10 Things To Consider When Choosing a Bathroom Sink Unit
Your habits, lifestyle and budget are all important factors to consider when choosing the perfect sink unit for your bathroom
You may have an idea of the look you want to create for your bathroom, but will it really suit the way you live? Factor in costs, bathroom design and liveability before handing over your hard-earned cash. It just might save your sanity. Ask yourself these 10 questions to make sure you make a savvy selection.
What kind of sink makes the most sense for your family?
A sink unit like this one fits nicely in a bathroom that doesn’t offer much room to move, and you can maximise space by opting for an a sink that is mounted under the worktop. Cleaning is quick and easy with this option. It’s often easier to find the worktop you like first, and then match the tiles to it rather than the other way around.
A sink unit like this one fits nicely in a bathroom that doesn’t offer much room to move, and you can maximise space by opting for an a sink that is mounted under the worktop. Cleaning is quick and easy with this option. It’s often easier to find the worktop you like first, and then match the tiles to it rather than the other way around.
Where will you store your toiletries?
Take a good, hard look at your bathroom habits, and those of any other family members who will share the space. If you have lots of lotions, potions and cosmetics and so does your partner, plan for it accordingly. This free-floating sink unit makes the most of limited space, and the wall of mirrors floods the room with natural light. Inset into the wall behind the mirrors are spacious storage cabinets with room enough for everyone’s stash of toiletries.
Explore clever storage ideas for toiletries
Take a good, hard look at your bathroom habits, and those of any other family members who will share the space. If you have lots of lotions, potions and cosmetics and so does your partner, plan for it accordingly. This free-floating sink unit makes the most of limited space, and the wall of mirrors floods the room with natural light. Inset into the wall behind the mirrors are spacious storage cabinets with room enough for everyone’s stash of toiletries.
Explore clever storage ideas for toiletries
Do you need one basin or two?
If space allows, many families opt to have two sinks. Couples can save time in the morning when it’s time to get ready for the day; kids can avoid the pushing and shoving that often accompanies the before-school ritual. Take care that a twin-basin unit isn’t too big for the space available, and be aware that an extra basin means you may have to sacrifice on worktop space.
See why twin basins are twice as nice
If space allows, many families opt to have two sinks. Couples can save time in the morning when it’s time to get ready for the day; kids can avoid the pushing and shoving that often accompanies the before-school ritual. Take care that a twin-basin unit isn’t too big for the space available, and be aware that an extra basin means you may have to sacrifice on worktop space.
See why twin basins are twice as nice
Is style or storage more important to you?
An exquisite sink unit like this one may suit the elegant style you’re looking for in your bathroom, but at what cost? If it’s a cloakroom it should pose no problem; otherwise, a cabinet or even a chest of drawers elsewhere in the bathroom could solve the inevitable storage dilemma.
An exquisite sink unit like this one may suit the elegant style you’re looking for in your bathroom, but at what cost? If it’s a cloakroom it should pose no problem; otherwise, a cabinet or even a chest of drawers elsewhere in the bathroom could solve the inevitable storage dilemma.
How high should your sink unit be?
The standard height of a sink unit is about 85cm, but taller people may opt for a height of about one metre. Be sure to factor in the height added when sinks are mounted on top of counters. Anything other than the perfect height will irk you for ever more.
The standard height of a sink unit is about 85cm, but taller people may opt for a height of about one metre. Be sure to factor in the height added when sinks are mounted on top of counters. Anything other than the perfect height will irk you for ever more.
Where to position the basin?
This wall-mounted sink unit solves more than one problem with its nifty design and it could be the perfect solution if space is at a premium. The offset basin delivers some precious counter space, and the towel rail under the unit eliminates the need for a railing on a wall elsewhere.
This wall-mounted sink unit solves more than one problem with its nifty design and it could be the perfect solution if space is at a premium. The offset basin delivers some precious counter space, and the towel rail under the unit eliminates the need for a railing on a wall elsewhere.
What will it mean for your budget to change a sink unit’s style or placement?
If you’re thinking of changing from a floor-mounted sink unit to one that’s mounted on the wall, keep in mind that pipes and drains may need to be rerouted to accommodate it. And if you think the sink unit would work better in another area of the bathroom, ask about any extra plumbing costs before setting your heart on a particular layout – it may eat up a larger chunk of your budget than you can live with. The further a sink unit is from other fixtures, the more it’s likely to cost.
If you’re thinking of changing from a floor-mounted sink unit to one that’s mounted on the wall, keep in mind that pipes and drains may need to be rerouted to accommodate it. And if you think the sink unit would work better in another area of the bathroom, ask about any extra plumbing costs before setting your heart on a particular layout – it may eat up a larger chunk of your budget than you can live with. The further a sink unit is from other fixtures, the more it’s likely to cost.
How does the sink unit fit in relation to the bathroom’s other elements?
Watch that the shower door swing isn’t compromised, that knees don’t knock against any edges, and that the sink doesn’t mess with the bathroom’s traffic flow. Take care, too, that when drawers or cupboard doors are open, people can still move freely around them to access other areas of the bathroom as needed.
Watch that the shower door swing isn’t compromised, that knees don’t knock against any edges, and that the sink doesn’t mess with the bathroom’s traffic flow. Take care, too, that when drawers or cupboard doors are open, people can still move freely around them to access other areas of the bathroom as needed.
How can you best combine period features with modern practicalities?
If you have your heart set on a pedestal basin and stand, but know you’ll go mad without enough room to keep your bathroom essentials, don’t despair. There’s usually a solution if you ponder it long enough. This bathroom solves the problem neatly with aesthetically pleasing cabinets on either side. Don’t write off custom-built sink units or storage cabinets for your bathroom before you’ve inquired about pricing – the cost may not be any more than buying off the rack.
TELL US…
What are the most important aspects you look for when choosing a sink unit? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
If you have your heart set on a pedestal basin and stand, but know you’ll go mad without enough room to keep your bathroom essentials, don’t despair. There’s usually a solution if you ponder it long enough. This bathroom solves the problem neatly with aesthetically pleasing cabinets on either side. Don’t write off custom-built sink units or storage cabinets for your bathroom before you’ve inquired about pricing – the cost may not be any more than buying off the rack.
TELL US…
What are the most important aspects you look for when choosing a sink unit? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
A wall-mounted sink unit like this one not only vastly increases the sense of space in a bathroom, it also makes it easy to clean. Above-counter sinks may look the part, but take care that cleaning under and around them isn’t going to become a chore. Bigger, deeper bowls also keep splashes to a minimum.