Create the perfect bath space by following a few design Small Bathroom Layout tips.
The bathroom is one of the most important rooms in the house from a design standpoint. Because it is such a functional space that is used frequently, it is important that it be laid out correctly. But creating that perfect layout doesn’t need to be a struggle. By organizing your goals, learning a few guidelines and laying it all out, you can create the ideal space.
Small Bathroom Layout Tips
Before you begin creating a small bathroom layout, it helps to have goals for the space in mind. Decide if you want a bathtub and shower combination, a single shower or a separate bathtub and shower. Consider whether you want the toilet in the room or in a separate walled-off area in the space. Depending on how many people use the bathroom at one time, determine whether you want a single lavatory or a double. Plan on having space for storage, which can either be built in — such as a closet or shelving — or free-standing in the form of under-sink storage or furniture pieces with shelves, such as an armoire and a dresser.
Technical Considerations
The most important part of any small bathroom design is functionality. Keep at least 30 inches of clearance in front of each fixture in the bathroom. This means that if the toilet sits closer than 30 inches to the front of the sink, adjust the Small Bathroom Layout until there is enough space. Leave at least 4 inches between the edge of the sink and the nearest object such as a wall, second sink or shower. For comfort, ensure the shower has at least 30 inches of space in each direction. The center of the toilet should be at least 16 inches, but no further than 18 inches, from the wall.
Layout Tips
Any good Small Bathroom Layout will not only be functional, but will look good as well. Avoid placing the toilet toward the entrance of the space. If possible, place the toilet and sink next to each other and create a separate shower/bathtub area. Always leave a clear traffic area in the room that is at least 2 feet wide. Keep in mind that if there is a window in the shower or bathtub area it will need to be waterproofed and maintained. You may also want to consider privacy glass, or simply reposition the shower or tub.
Creating the Layout
With the technical requirements in mind, it is time to draw the small bathroom floor plans. Measure the existing space for the bathroom, using a tape measure. Make sure to include existing windows or doors. Draw the outline of the bathroom onto a piece of graph paper. Assume that one square on the graph paper is 1 square foot of space. For example, if the north wall is 6 feet, draw a line that covers six squares. Measure the size of your toilet, sink, shower and tub and draw these into the floor plan. Play around with the small bathroom layout until you reach something that meets the technical requirements and goals that you have in mind.
