Upgrade Your Space: 7 Modern Washbasin Design Ideas for Living Room & Bathroom
We use washbasins dozens of times without even noticing. We splash water, wash our hands, and wipe up drips. All that daily ritual deserves a "washbasin" that’s not just functional but also pleasing to the eye.
That little sink you pass by every single day (or glance at while brushing your teeth) can be the design anchor you never knew you needed. If done right, your basin can even elevate the whole ambience of your bathroom without huge renovation costs. You can shift from bland to bold by choosing smart shapes, finishes, and installation styles.
Let us walk you through 7 design ideas that work both in bathrooms and even in creative living room basin setups.
1. Sleek Countertop Basins with Thin Rims
"Countertop basins" are currently among the most popular choices because they bring a sculptural quality to your wash area. A basin sits on top of a vanity or slab, exposing its edges fully. Jaquar offers such basins in our core collections, like Laguna and Jaquar Designer, which offer plenty of style variety.
What makes the thin-rim design trend especially appealing is its minimalism: less bulk, more elegance. By using neutral tones like matte white or soft greys, or if your palette allows, darker finishes, you can even make the basin pop against your countertop material.
2. Undercounter and Semi-Recessed Basins
If you prefer a cleaner silhouette, undercounter basins (also known as sink under a cut-out) or semi-recessed designs are excellent. These "bathroom basins" keep the countertop clean, letting it flow over the basin gently. Our basin collections include undercounter options as well.
These types suit bathrooms where you want a smooth, continuous surface (think marble, quartz, or engineered stone). In smaller bathrooms or cloakrooms, the semi-recessed variant (where part of the basin is exposed) gives a balance, so you don’t lose counter space entirely.
3. Wall-Hung Basins for Floating Style
A "wall-hung (or wall-mounted) washbasin" is great for freeing up floor space, creating a floating effect that can visually expand a room. For bathrooms with limited footprints, a wall-hung style can make it feel more open. All our ranges include wall-hung and pedestal options that complement their countertop lines.
You can integrate concealed plumbing or hide the pipes behind a slim vanity panel. Combine that with a wall finish (tiles, plaster, or wallpaper) for a neat, modern aesthetic.
4. Integrated Basin and Vanity Units
If you like practical all-in-one units, basins integrated with vanities or cabinets are a smart way to hide plumbing and maximize storage. You can choose floating vanities, wall units, or floor-standing cabinets, and then pair them with a compatible washbasin. This is especially helpful in bathrooms that double as utility or grooming zones.
5. Statement Round or Oval Basin Designs
Rectangles are classic, but curves bring softness and an organic touch. A round or oval countertop basin can become a focal point. "Jaquar’s Opal range" includes basins with a round and soft edges design that underscores how curves can blend with modern décor.
Remember to pay attention to proportions (don’t pick a giant round basin on a narrow countertop) and choose materials and finishes that complement your space.
6. Dual Basins or His & Hers Setup
In shared bathrooms, dual basins are a great functional upgrade, allowing two people to get ready at once without bumping elbows. If space allows, consider placing two compact basins side by side (or a wide countertop with two inset basins). Jaquar’s flexible basin options make it easier to pick matching designs in smaller sizes.
7. Living Room Basins
Yes, we said “living room basins.” In modern homes where bathrooms and social spaces blend (like powder rooms that open into the living or dining zones), you can use a stylish basin as a design element. A compact countertop basin on a narrow console or shelf, combined with a decorative mirror, can double as both functional and decorative.
Use finishes that tie into your interior palette so the washbasin feels more like furniture than plumbing. Jaquar’s extensive finish options let you match or contrast basins with other room features, making such living spaces feel intentional, not odd.
8. Final Thoughts
Upgrading your bathroom or adding a washbasin corner in a living space isn’t just about utility; it’s about embracing design with intention. Whether you lean toward sleek countertop basins, floating wall models, or creative living room basins, the seven ideas above offer a spectrum of possibilities. Pair any of these with "Jaquar UK" product range and design-support services, and you can move from concept to reality with confidence.
Ready to reimagine your space? Start by browsing our basin collection, using our complimentary "design consultation" to preview options in 3D, and selecting finishes that resonate with your interiors. Your washbasin doesn’t have to hide away; let it shine.
