Your Guide to Choosing a Ceramic Laundry Sink

Ever feel like your laundry is the most forgotten room in the house? It’s the one space that has to work hard, but it rarely gets the same design love as the kitchen or bathroom. We reckon that needs to change. The right laundry sink can make a massive difference, not just to how the room looks, but how it works. And we’re not talking about the old tin tub your nan had. A ceramic sink is a proper upgrade.

So, What's the Deal with Ceramic Sinks Anyway?

Put simply, a ceramic sink starts as clay. But it’s fired in a kiln at crazy-high temperatures, which turns it rock hard. Then, it gets a special glaze—basically liquid glass—and gets fired again. This final step is what gives it that signature smooth, glossy surface that's completely sealed. It means nothing can soak in. You can tell the quality just by tapping on it. It’s got a weight and a warmth that you just don't get from a standard metal sink.

Where a Ceramic Sink Proves Its Worth

Got that favourite woolly jumper you're too scared to put in the washing machine? The smooth finish on a ceramic sink won't snag or catch on delicate fabrics. You can handwash it with confidence, knowing the sink's surface is being kind to your clothes. It’s a bit of peace of mind that a scratched, older sink just can't offer.

And then there’s the stain-soaking side of things. Think about muddy footy kits after a rainy Saturday game, or a baby-grow that’s copped a direct hit from a bolognese explosion. A deep ceramic sink lets you submerge the whole lot and forget about it. You can use powerful soaking agents, and because the surface is non-porous, none of the grime or odour will hang around in the sink itself. Give the sink a quick rinse when you're done, and it's spotless again.

It’s brilliant for all the jobs you wouldn't dare do in your kitchen sink. Cleaning up after a bit of DIY painting is another classic laundry sink job. You can wash out brushes and rollers knowing the durable surface can handle the chemicals. Even the family pet can benefit. A deep butler's sink is a great size for bathing a small dog, saving your back from bending over the bathtub.

Finding the Right Ceramic Sink For Your Laundry

It's not a one-size-fits-all situation. The way a sink is installed can totally change the look of your laundry room. You’ll want to think about your benchtop, your cupboards, and how you use the space before you pick one.

This is all about how the sink connects with your bench or wall. It affects the look and how you clean.

Inset / Drop-in Sinks

These are pretty common and easy to sort out. The sink has a rim that sits on top of your benchtop in a hole that's been cut out. They work with just about any benchtop material and are a breeze for your plumber to install.

Undermount Sinks

If you want that super clean, streamlined look, an undermount sink is the way to go. It’s fitted underneath the benchtop, so there’s no rim on top at all. Wiping down is a dream—you just sweep any water or dirt straight into the sink. This style looks best with a solid benchtop, like stone or quartz, that has a polished, waterproof edge.

Butler's Sinks (or Farmhouse Sinks)

This is the one you’re probably picturing. Big, deep, and with that classic chunky front panel that’s exposed. It’s a look that’s straight out of a country kitchen or a Hamptons-style home. The massive size is what makes it so useful. You can fit almost anything in there to soak.

Wall-Mounted Sinks

A smart choice for smaller laundries or if you're trying to create a more open feel. The sink bolts directly onto the wall, which means you've got clear floor space underneath for a washing basket or some shelves. Just make sure your builder puts in some proper support in the wall first. These sinks are heavy, especially when they're full of water.

All-in-One Sink and Cabinet Units

This is the easy button for your laundry reno. You get a ceramic tub that's already built into a matching laundry cabinet. It makes installation quicker and provides storage right where you need it most. A great solution for getting the job done fast.

How Many Bowls?

Most of the time, one big bowl is all you need for the laundry.

Single Bowl

This is the go-to for a reason. It gives you one large, uninterrupted space for tackling big jobs. Soaking a doona or washing a big dog is much easier in one big bowl.

Double Bowl

You see these more in kitchens, but you can get them for the laundry too. They're handy if you want to soak something in one bowl while keeping the other free for rinsing or handwashing. You'll need a fair bit of bench space for one of these, though.

Sink with a Drainboard

Some sinks come with a built-in drainer on one side. This ribbed area is perfect for letting hand-washed items drip-dry without making your benchtop wet. It's a really practical feature that saves space.

What About Size?

