Choosing the best basin for your bathroom is not always easy, that is why we called in some expert advice (from ON TAP and VAAL SANITARYWARE) to make this task a little easier.
Q: Please give us a bit more information about the different types / styles of basins available at the moment?
ON TAP
Styles: Manufacturers are going to great lengths to ensure that basins, fixtures and fittings are designed to compliment one another. So in trying to keep the consumers decisions even more simplistic, many manufacturers have introduced ‘ranges’. For example Kalevit has the Babel-range, the Modeo-range, Idea-range etc. This allows for a fully integrated bathroom design where matching basins, baths, taps and fittings is as simple as selecting from a single range of available products. The range of available shapes and sizes has also become quite vast, so there is a shape and style to suit any taste.
Types: There are so many options to choose from, it’s almost impossible to list them all. round, square, square/round, top mounted, under slung, wall mounted, with or without pedestal, modern, contemporary, classic, Victorian – you name it, it’s available.”
VAAL SANITARYWARE
- Surface mounted basins
- Drop-in-basins
- Semi-drop-in-basins
- Underslung basins
- Wall mounted basins
- In-wall recessed basins
Q: Which type / style of basin would go well with a small guest bathroom / spacious bathroom / ultra-modern bathroom / classic bathroom and why?
ON TAP
Small guest bathroom: Small basins that are mounted to the wall for maximum space like Lecico’s Riva-washbasin / Deca’s Contemporary-washbasin / Duravit’s D-Code.
Spacious bathroom: Two basins can be placed next to each other on a counter top in spacious bathrooms like Kalevit’s Flow-washbasins.
Ultra modern bathroom: Basins for modern bathrooms can be top mounted allowing for interesting basin mixer features. They have unique shapes which bring an element of intricate design into the room. Example: Duravit’s 2nd Floor- / Vero- / D-Code-washbasins / Deca’s Mono Comando.
Classic style bathroom: Basins for this type of bathroom are not in fashion and have never gone out of fashion. Due to their classic shape and moulding, they are interesting to look at. Be sure to compliment your classic basin with classic basin mixers, it's not a good idea to mix and match different styles when it comes to classical bathrooms.
Example: Lecico’s Alexandra-washbasin.”
VAAL SANITARYWARE
Small guest bathroom: In-wall “Raven” recessed basins work well in this kind of bathroom. This is the most space efficient basin and protrudes only 155mm from the wall. Surface mounted basins will also work in this area.
Spacious bathroom: Large surface mounted “Weaver” or “Starling” basins are perfect depending on whether square or oval style is preferred. The large, oval “Cameo” drop-in-basin is also very practical and easy to keep clean.
Ultra modern bathroom: Surface mounted basins with electronically operated taps.
Classic style bathroom: Drop-in vanity basins are timeless and most practical for this area.
Q: What colours and materials are popular at the moment as far as basins are concerned?
ON TAP
Materials: Basins were traditionally ceramic, but with advances in manufacturing there are various materials available. Materials such as: Virtuous China, reconstructed stone, Acrylic, Glass, Natural Stone, Sealed Cement, Ceramic, Combination materials (natural stone combined with resin, and various other combinations like Polyurethane Foam/Fibreglass/Polyester gel coating).
Colours: A variety of colours are available but for timeless appeal, you can choose any colour as long as it’s white. It is recommended that you rather accessorise in colour by using colourful towels, soaps or candles.”
VAAL SANITARYWARE
White is the preferred colour as it will not go out of date. Vitreous china or fireclay will last a lifetime, is colour-fast and will not fade.
Q: Which taps will go well with which kind of basin?
ON TAP
Taking into consideration what type of basin you prefer, try to compliment your basin with the same style basin mixer (tap).
If your basin is round … choose basin mixers that have rounded edges.
If your basin is square … choose basin mixers with straight cut lines.
Tip: Check your basin for holes that are pre-drilled or marked into the basin. This will help you to decide whether you need a single lever mixer or a spout with 2 handles.
VAAL SANITARYWARE
The size and style of the mixer must be compatible with the size and style of the basin.
Q: Give our readers some tips on how to choose the perfect basin for their bathroom?
ON TAP
- Decide what you need and what type of basin will fit into the space you have available.
- Always keep an eye out for the latest trends in mind when dreaming up the perfect ‘look’ for your bathroom.
- Allocate an amount of money to spend on every aspect of your new basin installation. Don’t forget to budget on basin mixers, cabinetry and new counter tops that goes together with adding a new basin to your bathroom.
- Ask for advice – experts know best and you are never too old to learn new tricks.
- Don’t make rushed decisions: Don’t rush into purchasing the first item you see, there might be something better waiting around the corner.
- Picture it - A realistic idea of what your chosen bathroom accessory will look like in your bathroom should be kept in mind.”
VAAL SANITARYWARE
Always remember that the style of the basin must match that of the bath and toilet. Ensure that the size is suitable according to your needs. If you wash your hair in the basin, you will need a basin in the 600mm wide category. Most main bathrooms will require a vanity slab and a cupboard below the basin. A surface mounted basin is most fashionable, but a drop-in or underslung basin is more practical.
Images supplied by ON TAP and VAAL SANITARYWARE.
No comments on this post yet.