Designing a small bathroom doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style or comfort. With the right wash basin, even compact spaces can feel open, elegant, and highly functional. Whether you are renovating your existing space or planning a new layout, choosing a basin that fits your needs can make all the difference. This complete guide will help you choose the ideal wash basin for small bathrooms, offering a balance between form and function.
1. Prioritize Space-Saving Designs
When it comes to small bathrooms, making the most of the available space is key. By choosing space-saving designs, you can create a functional and stylish room without feeling cramped.
Wall-Mounted Basins
Wall-mounted basins are a top choice for small bathrooms. These basins don’t require a countertop or base cabinet, freeing up valuable floor space. The absence of cabinetry beneath the sink also makes it easier to clean the bathroom, keeping everything neat and tidy. Additionally, the extra floor space creates the illusion of a larger bathroom, enhancing the overall sense of openness.
Pro Tip: Consider a wall-mounted basin with a minimalistic design, such as a simple, round or rectangular shape. The clean lines will contribute to a more spacious feel.
Corner Basins
Maximize every square inch of your small bathroom by opting for a corner basin. These basins are designed to fit snugly into the corners of the room, making use of otherwise wasted space. This design is especially beneficial in bathrooms with awkward layouts or corners that aren’t ideal for conventional basin placements.
Pro Tip: Corner basins come in a variety of styles and sizes, so make sure to choose one that complements the overall look of your bathroom without overwhelming the space.
2. Choose Sleek and Slim Shapes
In a small bathroom, every visual detail matters. The shape of your wash basin can significantly impact the perceived size and flow of the room.
Round & Oval Basins
Round or oval basins are perfect for smaller bathrooms because they have soft, curved edges that reduce the appearance of bulk. Their rounded shape helps create a sense of fluidity and ease, making them ideal for tight spaces where you need to move around freely. These basins are also great for minimalist bathroom designs, offering a streamlined look without being overly dominant in the space.
Pro Tip: Round or oval basins also tend to be more forgiving in terms of placement, meaning they’re easier to fit into corners or against walls, making them an adaptable option for a variety of layouts.
Slim Rectangular Basins
For a more modern, sleek look, consider slim rectangular basins. These basins have a narrow profile that won’t take up too much space while providing excellent depth for washing hands and other daily tasks. Their clean lines give off a contemporary vibe, making them a perfect choice for a minimalist or modern bathroom.
Pro Tip: Choose a basin with ultra-thin edges to further emphasize the modern design and minimize the visual footprint in the bathroom.
3. Add Storage with Compact Vanity Units
A small bathroom requires clever storage solutions, and a compact vanity unit can offer the perfect combination of style and functionality. These units can help organize bathroom essentials without compromising on space.
Integrated Basin Vanities
An integrated basin vanity combines the wash basin and vanity into one cohesive unit. These designs save space by eliminating the need for separate countertop storage. In addition to providing convenient storage, integrated basin vanities are often built with high-quality materials and come in a variety of stylish designs, from classic to modern.
Pro Tip: Opt for vanities with soft-close drawers to keep the space looking neat and reduce noise in the bathroom.
Floating Vanities
For a more open, airy feel, floating vanities are a great choice. These vanities are mounted to the wall, leaving the floor underneath exposed. This design makes the bathroom feel more expansive and offers additional floor space, which is essential in a small bathroom.
Pro Tip: Floating vanities can give your bathroom a spa-like, hotel-inspired feel. Pair with a large mirror for a touch of luxury.
4. Choose Light Colours and Clean Finishes
Colour plays a crucial role in making a small bathroom feel more spacious and inviting. Lighter tones, paired with clean finishes, can open up the room and enhance the overall ambiance.
Light Shades Work Best
Opt for light, neutral shades like white, soft cream, light grey, or pastel tones to create a sense of openness. These colours reflect more light, making the space appear larger and brighter. They also provide a clean, fresh aesthetic that works well with almost any design style.
Pro Tip: White or light grey basins paired with matching or complementary light fixtures can create a unified look that doesn’t overwhelm the space.
Glossy Ceramic Surfaces
When selecting materials, glossy ceramic basins are an excellent choice for small bathrooms. The shiny finish not only adds a touch of sophistication but also makes the basin easy to clean and maintain. Glossy surfaces resist stains and keep your bathroom looking fresh with minimal effort.
Pro Tip: Glossy finishes also work well with contemporary bathroom accessories and fixtures, contributing to an overall sleek, modern design.
5. Pair Your Basin with Space-Friendly Fixtures
In a small bathroom, choosing the right fixtures can make a huge difference in terms of space efficiency and overall aesthetics.
Wall-Mounted Faucets
Wall-mounted faucets are ideal for small bathrooms because they save counter space and create a cleaner, more minimalist look. The sleek design of wall-mounted faucets can help enhance the bathroom’s visual appeal, contributing to an uncluttered, modern feel.
Pro Tip: A wall-mounted faucet with a curved spout adds a touch of elegance and can be a great complement to an oval or round wash basin.
Slim Taps and Fittings
Pair your wash basin with slim taps and fittings to ensure your bathroom maintains a cohesive, minimalistic style. Look for taps with narrow profiles or single-handle designs that don’t take up too much space or distract from the overall aesthetic of the room.
Pro Tip: Choose fixtures with finishes that match your basin, whether it's chrome, matte black, or brushed nickel, to maintain a consistent, polished look.
6. Select Durable, Easy-to-Maintain Materials
For a bathroom that's used frequently, durability and ease of maintenance are key considerations when choosing a wash basin.
Ceramic Basins
Ceramic is a popular material for bathroom basins because it’s durable, easy to clean, and resistant to stains. It holds up well to daily use and retains its shine over time. Ceramic basins also come in a wide range of styles, from traditional to modern, making it easy to find one that suits your bathroom design.
Pro Tip: To add variety, consider glazed ceramic basins that offer a touch of texture or pattern, creating visual interest without overwhelming the space.
Art Basins (Compact Designs)
For a more premium, designer feel, consider opting for an art basin with compact dimensions. These basins often feature subtle textures or unique colours that can become a focal point of your bathroom. Although they’re typically smaller in size, their distinctive designs can elevate the overall aesthetic.
Pro Tip: When using an art basin, keep the rest of the bathroom fixtures minimal to allow the basin to stand out as the centerpiece.
7. Practical Installation Tips
When designing a small bathroom, how you position and install your basin can greatly affect the flow of the space. Here are some installation tips to maximize your bathroom’s functionality:
Basin Placement
To avoid obstruction and ensure smooth movement, install the basin away from the door. This will help avoid traffic jams and provide more room for other fixtures, like a shower or toilet.
Mirror Placement
Install a large mirror above the basin to visually expand the room. Mirrors reflect light and make the space feel brighter and larger.
Pro Tip: Frameless mirrors work best in small bathrooms as they don't add visual clutter, giving the room a sleek and open look.
Minimalist Accessories
Keep accessories to a minimum to avoid clutter and maintain an open, airy atmosphere. Opt for slim shelves or integrated mirror cabinets to store toiletries and bathroom essentials.
Final Thoughts
A small bathroom can be just as stylish and functional as a larger one with the right design choices. By prioritizing space-saving wash basins, choosing sleek shapes, and integrating clever storage solutions, you can create a bathroom that feels both spacious and elegant. Whether you opt for a wall-mounted basin, a corner basin, or a compact vanity, the right selection will elevate your bathroom and make it a functional, beautiful space.
