Goodbye boring plain white! Whether you’re planning a compact cloakroom or a generous family space, it’s time to go bold.

Colourful basins are all the rage, and they’re no longer reserved for the downstairs loo – famously a space to experiment with striking colours, bold patterns, wacky wallpapers and every other design feature you can think of.

No, this time, we’re taking them everywhere, because they fit everywhere. Colourful basins don’t have to be overly bright – they can come in deep, dark shades, too, perfect for a luxurious ensuite.

But beyond deciding on a shade, there are a few other things to consider. We’re bringing you the lowdown on what you absolutely need to know (and do) before buying a basin, so it’ll bring you much joy for years to come.

Colourful basin basics

A standard design usually measures 53cm to 55cm wide, but it can be as little as 45cm for a smaller space or ensuite. There are corner basins ideal for cloakrooms measuring just 35cm wide and those that are only 35cm deep for a narrower space.

Wall-hung solutions can be installed at any height and create an illusion of space as the floor is kept clear, especially helpful in more compact layouts. These colourful basins can be fixed to solid walls or tiled plasterboard false walls, but both will need heavy duty wall brackets to make sure they are secure.

Another popular solution is a surface-mounted or countertop basin, which brings an element of hotel luxury to a bathroom. Available in a range of stunning finishes, these colourful basins can be placed on top of a vanity or fixed onto ornate period-style floorstands, ideal for hanging towels.

Other installation ideas

A more classic option is a recessed colourful basin within a drawer unit. These models can either be floorstanding or wall hung, but you will lose a bit of storage as the bowl sits down within the top drawer.

If you want a more traditional feel in your bathroom, choose a pedestal for your basin. But keep in mind that it will still need to be fixed to a wall and that the joins between both elements will need to be securely sealed. If you have a smaller bathroom, a semi-pedestal is a great option as it neatly covers any pipework but leaves the floor underneath free.

There are many freestanding designs where the pedestal and basin are streamlined into one single unit. Sure to create a focal point, they can be placed anywhere in the bathroom, as long as the plumbing is accessible.

The material colourful basins are made out of will affect the design and look, too.

A pure white ceramic solution is known for its lasting shine, and the latest technology in refined ceramics means basins can be made with thinner walls for a more elegant finish.

Colourful basins are typically made from compound materials using mineral fillers and resins containing pigments, such as Akron.

Concrete and natural stone basins can give you a unique design, but they are porous so will need more maintenance and tend to be more textured than a ceramic or porcelain-enamelled model. Quartz also works well in a bathroom as it is non-absorbent.

Metal basins often made from stainless steel are generally lightweight. Known for their antibacterial properties, they are available in a range of metallic finishes. You can find tempered glass bowls, too, but be aware they will damage very easily if you drop something on them, so handle with care.

Featured image: Grava basin, £925, Indigenous.

About Post Author