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When choosing the right washbasin for the bathroom, as well as considering practicality and functionality, it is also important to find a solution that elevates the space.
Traditional pedestal basins, very popular once upon a time, are now joined by more modern and versatile solutions such as wall-hung basins, inset basins, countertop basins and freestanding basins (to name just a few). Materials and finishes also play a key role in the choice of basin, both for aesthetic and functional reasons.
If the wide range of models available on the market turns choosing your washbasin into a bit of an ordeal, don’t worry: in this article we will try to bring a bit of order to the chaos so you can identify the solution that best fits your needs in terms of design, materials and style.
Choosing the bathroom sink isn’t just a question of aesthetics: in practical and design terms it also involves considering the amount of space available and the different possible installation methods. Styles have also changed: whereas once the bathroom washbasin was chosen to match the fittings, now it has become an independent and distinctive item of furniture in its own right, capable of defining the style of the bathroom and making it unique.
From compact solutions to more eye-catching alternatives like sculpted basins, there are various types of bathroom sinks, each with their own specific characteristics.
Let’s take a look at the most common washbasins you can choose to furnish your bathroom
One of the most modern and fashionable types is the freestanding washbasin, an ideal solution also for those that want maximum flexibility when positioning this bathroom fixture.
This type of sink is similar to the classic pedestal basin but reinterprets it with sculpted and aesthetically striking designer forms. Depending on the model, it might integrate the taps in the structure or involve the installation of wall or floor mixer taps, as in the case of our Uniko washbasin.
The freestanding washbasin is a perfect addition to large and spacious bathrooms but can also be used in unusual locations like the corner of the bedroom or even on a terrace, as in the case of Arcom’s Dorick model, designed for both indoor and outdoor use.
In terms of location, the freestanding washbasin can be positioned at the centre of the room but also against the wall. Sometimes it matches the bathroom decor for a more compact but nonetheless equally visually striking design solution.
We mentioned it earlier as a traditional decorative solution, so ideal for furnishing classic or retro-style bathrooms. It consists of a sink that can vary in size and shape and a base attached to the floor which, as well as supporting the basin, also hides the pipes.
Though practical and easy to install compared with other types, like freestanding basins or inset basins with console, it doesn’t offer any storage space.
If you love clean and minimalist lines, inset basins fitted into the countertop are the right choice for you. A modern basin which, built into the countertop, does not have any visible joints.
This solution offers a number of practical and aesthetically pleasing advantages, the large continuous countertop surface (dimensions vary according to the model and personal requirements) also being easier to clean.
For an even more attractive composition and to enhance the beauty of a textural finish, we recommend attaching a splash-guard to the wall.
Another alternative is an inset basin with drip-catcher edge which further enhances the functionality of the sink by preventing water from splashing out onto the top. One example is our Line 50 model made from Tecnoril, a material that combines aesthetic elegance with excellent durability.
A countertop with inset basin can also be paired with a wall-hung or freestanding vanity unit. In addition, you can also choose between a solution with single basin and a solution with double basin, very popular in modern bathrooms because it facilitates your everyday routines, giving everybody their own space.
In the Arcom solution below, the top with double inset basin also creates a compelling staggered effect: the addition of a bathroom vanity unit at a different height further increases the surface area and storage capacity of the washbasin unit.
Alternatively, tops with inset basins can be wall-hung and completely free of other furniture. This the ideal solution for those that want to create a delicate and airy effect, and is also highly recommended for furnishing small bathrooms or guest bathrooms.
Inset basins are also available in wall-hung versions and can be paired with storage elements like the Arcom Moov shelf with pedestal, which adds a touch of designer style and practicality to the bathroom composition without cluttering.
This solution enables you to integrate the sink in your bathroom vanity unit. There are two main types of integrated (or semi-integrated) washbasins: drop-in basins and under-mount basins.
