Tobring your dream bath into focus, take time to assess your needs and devise an efficient layout.
A functional floor plan is critical to a successful bathroom remodel or build.
To determine space-planning requirements, answer the questions below to fully understand how you’ll use the bathroom.
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For an existing bath, assess the pros and cons of the current layout.
For a new bathroom layout, think about how yourdream space would function.
Read on to learn all about various bathroom layout ideas and expert planning tips from a bathroom designer.
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Who Will Use the Bathroom?
Will two adults share the primary bathroom during the morning rush hour?
Is the bathroom only used by the occasional guest?
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Are children who need assistance the primary occupants?
Will you bathe a pet in the tub?
How Will It Be Used?
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What kind of activities will go on in the bathroom daily?
For example, will you require a place to sit andapply makeup?
Will the room houselaundry facilities?
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What can be done in a shared space, and what needs a private area?
Do you preferseparate shower and bath areas?
Would you like a tub that accommodates more than one person?
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Do you want the water closet to have its own space?
Where Will Storage Go?
Will youstore your toiletries, cosmetics, etc., in your bathroom?
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Where should they be placed for easy access?
Don’t underestimatethe importanceof storage.
Not sure where to start?
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Check out these popular bathroom floor plans below and see which fits your home and needs best.
BHG / Julie Bang
1.
If visitors use or see your bathroom, consider what’s visible from the doorway.
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This narrow floor plan makes an efficient option for a small space.
It also helps reduce construction costs with all the plumbing fixtures on one wall.
Often a full bath has roomfor a spacious double vanity.
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Consider a furniture-style vanity orcontemporary floating vanityinstead of an off-the-shelf cabinet to personalize your space.
Opt for a console-style sink with an open floor below to make the room feel bigger.
Another space-expanding tip is to replace the tub-shower combo with a large shower.
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Without a tub to stop your eye, the space feels larger.
Plus,the walk-in showersaves you money because it doesn’t require a door.
This configuration typically offers morevanity size and style options.
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Including two sinks (or a double vanity) is a plus in a shared primary bath.
On the other hand, choosing a single, bigger vanity offers more countertop space and storage.
Place the bathtub under a window for a pretty focal point.
Double vanities work well in primary bathrooms, allowing each person their own area.
Dedicate space on a third wall for a walk-in shower.
Or opt for aglass shower door,which makes the bathroom feel more open and light.
If you prefer more privacy, a frosted door in a tiled shower adds cozy and stylish modesty.
Closing off a small compartment for the toilet provides extra privacy while maintaining the decorative appeal of the space.
Place vanities on opposite walls to give everyone space to get ready without bumping elbows.
A walk-in shower with room for drying off keeps water contained in one area and reduces wet floors.
A separate toilet area improves privacy and offers a dedicated spot to store bathroom essentials.
More Bathroom Layout Ideas
Large or small, every bath needs a good floor plan to shine.
“It’s beautiful, and it takes up very little floor space,” she says.
“Think about how you use the bath,” Krengel says.
(Plus, you’ll have only one sink to clean.)
Don’t forget goodvanity lighting.
Sconces on both sides of the mirror produce less shadow on your face than asingle light from above.
Not everyone prefers a tub, however.
Many homeowners are trading their underused whirlpool or tub-shower combo for a more luxurious walk-in shower.
Remodeling costs tend to soar when you start moving plumbing lines.
Just switching an adjacent sink and toilet could set you back $1,500, Krengel says.
“Moving the whole vent stack is the real big-ticket item,” she says.
“If you have to do that, it could be $5,000 to $10,000.”
If you’re building new and budget is a concern, limit plumbing fixtures to one wall.
Collect images of bathrooms you like and find the common themes to determine your style.
Are you a fan ofminimalist bathroom designor is aluxurious bathroommore your style?
Do you love the crisp,clean look of a white bathroomor is atimeless blue bathroommore appealing?
Bathroom Door Entry Planning Guideline
The clearopening of a doorwayshould be at least 36 inches wide.
This requires a minimum 2-foot-10-inch door.
If the existing structure precludes changing the opening, then a minimum 2-foot door works.
Recommended Shower Size
The interior shower size should be at least 36x36 inches.
