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Pedestal, Semi Pedestal, Washstand or Vanity Unit: Choosing a Basin Style
The basin is one of the first things you notice in a bathroom, and the way it is mounted changes both the look of the room and how much storage you get. Here are the four main options and where each one works best.
Full pedestal basins
A full pedestal runs from the floor to the underside of the basin, supporting it and hiding the waste trap and pipework.
- Classic look that suits both modern and traditional bathrooms
- Simple to fit, with the pedestal taking the weight of the basin
- No storage, so you may need a separate cabinet
Semi pedestal basins
A semi pedestal is fixed to the wall under the basin and covers the trap, but stops short of the floor.
- Leaves the floor clear, which makes a small room feel larger and easier to clean
- Basin height can be set to suit you
- Pipework needs to come out of the wall rather than the floor
Washstands
A washstand is an open metal frame that holds the basin, often with a towel rail built in. It is a popular choice for traditional and period-style bathrooms.
- Distinctive look, especially in chrome with a classic basin
- Handy towel rail and sometimes a shelf
- The trap is on show, so choose a good-looking bottle trap
Vanity units
A vanity unit combines the basin with a cabinet underneath, either floor-standing or wall-hung.
- The best option for storage
- Hides all the plumbing
- Wide choice of finishes and widths, from compact cloakroom units to large double basins
Which should you choose?
For a simple refresh, a full pedestal is hard to beat. In a small room, a semi pedestal or a wall-hung vanity keeps the floor clear. For a traditional look, a washstand makes a real feature, and for a busy family bathroom, a vanity unit gives you the storage you will need.
Products in this guide
Nuie Carlton 530mm No Tap Hole Traditional Basin & Washstand (CLB512)From £376.65View product
Nuie Asselby 500mm 1 Tap Hole Cloakroom Basin & Semi Pedestal (CSS003)From £80.10View product
Nuie Havana Floor Standing Vanity Unit with Thin Edge Basin (All Sizes)From £279.45View product
Nuie Classique Wall Hung Vanity Unit with No Tap Hole Fireclay Basin (All Sizes)From £308.70View product
Frequently asked questions
What height should a bathroom basin be?
Most basins are fitted with the rim at around 800mm to 850mm from the floor, but wall-hung basins and vanity units can be set higher or lower.
Do I need a special trap for a washstand?
Because the trap is visible on a washstand, a chrome bottle trap gives a much neater finish than a standard plastic trap.
Is a wall-hung vanity unit strong enough?
Yes, when fixed to a solid wall or a stud wall with proper noggins or a support frame.