years to come, there’ll always be a special affection for traditional, vintage-feel bathrooms. These designs were, of course, modern once upon a time, so here are some products and styles that The Bath House Online believe to be key in helping create a real vintage-inspired bathroom.

roll-top bathtub in a vintage-inspired bathroomimage credit

Free-standing roll-top bath

The focal point of any traditional bathroom suite is more often than not the bathtub, and what could provide a more period look than a shiny free-standing bath with feet and a roll-top edge. With the bath interior extending out and overlapping the exterior before rolling back on itself to create a smooth, rounded edge, you know you have a bathtub worthy of any vintage bathroom. The addition of feet elevates the bathtub slightly off the ground as well and adds to the already traditional design, especially when matched with the taps.

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Pedestal basin

There was a time when bathroom basins weren’t settled on a counter top with storage space underneath or hanging from a wall with no additional support. This was the time of pedestal basins; free-standing from the ground with all pipework hidden by a hollow yet solid looking plinth. These plinths, or pedestals, provide the same effect on basins as feet on bathtubs – not always a necessity but add a unique element of style that was so popular in years gone by. For that even more vintage feel, fit separate taps for hot and cold rather than one single mixer tap.

high-level cistern in a vintage-inspired bathroomimage credit

High-level cistern

Sometimes, practicality in the bathroom is key and a toilet that’s compact enough to almost be hidden away and blended into the background is the best option. Going back half a century, however, there must have been quite a different mentality when you consider the high-level cistern. The toilet bowl and seat are the same, but the actual cistern stands tall above the rest, connected by a thin pipe and a pull-chain dangling down. If a traditional wc is what you’re after for a vintage bathroom, they don’t come much more traditional than a high level cistern.

wooden floor & panelling in a vintage-inspired bathroomimage credit

Wood

Adding not just a vintage feel to your bathroom, but a warm, homely one too, wood remains a popular material choice for everything from floor to ceiling. Start with specially glazed wooden floorboards and match this particular tone of wood with other objects that eyes will be drawn to such as storage cabinets, intricately carved mirror frames and toilet seats. Right down to the finer details, wood maintains that effect; door handles and shelves may go unnoticed, but go a long way in contributing to the picture as a whole.

The Bath House Online has a fantastic range of affordable bathroom products perfect for creating your very own vintage bathroom. They house collections from many leading bathroom brands to cater for all sizes, styles and budgets.

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