Washbasins and fountains

Sinks and hand basins are both sanitary facilities used for washing hands and faces, but they differ in size, function, and use. Here's an overview of both and their key features:

Wash basins

A sink is a larger sanitary fixture typically installed in bathrooms. They are designed for extensive use, such as washing hands, face, brushing teeth, and sometimes small household chores.

Types of washbasins:

Countertop washbasin

• Placed on top of a washbasin cabinet.
• Modern look and easy to install.

Built-in washbasin

• Integrated in a washbasin top/furniture.
• Sleek appearance and easy to clean.

Undercounter washbasin

• Mounted underneath the blade, without visible edges.
• Luxurious and easy to maintain.

Freestanding washbasin (stand alone)

• Stands freely in the room, often on a column or piece of furniture.
• Design-oriented and suitable for large bathrooms.

Wall-mounted washbasin

• Mounted directly to the wall, without a base cabinet.
• Ideal for smaller spaces and gives a spacious effect.

Corner washbasin

• Fits in corners, ideal for small bathrooms.
• Space-saving and functional.

Materials of wash basins:

• Ceramics: Traditional, durable and easy to maintain.
• Natural stone: Luxurious appearance, requires more maintenance.
• Glass: Modern and stylish, but more sensitive to scratches.
• Stainless steel: Industrial look, hygienic and durable.
• Concrete: Robust and trendy, fits with industrial styles.
• Solid Surface: Seamless and sleek, popular in modern bathrooms.

Fountains

A hand basin is a smaller sink specifically designed for compact spaces like toilets or small bathrooms. Hand basins are primarily intended for hand washing and are less suitable for intensive use.

Types of fountains:

Fountain

• Stands on top of a fountain cabinet or shelf.
• Modern and easy to install.

Wall fountain

• Mounted directly on the wall, without a base cabinet.
• Saves space and is perfect for washrooms.

Corner fountain

• Specially designed for corner mounting.
• Ideal for very small toilet spaces.

Freestanding fountain

• Less commonly used, but offers a unique design.

Materials of fountains:

• Ceramics (most common for convenience and durability).
• Natural stone (for a luxurious look).
• Plastic (budget-friendly and lightweight).

Features of fountains:

• Compact size, often between 30-50 cm wide.
• Often combined with a fountain tap , which is smaller than a normal tap.
• Available in both left and right versions (depending on the desired tap position).

Differences between sinks and fountains:

Feature	Washbasin	Fountain
Size	Larger, suitable for bathrooms	Small, ideal for toilet areas
Usage	Daily extensive use	Wash hands only
Installation	On furniture, on wall or freestanding	Usually on the wall
Style	Many variations and designs	Simpler, compact design
Crane	Normal washbasin tap	Smaller fountain tap

Washbasin cabinets

Vanity units are furniture placed under a sink to provide storage space and neatly conceal plumbing. They are available in various styles, sizes, and materials to suit the bathroom's décor.

Often, sinks have a standard size and can be combined with any vanity unit of the same size. This allows for endless combinations. Therefore, it's advisable not to choose a complete piece of furniture right away, but to also consider and combine the individual sinks and vanity units separately.

Types of washbasin cabinets

Freestanding base units

• They stand freely on the floor and are easy to move.
• Often provided with legs or a plinth.
• Ideal for rental properties or flexible layouts.

Hanging (floating) base cabinets

• Fixed to the wall without contact with the floor.
• Creates a spacious effect and makes the floor easy to keep clean.
• Modern and minimalist look.

Built-in base units

• Specially designed to work with a specific sink.
• Seamless integration for a sleek finish.
• Less flexible in sizing.

Open base cabinets

• No doors or drawers, but open shelves for an airy look.
• Perfect for towels and decorative items.
• Fits well in modern or industrial styles.

Corner base cabinets

• Suitable for small bathrooms where space is limited.
• Optimizes space by making clever use of corners.

Materials of washbasin cabinets

Wood

• Gives a warm and natural look.
• Solid wood is durable but sensitive to moisture, while MDF with wood veneer is more resistant to moisture.

MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard)

• Widely used because of its moisture resistant coating.
• Affordable and available in various colours and finishes.

Chipboard

• Budget-friendly material, often finished with a plastic top layer.
• Less resistant to long-term humidity than MDF.

Glass or metal

• Modern and industrial look, often combined with other materials.
• Good moisture resistance, but can be sensitive to scratches.

Popular finishes

• High gloss: Gives a modern look and reflects light, making the room appear larger.
• Matte: Sleek and stylish, less sensitive to fingerprints.
• Wood look: Natural look without the maintenance of real wood.
• Concrete look: Industrial and trendy, perfect for a modern bathroom.

Features to consider when choosing a washbasin cabinet:

Dimensions

• Make sure that the base cabinet fits the sink and the available space.
• Standard widths are often 60, 80, 100 or 120 cm.

Storage space

• Choose between drawers or doors depending on your storage needs.
• Drawers are useful for smaller items; cabinets for larger products.

Ease of installation

• Some base cabinets are delivered pre-assembled, others as a kit.
• Floating models require sturdy wall mounting.

Layout of the drain

• Take into account the siphon and pipes running through the cabinet.
• Some cabinets have cutouts or special siphon recesses.

Combine with washbasins

Washbasin cabinets are often combined with:

• Countertop washbasins : For a modern look with a top.
• Integrated washbasins : Where the washbasin and cabinet fit together perfectly.
• Double sinks : For shared bathrooms or spacious bathrooms.