How To Plan The Perfect Bathroom Layout
Without a doubt, the first critical step in any bathroom renovation is optimising the bathroom layout.
And put simply, this means assessing the existing bathroom floor plan to determine what works and what doesn’t, and then planning the new bathroom layout plan to optimise bathroom space, flow, functionality and aesthetics.
Skip this vital bathroom planning phase, and it could cost you big time — resulting in a bathroom design that’s dysfunctional, and which hasn’t added value to your home that’s equal to how much the bathroom renovation cost.
But don’t sweat… from measuring tips to strategic positioning, we've got the hacks you need for a 10/10 bathroom design layout, so grab your measuring tape and notebook and let's delve into the world of bathroom layout planning!
Zephyr and Stone • Hamptons Ensuite Bathroom Layout with Round Window Design
Plan Plumbing Locations
First things first, if you’re renovating a bathroom with an unconventional bathroom layout, fixing this by remodelling the bathroom should be the #1 priority.
And yes — moving plumbing locations costs money, but a full bathroom renovation cost will set you back in the vicinity of $15,000-$60,000, so spending a fraction of that on moving plumbing to perfect your bathroom layout, is definitely money well spent.
Getting a plumber to assess your bathroom space and give you a ballpark quote for moving plumbing locations, is a wise investment before you venture too far into the design process.
ES Design and FOS Collective • Modern Mediterranean Bathroom Design
Prioritise Privacy
The best bathroom layout plans have privacy in mind. Position the toilet and shower away from the bathroom entrance or main sightlines to maximise privacy for users and improve your bathroom design layout.
Consider installing a partition wall or frosted glass divider to provide separation of these areas while maintaining an open feel, or for larger bathrooms, you may want to design the toilet so it’s hidden behind a door, in it’s own separate room.
Retallack Thompson • Small Bathroom Design Layout with Privacy Wall Design
Zephyr and Stone • Contemporary Coastal Ensuite with Toilet Partition Wall Design
Plan for Wet and Dry Zones
Optimise your bathroom layout plan by designing wet areas, such as the shower or bathtub away from dry zones, such as the vanity and toilet, to prevent water damage and contain water splashing to the one area.
Installation of waterproofing measures by a licenced tiler or waterproofer, such as a waterproof membrane, will protect wet areas to ensure water is contained.
Nina Maya Interiors • Marble Bathroom with Floating Mirror Design
Zephyr and Stone • Fifty Shades Bathroom with Bath in Shower Area
Optimise Bathroom Flow + Spacing
Planning your bathroom layout for good flow is critical and proportions come into play here.
Start by determining whether the bathroom is being designed to accommodate 1 or more users at a time? Then plan your bathroom dimensions accordingly, ensuring the spacing between key bathroom elements like the vanity, toilet and shower will accommodate easy and natural movement.
The Stella Collective • Modern Mediterranean Bathroom Design with Pink Stone Vanity
Courtney Adamo • Modern bathroom layout with warm colour scheme
Account for Door Swing
No matter the size of your bathroom layout dimensions, it’s critical to consider the door swing when planning the layout.
The door swing should not only be optimised to the room design, but also planned around the positioning of bathroom fixtures and cabinetry — to avoid obstruction and ensure ease of use. A swinging door is best for privacy and insulating noise, however for small bathrooms, a space-saving cavity slider door can sometimes be far more practical. That’s because cavity sliding doors tuck into a wall recess when the door is opened, so they don’t encroach on the bathroom footprint or take up any space, unlike a traditional swinging door.
Las Perelli • Small Bathroom Design with Sliding Door
Zephyr and Stone • Coral House Ensuite with Cavity Slider Door
Maximise Ventilation
Become an expert bathroom layout planner by considering the ventilation and air circulation when planning a bathroom remodel.
Exhaust fans should be installed to remove steam and prevent moisture buildup in the bathroom. Consider upgrading to a humidity-sensing fan that automatically adjusts airflow based on moisture levels to maintain optimal indoor air quality at all times.
Raunik Design Group • Modern Bathroom Layout with Curved Wall and Glass Screen
Zephyr and Stone • Hamptons Powder Room with shower window
Customise Storage Solutions
In every room in your home, it’s critical to customise and optimise storage solutions to the layout and user needs… and bathrooms are no exception!
Utilise vertical space with tall cabinets, mirrror cabinets or shelving units to maximise storage without encroaching on floor space, and incorporate niche shelving within the shower or above a bathtub for the optimal storing of toiletries within arm's reach.
When it comes to the bathroom vanity, include both drawers and cupboards, and if your bathroom layout allows, integrate a bin inside to keep rubbish out of sight.
Raunik Design Group • White Bathroom Design with Custom Wall-to-Wall Vanity Cabinetry
Consider Electrical Outlets
For a practical bathroom layout, strategically plan the location of electrical outlets near vanities and mirrors to accommodate hairdryers, electric shavers, and other grooming tools. If you’re installing a mirror cabinet, include a power point inside to accommodate the storing of small appliances like electric tooth brushes, within easy reach.
Z+S Tip • Conceal electrical outlets inside your vanity drawers or cupboard, so appliances like hairdryers can be stored plugged in ready for use but out of sight.
Zephyr and Stone • Retreat House Ensuite with Cabinet Drawers
Heartly • Modern Bathroom Layout Plan with Marble and Timber Vanity
