When you start looking at bathroom design it can be quite overwhelming choosing the individual pieces you need to create a look. There are many different types of basins that you can have for your bathrooms and cloakrooms, and choices of how you will mount that basin. We are going to give you a quick rundown on the different types of basins out there, and what type of basin you will need depending on the furniture you want in your bathroom, the space you have and also the type of brassware (taps) you would like.

Traditional basin and pedestal

Traditionally UK homes were built with a basin and pedestal. A tall ceramic pedestal that the basin then sits on. This is still a very popular design especially for those looking to spend less on their ceramics. The pedestal hides all the pipes and provides a sturdy base for the basin. A basin and pedestal is usually accompanied by a close-coupled toilet. This is a WC that has a floor standing pan with the cistern sitting on top.

A slight variation on this is a basin that sits on a half or wall-hung pedestal, so the pedestal is only half as long and is mounted on the wall. This allows for all the pipework to be hidden but gives access to the floor for easier cleaning and is a more modern look. This basin would usually be fitted with a wall-hung WC, where the pan of the toilet is hung from the wall and the cistern is hidden behind a panel or in the wall.

Furniture Mounted Basins  – Semi-recessed basins

Basins mounted on furniture is a great way to increase storage space. The ‘standard’ design for this type of installation is to have a semi-recessed basin in the furniture. This means that the front of the basin protrudes from the furniture. There are a wide choice of styles and sizes, and you can choose the basin to complement the furniture. Templates are supplied for the bathroom fitter to cut the space required for your chosen basin.

Often you would have furniture that runs along a single wall, and you would pair a semi-recessed basin with a back-to-wall WC, where only the pan is visible, and the cistern is housed within the furniture.

Under-counter basins

Under counter basins sit literally below the countertop, so there is a drop into the basin. This is a very modern look. This type of basin means you can choose the countertop you want and a template is supplied for your bathroom installer. You will also need to decide on whether you want to have your brassware wall-mounted or mounted on the countertop. There are lots of different looks you can achieve with under-counter basins. They may prove trickier to clean as getting underneath to whether the basin meets the surface but this is generally hidden.

Surface mounted basins

A surface-mounted basin sits in all its glory on the surface of the furniture or worktop. You will need either a tall pillar tap/mixer or wall-mounted brassware to compliment this choice of basin. The designs available range from bowl like forms to more shallow basins – the choice is up to you and the look you’re going for. You can mount these basins on wall-hung or floor-standing furniture depending on your preference.

Cloakroom Basins

Cloakroom basins are just smaller basins deigned to go in smaller rooms. You will find they come in all shapes and sizes to make the most of the available space; corner basins, offset basins where the basin is on one side to provide a shelf on the other side and short-project basins. Although you can choose to have a basin with no pedestal in any room smaller cloakroom basins often don’t have a pedestal or furniture and have an attractive chrome waste instead.

We have an article on choosing brassware for your basins, which will explain why you need to consider how many pre-drilled holes you need in a basin, depending on the taps you want.

At JD Bathrooms we can help with your design and make sure you have all the elements of the bathroom or cloakroom you need. Give us a call on 01865 849 or email sales@jdbathroomsandkitchens.co.uk and arrange a visit to our show room.