The Art of Small Space Design: Stylish Hand Basins for Compact Bathrooms

Hand basins, when designed with precision and care, can transcend their practical use, enhancing a bathroom by contributing fashion and comfort to the room’s overall design. Maintaining elegance without compromising on space, our compact hand basins are ideal for smaller bathrooms and powder rooms, as their compact design is designed to maximise limited spaces. Despite their reduced size, hand basins in small spaces are engineered to offer full functionality, ensuring that essential bathroom tasks can be performed comfortably and conveniently.

Beyond practicality, these basins also contribute significantly to the overall aesthetic and ambiance of the room; so it’s little wonder that the hand basin industry is booming at the moment, and is projected to reach $1.90 Billion by the year 2030. This is largely due to the expansion in the construction of new properties, but also because the landscape of home bathroom sink designs is continually changing. Indeed, the current trend is skewing towards dual-person sinks; rather than using a single small sink or two individual sinks, a broader basin designed for two allows partners to use the sink at the same time, each with their own faucet, enhancing both functionality and the perception of space in the bathroom.

The Stainless Express selection of stainless steel hand basins offers a wide variety of shapes, sizes and finishes, ensuring ample choices for any customer. These basins are often designed with innovative shapes and sizes to fit into tight corners or along narrow walls, effectively optimising every inch of space. As reliably functional as they are aesthetically dynamic, our hand basins promise outstanding quality and lasting reliability.

Factors to Consider in Handbasin Selection

Size & Dimensions

When selecting a sink, it’s extremely important to consider the size and shape of both the sink as well as the room you’re installing it within. A sink that doesn't proportionally fit can disrupt the aesthetic balance and appeal of the space. It's equally important to choose a sink that complements the bathroom's decor and style. Even the most exquisite sink won't enhance the bathroom if its size clashes with the surrounding area. The sink should seamlessly integrate with the environment, avoiding being overly dominant or diminutive. It should have a bowl large enough to accommodate the cleaning needs of your household, with faucets positioned at convenient heights for easy access by hands of any size. Additionally, the sink must connect properly to the existing water supply lines. Before finalising your choice, measure the intended installation area carefully, considering the sink's mounting style and its distance from the wall, as well as any required space for toiletries and decorations around the basin.

Style & Aesthetics

Selecting a bathroom sink that harmonises with your bathroom's style and decor is crucial. The bathroom offers an excellent opportunity to reinforce the overall design theme of your home. With a wide array of sink designs available, you can find options that effortlessly match any decor style, whether it’s cutting-edge modern, contemporary, classic, or vintage. In planning your sink area, think about how the sink will enhance the desired aesthetic. Decide whether you want the sink to stand out as the focal point or if it should subtly complement other key features, like a walk-in shower or bathtub, playing a more background role in your bathroom’s design.

Functionality & Usability

When selecting a bathroom sink, practicality plays a crucial role. For instance, in a bathroom used by multiple individuals, opting for a double sink washbasin can be preferable if you wish to accommodate comfortable usage for everyone. The functionality of your faucets should not be overlooked. For instance, based on ease of access and individual tastes, you and your residency might favour a lever-style handle over a twist knob, or the other way around. Common materials for faucets are brass, chrome, stainless steel, and zinc, with finishes like brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, and copper being popular choices; but remember, it's important to ensure that the faucet's material and design complement the rest of the bathroom's fixtures and overall decor.

Installation and Maintenance

Selecting a bathroom sink that offers straightforward installation and minimal upkeep is crucial. There are several mounting options available for bathroom sinks, catering to diverse design preferences and functional needs. Understanding the specific care requirements associated with different materials and designs can further simplify maintenance efforts, ensuring your sink remains in pristine condition and functions optimally for years to come. This approach not only preserves the aesthetic appeal of your bathroom but also maximises the investment in your chosen sink by reducing the need for frequent repairs or replacements.

Style and Design

The bathroom offers an excellent opportunity to reinforce the overall design theme of your home. With a variety of sink styles available, you can find one that effortlessly matches any decor, whether you're looking for something sleek and modern or prefer a more traditional or vintage look. In planning the design of your sink area, think about the role the sink will play in the overall aesthetic. Do you envision it as a standout piece that draws the eye? Or do you prefer a more subtle approach, allowing the sink to enhance other focal points, such as a walk-in shower or bathtub?

