When you walk into a bathroom in Perth, particularly in older suburbs like Subiaco or Fremantle, space is often at a premium. A wall hung basin is one of the most effective ways to make a small room feel larger. By lifting the sink off the floor, you create an "airy" look that lets your floor tiles shine.

However, choosing the right one requires more than just picking a style you like. You need to think about the weight, the plumbing, and how you will actually use the space every day.

Get the Scale Right for Your Layout

The biggest mistake people make is buying a basin that looks great in a showroom but is too large for their actual bathroom. A basin that sticks out too far can make it hard to move between the shower and the toilet.

• For Ensuites and Powder Rooms: Look for "short projection" models. These are designed to be shallow, giving you enough room to wash your hands without blocking the walkway.

• For Main Bathrooms: If this is your primary sink, choose a model with a bit of "tap landing" space. This is the flat area around the tap where you can put a bottle of hand wash or a toothbrush.

A quick tip: Take a piece of cardboard and cut it to the size of the basin you want. Hold it against your wall at the height you plan to install it. If you have to squeeze past it to get to the shower, it is too big.

Pick a Material That Fits Your Lifestyle

Your choice of material changes how much time you will spend cleaning. In Perth’s hard water areas, some surfaces show spots and scale more than others.

• Ceramic and Vitreous China: These are the standard for a reason. They are tough, resist scratches, and only need a quick wipe with a damp cloth to look new.

• Concrete: This is a very popular choice for modern Perth homes. It offers a beautiful, textured look, but it is much heavier than ceramic and needs to be sealed regularly to prevent staining.

• Stone Resin: This material feels like smooth stone but is lighter. It often comes in a matte finish, which looks very high-end but can be a bit more "grabby" with dirt than glossy ceramic.

Plan for the Weight

This is the most important technical step. A wall-hung basin puts a lot of stress on your wall.

If your bathroom has brick walls, your plumber can usually bolt the basin directly into the masonry. However, if you have timber stud walls, you cannot just screw the basin into the plasterboard. Your builder will need to open the wall and install a "noggin" a thick piece of timber between the studs to provide a solid anchor point.

Manage the "Invisible" Storage

The main downside of a wall-hung basin is that you lose the cupboard space underneath. If you don't plan for this, your bathroom will quickly become cluttered with bottles and tubes.

To keep the clean look of the floating sink, pair it with a recessed shaving cabinet. By hiding the storage inside the wall above the sink, you keep the floor clear while still having a place for your daily essentials.

The Plumbing "Trap"

Since there is no cabinet to hide the pipes, your plumbing will be visible to everyone. Instead of using a standard white plastic pipe, most homeowners now opt for a bottle trap.

These are decorative metal pipes that look like a deliberate part of the design. You can match the finish of the bottle trap to your taps such as brushed brass, matte black, or classic chrome to create a unified look.

Choosing a wall-hung basin is a smart move for a modern Perth renovation. As long as you check your wall strength and plan your storage elsewhere, it can completely transform a cramped bathroom into a sleek, open space.