Bathroom Sink Ideas and Design Tips

A bathroom simply isn’t a bathroom without a few key features. Whether you have a large open bathroom or a cute and quaint lavatory room, a bathroom sink is a staple feature.

Available in a huge variety of styles, shapes, sizes and colours, there is evermore opportunity to create a perfectly personalised bathroom interior when choosing a bathroom sink for your space.

Selecting a sink is by no means a one-size-fits-all kind of decision.

But if you’re feeling a little bamboozled by all of the choices available to you, you’re not alone.

Getting it right the first time can be tricky, and there’s nothing more frustrating than fitting a sink that doesn't quite feel or look the part.

But when you do get it right, a sink can completely change the dynamic of a bathroom for the better.

Need some help choosing a new bathroom sink for a refurb or redesign?

 

We’re here to help!

Maybe you’re not sure what style will work best. Perhaps you’re worried your choice may be too big, or too small for the space you have to work with. Or, you may have an idea of what you’d like, but just need a little help visualising how the fitted and finished product will look.

We’ve got you covered.

Running you through what’s what when it comes to different styles of the basin, and providing a touch of design inspiration, this guide sets out to help you decipher which sink to choose.

 

What are the different types of bathroom sinks?

The bathroom basin has come a long way in the past 100 years. As different trends have faded in and out, new styles have emerged, giving homeowners and interior designers a great deal of choice.

The wonderful thing about that is that whatever style of bathroom you’re setting out to create, there’s a bathroom sink that will slot flawlessly into your new-found design.

Once you’ve got an idea of the style you like, it's much easier to pick a specific product.

So, here’s a rundown of the different styles:

 

Full pedestal sinks

One of the most popular and traditional sink options, the full pedestal is an all-in-one, freestanding bathroom sink. Pipework is concealed inside the pedestal to provide a clean and tidy finish. There are plenty of basin bowls to choose from in varying depths and shapes.

 

Wall-hung basins

A wall-hung basin is exactly what it says on the tin.

An example of a wall-hung basin is the semi-pedestal, which mimics the full pedestal design, with only half the pedestal length. When fitted to the wall, the floor space underneath is left free. These too are available in a range of bowl sizes, shapes and depths.

Wall-hung sinks are also available in corner styles, perfect for saving space in bathrooms where there’s less room to move.

Semi-recessed basin

These sinks are specifically designed for vanity units or countertops.

The rear half is recessed into the unit top, whilst the front half sits on the front of the top. Bowl depths and sizes vary across the semi-recessed range, meaning that you can find a style that works for either a big or small vanity unit.

 

Countertop vessels

Countertop basins sit directly on top of a vanity countertop, like a bowl. They are exceptionally elegant in their design and can be found in a range of sizes, shapes and colours, including matte black.

 

Vanity units with basins

Vanity units can be bought as a standalone item, often referred to as a countertop vanity unit, to pair with a countertop vessel or semi-recessed basin.

Or, alternatively, you could choose an all-in-one unit, with the full vanity and basin included.

Vanity units with basins are available in a range of sizes and are ideal if you’re opting for a quick and budget-friendly solution.

Things to consider when choosing a basin

Before you rush into choosing a sink, there are a few things you might want to consider.

What size will you choose?

Often the size of a bathroom will dictate the types of features we choose. And when it comes to sinks, there’s no exception.

A sink that is too big may look clunky and out of place, however, a sink that is too small in a large space may look lost and understated.

If you need to save space, consider smaller a more petite sink. However, if you want to make your sink the star of the show, consider how using a vanity unit or perhaps a double sink set-up could work to wow.

Where’s the best place to put a sink?

Layout is everything when piecing together a stylish bathroom with optimised functionality.

However, if something isn’t quite right and you can’t put your finger on it, often a shift around can put things right.

Is your existing sink in the right place? To put greater emphasis on the sink area, place it in front of a window.

How accessible is your sink? If it’s tucked away in an awkward corner, maybe it's time to find it a new home. Or perhaps a different style would be better suited to the space.

How deep does your sink need to be?

How often do you fill up your bathroom sink?

Basins are available in a wide array of depths.

If you fill your sink up regularly or have smaller children, often deeper basins are a more forgiving option as they’re better at containing water.

However, in cloakrooms, where there may not be such a need to fill the sink, shallow basins offer a lightweight finish.

What shape will you choose?

Square? Round? Oval?

There are a few different options. But often, it helps to complement existing shapes in your bathroom.

For example, if you have a square toilet and shower, a rectangular or square sink would be a perfect pairing.

However, if you have lots of oval or round features, such as a corner shower or freestanding bath, a curvaceous sink style may be a better fit.

 

What colour sink will you choose?

