Small Basins

You know that tiny bathroom. The one that’s more of a cupboard with a toilet in it. The powder room under the stairs or that ensuite you squeezed in that feels… well, squeezy. We’ve all got one, or we’ve all been in one. And you stand there thinking, how on earth am I supposed to make this feel like a proper room? A lot of the time, the big, clunky basin is the problem. It just eats up space. But what if we told you that the basin could be the solution instead? A small basin isn't a downgrade. It’s a clever bit of design that can make a tiny room feel intentional, stylish, and a whole lot bigger. Here at The Blue Space, we're a bit obsessed with them, because we've seen firsthand how they can completely save a space.

When we say 'small basin', we're not talking about something you can barely get your hands in. We're talking about properly designed sinks that are just… efficient. There isn't a hard and fast rule, but usually, it’s a basin that’s about 450mm wide or less, or doesn't stick out from the wall too far. You might hear them called cloakroom basins. The whole idea behind a small hand basin is that it does the important job – letting you wash your hands and face – without hogging the spotlight or the floor plan. They’re specifically designed for those spots where every centimetre is precious. Simple as that.

Their compact size makes them awesome problem-solvers all over the house.

• That Awkward Downstairs Loo. This is their spiritual home. The little powder room is almost always tight on space. A small basin is a must. It keeps the room functional without you having to breathe in just to shut the door.

• The Squeezed-In Ensuite. So you've managed to carve out enough room for an ensuite. Brilliant. But now you have to fit everything in. A small basin can be the difference between a cramped ensuite and a clever one. It can free up just enough room to make the shower feel more generous or stop you from tripping over the loo.

• The 'Character-Filled' Family Bathroom. In older homes or apartments, the main bathroom can be pretty cosy. A massive vanity just makes it feel crowded. A smaller basin can restore a sense of balance and make the morning chaos a little less… chaotic.

• The Hardworking Laundry. A small, deep basin in the laundry is so useful. Great for hand-washing clothes or dealing with muddy shoes. All the utility, none of the bulk.

Don't think for a second that small means you've only got one or two options. The world of bathroom basins is massive, even in the compact category.

Want to know the oldest trick in the book for making a room look bigger? Get stuff off the floor. That’s exactly what a wall hung basin does. It bolts straight to the wall, so the floor underneath is completely clear. It’s a visual trick that really works. And as a bonus, cleaning the floor is a dream. Your plumbing will be exposed underneath, so think of it as a chance to add a bit of personality with a cool black or brass bottle trap.

These are for making a bit of a statement. An above counter basin sits on top of your bench like a feature bowl. It immediately draws the eye. The great thing is, you can pair a really interesting basin with a very slim, narrow vanity, so you get all the style without sacrificing heaps of space. Whether you go for a classic round basin or something more arty, it’s going to have personality. Just remember you'll need a tall tap on the bench or one that comes out of the wall.

An inset basin is the tidy option. It drops into a hole in your benchtop so the rim sits on the counter. It looks really clean and gives you the most usable bench space possible around the sink for your stuff. A classic, no-fuss look.

Now, the semi-recessed basin is pure genius for skinny rooms. The back of it is sunk into the bench, but the front half pokes out. Why is this so good? It means you can have a really shallow vanity that doesn't get in your way, but you still get a decent-sized bowl to wash your face in without splashing everywhere. A total game-changer.

If you want the cleanest look possible, this is it. An undermount basin is mounted from underneath the benchtop. No rim, no edge, nothing. It creates a dead-flat surface from bench to sink, which means you can literally just wipe crumbs and water straight into the bowl. So easy to clean. You'll need a solid benchtop like stone for this, as the cut edge is on show.

Even a small room can have a focal point. Compact freestanding basins, or pedestal basins, bring a sense of grandeur. All the pipes are hidden inside the column. You don't get any counter space, but you get a whole lot of drama and elegance. If you want a lighter, more modern version of this, have a look at console basins – they sit on a fine metal frame and feel really open and airy.

The shape you pick really sets the mood. A soft and friendly oval basin has no sharp corners, which can physically and visually soften a tight space.

But if you love a clean, modern look, a sharp rectangular basin is your friend. A neat little square basin can also look very crisp and purposeful.

The really hot look right now is something in between. A pill-shape basin offers the straight sides of a rectangle but with soft, curved ends. It feels very contemporary. Same goes for the beautiful arch shape trend, which adds a graceful curve to the room.

Want texture? You have to see the fluted basins. Their ribbed, textured sides are stunning. They catch the light and add a layer of detail that makes the basin feel like a piece of art.

Or maybe you're renovating an older place? There are some gorgeous traditional basins with lovely detailed edges that will fit right in.

So why go small? It's more than just a space issue.

1. The Obvious One: You Get Your Space Back. It’s the main reason, and it’s a good one. A compact basin makes your room feel less like a corridor and more like a proper room.

2. You Can Get Creative. A smaller footprint opens up possibilities. That awkward corner? You can probably fit a basin there now. You have more freedom with your layout.

3. Small Footprint, Big Style. Honestly, some of the coolest, most interesting designs are in the small basin category. Because designers know they have to work harder, you get amazing colours, textures, and shapes.

4. It’s a Bit Friendlier on Your Budget. Often, less material means a lower price tag. That might mean you can afford to splash out on those beautiful taps you really wanted.

What your basin is made of is a big deal. It's about look, feel, and how much you want to clean it.

Ceramic is like a great pair of jeans. It's the classic for a reason. Tough, easy to clean, and its glossy shine always looks good. You really can’t go wrong with a ceramic basin.

Solid Surface basins have a lovely warm, almost soft, matte finish. They look and feel amazing. A cool bonus with a solid surface basin is that you can often buff out little scratches.

For that raw, earthy, industrial vibe, a concrete basin is a showstopper. Each one is unique.

If you want pure luxury, nothing beats a natural stone basin. A piece of marble carved into a sink? Yes please. Brands like Kaskade Stone do incredible work here.

And don't forget Terrazzo! That fun, speckled look is everywhere right now, and for good reason. It’s playful and stylish. The terrazzo collection from Eight Quarters is a great example of how to inject some fun into a bathroom.

And colours! Of course you can get a beautiful, classic white basin. But have a look at a matte white basin for a more modern, chalky texture. A black basin is instant drama. A soft grey one feels calm and spa-like. Or just go for it with a beautiful green basin or a cheeky pink basin. Why not?

You've probably heard of the big guys like Caroma; they've been a staple in Aussie bathrooms forever. Then you've got other awesome Aussie brands like ADP and Timberline who make beautiful stuff.

Fienza is amazing for really modern, on-trend designs. If you're after that European designer look, check out Studio Bagno. For classic style, Turner Hastings is perfect. And for bold, colourful concrete, you have to look at Eight Quarters. Brands like Clark, Decina, and Otti also offer a huge range of reliable and stylish options.

Before you make the final call, just double-check two little things. One: taps. Does the basin have a hole for the tap? If yes, you need a normal mixer tap. If no, you need either a tall one that stands on the bench or one that comes out of the wall. Just make sure the water will hit the bowl and not the bench! Two: the plug. Some sinks have an overflow hole, some don't. Just make sure you buy the right plug to match. Get those two things right, and you're golden. Your tiny bathroom is about to have its glow-up.