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While whether we choose a bathtub or a shower is a matter of taste, daily habits, space availability and bathing/showering preferences, a washbasin is simply a necessity in every bathroom. What is more, aside from mixer taps, washbasins are fixtures that are used most often. To wash our hands, brush our teeth, and sometimes do laundry. Therefore, apart from looking nice, they should be functional and comfortable to use.
That is why, when choosing the perfect washbasin, it is so important to pay attention to the bowl shape and depth and the possibilities of combining it with different mixer types. In a broader perspective, it is also worth considering the material of our washbasin. Perhaps something a little less obvious than white ceramic will prove just the right choice?
Material
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Granite is a material until recently associated almost exclusively with kitchens. However, as the interior design industry is constantly looking for new solutions and possibilities, granite has begun to be looked at from different angles. At Laveo, we have started with washbasins. Our own factory and experienced design team have made advanced work on new bathroom models possible. As a result, two pilot series have been created: Albano and Amber.
At first sight, granite washbasins look as if they were hewn out of stone and they provide an interesting alternative to other extravagant and usually quite expensive models. Their surface may be smooth, with symmetrically arranged patterns or with an irregular structure, as if created by accident.
Durability characteristics
Granite, a mixture of quartz sand and resin in properly selected proportions, is characterised by a number of resistance properties. These affect not only the daily use of washbasins, but also their lifespan.
Temperature. Granite washbasins are resistant to temperatures up to 190°C. It would seem that this is not a particularly important advantage in the bathroom. However, you should remember that hair dryers or straighteners are often used in the bathroom, heating up to high temperatures and, if not carefully put away, they can damage the surface of furniture or other bathroom fixtures.
Thermal shock. Granite products are resistant to sudden changes in temperature. This means that very hot and ice-cold water can be poured into the washbasin alternately (e.g. when using common drain cleaners).
Discolouration. Granite washbasins do not absorb dyes such as those contained in colour cosmetics. In addition, stain removers for clothes or more invasive cleaning products leave no trace on them. However, you should bear in mind that the above is conditional upon not leaving any dyed or irritating substances on the surface and their quick and thorough removal.
Scratches and impacts. Thanks to the appropriate proportions of ingredients and the optimum firing temperature, the surface of granite washbasins is resistant to scratches and impact damage. They will show no marks caused by a nail file or chipping if you drop a bottle of lotion inside.
Colours
With our own technologically advanced production lines we have almost unlimited possibilities when it comes to the colours of our washbasins. The Laveo collections are designed to be in contrast to traditional white ceramic
washbasins. The second assumption was to enable customers to create a coherent design of their sanitary rooms, i.e. kitchens and bathrooms. The basic colours of our washbasins correspond closely to the most popular sink finishes.
Modern and industrial climate lovers will be delighted with black with a delicate dotted sand pattern. Those who look for stylistically safe, yet original solutions will like the grey granite. And for rooms in a subtle boho style, models in a warm beige shade will be the perfect choice.
Each finish can be successfully used to create both monochromatic and contrasting sets with the mixer. A beige washbasin will work perfectly with the recently very fashionable gold, regardless of whether you opt for the traditional yellow shade or the rose gold version. Grey washbasins will look best with graphite and classic chrome mixer models. And black-black combinations are a classic choice for elegant bathrooms. Additionally, the versatility of black washbasins makes them look equally good with any possible
mixer finish.
Types
Washbasins, not only granite ones, can be divided into two basic types: built-in and countertop. The difference can be seen at first glance. The first type is embedded in the cabinet with only the inside of the bowl visible. Such models most usually have a pre-cut mixer hole, with low mixer models intended for them.
Built-in granite washbasins will be a good choice especially for smaller bathrooms, where higher cabinets might prove useful for storing e.g. cosmetics. Countertop washbasins are usually - and quite rightly - perceived as more decorative. This is due to their visible bowls, whose outer surface can serve as an additional decoration. Another advantage of this product type is the fact that the mixer can be positioned asymmetrically in relation to the washbasin, making your interior design more original. Countertop granite washbasins can be successfully combined with
concealed washbasin mixers that are becoming more and more popular.
Wide interior design possibilities
Designing your bathroom with the use of granite
washbasins, it is worth matching them not only with mixer taps, but also with accessories such as
decorative siphons and
click-clack plugs.The colourful surface of the washbasins splendidly emphasises plug finishes, which can be matched to the colour of your mixer or to the shade of the granite. The same goes for matching the siphon. Granite washbasins work perfectly with exposed siphons. The latter have also grown in popularity among decorative bathrooms fixtures - in particular with the boom in open bathroom vanity units - and you can choose from a wide range of colours to make your interior more complete and expressive.
Tidiness
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Although it might seem otherwise, maintaining a granite washbasin is not difficult at all. All you need is regularity and appropriate cleaning, care and maintenance products. If you want the washbasin to serve you for many years and look like new, it must be cleaned with non-abrasive agents using a soft cloth. In addition, its surface should be impregnated regularly - on average once every week or two.
