100 cm unit: should you go for one large basin or two small ones?

Why is 100 cm a key width for this choice?

At 100 centimetres, this unit sits on the cusp between two different approaches. It is wide enough to accommodate a single, truly comfortable washbasin, with a large countertop on either side for everyday accessories. But it is also just wide enough to accommodate a double washbasin, without offering the same level of comfort as a wider unit. If this width doesn’t quite match your layout, the other most common sizes on the market – from the most compact to the most generous – each cater to different needs and help to position the 100-centimetre unit within the wider range. Understanding this tension between a single-bowl and a double-bowl unit allows you to make an informed choice rather than relying solely on the visual appearance of a catalogue photo.

A single washbasin over 100 cm: the most comfortable choice

For this width, a single-bowl washbasin is generally recommended by most industry experts, and for sound practical reasons that go beyond mere aesthetics. It is also the most versatile option, suitable for both intensive daily use and more occasional use.

A spacious bowl and plenty of counter space

With a single basin, either centred or slightly offset over a width of 100 centimetres, the basin itself can remain wide and deep, making it easier to wash your face or hands without excessive splashing onto the surrounding surface. There is still plenty of space on either side, enough to place a toiletries bag, a toothbrush glass or a bottle of soap, without everything being crammed into the same spot, as can happen on more cramped surfaces.

Taps that are easier to use

A single, wide washbasin allows for the installation of a mixer tap with a larger spout, positioned comfortably in relation to the basin, without any space constraints. This convenience, which is often overlooked when choosing taps, makes a real difference in everyday use, particularly when washing your hands quickly in the morning before heading off to work, or when filling a glass of water in the evening without having to contort yourself.

A double washbasin measuring 100 cm: possible, but with some compromises

Fitting two washbasins within this same width of 100 centimetres is technically feasible, and many manufacturers do indeed offer this type of layout in their catalogues; however, this solution involves certain compromises that it is best to be aware of before making a decision, rather than discovering them once the unit has been installed and you are using it on a daily basis.

Tanks that are necessarily narrower

To fit two washbasins into a 100-centimetre space, each basin must remain relatively compact, which reduces comfort compared with a single, wide washbasin. The space between the two washbasins also becomes more confined, which can give an impression of crampedness rather than spaciousness across the entire layout, particularly if each user wishes to keep their own toiletries within easy reach without mixing them with the other’s.

In what circumstances is a double washbasin still a viable option?

If two people only use the bathroom together occasionally rather than on a daily basis, a double washbasin measuring 100 centimetres may still be suitable, particularly for the visual appeal of symmetry or to keep each person’s toiletries separate without them getting mixed up on a single surface. It is more a matter of personal priority – between the convenience of everyday use and the desire for a private washbasin – than a universal rule that would apply equally to all households, regardless of their morning routines.

Which size should you choose, depending on the layout of your home?

Apart from the technical constraints relating to the width of the unit, the choice between a single-bowl and a double-bowl washbasin depends above all on who actually uses the bathroom, and at what specific time of day, rather than on any initial aesthetic preference.

A single person or a couple with different working hours

For a single person or a couple who never get ready at the same time, a single, wide washbasin remains the most convenient choice at 100 centimetres, as the main selling point of a double washbasin – simultaneous use – does not really apply in this specific context. It is therefore better to make the most of the comfort of a single, generous basin rather than sacrifice that comfort for a second basin that is rarely used at the same time as the first, and which would ultimately serve only as extra storage space.

A couple getting ready together in the morning

If both people in the household frequently get ready at the same time – for example, to leave for work at the same time – a double-bowl washbasin remains a genuinely worthwhile option, even at 100 centimetres, provided you are willing to accept the compromises mentioned above regarding the size of the bowls and the centre-to-centre distance between the taps. In this case, the improved flow of daily life – without having to wait your turn at the same tap – can more than make up for the loss of comfort at each basin taken individually.

Other ways to make the most of your space, beyond simply choosing a washbasin

The choice between a single-bowl and a double-bowl washbasin is just one aspect of the overall planning of a medium-sized bathroom. There are several other ways to enhance comfort without changing the width of the vanity unit itself.

Don’t forget the storage space available under the washbasin

Whether you have a single or double washbasin, storage space beneath the vanity unit remains just as crucial for day-to-day comfort. A wall-mounted unit, set high enough off the floor, makes cleaning easier and gives the room a sense of lightness, whereas a unit that doesn’t make the most of its interior space can quickly become a real headache when it comes to storing towels, toiletries and accessories. If your bathroom remains modest in size despite this 100-centimetre unit, several storage solutions allow you to save space without sacrificing comfort, and usefully complement the discussion here on the washbasin itself.

Making the most of vertical space when horizontal space is limited

When the available width is limited to 100 centimetres, it is still possible to make up for this by making better use of the wall height, with shelves, a tall unit or wall-mounted storage that frees up space on the floor and around the unit. There are several clever ways to make the most of the vertical space in a smaller room, and these apply just as well to a bathroom fitted with a 100-centimetre unit as they do to an even more confined space. This comprehensive vertical approach usefully complements the choice of washbasin, without encroaching on the room’s walking space.

Wall-mounted units – an option worth considering for this width

On a 100-centimetre unit, opting for a wall-mounted model rather than a floor-standing one significantly alters the perception of space, particularly in a bathroom where the floor remains visible beneath the unit. Beyond this simple visual effect, this type of installation offers several practical advantages in terms of maintenance and ease of installation – factors worth considering before making your final choice between a wall-hung and a floor-standing unit.

A choice that depends, above all, on your day-to-day use

On a 100-centimetre vanity unit, the single basin remains, objectively speaking, the most practical choice for the vast majority of uses, thanks to a wider basin and more generous taps that make everyday tasks easier. The double washbasin remains a viable option for couples who actually share the bathroom at the same time, provided they are willing to accept more compact basins and a narrower centre-to-centre distance between the two taps – two compromises that are not suitable for all situations.

Whatever washbasin you choose, it’s still worth ensuring that the bathroom unit as a whole complements the rest of the room, particularly when it comes to storage and making the most of the available space around it. To visualise these different options in a real-life setting and find the configuration best suited to your bathroom, the Facq teams are on hand at the EXPOcenter to help you make this choice, taking into account both your daily routines and the exact dimensions of your room.