Wall-hung washbasins: how to choose and install one

A wall-hung washbasin is fixed directly to the wall, with no cabinet or pedestal underneath. The floor stays clear, the bathroom looks bigger and cleaning is quicker. It is also one of the most searched basin types in Italy (lavabo sospeso). Here is how to choose one and what to plan before it goes on the wall.

Why choose a wall-hung basin?

• More floor space: nothing touches the floor, which makes a small bathroom feel larger and lets you mop right up to the wall.
• Height to suit you: you decide the height when you fix it, rather than accepting the height of a pedestal or cabinet.
• A lighter look: it pairs naturally with wall-hung WCs and bidets.
• The trade-off: there is no storage underneath, and the siphon and pipes are on show, so they need to look good.

1. Choose the size

Italian design guides suggest a width of about 55–60 cm and a depth of 42–50 cm for a main bathroom, going up to 80–90 cm or more in larger rooms. Compact basins of around 35 cm depth are almost always wall-hung or countertop models, which makes them ideal for small bathrooms and guest WCs.

• Small bathroom or guest WC: the SPY range is designed for compact spaces, with sizes from the SPY Washbasin 40cm x 30cm upwards.
• Main bathroom: 60–75 cm models such as the WUNDER Washbasin 60cm x 45cm Hung or the FORM Washbasin 68cm x 45cm Hung.
• Large basin with worktop space: long models such as HIDE 100cm x 45cm or LUNARIS 81cm x 45cm, which can also sit on its own stainless steel framework.

Leave enough free space in front of the basin: guides quote at least 55–60 cm. Our guide to bathroom measurements has all the clearances.

2. Decide the height

The usual rim height is 80–85 cm from the finished floor, and never below 70 cm. Adjust it for the people who use the bathroom most. In accessible bathrooms covered by Italian rules (DM 236/1989), the basin top is set at 80 cm. Always measure from the finished floor, not the bare screed.

3. Wall-hung only, or wall-hung or countertop?

Some Alice Ceramica basins are made only for the wall (for example FORM 68 and WUNDER Hung). Others, such as HIDE 60cm x 45cm and NUR 55cm x 45cm, come in a wall-hung or a countertop configuration. You select the configuration when you order, because the hung version has an unfinished back that sits against the wall.

4. Choose the tap position

Each basin is available with one tap hole, for a deck-mounted mixer, or without a tap hole, for a wall-mounted tap. A wall-mounted tap means the supply pipes must be built into the wall at the right height before tiling, so decide this early and check the spout reaches the bowl. Ask us for the technical drawing.

5. Check that your wall can carry it

• Solid masonry: the basin can usually be fixed straight to the wall with fixings that suit the wall material.
• Plasterboard or stud wall: the board alone must not carry the basin. You need a reinforcement or a carrier frame designed for that wall. Geberit Duofix, for example, makes in-wall carriers for wall-hung basins that also let you set the height.
• Before drilling: check for hidden cables and pipes, and use a spirit level so the basin sits level.

The good news: every wall-hung washbasin we sell uses the same fixings, the washbasin fixing kit (FIX01), whichever collection you choose. Add one to your order with the basin. Your installer will confirm that the wall plugs suit your wall type, and the fixing points are shown on each basin's technical drawing.

6. Order the fixing kit, drain and siphon

Alice basins are supplied on their own: tap, drain and siphon are not included. On a wall-hung basin the siphon is on show, so it is worth choosing a good one:

• Fixings: one washbasin fixing kit (FIX01) per basin.
• Drain: the colour-matched ceramic Free Flow drain (always open) or Up and Down drain (click-clack). Not sure which? Read our guide to basin overflow and wastes.
• Siphon: the round siphon in chrome or matt black, or the MATH stainless steel siphon in brushed steel or matt PVD (gold, rose gold or black).
• Towel rail: HIDE wall-hung basins can take a matching stainless steel HIDE hung rail, in widths from 50 to 120 cm.

7. Fitting, step by step

1. Mark the rim height and the centre line on the wall, measured from the finished floor.
2. Mark the fixing points from the technical drawing and check them again with a spirit level.
3. Drill and fit the fixings, using wall plugs suited to your wall or frame.
4. Fit the drain to the basin, then hang the basin and tighten the fixings evenly, without over-tightening against the ceramic.
5. Connect the siphon to the wall drain and the tap to the supply, then test for leaks.
6. Seal the joint between the basin and the wall with a thin bead of silicone.

Watch it done

Browse wall-hung basin installation videos on YouTube.

Every piece is made to order by Alice Ceramica in Civita Castellana and dispatched 2–3 weeks after your order, so order the basin, fixing kit, drain and siphon together. Not sure what your wall needs? Send us a photo and the product code, and we will check the technical drawing with you.

Recommended products

FORM Washbasin 68cm x 45cm Hung

WUNDER Washbasin 60cm x 45cm Hung

HIDE Washbasin 60cm x 45cm

Washbasin fixing kit (FIX01)

Sources and further reading

• Arredamento.it: washbasin sizes, height and clearances (in Italian)
• Edilizia.com: wall-hung sanitaryware, walls and frames (in Italian)
• Geberit: Duofix in-wall systems for wall-hung basins
• Fondovalle: example installation sheet for a wall-mounted basin (in Italian)