Laundry Sink Shapes and Finishes Compared (What to Know Before You Buy)

A laundry sink might seem like a small fixture, but the shape and finish you choose will shape your day-to-day experience. From soaking clothes to cleaning up after DIY projects, your sink is a workhorse. So let’s break down the shapes, finishes, and features that actually make a difference, and help you land on one that suits your space and lifestyle.

Square Sink vs Round Sink vs Rectangular Sink 

The shape of your sink can affect both how it looks and how well it works in your laundry.

Square Laundry Sinks

If you’re aiming for a clean-lined, modern space, square laundry sinks are a natural fit. They’re practical, too. The flat edges and right angles give you more internal room to soak clothes, rinse items or even scrub paintbrushes. They’re also easy to pair with contemporary cabinetry and tiling.

Square laundry sinks are best for:

• Sleek, modern laundries
• Busy households
• Integrated, flush-mount designs

Round Laundry Sinks

Round laundry sinks are softer and more traditional in style. They work well in spaces where the laundry is visible from other rooms, or if you're going for a retro, art deco or transitional look. While they can offer slightly less volume than square options, the curved shape is easier to wipe down.

Round laundry sinks are best for:

• Smaller laundry rooms
• Coastal, Hamptons, or vintage interiors
• Easier cleaning

Read more: How to Create a Beautiful (But Functional) Laundry Room

Rectangular Laundry Sinks

This is the shape most people picture when they think of a laundry sink. Rectangular bowls are the go-to in Australian homes because they give you a solid balance of volume, bench coverage, and compatibility with cabinetry.

The long sides give you more room to soak towels or rinse gear side by side. You’re not losing any space to curves or tight corners, which makes every centimetre count. Whether it’s a simple single bowl or a wider double layout, this shape is built for real-life laundry tasks.

Most rectangular laundry sinks come in topmount or undermount styles and are available across all finishes – stainless steel, matte black, brushed gold, white, and gunmetal.

Quick Laundry Sink Size Comparison

Sink Finishes & What They Say About Your Space

Finish isn’t just about looks. It affects how easily your sink hides grime, how often you’ll need to clean it, and how it ties in with your tapware.

Stainless Steel Laundry Sinks

This one’s a classic. Stainless steel laundry sinks are popular for a reason. It’s durable, heat-resistant, and forgiving when it comes to stains or scratches. It also plays well with most styles of tapware, whether you’re using a chrome gooseneck, brushed brass or matte black mixer.

Stainless steel laundry sinks are best for:

• Heavy-duty use
• Easy maintenance
• Pairing with metal finishes

Black Laundry Sinks

Matte black laundry sinks bring a high-end, architectural feel to your laundry. They contrast beautifully with lighter cabinetry or terrazzo benchtops. If you're styling your laundry with bold intent, black is a confident choice. Keep in mind they do need regular wiping to avoid mineral build-up or water marks.

Black laundry sinks are best for:

• Industrial or monochrome styles
• Feature sink moments
• Matching matte black tapware or brass tapware

White Laundry Sinks

White laundry sinks give off a fresh, clean vibe. They're ideal for coastal, Hamptons, Scandi or farmhouse-style spaces. They also help visually enlarge smaller rooms and tend to disguise detergent splashes better than darker finishes.

White laundry sinks are best for:

• Light, airy laundries
• Family homes
• Styles that favour brightness and simplicity

Laundry Sink Features to Look Out For 

Laundry Sinks With Overflow

A laundry sink with an overflow feature is one of those smart inclusions that can save you big headaches. It redirects excess water before it spills onto your floors. If your laundry doubles as a bathroom or is used by kids, this is worth including.

Laundry sinks with overflows are best for:

• Family homes
• Multi-use laundries
• Builders or landlords looking to reduce future risk
  

Read more: Can I Use a Kitchen Mixer in the Laundry?

What About Laundry Sink Size?

Whether you’re short on space or planning for big loads, size matters.

Small Laundry Sinks

Small laundry sinks are ideal for compact laundries, apartments, or when your laundry duties are minimal. These save on bench space while still giving you a place to hand wash or rinse off.

Best for:

• Tight laundry rooms
• Occasional use
• Pairing with wall-hung cabinetry

Large Laundry Sinks

If your laundry is the hub of your home’s mess management (think muddy footy boots, gardening tools, or soaking school uniforms) you’ll want the depth and width to match. That’s where large laundry sinks shine. 

Best for:

• Larger households
• Versatile, all-in-one laundry needs
• Homes with pets or lots of washing

Don’t Forget Tapware!

The right mixer tap brings it all together. Laundry mixer taps come in a range of styles and spray options, so you can match your tap to your chosen sink finish, whether that's black, brushed brass, nickel or chrome. Some ALSO include pull-out sprayers for extra flexibility.

Shop Laundry Sinks at Buildmat

A laundry sink might not be the star of your home, but it definitely plays a major support role. The right shape will give you more function, and the right finish can turn a plain utility room into a well-designed, high-performing space. 

Whether you’re working with a tight layout or planning a full reno, start by figuring out how you actually use your laundry day to day. Then match the sink to your needs, not just the style.

When you’re ready to explore, check out our full laundry sink collection. There’s something for every space (and every task).