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All of our quality products are available at very competitive prices
All of our quality products are available at very competitive prices
Choosing the perfect basin for a Melbourne bathroom is a great way to complete the look and fill the vanity space just right. Three popular varieties of basin we sell are above-counter basins, semi-inset basins and drop-in basins. Each works differently for your bathroom and each fits the space in their own unique ways.
In this guide, we’ll break down how each basin type works, the pros and cons of each and what to consider before you buy. The team at RF Bathroom and Kitchen Products can help you find the basin that suits your style, decor and budget.
An above counter basin, such as the Essence 480, is one that sits entirely on top of the counter, none of it is sunk into the counter at all. It looks like a decorative bowl and is an eye-catching centrepoint to your bathroom.
These types of basins need a tall basin mixer or one mounted to the wall due to the extra height on the countertop. Beneath them, inside the vanity, you have maximum storage space. There is no basin to get in the way of storing toiletries and towels.
Because they sit on your vanity, only a hole for the waste and possibly one for the mixer is required to be cut in the bench top. This gives your bathroom a day-spa, fancy vibe to it. Be sure to use the correct silicone to seal where the basin meets the bench top.
A semi-insert basin is a basin that sits partially embedded into your vanity bench top. It allows the basin to not sit too high above the bench top while still allowing sufficient depth for your needs. Perfect for smaller ensuites or powder rooms.
This style of basin does not protrude too deeply into your cabinet and provides a practical compromise between Basin height and storage requirements.
If you choose a semi-inset basin a larger cut out will be required to allow for the part of the basin that will sit below the bench top.
As with all bathroom fittings, always use a licensed tradesman to install your basin.
This Basin type is where the rim sits on the bench top supporting the weight of the basin below it and requires a larger hole cut out in the bench top. Also, the basin will protrude further into the vanity, possibly reducing storage area if this is an important consideration for you.
These basins are often more affordable than other basin types and often used to replace existing basins of the same type. If so, always check the size and shape of the existing cut out to ensure your new basin will fit.
As always, be sure to use the correct silicone where the basin meets the bench top to ensure no water can get into your vanity cabinet.
The key differences between these three kinds of basin primarily are the height above the vanity and the storage space below the vanity. Here is a table comparing the three basins against common topics.
| Feature | Above Counter | Semi-Insert | Drop-In |
| Visual Profile | Sits entirely on top of the basin | Partially recessed into the basin. | Sits flush inside the bench with only a visible rim |
| Vanity Storage | Maximises the storage space in the vanity below | A small impact on the storage space | Can potentially reduce significantly the storage space beneath. |
| Cleaning | All Ceramic basins should be cleaned using warm soapy water or a non abrasive all purpose cleaner | All Ceramic basins should be cleaned using warm soapy water or a non abrasive all purpose cleaner | All Ceramic basins should be cleaned using warm soapy water or a non abrasive all purpose cleaner |
| Tapware needs | Needs a tall tower mixer or a wall mounted mixer high enough to reach into the sink. | Works with standard tapware | Works with standard tapware |
| Best for | Modern and luxurious bathroom setups | Family bathrooms. | High traffic areas or a budget bathroom renovation. |
Choosing one of the three basin options discussed in this article will dictate the final height, ergonomics and cleaning techniques you will need in your bathroom. It will also put a final say on the style and aesthetics of your bathroom and reflect your creative side. Finding that perfect balance of visual presence, storage beneath and height above, can be found.
Because these basins sit entirely on top of your vanity, the storage space underneath is maximised. If you have the room for a big vanity, you can have storage for everything including bath towels, underneath the basin.
It is a statement piece, so aesthetically and visually it stands out. Paired with some dynamic tapware, extended mixers or tall tower mixers, and you would have a visually stunning bathroom that would take your breath away as soon as you walked in the door.
When choosing an above counter basin, keep in mind the height of the basin to ensure all users can comfortably access the basin itself. This will also impact the height you will mount a wall hung vanity.
Drop-in basins are almost fully sunk into the vanity, with just the rim left flat on the surface. It is a classic, understated look and allows premium benchtop surfaces to shine, rather than the basin.
The overlapping rim can mask any rough cuts when the hole is created, so if you have a budget-friendly vanity top, this can tidy it up nicely.
The downside is you sacrifice storage space in the vanity itself. Depending on where the basin is mounted, you could also lose drawer depth.
This is the compromise between the two other types of basins. Part of the basin is above the vanity line, and part is set inside the vanity. It’s a great mix of styles, with the visual depth of the sink but a more grounded feel.
These are great for your standard 900mm vanities as it is not too far out of reach for youngsters, but with a rim to prevent too much spillage.
Storage beneath is not completely removed either. You may not be storing towels in your vanity, but you can certainly fit more toiletries than you could with a drop-in basin.
The right basin for you comes down to how you use your bathroom, how much storage you want beneath the vanity and the overall look and feel you want. If you feel you need a bold statement piece, then an above-vanity basin could be for you. For a more family-friendly option, the middle ground of a semi-inset basin may be what you’re after. Or a budget DIY solution could be the drop-in basin.
Whichever direction you want to take your bathroom, our team at RF Bathroom & Kitchen Products are here to offer good, sound advice through our distributors. They can show you the full range of basin options, discuss what your bathroom may look like, and help match your lifestyle with the perfect basin type.
We supply basins and vanities to homeowners and trade professionals through our reputable distributors across Melbourne and surrounding suburbs. Contact us today for more information about how we uplift your bathroom with a new basin.
