How designers can create an impact in a bathroom space with a statement basin, introducing an accent colour, texture or shape

Toto has introduced its asymmetrical TA Vessel, made from Linearceram, in a textured velvet matte finish

The focal point in a bathroom was once decided by the bath or shower enclosure – but now even smaller items can make a statement.

Bold basins, in form or colour, are enabling designers to create an impact in all bathroom spaces.

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Marketing manager of Harrison Bathrooms Peter Woodward explains why: “Today’s bathrooms are all about individuality and luxury, with bold basins playing a key role in making a statement.

“Using various colours, materials and styles, a bathroom can become a room that goes far beyond functional.”

Colour palette

Colour is perhaps the most obvious starting point for a statement basin and creates a natural centrepiece to a room.

The Orme pedestal basin from Kast is made from concrete and features a round bowl, in a choice of colours, with a ribbed or smooth pedestal and optional shelf

Product and marketing director of Vado Angela Neve comments: “Colour has played an important role, with soft pastels, rich jewel tones and striking monochrome options becoming much more commonplace.”

Toto recently introduced bold, coloured basins at the recent ISH exhibition, while Duravit opted for more earthy and textured tones with its Patricia Urquiola-designed Balcoon.

Whereas Alape featured three colours on one model – with differing hues for internal, external and rim – with its Tricolour model.

Brand marketing manager of Alape Emma Mottram states: “The fastest-growing style of statement basins includes bold designs that showcase unique materials, finishes and textures.”

Metallic inspiration

It has seen metal become a tour de force in basin design, with metallic models, for contemporary and traditional models.

Part of the Scudo brand, from Harrison Bathrooms, is the Koko Fluted Basin

“Our copper basins have been our most popular throughout 2024 and still continue to be a popular choice”, Keeley Sutcliffe brand manager at BC Designs says, adding:“These are all smaller basins as they are in our vessel collection and can be used as standalone pieces or matched to our copper baths.”

But it doesn’t mean the entire basin needs to be made out of metal, in can be an accent such as in the case of the Axor Suite basin which offers a metal ring around the outside of a solid surface basin.

Peter Woodward of Harrison Bathrooms notes the growth of the metallic basin: “Metallic and marble are our fastest-growing range of Scudo countertop basins that truly embody modern luxury.”

And Abode has added PVD finish, metallic basin options as part of its Focus 60 collection, as product manager David Boddy states: “We have noted a rise in demand for warm, metallic finishes with brass becoming the most desirable metal in 2025.”

Organic shapes

For those looking to add flair without opting for a colour accent or a change in material, the shape of the basin has come to the fore.

The Deco vessel basin, from PJH, is an oval-shaped bowl with fan detailing, which can be used to complement a wide range of vanity units

Together with technological advances in materials has seen the development of more structural, as well as organic pieces.

Textures, such as fluting, together with water-inspired shapes, has inspired the forms of the latest basins.

Roca brand manager Natalie Bird explains: “The use of innovative materials, such as FineCeramic, allows for the creation of thinner, more intricate and refined shapes while maintaining durability and functionality.

“These advancements enable designers to experiment with sculptural forms, organic contours, and striking finishes, offering a level of sophistication previously unattainable with traditional ceramics.”

Vanity inspired

Supported figuratively, and literally, by the trend for bathroom furniture – it could be argued the growth of the statement basin is based on the popularity of the vanity unit.

Part of the Cameo range by Vado are these countertop basins with matching vanity

Certainly that is the belief of industry experts. Product manager at Tissino Sally Bettison states: “At Tissino, we are firm believers that bathrooms are often designer around furniture, and so a statement basin very much fits this ethos.”

UK product and market manager of Hansgrohe UK Tina Robinson adds: “Countertop basins tend to provide a more premium feel, as the basin and the vanity it sits on can lean into certain premium features.

“In many cases, the exterior of the basin is more visible in a countertop basin design – providing opportunity to make a statement or draw interest.

“It is perhaps because of this that countertop basins are popular with consumers. In fact, data shows that 59% of sales in 2023 were for countertop basins.”

Undoubtedly the countertop basin offers a premium aesthetic, and – with twin basins for larger spaces – can also create a coveted boutique hotel look, which is a statement in itself.

Head of communications marketing for House of Rohl Nigel Palmer elaborates: “The most notable trend is for twin basins, either countertop mounted or inset into a bespoke vanity unity.”

The Seros podium basin, from Victoria+ Albert, shows statements aren’t restricted to countertop models. Available in white, it can also be offered in an array of colours

He adds: “However, the new, sculptured form of the pedestal Seros, inspired by the work of British artist Sophie-Elizabeth Thompson has been very popular since its launch at the Milan furniture fair last year.”

Spanning prices

Interestingly, the premium statement basin look can be achieved across price brackets.

The Abode Focus 60 collection features slimline PVD metallic basins, as well as coloured composite stone models

So all bathroom retailers can tap into the trend, regardless of what sector of the market they serve. Angela Neve of Vado points out: “Statement basins are no longer exclusive to the high-end market, they are now available across a range of price points, making bold design accessible to more showrooms.”

However she adds: “While cost-effective options in ceramic, resin and composite materials providing striking designs without the  luxury price tag, certain statement basins remain exclusive to the premium market.”

So, the statement basin also offers an opportunity to encourage consumers to trade up.

With the continuing demand for customisation, the statement basin looks set to remain a style icon in the bathroom.

Angela Neve agrees: “Over the next couple of years, the market for statement basins is likely to see continued growth, driven by a focus on individuality.”

So take a look at the wide choice of colours, textures and shapes to provide bathroom retailers, designers and their clients creative freedom.