Choosing the right sink for your bathroom is one of the crucial segments of redecorating or building a bathroom from scratch. It should meet your needs, fit the bathroom's size and of course, fit in with the existing style. If your bathroom is in the traditional style, then you're probably eyeing traditional pedestal basins. Elegant, timeless and practical, these basins are ideal for bathrooms of any size, although they are a common choice for smaller bathrooms. Here's what you need to know.
What is a Full Pedestal Basin?
Full pedestal basins refer to the classic style of basins that most people picture when thinking of a bathroom. The basin is supported by a pedestal that goes all the way to the floor, giving a stable fixing and hiding the pipework. It's secured to the floor and the wall, so it practically takes the entire weight of the basin.
Styles of Full Pedestal Basins
Traditional Pedestal Basin
The traditional pedestal basins have decorative taps, period flourishes and elegant curvy designs that are neat on the front. The classic or vintage look of this type of basin is ideal for bathrooms in the traditional style. This means that it will give you that royal look with many ornaments and decor. If your bathroom is in this style, the basin will hide all the pipework, keeping the bathroom elegant, classy and royal. The classic shape can fit in any era starting from those old and ornamented Victorian styles, to mid-century modern.
Contemporary Pedestal Basins
Pedestal basins are great for contemporary bathrooms as well. Not only they can look minimalist and sleek, but they will also save you space if your bathroom is on the smaller side. The pipework naturally will remain hidden.
Full Pedestal
Most people choose to get full pedestal basins. These reach down to the floor and hide the pipework, holding the entire weight of the sink. The entire look is neat and clean and works perfectly for both traditional and modern bathrooms.
Semi Pedestal
This type is quite stylish and doesn't go down to the floor. It looks neat, but the entire thing is mounted to the wall. It's a great choice if you don't want your floor space to be compromised, no matter the size of your bathroom. Semi pedestal sinks give off a designer look and are most often chosen for smaller bathrooms or cloakrooms.
Is a Full Pedestal Suitable for Your Bathroom?
A full pedestal basin is one of the most common choices for many bathrooms, no matter if they are in the traditional or contemporary style. To answer the question, the basin is suitable for any style of the bathroom as long as it meets its dimensions. If you have pipework and want to hide it (but can't put a vanity) then this type of basin is the perfect solution.
It takes no space, looks elegant and will make your bathroom look tidy and neat. If you have a smaller bathroom you can choose a semi pedestal with a semi-recessed sink. It's one of the most durable choices you can get and you won't have to worry whether the sink's weight will cause damage to the wall. The pedestal supports the weight.
What About Installment?
These sinks are quite simple to fit, but it's best to hire a professional to place them in your bathroom. The pedestal attaches to the floor, and the taps, waste and trap are placed into position before the basin gets fixed onto the pedestal and then onto the wall. Unless you have enough knowledge, experience and suitable tools, allow the professional to handle the instalment.
Tap Holes
Most bases come with either one or two tap holes. The tap holes dictate how many taps you can mount - one or two. If you're getting a traditional-looking pedestal sink, then it will probably come with two tap holes, so you can mount two taps for hot and cold water. However, you can find traditional-looking pedestal sinks with one tap hole where you can mount a mixer that will allow you to adjust the water temperature. This is more convenient for most people, especially for kids and the elderly.
How Much Space Do You Need for a The Basin?
One of the many reasons why people go for pedestal sinks is that they don't take up too much space. Ideal for smaller bathrooms, these sinks will not compromise the bathroom floor space or the general space. However, you have to have precise measurements of both your bathroom and the sink. Also, where it will be placed? If it's in a corner, you'll have to find a suitable design that will fit this area.
Check the widest part of the basin you choose; the width ranges from tiny models (from 420mm) to large models that can reach up to 1200mm. The same goes for the height and depth; the height should be adjusted to the pipework, but also to your height (and the height of your family members) so you feel comfortable using it. Make sure there is enough space between the sink and the door, so you can easily open and close it, without damaging the sink.