A wash basin is one feature that can be found in every modern home. It is an indispensable feature – from washing your hands and face to brushing your teeth to shaving and more.
Earlier, most homes had a simple and basic wash basin. Typically, this was a white ceramic bowl with a tap attached. Nowadays, wash basins come in a variety of materials, colours and designs. How can you decide which one is right for your home?
The answer to that question depends on a variety of factors. These include where the wash basin is located, how many people will be using it, and the décor of the rest of the surroundings. In this way, the right wash basin becomes not only a functional necessity but also an aesthetic choice.
In this piece, we’re going to make it simple for you to make the right decision. We’ll discuss where a wash basin should be placed, the wash basin materials and designs on offer, and some of the other important factors that you should keep in mind.
The Location of the Wash Basin
As you know, no bathroom is complete without a wash basin. It is a practical and hygienic necessity. However, many houses find it convenient to also have washrooms in other places as well.
For example, ceramic wash basin India can be found in corridors. There are special types of passage wash basin designs for this purpose. Sometimes, a small corridor can be created by partitioning the bathroom space itself to install a wash basin.
Many families also find it convenient to install another wash basin near the dining area. Ideally, this should be in a separate zone and not in a part of the dining space itself. The water connections should be concealed with a cabinet or wall. For this, there are many modern crockery units with wash basin designs
A wash basin design for the kitchen is not very common. After all, the kitchen already has a sink for washing utensils. However, this can be done for purposes of space and practicality, especially if the kitchen and dining areas are close together.
Overall, while a wash basin can enhance the décor of an interior, it should seamlessly blend in. The point is to combine practicality and aesthetics – not make it stand out as an object in its own right.
The Best Wash Basin Materials
As we have pointed out, you have a wonderful choice of materials when it comes to your wash basin. Here are some of the most popular.
- Ceramic: This is the most-used material for wash basins. A ceramic wash basin design India is hard-wearing and easy to clean. It is also heavier than other types of material.
- Porcelain: This is attractive to look at as well as chip-resistant. It can show scratches more than ceramic, but it is lighter.
- Stainless steel: Wash basins made from stainless steel look modern and contemporary. However, they can be less durable than ceramic.
- Acrylic: This is light, easy to clean and cost-effective. Acrylic wash basins come in a huge variety of shapes and colours.
- Stone: Many varieties of natural stone, such as granite, slate and marble, can be used for wash basins. These are heavier and shock-proof. It will require a little more maintenance but has an elegant and distinctive appeal.
- Wood: You can also get wash basins crafted from hardwood such as oak or teak. Many of these are specially treated or engineered to be less porous. Their textures make them stand out from other types of wash basins.
Several wash basin brands in India offer models in all these materials. You should choose your material after going through the pros and cons and the distinctive appeal of each one.
Choosing the Right Type of Wash Basin
As we have seen, there are many locations and materials for wash basins. There is no one right type recommended for all cases. It depends on the interior space, use, and décor.
For example, if there are children at home, it makes sense to go for a wash basin that is durable and minimal. This will be easy to use and last long.
If the wash basin is located near the dining area, you can match it with the rest of the décor. A wooden wash basin will work well, along with others, such as the right shade of acrylic or stone.
The size of the bathroom is perhaps the most important factor in choosing the right type of wash basin design. The wash basin should match the bathroom interior and blend in seamlessly. If it is too large, it will protrude and take up valuable space.
Finally, the wash basin should be in a place where the water supply pipes can be concealed or integrated with the décor. This will make it look streamlined and modern.
Trendy Wash Basin Designs
Here are some concepts to help you decide on the right type of wash basin for your needs. These trending wash basin designs will provide just the right blend of aesthetics and functionality.
Pedestal or Free-standing
This is best suited to smaller spaces. In such designs, the actual wash basin is on top of a column that contains the water pipes. It can look elegant and modern.
Built-in
In this case, the wash basin is an integral part of a cabinet. It can look seamless and optimises space, too. Such wash basins can enhance the aesthetic appeal of any space.
Wall-hung
This is a very popular type and with good reason. The wash basin is mounted on a wall, which is a space-saving technique. These are easy to maintain and can be positioned at whatever height is suitable.
Counter-top
These look modern and dynamic. The wash basin is part of a top shelf, which can also be used for other purposes. You can design a countertop wash basin with a variety of colours and shapes. It is best suited to a comparatively larger space. These are sometimes also referred to as table top wash basin designs.
