5 Bathroom Layout Ideas That Maximize Space, Style, and Functionality
Renovating a bathroom is no small feat. It requires a lot of time and money, so it’s important to do it right the first time. While the functional fixtures, stylish tile, and proper lighting are all essential parts of a bathroom renovation, the layout is arguably the most important element. Taking the time to map out this first step correctly will pay off big time in the long run.
Luckily, with a little time, effort, and consideration, planning the perfect bathroom layout is relatively simple. It just requires knowing the right questions to ask.
How to Plan a Bathroom Layout
When planning a bathroom layout, think about the size of the space, how it will be used, and the number of people using it. For example, a small 40- to 45-square-foot bathroom can be laid out in several ways, depending on whether it’s intended for a family or single person — or even if it’s the only bathroom in the house.
You’ll also need to factor in the plumbing and where it can be reasonably located, which may require insights from a professional. These considerations will help determine how the space can best be used and arranged to suit the needs of your household.
5 Bathroom Layout Ideas
Here are five bathroom layout ideas that can help you solve some common obstacles. They’ll work for a variety of style preferences and space constraints.
The Long and Narrow Layout
Long and narrow bathrooms can present plenty of challenges. Space permitting, the easiest way to tackle this layout is to use a short wall for the shower or shower/tub combo. Then, you can position the remaining fixtures, such as the toilet and standing sink, beside one another on the long wall opposite the door. If you’re hoping for something a bit larger than a pedestal sink, you may be able to use one of the short walls for a larger vanity, but this depends on the room size and where the door is located.
The En Suite Layout
If you’re fortunate enough to have an en suite or primary bath off the bedroom, making the most of every square inch is understandably important. Unless you live in a large home, these bathrooms are usually small- to midsize and often need to accommodate a toilet, single or double vanity, and a shower/tub. That said, super small en suites may only be able to fit a toilet and vanity.
This layout example demonstrates how to arrange a typical medium-size en suite. It features a toilet, a double vanity for storage, and a full-size walk-in shower. If you prefer tubs, consider swapping out the walk-in shower for a soaker tub or shower/tub combo.
The Small Bathroom Layout
Most people will have a small bathroom at one point or another. If you live in an apartment, studio, or tiny house, you’re probably well-acquainted with the challenges of arranging a small bathroom. Even if you’re blessed with a large primary bathroom, most secondary baths are small, so you’ll likely still encounter this dilemma.
While layouts can vary depending on the exact measurements of your space, it’s common to have the toilet and sink/vanity positioned beside each other. Then, you can use the remaining space in the room to fit a shower or tub. Corner standing showers are popular for tiny spaces, along with small walk-in showers.
The Walk-In Shower Layout
Walk-in showers are perfect for small spaces, but let’s be honest: They’re also super stylish and functional. You can make a walk-in shower work in nearly any space, but a typical layout is demonstrated here, since they’re often used in medium- to small-size bathrooms. In larger spaces, you can pair a walk-in shower with a soaker or clawfoot tub for an added bath option — or with double vanities for enhanced luxury.
The Open-Concept Layout
Open-concept bathrooms may seem totally backward at first — they did for me, anyway. The thought of a bathroom without walls or doors is a little mind-boggling. However, there are various benefits and use cases for open-concept bathrooms.
The main goal of open-concept bathrooms is to provide an enhanced sense of space and flow, making rooms feel larger and, well, open. Glass partitions and walls can give a bit of separation without the complete barrier that traditional walls provide. A large statement tub is often the bathroom’s focal point, so the toilet doesn’t take center stage. Open-concept bathroom layouts are common in luxury spaces since they offer a serene, spa-like feel as well for en suites to ensure a bit of privacy.
Common Bathroom Layout Mistakes to Avoid
If you want your new bathroom to be as practical as it is beautiful, pros caution against these three common bathroom layout mistakes.
Putting the Toilet in the Wrong Spot
The toilet is one of the most important parts of any bathroom, but it’s usually not something you want to focus on visually. Besides toilet placement causing certain functionality problems (like partially obstructing a doorway), putting it in the wrong spot can also result in this unintentionally becoming the room’s focal point. Sarah Bronstein, professional interior designer and founder of Sukkha Design based in Asheville, North Carolina, says layouts that position the toilet directly across from the doorway are one of the most common issues she encounters.
“If at all possible, we want the [prettiest] feature of the bathroom to be the first thing you see through the doorway, whether it’s a beautiful vanity with statement mirrors and lighting, a tile walk-in shower, or a stand-alone tub,” she says. To that end, the toilet is best placed in a location that isn’t visible until you fully enter the room. If you have the space, private toilet cubbies are even better, Bronstein says.
Overcluttering Small Spaces
Another common layout issue is overcluttering small bathrooms. This can happen when homeowners try to fit too many features in one room or use fixtures that aren’t the right size.
“A large soaking tub in a small bathroom, for example, results in a cramped and overwhelming room, while a small vanity in a large bathroom seems like it wouldn’t adequately serve its purpose,” says Isfira Jensen, CEO and principal designer of Jensen & Co. Interiors.
Avoid this common pitfall by carefully measuring your space and the fixtures you’re eyeing before you start the installation. Marking out where the fixtures will go with painter’s tape can help you better visualize how everything will fit in the space and ensure the room doesn’t feel cramped.
Insufficient Storage
Lastly, Jensen says that insufficient storage and counter space is all too common. Most people focus on ensuring the vanity has adequate storage but forget to optimize the rest of the space — like accommodating storage for towels and linens, small cosmetics and personal care items, and cleaning products, if applicable.
“Pro tip to avoid this is to plan for custom built-in shelving or vertical storage when in the planning phase of a remodel,” Jensen recommends. “Assess your storage requirements and be realistic about the amount of space you’ll need.”
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