Wall Hung vs Above Counter Basins: Which Should You Choose?

Basins might be small in size, but they make a big impact on how your bathroom looks, how it works, and how it feels day to day. If you’re choosing between a wall hung or an above counter basin, you’re already in designer territory. Both are clean, modern options that can elevate your space. But they do very different things. One gives you floor space and simplicity. The other turns your basin into a feature and gives you more surface area to play with. So how do you decide which one’s right for your room, your routine and your taste? This guide will help you figure it out.

Wall Hung Basins: The Floating Minimalist

Wall hung basins are mounted directly to the wall, with no vanity or cabinet below. The result is clean and open. You’ll usually see these in powder rooms or compact ensuites, but they work just as well in main bathrooms if you like the look and don’t need under-sink storage.

Why people choose wall hung basins:

They make small bathrooms feel bigger. They’re easier to clean around. And they give your space that calm, architectural feel you see in high-end homes and boutique hotels.

A wall hung basin looks great in tight spaces and helps the room feel open and airy.

Above Counter Basins: The Statement Maker

Above counter basins, also called freestanding basins, sit on top of a bathroom vanity or benchtop. Instead of dropping in or mounting flush, they sit proudly above the surface, creating height, contrast and a sense of drama.

Why people choose above counter basins:

They turn a necessity into a design moment. They let you play with colour and material. And they work beautifully with wall-mounted or tall basin mixers, giving you more flexibility with tapware.

An above counter basin adds personality and contrast, especially when paired with bold surfaces or feature tapware.

The Practical Stuff

Let’s talk everyday use. Here’s how each basin type stacks up.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Wall hung basins win on floor cleaning. With no vanity underneath, there are fewer corners to collect dust and hair. That said, because they’re usually smaller, you may splash more water around the room.

Above counter basins are easy to wipe down, but because they’re perched on a benchtop, the base and surface around them need more regular cleaning, especially in busy households.

Installation

Wall hung options need proper wall support. That means noggins, brackets and ideally, planning it before the wall gets tiled.

Above counter basins are simpler to install, they sit directly on the benchtop and the waste feeds down into the cabinetry. But they do require thoughtful bench height. Too high and it’s awkward to use. Too low and it throws off the proportions.

Tapware

If you're choosing a wall hung basin, check whether you want one with a tap landing, or whether you’ll be pairing it with a wall mounted mixer.

Above counter basins give you more freedom. You can go with a tall basin mixer like Max in brushed brass or install taps into the wall. Just make sure the spout length and fall line up with the bowl.

Design Considerations

Storage

Wall hung basins don’t come with drawers or cupboards, so you’ll need to get creative, think floating shelves, recessed mirror cabinets or clever vertical storage.

Above counter basins usually sit on top of a full vanity, which means you can tuck everything underneath out of sight (ideal if you’ve got a lot of bathroom bits to hide).

Need extra storage? Choose an above counter basin.

Visual Flow

Wall hung basins give you that “less is more” look. They’re great when you want the room to feel open and light.

Above counter basins create a more layered, styled effect. If you’ve got a feature benchtop, brushed metal tapware or textured tiles, these basins help tie it all together.

So, Which One Should You Choose?

Go with a wall hung basin if:

• You’re working with a tight space
• You want the room to feel bigger and more open
• You’re happy to lose some storage in favour of simplicity
  

Go with an above counter basin if:

• You want to make the basin a feature
• You need storage under the vanity
• You love playing with shape, texture or colour

Need more help choosing? Check out Buildmat's renovator guide to the best bathroom basins. 

Shop Bathroom Basins at Buildmat

There’s no wrong choice here, just the one that fits your space and your style better. Wall hung gives you that floating, easy-to-clean, minimalist feel. Above counter brings depth, presence and the chance to show off your personality. Either way, you’ll find options in every colour, finish and size in our full bathroom basin collection.

Buildmat curates bathroom basins from some of Australia’s most respected brands—including Caroma basins and Nero basins. Whether you’re chasing timeless simplicity or bold design moments, you’ll find basins built for both everyday function and lasting style.