Material and Durability

Ideally, you’re going to want to pick a bathroom basin that’s going to withstand the test of time. That means you need a material that’s able to withstand moisture as well as general wear. That’s exactly why we favour stainless steel. Stainless steel is inherently resistant to corrosion, making it ideal for the humid and wet conditions typical of bathrooms. This resistance ensures the sink maintains its appearance and functionality over time without succumbing to rust or corrosion. Stainless steel is also known for its strength and durability, capable of resisting dents, scratches, and other forms of physical damage. This toughness makes it suitable for everyday use, even in high-traffic bathrooms. And unlike other materials that may need special cleaners or treatments, stainless steel can be maintained with simple cleaning solutions, helping to preserve its shine and hygienic surface.

Types of Hand Basins for Small Bathrooms

Among the most favoured basin types are the wall-mounted hand basin, the pedestal hand basin, the corner hand basin, the vessel hand basin, and the vanity hand basin.

Wall-mounted Hand Basins

Wall-mounted hand basins are the kind that are installed directly on the bathroom wall. Their compact size and light weight make them suitable for smaller areas. The ample space underneath these basins also makes them easy to clean.

Pedestal Hand Basins

Pedestal hand basins feature a pedestal that enhances the bathroom's visual appeal by hiding the plumbing. They are available in several configurations, including single-piece designs or as two separate units with a pedestal and a detachable basin.

Corner Hand Basins

Corner hand basins are designed to fit snugly into the corner of a bathroom, making them an ideal solution for maximising space in smaller or awkwardly shaped bathrooms. Their compact design allows for efficient use of space, while still providing full functionality. These basins are particularly useful in tight areas where every inch of floor or counter space matters.

Vessel Hand Basins

Vessel hand basins sit on top of the counter, rather than being installed into it or mounted to the wall. They resemble a bowl or vessel and can serve as a striking focal point in the bathroom design. Available in a variety of materials, colours, and shapes, vessel basins offer a unique, modern look that can complement a wide range of bathroom styles. They are appreciated for their aesthetic appeal and the ease with which they can be installed.

Vanity Hand Basins

Vanity hand basins are integrated into a bathroom vanity or countertop, providing a seamless look. Vanity basins are practical and space-efficient, as they combine the sink with storage space in the vanity unit below. This integration makes them a popular choice for bathrooms of all sizes, offering both functionality and style.

Stainless Express’s Top Picks of Hand Basins

Here are just some of the current best-selling basin varieties that we have in stock at the moment.

Wall Mounted Hand Basin

This hand basin showcases a contemporary, sleek style that seamlessly integrates with any decor. Its wall-mounted configuration conserves space, making it an excellent choice for confined spaces. It’s easy to clean, promoting consistent hygiene, which makes it suitable for both commercial and personal settings.

Wall Mounted Corner Basin

Wall-mounted corner basins are space-saving marvels, ideal for optimising the layout of small or awkwardly shaped bathrooms by utilising often overlooked corner spaces. Their installation not only frees up valuable floor area but also contributes to a cleaner, more streamlined appearance, enhancing the overall aesthetic and functionality of the bathroom. Supplied in satin finish, and complete with 50mm blade rear upstand, mounting bracket and 40mm waste outlet, this stunning basin is made from Grade 304 stainless steel.

Knee Operated Hand Basin

Supplied pre-plumbed with low-level type spout, with a mounting bracket, front push panel, and 40mm waste outlet and tempering valve, this knee operated basins offer unparalleled convenience by allowing hands-free operation. Their design facilitates ease of use, making them exceptionally user-friendly and efficient in conserving water, while reducing the spread of germs and enhancing hygiene, especially in high-traffic or professional environments where cleanliness is paramount.

Drop-in Round Hand Basin

Designed for precision and durability, offering a seamless integration into laboratory countertops for a clean, professional look. Its rounded shape (with a 25mm perimeter top flange) makes cleaning a breeze, while its drop-in design ensures a secure fit when installing. Equally ideal for heavy duty kitchens, or for conducting experiments in scientific settings.

Conclusion

Stainless steel is as durable, water proof, hygienic, and as aesthetically modern as it is timeless. You can view the full range of Stainless Express hand basins here, or check out our many other products here. Got a question? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us via our Contact Us page. Easy!