Step 4 - Bathroom Layout and Space
An efficient bathroom layout combines form and function that best suits your lifestyle. For example, the person wanting a personal relaxation retreat to linger in will need a much different layout than the on-the-go type who needs to simply "wash up and run." The goal in all situations is creating a comfortable flow that meets your needs.
Here are several items and ideas to consider:
- Does your bathroom have space for a separate bathtub and shower? If yes, do you want to consider a freestanding tub? If no, do you want to consider a shower tub combination or choose one over the other?
- Do you have room of a pivoting shower door or should you consider a sliding shower door?
- Where will the sinks, vanities and the toilet be located? Make sure to leave adequate clearance space for working at them and getting around them.
- Where will towels and toiletries be stored? Do they need to be located lower to the floor, say within a child's reach, or can they be up higher?
- You can make small bathrooms feel grander by maximizing floor space with under sink cabinets, a bathtub with a lower profile deck and built-in shower storage.
- Mirrors and sliding glass shower doors can give the illusion of more space in a small bathroom.
- Pay attention to the location of doors and drawers and plan to be able to navigate them when open.