There are two key things to think about when buying a basin:

1. Size: It’s important that your basin is large enough to be practical, but it also needs to fit your specific space, so always make sure you know your measurements. We offer a wide range of basin sizes – from 400mm cloakroom basins to 1200mm double basins. Also, remember to consider how far your basin projects into the room. Some space-saving basins offer a generous width of 600mm but a shorter projection of only 350-400mm.

2. Mounting: Consider whether you want your basin to be wall-mounted or floorstanding – and what your bathroom will accommodate. For example, a smaller space may benefit from wall-mounted, as floorstanding basins will take up floor space. The location of existing pipework will also influence this decision unless you’re replumbing.

• Full pedestal: This is the traditional and most common type of basin and consists of a basin mounted on top of a floorstanding pedestal which conceals the pipework. Available in a variety of sizes and styles, full pedestal basins are available with single tapholes for mixer taps, while more traditional options include the two and three-taphole varieties.

• Semi-pedestal: Semi-pedestal basins are mounted to the wall with a smaller half pedestal below which covers the pipework. These are particularly good for smaller bathrooms as they maximise space by keeping the pedestal off the floor and can make the room easier to clean.

• Wall-hung: These are mounted onto the wall, so they don’t have a pedestal, although many people choose to install a bottle trap to conceal the pipework.

• Corner basin: These basins are designed to fit into the corner of your room and are good space-savers. They’re usually available with full pedestals but can also be wall-mounted and used with an exposed bottle trap.

• Countertop basins: Designed for use with a worktop or vanity unit, countertop basins generally cannot be mounted to the wall, so it’s important to bear this in mind. They can come with either a single taphole predrilled, or no tapholes, the latter designed for use with wall-mounted taps or high-rise mixers mounted onto the countertop.

• Vanity basins: These include semi-recessed, inset, undermount and countertop basins, all of which can be used with a vanity unit.

After choosing your basin you will need to choose a tap, basin fixing bolts if you have opted for a pedestal or wall mounted basin, basin waste and basin trap. If opting for a wall mounted basin you may want to consider a decorative bottle trap.

The waste you need depends on the basin you choose, but they include:

• Slotted wastes: The most common, these are designed for basins with an overflow slot.
• Unslotted wastes: Usually required by decorative basins with no overflow to the waste pipe.
• Chainstay waste (or plug and chain): Commonly used for more traditional-style basins and only compatible with those which have a pre-drilled chainstay hole.

Firstly, consider the number of tapholes your basin has, as this will determine the type of tap you need. For one-taphole basins, mixer taps are a practical choice, while pillar taps (one hot and one cold) are suited to two-taphole basins. Countertop basins, meanwhile, can be paired with wall-mounted or high-rise mixers, which can be fitted onto the countertop.

Also, consider the style of spout you want, as these come in longer and shorter styles. Aesthetically, once you’ve chosen your tap type, you can then choose your preferred finish and colour.

No, you can choose to either match or contrast your bathroom-ware, depending on personal preference. We have a range of matching styles if you prefer that cohesive look, or you can get creative with our wide selection of products.