A new bathroom washbasin is often the first thing the eye lands on when you walk into the bathroom. It sets the tone for the rest of the room — and yet many people choose their washbasin last, almost as an afterthought.
Here's a practical walkthrough of what to think about, in the right order.
1. Start with the size of the room
Before thinking about shape or material, you need to know what the room can handle. A large oval washbasin in a small bathroom can make the space feel cramped and heavy. A small round washbasin in a large bathroom can disappear and look out of place.
Some general guidelines:
- Small bathroom or guest bathroom — a round washbasin at Ø35–40 cm works well
- Medium bathroom — an oval or rectangular washbasin at 40–55 cm gives good balance
- Large bathroom — here you have the freedom to choose something more sculptural and distinctive
Always measure the countertop and available space around the washbasin before deciding on size.
2. Choose shape based on the look you want
The shape of the washbasin says a lot about the style of the room:
- Round washbasin — soft, classic and versatile. Suits most bathrooms and softens hard lines.
- Oval washbasin — spacious and elegant. Gives more room inside the basin without taking more space on the countertop.
- Square washbasin — crisp and architectural. Works well in modern bathrooms with clean lines.
- Distinctive shape — for those who want something truly their own. The focal point of the bathroom.
3. Choose material carefully — it matters more than most people think
This is the step most people underestimate. Material affects not just the look — it affects how the washbasin feels, how it ages, and how long it lasts.
Ceramic and porcelain is the most common. White, clean and easy to maintain. But it's mass produced, impersonal and without character. Everyone has it.
Composite stone looks like stone but is an artificial material made from crushed minerals and synthetic resin. Consistent and predictable — but not unique and not real stone.
Natural stone is the only material that is genuinely unique. No two stone washbasins are exactly alike. It has a geological history, responds to the light in the room and develops character over time. It lasts virtually forever.
If you want something that elevates the bathroom and creates a space you actually look forward to using — natural stone is the natural choice.
4. Think about which stone suits your bathroom
Once you've decided on natural stone, the next step is choosing which type. Here's a simple overview:
- Larvikite — Norwegian volcanic stone with characteristic blue crystals. Dark and dramatic or light and elegant depending on the variety. Extremely durable.
- Marble — timeless and beautiful. Available in white, pink, grey and brown. Norwegian Fauske marble is world renowned.
- Limestone — warm and earthy. Beige and natural tones. Works well in Scandinavian interiors.
- Granite and basalt — dark, dense and extremely durable. Works well where you want a bold statement.
- Onyx — rare and exclusive. Warm honey-brown tones with natural depth.
5. Don't forget the drain and tap
A stone washbasin looks best with the right fittings around it. Some practical points:
- Choose a pop-up drain that suits the stone type — at ELVV we offer matching drains in the same stone for most Norwegian stone washbasins
- A tall freestanding tap works well with deep bowl washbasins
- Wall-mounted taps give a clean and minimalist look
- Think about the tap complementing the character of the stone — simple clean lines work well with most stone types
In summary — how to choose the right washbasin
- Measure the room and determine the maximum size
- Choose shape based on the desired look
- Choose material — and choose genuine natural stone if you want something that lasts and stands out
- Choose stone type based on colour, character and application
- Choose the right drain and tap to complement the washbasin
At ELVV you'll find a wide range of stone washbasins in Norwegian and international natural stone — all with detailed descriptions of stone type, colour, finish and dimensions. We're happy to help you find the right solution for your bathroom.
Explore our Norwegian stone washbasins or browse our full collection of stone washbasins.