If you don’t want to bash your forehead or soak your socks, there’s a lot to think about before purchasing your bathroom’s basin and tap – from shape, size, depth, to height and style. We investigate whether the perfect combination exists…

In the bathroom industry, the ‘headbutt effect’ is a term for when a basin and tap pairing goes wrong. We’ve all been there, right? We’ll be washing our face, when we start noticing that water has soaked our socks and splashed the surfaces – and I know I’ve certainly hit my head at least once or twice.

“Your daily skincare routine begins and ends at the bathroom sink, so creating the ideal set-up for washing your face can make all the difference,” says James Roberts, director of Sanctuary Bathrooms. “Whether you’re starting from scratch or making small upgrades, thoughtful design choices around your basin, bathroom tap, vanity units, and storage can elevate both functionality and experience.”

What type of basin should you choose?

While every type of basin does the job, are some better than others? Nancy Emery, bathroom expert at Drench, answers, “There’s not a real science to it, but size and depth definitely play a part when it comes to finding the perfect basin for washing your face, especially if you tend to splash and get water on your countertop or floor.”

Benjamin Peak, co-founder and creative director of Varied Forms, suggests choosing a basin with a wide, gently sloped design to avoid excessive splashing off of sharp corners. And Ruth Davies, marketing director at VitrA, suggests that oval or rectangular-shaped options work best, as their softer outlines and larger surface areas give a more comfortable experience when leaning over the basin.

And, while there are some who say opting for an inset or semi-inset basin is the best choice, other designers and brands I spoke to recommend a countertop basin, at a height of around 85–90cm. “The ideal size for a countertop basin is a minimum width of 40cm with a depth of 20cm,” points out Martin Carroll, managing director at Duravit UK. “At this size, splashing and overspill is kept to a minimum. Semi-recessed basins can also be an option as can wall-mounted basins, but they need to be carefully positioned at the correct height – one that is most comfortable for the user.”

Alternatively, if you want to combine your basin with the benefit of added storage, then a wall-hung vanity unit that has a built-in basin with some countertop space either side of the bowl gives you a barrier between the basin and the floor, says Nancy. Plus, you can easily clean any splashes.

Basin tap placement

While there’s some flexibility on the basin type, most agree on tap placement and style. “The tap must deliver both precision and aesthetic appeal,” says Jorge Hernandez, group head of design at Crosswater. “A single-lever mixer allows for effortless temperature control, and a medium-height spout offers enough clearance without splashing. Wall-mounted taps are increasingly popular, offering ease of cleaning and a minimalist profile. Just be sure the water stream falls directly into the deepest point of the basin to avoid splashing while face washing.”

David Boddy, product manager at Abode, agrees and says, “I would opt for a tap that minimises how far you need to bend down while washing your face, as not only will this be far more ergonomic, but it will also reduce the risk of excess water splashing onto the floor.”

Benjamin says the sweet spot for a tap’s projection is around a third of the way into the basin. This ensures splashes behind the spout are captured, whilst leaving the other two thirds of it open for face washing without the so-called ‘headbutt effect’.

There are also taps where the spouts incorporate a pivoting aerator that allows owners to direct the water further forwards. A swivel spout basin mixer might also make it easier, and helps to keep the tap out of the way – another way of ensuring there’s less risk of bumping your head.

Also, you might want to check that the basin has a suitable waste which allows you to fill it; a standard click-clack option is ideal. Mary Buchanan, creative director at Laura Ashley Lighting, adds: “Install a mirror directly above the basin at eye level, and add wall lights just above, so you can easily see while cleansing and ensure no product is left behind.”

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