The first and most important thing that can be said about basins is that they play a huge role in the look of your bathroom. Consequently, choosing a basin for your bathroom should be mainly based on your bathroom's style and on your personal taste. This mainly goes for those of you who want to get the best of both worlds which is an improved look and basin longevity. In the end, basins are bathroom products that aren't meant to be changed frequently, so choosing a model that is durable and at the same time, stylish is crucial. That being said, when in the search for the right one, you should take into account some important things if you want to make the right choice.
Types of Material
Over the years, the choice for contemporary basins has evolved a lot, and now you have the chance to choose from numerous types of materials ranging in appearance, durability and quality. And, only by understanding them, you'll be able to make the right choice.
Ceramic
Ceramic is one of the oldest and most commonly used types of materials for bathroom sinks without a doubt. The reason for this is simple, it has an extremely strong and scratch-resistant surface that isn't prone to chipping as well. Its surface is completely sealed, meaning that dirt cannot penetrate its inside, making it extremely easy to clean and maintain. Its glossy finish and ability to be moulded into any shape, make ceramic contemporary basins a timeless choice for bathroom sinks. Smooth and appealing, these basins can come in a range of sizes, shapes and colours, allowing you to choose the smoothest and best option that can meet the current style of your bathroom.
Porcelain
Porcelain basins are made from hard clay that looks and feels amazing. It has a smooth, clean and soft-looking appearance that allows for easy cleaning, making it a great choice for bathroom sinks. Although made of hard clay, for added strength, porcelain basins are usually mixed with glass and metals. Unfortunately, this doesn't make porcelain basins resistant to stains and chips which can be troublesome if used in family bathrooms with smaller children. Regarding the shape, size and colour, just like ceramic, porcelain basins can also come in a variety of them, allowing you to choose the model that will best match your bathroom.
Stone
Different types of stones can be used for the production of contemporary bathroom basins out of which, granite, marble, onyx and travertine are the most popular and commonly used for bathroom sinks. One of the greatest advantages of these stones is their appearance, however, keep in mind that all of these stones are natural which makes them porous and prone to stains and imperfections.
Concrete
Another interesting, contemporary and stylish solution for bathroom basins is the ones made of concrete. This version of basins is durable and long-lasting, offering a unique and natural texture. Today's types of concrete bathroom basins are available in a range of sizes, shapes and finishes, out of which the polished concrete is the most commonly used version. When looking for such a sink, make sure to choose a model that is pre-sealed with a water-resistant sealer for improved longevity.
Metal
Bathroom sinks can also be made from a range of metals out of which stainless steel, nickel, copper, and cast iron are among the most commonly used types. All of them can provide your bathroom with a dramatic look, especially if you choose one with a different finish.
Different Types of Installation
Countertop Basins
It goes without saying that this is one of the most common types of basin installation. It's simple, sleek and easy, allowing the basin to sit on the countertop. They're also known as vessel basins.
Semi-Recessed Basins
Unlike the countertop, these basins are installed below the countertop. Although not that popular in the past, nowadays, a lot of people love them because they make cleaning easy because they don't have a rim.
Inset Basins
As the name implies these basins are dropped down into the countertop which makes them one of the easiest types to install. Being so simple and easy to install, you should know that they aren't that stylish or appealing. So, if this is something that matters to you, then this isn't the ideal option for you.
Pedestal Basins
Although considered quite vintage, it seems that nowadays you can find a large selection of modern and contemporary pedestal basins. These basins sit on a tall slender base and are mainly used in guest bathrooms. They are great for hiding pipework.
Console Basins
These basins are great for all those of you who enjoy having lots of counter and storage space at the same time. This means that these basins are in need of lots of space, which is why they are mainly used in larger bathrooms.