Traditionally bathroom sinks are made from white china or ceramic.

But, that doesn't have to mean you have to stick with the classic colour. If you’re on the search for something a little different, why not choose matte black, popping pastel colours or marble or brass?

 

Bathroom sink ideas

Basin ideas for small bathrooms

When space is premium, finding a balance between getting all of the key features and fittings in place and not overcrowding the bathroom can be quite the task.

Thankfully, there are lots of smaller sink varieties to help you save on space.

For narrow bathrooms, a slimline basin will keep the main walk wall clean, enabling you to manoeuvre more easily. These tuck against the wall, and can be paired with a slimline vanity unit to hide the pipework.

Combine small with convenience when opting for a slim basin and vanity unit, ideal for storing away soaps and essentials.

Or, for extra worktop space, consider a slimline basin with an L-shaped worktop.

A wall-hung bathroom sink design also works well in tighter spaces.

One really simple design hack to create the illusion of a more roomy bathroom is to cut back the use of floor space.

When fitting a wall-hung basin, you’ll effortlessly elevate the room and instantly buy back more space.

But, if you’re looking to make use of all the nooks and crannies, a corner basin slots perfectly into more obscurely shaped and smaller bathrooms. Choose a wall-hung design or a floor-standing corner vanity unit if you want to draw attention to your sink as a core feature in a smaller space.

Luxury bathroom sink ideas

Each one of us has a different take on what ‘luxury interior design’ means to us.

And, if you’re looking for different ways to construct a luxury bathroom escape, you might be considering a roll-top bath, marble panelling or even a wetroom power shower.

But have you thought about what type of sink will top off the luxe look?

If you have a dreamy larger space, a double sink is a charming little added detail that will provide a luxury perk every day. You could choose a double vanity unit or two countertop vessels on a vanity.

If you’ve only got room for the one countertop basin, why not choose something truly beautiful such as an ultra-modern, spa-like rounded vessel?

Place it on top of a marble worktop and pair it with an opulent and sophisticated tap.

If you’re about getting that spa feeling every day with a beautifully calming and revitalising waterfall tap. Or for a little classy brassy classic shimmer, why not consider a brushed brass push button basin waste plug and taps?

Modern bathroom sink ideas

Make the most of your modern design when topping off the look with an on-trend sink.

If you’re planning on dabbling colour through the space using sophisticated and modern bathroom furniture, countertop basins work brilliantly on bright and colourful vanity units.

Spread the colour love across your bathroom when pairing your vanity unit with a cabinet or WC unit.

A square or rectangular design gives an up-to-date twist to a classic bathroom feature. Opt for a contemporary pedestal basin with a deep square basin bowl.

Alternatively, if space saving is a key objective, then you may wish to consider a modern wall-hung sink. These are becoming increasingly popular, particularly in small bathrooms as they enable more space for other features.

Blur the lines between traditional and modern when choosing a semi-pedestal design.

Don’t forget to keep the modern look flowing through to the taps. Add a bought-of-bold body, transforming the sink from plain and drab to funky and fab with matte black. Alternatively, chrome taps offer a classic and clean modern look that works well with a variety of bathroom colour schemes.

 

Sinks for traditional bathrooms

Looking to tap into the traditional style? If everything else in your bathroom creates an elegant classic feel, of course, your basin needs to match the flow and feng shui of the space.

The traditional full pedestal sink is a timeless style.

If you’re looking for the perfect sink with retro appeal, it has to be the Burlington Edwardian full basin, paired with four spindle taps, a high-level toilet and, if you’re really pushing the boat out, a stunning roll-top bath.

Alternatively, you could choose a small wall-hung basin. These smaller designs are similar to those found in older bathrooms and offer sophisticated functionality with a twist of vintage class.

And for an all-retro appeal, choose a time-honoured square wall-hung basin with a deep bowl, paired with chrome legs.

 

Budget-friendly sinks

Looking to save the pennies and opt for a budget-friendly bathroom refurb?

There is so much you can do with a smaller budget, which includes choosing a stylish, functional and quality sink.

If you’re refurbing a smaller bathroom on the cheap, you simply can't go wrong with a small wall-hung basin.

This petite, yet robust design is made from quality vitreous china and works well in minimal modern or small classically decorated bathrooms.

Alternatively, you get more bang for your buck when choosing an all-in-one vanity unit with a semi-recessed sink and toilet.

These designs work particularly well in smaller bathrooms and are available in a selection of colours.

When looking for taps, there are lots of high-quality styles to choose from with low price tags.

And if you want to make your sink stand out as the room centrepiece, use a bright and eye-catching paint colour around your basin area as a cost-effective way to brighten up your sink space.