Freestanding washbasins: how to choose one and plan the plumbing

A freestanding washbasin is a single ceramic piece that stands on the floor, with no vanity unit and no wall brackets. It turns the basin into the focal point of the bathroom, but it also asks for more planning than a wall-hung or countertop basin, because water and waste have to reach it through the floor or a wall behind it. This guide covers what to check before you buy.

Freestanding basin or basin on a column?

There are two ways to get the look:

• One-piece freestanding basins, where bowl and column are a single casting, such as the NUR Freestanding Washbasin and the IDILLA Freestanding Washbasin. Both also come in an OPEN version, and NUR is available with a tap plan for a deck-mounted mixer.
• A countertop basin on a ceramic column, such as an EQUILIBRIUM basin (42 H15, 42 H17 or H20) on the EQUILIBRIUM Freestanding Column. The column is sold on its own, so you order the basin separately.

You can see every option in our Freestanding collection.

Plan the plumbing first

This is the decision that matters most. A freestanding basin placed against a wall can often be connected to supply and waste pipes in the wall. A basin standing in the middle of the room needs water and waste coming up through the floor, which in practice means it fits best into a new build or a full renovation, when the floor is open anyway.

Exact positions for the waste outlet and supply pipes vary by model. Ask us for the technical drawing (quote the SKU of the variant you want) and give it to your plumber before the screed is poured.

Choose how you will get water to the basin

• Floor-standing mixer. The MATH Freestanding Single-Lever Basin Mixer rises from the floor next to the basin. It is made from AISI 316L stainless steel, comes in heights of 1000 mm or 1150 mm, and includes its built-in (recessed) part, which must be set into the floor during the works.
• Wall-mounted tap. If the basin stands close to a wall, a wall tap keeps the basin clean-lined. Check the spout reach against the bowl on the technical drawing.
• Deck-mounted mixer. Choose the NUR version with tap plan. Ask us how the supply reaches the tap through the column on that model.

Drain and siphon

Freestanding basins are supplied on their own, without tap, drain or siphon. For NUR and IDILLA freestanding models we recommend the SIF07 freestanding syphon, which sits concealed inside the column, together with a colour-matched ceramic drain: the Free Flow Ceramic Drain (always open, no plug) or the Up and Down Ceramic Drain if you want to fill the basin. Our guide to basin overflows and wastes explains the difference.

Space and height

• Leave about 25 cm free on each side and 60–80 cm in front so the basin is comfortable to use.
• A comfortable rim height is usually 85–90 cm from the finished floor. With a one-piece freestanding basin the height is fixed by the design, so check it on the technical drawing before you order.

For clearances between all fixtures, see our bathroom measurements guide.

Installation checklist

1. Choose the model and finish, and request the technical drawing.
2. Decide on the tap type (floor, wall or deck) and order any recessed parts in time.
3. Have the plumber position waste and supply pipes before tiling or screeding.
4. Fit the siphon and drain, then fix the basin to the floor as shown in the installation guide.
5. Seal the base and test for leaks before regular use.

Watch it done: search YouTube for freestanding basin installation videos.

Finishes and lead time

NUR and IDILLA freestanding basins come in classic Bianco (White Shiny), the matt Colore range and the glossy I Lucidi colours. Colours on screen are indicative, so ask us for a physical sample if you need an exact match. Every piece is made to order by Alice Ceramica in Civita Castellana, with a lead time of 2–3 weeks before dispatch.

Recommended products

NUR Freestanding Washbasin

IDILLA Freestanding Washbasin

EQUILIBRIUM Freestanding Column

MATH Freestanding Single-Lever Basin Mixer

Sources and further reading

• Cose di Casa: lavabo bagno, vincoli di spazio e impianto
• ArchiExpo: Alice Ceramica NUR free-standing washbasin