Probably the greatest challenge with bathroom design is planning the bathroom layout and figuring out how to achieve the style and build you want within the limits of what is probably the smallest room in the house.
There are no absolute rules with bathroom layouts, after all it is your bathroom but there are things to think about. I have pulled together the following process to help you think about your bathroom layout:
Top tips for planning your bathroom layout
- Measure all dimensions including the height of the room, so that you can produce a scale version floor plan or layout of the room including the position and dimensions of doors, windows, walls and sockets.
- Fittings come in a range of sizes but you probably only need worry about the exact size if your room is very small.
- When planning your bathroom layout make sure you include the working area required around each unit, essentially this is the space around each piece to ensure that you don't bang into things - see more details below.
- Basins are best positioned where there is good natural light for shaving and makeup. If the sink is placed along a side wall near the door, make sure the door swings away from the sink, not into it.
- The lavatory best sits as far away from the bath as possible and should also be located away from the door.
- Consider where you will position a radiator or heated towel rail.
- Plan to box in unsightly pipes behind a bathroom cabinet.
Bathroom services in the wrong place
If your current bathroom layout is liveable, leaving the services where they are will mean that much more in the budget for upgrading fixtures, and may make the difference between doing the project and waiting to save more money. Electrical outlets and switches are usually easier to move than plumbing pipes, provided there is reasonable access to the wiring.
If you cannot fit the units to the existing services you may need to add or move some. This is likely to impact on time and cost so make sure you consult a plumber or someone who can advise you before you progress with your bathroom layout plans.
Types of bathroom layouts
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One-wall bathroom
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The bath, sink(s) and toilet all along one wall. This bathroom layout is generally the most economical-and generally the least interesting design. |
| L-shaped bathroom
| Usually has the vanity/sink and the toilet along one side wall, with the bathtub against the back wall. This bathroom layout reduces the "hallway" look and is as cost-effective as a one-wall bathroom because the tub supply and drain lines can be located on the same wall as the other fixtures. |
| Corridor bathroom
| Typically has the bathtub along one side wall and the vanity / sink and toilet along the opposite wall. |
| U-shaped bathroom
| Fixtures on three walls; it generally gives the most spacious bathroom layout but also requires a relatively large, square room. |
Areas required for bathroom fixtures
The following are the normal areas required for various bathroom fixture combinations, in SQM:
- Bath and basin - 3
- Bath, basin and WC - 4
- Bath, basin , WC and bidet - 4.5
- Shower, bidet and basin - 4.5
- Corner bath, basin and WC - 4.5
- Shower, basin, WC and bath - 4.5
- Bath, twin basins and seating - 6
- Shower, basin, WC, bath and bidet - 7
Bathroom layout working areas
When doing your bathroom layout you need to allow space for standing and sitting, getting in and out of the bath or shower etc - these are called working areas. The suggested working areas around each unit are:
| Lavatories | Standard depth 700mm (27in), plus 600mm (24in) clearance in front and 200mm (8in) on each side
| | Bidets | Standard depth 700mm (27in), plus 600mm (24in) in front and 200mm (8in) on each side |
| Baths | Standard size 1700mm long X 700mm wide (66in long x 27in wide); clearance of 700 X 1100mm (27in) alongside if sited lengthways and 2200mm (86in) headroom |
| Showers | Standard size 900mm x 900mm (35in x 35in), plus 700mm (27in) clearance in frontlengthways |
| Basins | Standard depth 400mm (16in), plus 700mm (27in) clearance on front and at least 200mm (8in) to either side |
If you cannot fit all of the units you want into the bathroom layout or if you think the room is too crowded, ask yourself if you really need all you've chosen or can you relocate any unit into another room? You may also consider having a shower head positioned over the bath rather than a separate shower cubicle or consider using a corner bath rather than the traditional style of tub.
Smaller size fittings are another option, provided basic practicality is not compromised. Similarly wall-hung sinks and lavatory pans take up less space than pedestal versions. Sliding or folding doors are a better bet than conventional doors that open inwards, while heated towel rails can provide enough background heat to avoid the need for an additional radiator.
Taking time to plan your bathroom layout will be worth as make the best use of all space in the bathroom is vital