Double washbasin or one wide washbasin: how much space do you need?

Short answer: for two separate basins you need a vanity unit or countertop of at least about 120 cm; at 140 cm or more two people can really stand side by side comfortably. If you have less space, one wide washbasin with two taps is a good alternative: it fits from about 100 to 120 cm. Keep at least around 90 cm between the taps, and preferably 100 to 110 cm. Always check the exact dimensions in the product specifications.

👷 Calling in a professional is never unnecessary. Two washbasins often need an extra water connection and waste pipe. Leave moving or adding pipes to a qualified installer, so that everything is connected leak-free and according to the rules.

Two basins or one wide washbasin?

• Two basins on a countertop: each person has their own basin, tap and siphon. Beautiful and spacious, but you need more width and twice as many connections.
• One wide washbasin with two taps: one basin, two tap holes. Fits on a narrower wall and is easier to keep clean, because there is no seam between two basins.
• One washbasin and a large mirror: often the smartest choice in a small bathroom. You gain shelf space and keep walking space free.

Which width suits which choice?

• 100 to 120 cm: one wide washbasin with two taps, such as a Crea 120 cm set with cabinet and washbasin with two tap holes.
• 120 cm: two small basins on a City countertop 120 cm, for example two of the round Larga countertop basin or the round Crea countertop basin. Little surface remains at the sides.
• 140 cm: two basins with some shelf space on a City countertop 140 cm, such as two of the rectangular Larga countertop basin.
• 160 cm: enough room for two larger basins, such as two of the oval City countertop basin, on a City countertop 160 cm.

If you want a complete solution at 120 cm with drawers, look at the Crea 120 cm vanity unit with countertop. Read more about choosing furniture in our blog on vanities with an integrated or countertop basin.

What else should you look out for?

1. Measure the wall and the walking space. Use a tape measure with auto-lock to measure the available width and keep about 70 to 80 cm of free space in front of the unit to stand in.
2. Taps. With a basin on a countertop you often choose a tall tap, such as the tall Crea basin tap. A washbasin with a tap hole suits a City basin tap.
3. Waste. Each basin needs its own siphon, such as an oval Inverto basin siphon or a black Larga basin siphon. Check that the waste outlet in the wall is in the right place.
4. Mirrors. Two of the 50 x 80 cm LED mirror above two basins give each person their own spot; one wide 80 x 60 cm LED mirror looks calm. Also read our blog on LED bathroom mirrors.
5. Mount it level. Hang the unit straight with a 120 cm spirit level and check beforehand with a multifunction wall detector that you can drill safely.
6. Sealing. Finish the joint between countertop and wall with sanitary silicone sealant and a sealant gun.

💡 Torn between two sizes? Tape the outline of the unit and the basins on the wall. That way you can see straight away whether you can still move comfortably.

⚠️ Never install new water connections or waste pipes yourself if you have no experience with them. A leak behind a vanity unit is often only discovered when it is too late.

Working safely

Wear safety goggles when drilling into tiles or stone and work gloves with nitrile coating when lifting a heavy unit or a ceramic washbasin. Lift large units with two people and turn off the water before working on taps and siphons. If you want to tackle the whole bathroom, read our guide to planning a bathroom renovation.

Is 100 cm enough for a double washbasin?

For two separate basins that is tight. At 100 cm you are better off choosing one wide washbasin with two taps, or one washbasin with a large mirror.

How much space should there be between two taps?

Keep at least about 90 cm between the centres of the two taps. With 100 to 110 cm you will not bump into each other.

Do I need two waste pipes?

Each basin has its own siphon. They can often join one waste pipe, but that has to be installed properly. Have a qualified installer assess what is possible in your bathroom.

A double washbasin is a lovely luxury if there is enough width. Measure carefully, choose the solution that suits your wall and leave the pipes to a professional. Also browse the Cersanit range in our brand blog on Cersanit.

Where can you find everything for this job?

At Saniso, the online store for DIYers and professionals, you will find tools, materials and personal protective equipment for your job.

• Browse our construction tools and our workwear and safety.
• Create a customer account and order easily.
• Working on a bigger project or want to hand over the job? Request a project quote.
• Book a showroom visit, at least 24 hours in advance.
• Not sure which material suits your job? Get in touch with us.

In doubt about the approach? Feel free to call in a professional.

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