Finishing touches

BASINS

You’ll use your hand basin more than any other piece of sanitaryware in your bathroom, so it’s important to make the right choice. Find the largest style you can comfortably accommodate in your room for an elegant and wellproportioned overall look. Alternatively, you can combine a small countertop basin with a wide unit for the same effect.

Countertop basins

These basins sit on top of a vanity unit with all the pipework hidden inside. As the basin rests on the unit, there are no constraints as to what size or shape it can be. You can even upcycle your own unit and create a highly personalised look.

TÖRNVIKEN 45cm countertop wash basin in White, £45, IKEA

Wall-hung basins

Milano Elswick 750 x 420mm rectangular wall-hung basin with Black towel rail, from £149.99, Big Bathroom Shop These clever designs are great for smaller bathrooms. The basin is attached to the wall with nothing but a small bottle trap underneath for waste. This leaves your floor clear and uncluttered, which creates a greater sense of space in en suites and cloakrooms.

Pedestal basins

You’ll already be familiar with this classic style of basin. Pedestal basins are what you’ll most commonly find in bathrooms across the UK, and it’s easy to see why they’re such a huge hit. The neat pedestal conceals the pipework and leaves a clean, traditional look. They’re a no-nonsense style choice that will stand the test of time, so it’s worth investing in a high-quality model.

Burlington Victorian 56cm basin with full pedestal and two tap holes, £156, UK Bathrooms

BASIN TAPS

It’s good design practice to match your basin taps to the style of bath taps or shower you have chosen, but don’t feel you have to limit yourself to buying the same shape exactly. Matching the materials and general look is enough to make a scheme feel considered, especially if they don’t share the same eyeline.

Pillar basin taps

These taps have a classic feel that always looks classy, with separate hot and cold streams so you can mix the water in the basin to the perfect temperature. Cross-headed basin taps are the ideal addition to a traditional bathroom scheme.

Vado Victoriana basin pillar taps, £89.99, Drench

If you’ve chosen a countertop basin without pre-drilled holes, these are the ideal taps. They’re an understated style choice and a cinch to clean. The elegant design makes them appear as though they’re almost floating.

Milano Mirage wall-mounted tap in chrome, £99.99, Mano Mano

Cutout &keep handy PLAN YOUR LAYOUT

No one wants a cramped bathroom! Adam Chard from Victoria Plum has these user-friendly tips...

GENERAL CLEARANCE

Clear space: It’s best to plan a clear space of at least 760mm from the front edge of all fixtures to any opposite bath fixture, wall or obstacle.

DOORS

Door entry: The opening of a doorway should be at least 860mm wide. If the existing structure doesn’t allow for a change, then a minimum 610mm door is allowable – don’t forget you might need to get a bath through it! Door interference: Make sure no door interferes with another door to ensure the safe use of the fixtures and cabinets.

BASINS

Height: Between 760 and 1190mm is comfortable for most adults. Span (the distance from left to right, without obstructions): Recommended: 1020mm; minimum required: 760mm. Clearance to the front: Recommended: 760mm; minimum required: 510mm.

BATHS

Height: Between 500 and 600mm is comfortable for most adults. Space requirement: The minimum size for a straight bath is 1500 x 700mm. Clearance to the side: Recommended: 760mm; minimum required: 530mm. Taps, fillers, wastes and any other form of controls need to be accessible from both inside and outside the tub.

SHOWERS

Space requirement: The minimum shower size is 760 x 760mm. Clearance to the front: Recommended: 760mm; minimum required: 610mm. Door: It may seem obvious, but a shower door must always open outwards.