Dual
Dual wash basins are a convenient idea that allows more than one person to wash at any given time. Obviously, these require the right space. They work best with a wash basin counter design, although other variations are possible.
Wash Basin Accessories
Choosing the right type of wash basin is just the starting point. For them to be practical when in use, you need the right type of accessories, too.
To begin with, there is a range of taps available. These need to be chosen keeping in mind the nature of the wash basin itself. The material and style of the taps can go a long way in enhancing wash basin design.
A mirror is often placed above the wash basin. These, too, come in many shapes and sizes to match interiors. Many people choose mirror frames depending on the style of the wash basin design itself.
Then, there are cup holders and toothbrush holders that can be attached to the wall next to the wash basin. Alternatively, a small cabinet could hold these and other essentials. They go a long way in adding a touch of convenience for those using the wash basin.
Many wash basins also come with recessed areas for soap. At other times, it makes sense to install a separate soap dish. Another option is a liquid soap dispenser. This is often more convenient to use.
Towel rails or rings next to the wash basin are also important so that you can conveniently dry your hands and face. All of the above accessories will go a long way in making your wash basin simple and easy to use.
Taking Care of Wash Basins
The different wash basin materials available require different types of care. This is a comparatively simple task, but it is important to carry out regularly. After all, nothing spoils a wash basin design more than unsightly stains and marks.
Here are some tips for you to keep your wash basin looking at its sparkling best.
- The types of stains that you should watch out for are those left by soap, hard water and rust.
- Using a soft sponge dipped in water is often the best way to leave a wash basin looking spotless.
- Remember that materials like ceramic can get scratched. Avoid using abrasive materials to clean wash basins made of that.
- Rust stains can be handled with a solution of lemon juice and vinegar. Such stains should be removed as soon as possible.
- Hard water stains can be treated with a mixture of baking soda. If this is not done, they can spoil the entire appearance of a wash basin.
- For some wash basin materials such as wood, a micro-fibre cloth is suitable for cleansing purposes.
- It is also a good idea to disinfect wash basin surfaces to keep them free of germs and bacteria. Many disinfectant sprays are available for this purpose.
- Don’t forget to clean and care for the wash basin fixtures, too. Taps, towel rods, soap dishes, and other areas should be cleaned regularly.
Need more tips on the best choices for your interiors? We suggest that you head to HomeLane. Here, you can find useful guides, recommendations and advice on all aspects of décor. A great place to start is with this comprehensive design guide for bathrooms.
FAQs
How many types of wash basins are there?
Frankly speaking, there can be as many types of wash basins as there are interiors. For a start, different types of wash basins are available for corridors, dining spaces, kitchens and, of course, bathrooms.
The type of wash basin to choose depends on factors such as location and space. A larger bathroom can have a countertop washbasin design. A smaller corner in a corridor could have a pedestal-type wash basin. A kitchen could contain a stainless steel wash basin. There are several other kitchen wash basin designs with price India.
With the various materials, shapes, and sizes of wash basins available, a homeowner should weigh all the factors before deciding. The right wash basin should be a perfect blend of practicality and aesthetics.
How do you measure a wash basin?
Here are the steps to follow:
- Ascertain the distance from one side of the basin to the other. This will give you the width.
- Now, measure the space from the read to the front of the wash basin. This is the length.
- For the height, you need to measure from the top to bottom of the wash basin exterior.
- The last step is to measure from the deepest part of the wash basin to the very top.
It is important to accurately measure both the dimensions of a wash basin as well as the space in which it is to be installed. Doing so will ensure that the wash basin you choose will seem like a perfect fit in the space. It should look as though it is jammed in, and on the other hand, there should be any asymmetric space left over.
What is the difference between a sink and a wash basin?
Generally, sinks are installed in kitchens and wash basins in bathrooms. In some countries, a sink has the same meaning as a wash basin. However, sinks are primarily for cleaning utensils and wash basins are for hands and faces. Sinks can have meshes to hold dishes, as well as stoppers. There are typically larger than wash basins.
At what height should a wash basin be placed?
The height of a wash basin should be dependent on the height of the user. If it is lower, it can cause muscular discomfort in day to day use. Many interior design experts believe that the standard height of a washbasin from the floor should be 85 to 90 cm. The height of the mount, cabinet or other installation should also be accounted for.