With drop-basins, the edges of the sink rest on the countertop. This is the ideal choice for highlighting the contrast between different materials, but is also suitable for creating matching effects, like in the below photo, where the white ceramic basin elegantly emerges from the matching top with Bianco Polare Marble finish.
On the contrary, under-mount basins are installed beneath the top, leaving the surface completely free with the exception of the joints. For those looking for a designer solution, Arcom has a version with washbasin integrated in the vanity unit: the Air sideboard, a fairly shallow element (21 cm) that is perfect for furnishing a modern bathroom.
Washbasins come in all shapes and sizes but what sets the countertop sink apart from all the other types we have listed so far is its location on top of the bathroom vanity unit or console.
When installing a countertop washbasin it is very important to consider the overall height of the vanity unit top and the basin so that everything is at a comfortable and ergonomic height, generally around 90 cm from the floor.
A countertop washbasin is an elegant presence in any bathroom, whether classic or more modern. Below are a few ideas for successfully integrating them in your bathroom.
A tall countertop washbasin is a good solution for furnishing stylish and aesthetically striking bathrooms, especially if combined with taps installed on the wall or tall mixer taps, like in the photo below.
An oval sink on a pale wood or stone top is a perfect way of furnishing a bathroom in Nordic or Japandi style.
The smooth forms of a round basin meanwhile bring to mind the typical charm of early 20th century washbowls, making it the perfect accessory for furnishing and embellishing the style of a classic or retro bathroom.
But round washbasins are also an elegant complement for lots of other styles, as shown in the more modern and minimalist example below. The decision to use two countertop washbasins also creates a harmony of forms with the backlit mirrors, giving the composition a fluid and balanced feel.
When choosing a bathroom washbasin it is important to give due consideration to the material, which has a key role to play not only from an aesthetic perspective but also in terms of resistance and practicality. Every material has its own specific characteristics that impact on its maintenance, durability and integration with the style of the bathroom.
Choices range from more traditional materials, like ceramic, to those of natural origin, like stone and marble, and through to more modern solutions like glass and innovative materials, designed to guarantee high-level technical performance without compromising on aesthetics.
With its smooth, easy-to-clean and stain-resistant surface, ceramic is perhaps one of the most common washbasin materials and, as well as offering an excellent quality-price ratio, can also be personalised in different colours.
Natural stone, like granite, marble and travertine, adds character and originality to the bathroom, adapting to both classic and contemporary decors. Alternatively, laminated materials like high-pressure laminate (HPL) and Unicolor are not only resistant and easy to clean, they also faithfully reproduce wood, stone and concrete effects.
Available in different finishes – sandblasted or lacquered – glass is ideal for those that want to add a modern touch and can be personalised in different colours.
Steel, copper and brass are also used: materials with an undeniable visual impact that also have a used feel about them, ideal for furnishing bathrooms in industrial style. More innovative materials like Teknoril, for example, are excellent for those looking for a modern-looking washbasin that prioritises technical performance.
As you have seen, there are various factors to consider when choosing a washbasin, including the amount of space available, the style of the bathroom and our various different practical and functional requirements.
If the bathroom is small, it is better to opt for space-saving solutions like wall-hung or integrated washbasins, which optimise the space and facilitate cleaning. Single-unit solutions are also functional options. Visually eye-catching freestanding washbasins are the perfect choice for furnishing a modern designer bathroom, particularly if you like bolder styles.
For a more traditional bathroom, the pedestal washbasin retains its classic allure, even if there are valid alternatives on today’s market, beginning with the versatile countertop basin. If practicality is your priority, inset basins guarantee uniform and spacious surfaces and are easy to clean.
A wall-hung washbasin keeps the floor clear and easier to clean, as well as lightening the entire vanity composition.
Carefully considering all of these aspects as well as your own requirements is therefore essential for finding a washbasin that enhances your bathroom and helps create a welcoming environment tailored to your needs.
To discover all of the Arcom bathroom washbasins visit the dedicated section, where you will find lots of designer models in keeping with the latest bathroom decor trends and able to adapt to every space and need.
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