Bathroom Layout

How to outfit your bathroom space

Having too much space in the bathroom is definitely abnormal. Most often, there is not enough room to fit everything you want into the space you have, so thoughtful positioning of major fixtures is essential to bathroom design. Putting time and effort into proper bathroom layout can save you major headaches later in the process. If you’re redesigning an existing bathroom, you may already have an idea of what’s working and what’s not in the layout.

Who, What, Where, Why and When

Good layout may depend more on the five w’s than you expect. When you consider these questions, you should get a good sense of how your bathroom will work best. Ask yourself the following:

  1. Who will be using the bathroom? – Will the kids be using it in the middle of the night and need an easy-to-navigate floor plan? Or will your grandmother be the prime user and appreciate easy access to the medicine cabinet?
  2. What is the main purpose of the bathroom? – If the shower will rarely be used, you may get away with a smaller shower tucked into a tiny corner of the bathroom.
  3. Where is the existing plumbing? – Sometimes the plumbing can’t be moved, so you’ll be forced to keep things the way they are. This might also change the kind of new bathroom fixtures you choose.
  4. Why is the existing bathroom layout not working? – An existing bathroom leaves the best clues as to what should be different in the new one. Just remember that changing plumbing fixtures will drive the cost of the project up.
  5. When will the bathroom be used the most? – Are you going to have to coordinate schedules to get everyone in and out of the shower in the morning? If so, you might consider breaking up the toilet and shower areas from the sink and makeup areas with a door so that one person can be finishing while the other is starting.

Following Code

While function is key to your new bathroom design layout, you’ve got to be careful to follow state and local building codes when you’re overhauling a bathroom. Most codes require a toilet’s centerline to be 15 inches or more from walls and other fixtures or obstructions. Codes also determine the amount of floor space to be kept clear in front of toilets, tubs and showers. Most of these codes are developed to ensure the best user comfort and easiest-flowing design, so following them is in your best interest. When you decide to design a bathroom, you can contact the International Residential Code or the National Kitchen and Bath Association to find guidelines that will ensure your design is safe and practical.