Laundry sinks are usually measured by how many litres they hold. A 45-litre tub is a pretty good all-rounder for most families. If you've got a big tribe, heaps of sports gear, or just find you're always soaking things, looking at a bigger 60L or 70L model is a smart move. On the other end of the scale, if you live in an apartment or have a tiny laundry nook, there are some great small laundry sinks. They give you the quality of ceramic in a compact size that fits right in.

The Main Reasons to Pick Ceramic

So, why should you go for ceramic over the usual stainless steel? It comes down to a few key advantages that make a real difference day-to-day.

Built to Take a Beating

 These things are seriously tough. The way they’re made means they can handle the odd knock and drop without chipping or cracking. The surface is rock hard, so it's not going to scratch up easily from keys in pockets or from scrubbing. Your sink will look schmick for years, not just for the first few months.

Cleans Up Like a Dream

This might be the best part. That glossy, sealed surface means dirt, grime, and bacteria have nowhere to hide. It won't stain, even if you leave something like coffee or hair dye sitting in it. A quick wipe with a cloth is honestly all it needs most of the time. And because it can't absorb anything, it won't start to smell funky over time. It just stays clean and fresh.

It Just Looks Better

Let’s be honest, a ceramic sink just has a certain class. It adds a bit of style and a quality feel that can lift the entire laundry. Where steel can feel a bit cold and clinical, ceramic feels warmer and more inviting. It works with any style—modern, classic, country—and it’s a look that will never go out of fashion. It’s an investment in your home’s overall appeal.

Handles Heat and Chemicals

You can tip boiling water straight from the kettle into a ceramic sink and it won’t flinch. No cracks, no damage. It's also completely fine with household chemicals. So you can use bleach or strong cleaners to give it a proper sanitise without worrying about wrecking the finish. That kind of resilience means you can get on with your jobs without having to be precious about the sink.

A Few Final Things to Think About

Getting the details right is what makes it work.

You’ve picked your style, you’ve picked your size. Just a couple more things to mull over to make sure you get the setup just right.

Colour and Finish

Gloss white is the classic for a reason—it’s bright, clean, and goes with everything. But you’ve got other options. A matte white finish can give your laundry a softer, more modern feel. And if you really want to make an impact, you can't go past a black laundry sink. It looks incredible against a light-coloured benchtop or timber cabinetry and turns your sink into a real feature.

The Right Taps

Don't forget the taps! Your choice of laundry taps needs to be practical. A tall gooseneck tap is a must, giving you enough room to get a big bucket underneath. Even better is a tap with a pull-out spray. It makes rinsing down the sink or directing the water so much easier. If you’re going for a clean look with an undermount sink, wall-mounted taps look fantastic.

Weight and Support

This is a big one. Ceramic is heavy. A lot heavier than steel. You need to be sure that your cabinet or your wall is strong enough to hold it securely. Any decent cabinet maker or builder will know this, but it’s worth mentioning when you’re in the planning stage. The last thing you want is a wobbly sink.

Your Whole Laundry Setup

Think about how all the pieces work together. You want your sink right next to your washing machine if you can, to make soaking and chucking clothes in super easy. Having a bit of bench space on either side is also a lifesaver. Your sink is just one part of the system, along with your washing machine sets and storage. Getting the layout right makes the whole room better to use.

Brands We Know and Trust

We've picked the best so you can choose with confidence.

Here at The Blue Space, we’re pretty fussy about what we stock. We only choose brands that we know deliver on quality and design. Here are some of the names you'll find in our collection:

• Caroma: You can't get more Aussie than Caroma. They make solid, dependable sinks that are designed for Australian homes and just plain work.

• Clark: Always thinking about the little things, Clark sinks are known for their practical and clever designs that make life easier.

• Seima: For a sharp, architectural look, Seima offers sinks with clean lines and a high-end finish.

• Oliveri: The Oliveri laundry collection brings a bit of European style and blends it with Aussie toughness.

• Fienza: If you want a modern look, check out Fienza. They have a great range of sinks in different shapes and finishes.

• Turner Hastings: The masters of the classic fireclay sink. If you want that perfect Butler's sink for your Hamptons or country-style laundry, Turner Hastings is the brand to look for.

Choosing a good ceramic sink is one of the best things you can do for your laundry. It’s a smart move that pays off in both looks and sheer usefulness for years to come. Have a browse of our full range of laundry sinks and find the one that will get your reno sorted.