Best Bathroom Layout Ideas

Along with style, character, and aesthetic, a bathroom needs to be functional above all else. A well-thought-out layout will anticipate the potential problems, optimize the flow of the room, and ultimately make a relaxing retreat from the stress of life.

Whether you’ve got a couple of bathroom layout ideas in mind or have no idea where to start, welcome! This article will discuss different types and shapes of rooms and what homeowners can do to transform their bathroom space into their favorite spot in the house.

The long and thin bathroom - One-sided bathroom

Sometimes, a bathroom that is long and thin can be an awkward space to work with—often, two separate bathroom features will share one side. One way to make the best of this layout is to put the shower and sink or vanity flush up against the same wall. Not only does this save on plumbing costs, but it also highlights the vanity and shower rather than the toilet, which adds to the elegance and cleanliness of the bathroom.

The long and narrow - Feature bath

Another option for thin, longer rooms is to separate the shower and bath and place them at opposite ends of the room to maximize the available space. Depending on the length of the room and how thin it is, you can use the entire end of the room for a big custom shower. Use a freestanding tub with a small vanity sink, and add a small square shower in the corner to make the most of the space.

Alcove areas - perfect for a tub

If your room has a bump that seems a little random, lean into the personality of the room: this area is a great spot for a bathtub. Either a freestanding or built-in bathtub in this area helps create an uninterrupted and seamless flow. If possible, hide the toilet behind the door so that the bath is the feature of the room—this will spotlight your glorious bathtub even more. If you’re short on space, a bath and shower may also fit this sort of space to accommodate a smaller room.

Awkward-shaped rooms - new opportunities

In an awkwardly shaped room, try to use cutouts to your advantage—a little creativity can go a long way in your bathroom layout. In smaller alcoves, build in a vanity or toilet so they are inconspicuously tucked away. A unique vanity that fills the space could also be a nice highlight of the room if the space is particularly small Otherwise, the shower is a solid main feature for a bigger and more central nook. If the room is particularly unbalanced, you can add a divider to create both privacy and symmetry. For example, add a wall for the toilet in the awkward corner space.

Two sink stations - convenient and deluxe

A popular layout if you’ve got the space is adding two separate sinks—sometimes in two separate vanities. There are multiple ways to do two sinks in one bathroom. Two separate vanities work great if you have multiple doors or built-in storage to work around. For larger rooms, you can have two separate vanities with a standalone bath in between—this is a unique but space-conscious option. If you have less room to work with, put the two sinks together in one large vanity and use the underneath for extensive storage.

Small space - simple but significant

For a lot of people, small bathrooms rule their space. But smaller bathrooms can be cozy, minimalist, luxurious, or bold—it just takes a little more intentionality when designing bathroom floor plans. Optimize the space with a wet room shower or a two-in-one shower and bath. You can also do a lot with just one sink—especially with the right vanity storage. Speaking of storage, you can also keep personal items behind mirrors, in medicine cabinets, and on shelves.

Another small bathroom layout design hack is to keep things simple and make one element the featured space. For example, if you have an interesting sink shape, a unique faucet, or a fun mirror, the vanity may be the highlight of your small space. Finally, consider having a glass shower to make the space feel bigger and more open.

How to make the most of your bathroom layout

Granted, not every inch of your bathroom needs to be filled with items. However, everyone spends a considerable amount of time getting ready in the bathroom, which means storage is important, as is the decor that adds to our enjoyment. Here are some common bathroom items and how you can use them to elevate your bathroom layout.

Rugs

Not only do rugs keep your floors cleaner, but they also have design elements that help guide the layout of a bathroom. For example, rugs help create different sections in the bathroom, which is especially helpful for awkwardly-spaced or small rooms. A small mat in front of the sink and a separate one in front of the tub or shower helps break up the space and create more definition.

Laundry baskets

Most people appreciate a laundry basket directly in the bathroom to keep both bedrooms and bathrooms tidier. If you’ve got a lonely corner, add a tall thin basket for hygiene, practicality, and design.

Shelves

The more vertical space you can use in small spaces, the better! This frees up space for the main features of the room that make a statement, like a larger vanity. If you’re renovating the shower, consider adding recess shelves—they will make your space seem bigger and add to the lavish atmosphere of the room.

Greenery

Another item you can add to your bathroom if you’ve got some bare walls or corners is to add a little bit of plant life. Plants are decorative and improve the air quality of the room, which is great for a small room like a bathroom. You can use a larger or taller plant if your bathroom floor plan has a plain, solitary corner. A hanging plant is also a great option if you don’t want to add a bulky piece of furniture to your floor plan.

Your dream bathroom is just a click away

A strong layout can make or break your bathroom, and considering how much time we spend getting ready in bathrooms, they should be enjoyable spaces to be in. Who uses the bathroom may also affect your layout choices—a guest bathroom versus a kid’s bathroom versus a master’s bathroom will all have unique layout elements to consider. Once you know the layout, you can use even more design elements to bring everything together, like a colorful accent wall or matching decor.

If you don’t know where to start or need help finalizing your vision, check out our photo gallery. Made Renovation can help you create a layout that’s exactly right for your bathroom. From design to construction to materials, our expert team of designers will be with you every step of the way as you think through the best ways to use your space.

Book a call with one of our Project Consultants today to discuss your bathroom layout.