Robert Gordon Kiln 515 Rectangular Hand Basin Olive

Choosing the right bathroom basin sets the tone for your whole space. Here's how to find one that works beautifully and practically for your home.

1. Measure your vanity or benchtop carefully

Measure the width and depth of your vanity or available benchtop space, and check how much clearance you have around the basin for taps for things like soap and other products you use daily. Make sure there's enough room to comfortably wash your hands without hitting walls, mirrors or other fixtures.

2. Choose your basin style

• Above counter basins: Sit on top of the benchtop as a feature piece, great for modern or designer bathrooms.
• Undermount bathroom basins: Fitted beneath the benchtop for a seamless, easy-to-clean look that suits minimal or classic styles.
• Semi-recessed basins: Sit partly into the benchtop, saving space while still looking stylish – ideal for smaller bathrooms or powder rooms.
• Wall hung basins: Mount directly to the wall with no vanity, perfect for tight spaces or where you want an open, airy feel.

3. Think about size and bowl depth

Check internal bowl size, not just overall dimensions. A deeper bowl is more practical for washing hair or faces without splashing, while shallow designs can work well in powder rooms where space and style matter more than everyday function.

4. Match the shape and material to your bathroom

Round basins and pill basins feel soft and organic, perfect for coastal or modern settings. Square basins and rectangular basins suit contemporary or industrial styles with clean lines. Choose from ceramic, concrete, terrazzo, or stone-look finishes depending on the mood you want. Then, pair your basin with matching basin mixer taps or wall mixer taps for a cohesive look.

5. Consider colour and texture options

While white basins are timeless and versatile, Buildmat offers basins in black, green, pink, blue, sand, matte grey, and other coloured basins to make a statement. Textured finishes like fluted basins, marble-look or terrazzo add character and hide minor marks better than high-gloss options.

6. Plan tap position and tap landing

Decide whether you want deck-mounted taps (sitting on the benchtop), wall-mounted taps, or taps fixed to the basin itself. Some basins come with pre-drilled tap holes, while others require wall-mounted basin taps or tall basin mixers for above-counter designs. 

7. Match basin size to room size

In a powder room, a small basin or semi-recessed basin keeps the space feeling open. In an ensuite or main bathroom, a larger basin or even a double vanity with two basins can handle morning routines more comfortably. Choose basin size to suit how many people use the space daily.

8. Set your basin budget

Simple ceramic basins can start from under $200, while designer above counter, coloured, concrete or stone-look basins typically range from $300–$800+, depending on size, finish and brand. Decide how much the basin will define your bathroom's style and budget accordingly.

Need more help finding the right basin?

Explore our full range of bathroom basins across all styles, sizes and finishes. Or visit our building and renovating tips blog for practical advice, real renovation examples, and the latest bathroom design trends to help you plan with confidence.