Are countertop basins a good idea?

Posted on 30th August 2024

There is no doubt that countertop basins look incredibly stylish in a bathroom design – but are they as practical as they are pleasing to the eye?

If you’ve been planning a bathroom refresh but you’re not sure if you should favour this solution instead of a classic pedestal or an inset design, we’ve talked to the experts and put together a cheat sheet for countertop basins…

Countertop basin benefits

Starting with the pros, countertop basins are extremely versatile. The latest designs are available in different materials such as ceramic and concrete, a wide range of shapes, from round and curvy to square and chunky, and in an even bigger colour palette – not forgetting the intricate tactile finishes or striking patterns some solutions come embellished with.

“Countertop basins are a great choice for those seeking both style and functionality in their bathroom. Offering a focal point, they bring a sleek and contemporary look to spaces, with brass and bronze finishes looking particularly striking,” says Jeevan Seth, chief executive officer at JTP.

Modern bathroom design with fluted wall panelling, vanity unit, circular mirror, patterned basin and black tap. — Jemima basin, £899, London Basin Company. Image credit: Ca’ Pietra.

What’s more, countertop basins are a great space-saving option. “They take up less floor space than pedestal or freestanding sinks, making them a suitable option for smaller bathrooms,” explains Jeevan. But depending on the size of your bathroom, you can pick from minuscule basins to extra-large or double designs perfect for a ‘his and hers’ bathroom setup.

In terms of installation, they can be mounted on top of a range of options such as stylish floating shelves, freestanding vanity units, or wall-mounted frames.

Practicalities

However, countertop basins also come with their own set of practicalities to consider. “They create a striking focal point in any bathroom, offering flexibility in height and placement while maximising vanity storage space,” explains Emma Scott, director of client design at C.P. Hart. “However, their exposed surfaces may require more frequent cleaning. Jeevan agrees and says: “A potential downside to installing a countertop basin is the cleaning challenges it presents, as it’s trickier to clean around and under the basin.”

Green bathroom tiles with wall-mounted stone shelves and countertop basins on top. — Vessels /Round Vessel, £309, Nuie.

Emma says that it’s also it’s important to pay attention to the tap height and positioning to ensure both functionality and comfort. Plus, it’s worth noting that a countertop solution might not be suitable for family bathrooms, as they can be difficult for young children to reach since they tend to sit higher than a regular basin, says Colm Lalor, commercial director at Nuie.

Countertop basins also tend to cost more to purchase and install when compared to traditional designs, adds Jeevan, so keep this in mind when planning your renovation budget. But with all of this in mind, whether your style is classic-contemporary, boutique-hotel chic or ultra-modern, with the myriad of options on the market, you’re guaranteed to find a design to suit your aesthetic.

We’ve rounded up some of our favourite designs to inspire your scheme…