Wall mounted basins: what you need to know

If you're buying for a new bathroom, ensuite or cloakroom, you may be considering a wall mounted basin. In this handy guide, we'll explain what this is and take you through your options.

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What is a wall mounted basin?

When compared to the more common pedestal basin, wall hung basins are good at optimising space, whilst still looking great, Sometimes referred to as a cloakroom basin or small sink, this highly versatile design is ideal for use in small bathrooms, ensuites and cloakrooms, and can be found with incredibly compact dimensions.

The Monnow wall hung basin from Orchard Bathrooms is available in a range of sizes, starting at just 340mm wide

For further information on wall hung basins, check out our wall hung basin buying guide.

Wall mounted basin styles

Installing a wall mounted basin doesn't mean giving up on a pedestal if that’s the style you’d prefer. Semi pedestals save space and have a more contemporary appeal than the classic floor pedestal.

Sometimes a semi pedestal will mean that plumbing may have to be concealed and this can be a problem depending on how your walls are built. If the semi pedestal isn’t for you, there is always the stylish option of keeping the piping exposed with a bottle trap. This can also be boxed in if required.

Find out more about semi pedestal basins in our semi pedestal basin buying guide.

The Elena semi pedestal basin from Orchard Bathrooms is a popular choice for smaller spaces

Wall mounted basin units are also available as corner units, making them especially useful in small and cramped rooms. Find out more in our wall hung basin unit buying guide.

Add extra storage space with a wall hung vanity unit, like this one from the Clarity collection

Benefits of a wall mounted basin

One of the major benefits of a wall mounted basin is that it can be fixed at any height, which is very useful if you need to install a small basin in a child’s bathroom, for example. They are also much easier to clean without a pedestal and especially so if the plumbing is concealed.

Basins are made from all the typical materials like ceramic and steel but given that they hang from the wall, ceramic wall mounted basins need careful consideration as your choice of fixings and wall strength will determine what size (or weight) you can go up to.

Use your corners to maximise space in a cloakroom, with a corner basin like the Derwent from Orchard Bathrooms

Installing your wall mounted basin

You’ll want to make sure you choose a solid wall for your wall mounted basin, as the load it must bear needs adequate support. If your wall is only a stud partition, it is unlikely that it will be strong enough to support wall hangings of this weight or size.

Fixings ordinarily come with the basin and include the wall hangers necessary to support the weight of the basin. These are screwed into the wall with a wall plate and waste bracket fitted to support the waste pipes.

While the small size of a wall sink makes DIY a tempting prospect, it is recommended that you get a plumber to do the actual work for you, especially if you need to move pipes from an existing basin to a new location or are installing concealed piping.