Designing the perfect bathroom starts with smart layout planning. Whether you’re working with a small space or a large master bathroom, the right layout can transform how your bathroom functions and feels. This guide walks you through essential ideas and tips to create a layout that maximises both form and function, tailored to your needs.
Assess your needs and space
Before choosing a layout, measure your bathroom and decide what you need from the space. For smaller bathrooms, compact layouts can make the space more functional by using wall-mounted fixtures or corner sinks. For larger bathrooms, you have the flexibility to incorporate both a freestanding bathtub and a walk-in shower.
Accurately measure your bathroom
No bathroom renovation can get started without this all-important first step. Here’s how you should do it.
- Gather your tools: a measuring tape, pen or pencil and somewhere to write down your measurements
- Measure your bathroom’s length and width, wall to wall. Make a note of the measurements (in millimetres for the greatest accuracy)
- Measure your bathroom’s height, floor to ceiling. Make a note of the measurement
- Take all three measurements again to double-check
- If necessary, measure all of your bathroom fixtures and fittings, including doors and windows – double-checking the measurements
https://pin.it/65X3rYlmo
Now that you have your measurements, you can start figuring out which layout you want to go with.
Bathroom layout ideas
Here are some ideas collected from our bathroom design experts:
Small bathroom layout ideas
https://pin.it/5ZE1EbsZ5
Compact shower over bath: If space is tight, consider combining the shower and bath in one area. Use a transparent glass door to keep the room feeling open.
Wall-mounted fixtures: Choose wall-hung vanities and toilets to free up floor space, making the room feel larger.
Corner sink & toilet placement: Positioning sinks or toilets in corners opens up more central space, creating a better flow.
Large bathroom layout ideas
Separate shower and bath zones: In larger bathrooms, creating separate zones for the shower and bath can give the room a more luxurious feel.
Double basin vanities: If space allows, installing two sinks is a practical option, especially for shared bathrooms.
Central focal points: A freestanding bath or large walk-in shower can serve as the centrepiece of your layout, surrounded by storage or seating areas.
Family-friendly layout ideas
Dedicated storage zones: Install built-in shelving or cabinets to ensure that all family members have designated storage.
Open floor space: Ensure there’s plenty of room for movement, especially in bathrooms used by multiple people.
Functional zones: Separate the vanity area from the shower/toilet for better usability during busy mornings.
The way you position your bathroom fixtures has a significant impact on the overall efficiency and functionality of the space, and don’t forget, there are some practical considerations beyond aesthetics.
Here are some layout-efficient positioning tips:
Toilet positioning: Always place the toilet as close as possible to the existing soil pipe. Moving the soil stack can be expensive and complex, so it’s best to work with your current plumbing setup. A corner placement or positioning the toilet against an exterior wall can help keep plumbing simple and the layout compact.
Sink location: Position the sink near existing water supply and drainage lines to minimise the need for costly plumbing alterations.
Shower placement: For both practicality and aesthetics, place the shower at the far end of the bathroom. This maximises space and keeps wet areas away from the entryway, reducing splash zones. If possible, align the shower with existing water and drainage lines to avoid rerouting pipes.
Bathtub positioning: If including a bathtub, it’s important to place it near both the hot and cold water supply, and ideally, the existing waste pipes. In larger bathrooms, a central freestanding bathtub can serve as a focal point, but ensure it remains close enough to the plumbing infrastructure to avoid modifications.
Maximise wall space for storage: Use vertical wall space to add storage units, cabinets, or wall-mounted towel rails. This keeps the floor area clear, especially in small bathrooms.
Consider clearances for usability: Ensure there’s enough clearance around fixtures for easy movement. For example, leave at least 60cm of free space in front of the toilet and sink for comfort. Consider where doors (both entry and cabinet) will swing to avoid awkward collisions with fixtures.
Reasons to work with your existing plumbing
Provided that your existing plumbing is in good working condition, there are many big reasons why you should stick with it for your bathroom renovation.
- Save money. Moving or altering plumbing lines can be very expensive – especially if you need professional help
- Save time. On top of money, removing and creating new plumbing is a time-consuming process that will lengthen your project timeline
- Reduce risk. Changing your plumbing can compromise the structural integrity of your home if not done properly, increasing the risk of damage to your home's structure
-
Fewer or no new permits. Making changes to your plumbing often requires you to obtain new permits from your local authority – costing you more time and money
Map out your floor plan
Now you have an idea of where you want to place your fixtures and how you want your bathroom to look, you can start to map out the floor plan.
You can either:
Sketch your bathroom to size - map out the bathroom space according to the measurements you took. Measure your toilet, sink, shower, bath etc and draw them to size.
Use a 3D layout mapping tool - tools like Flooplanner, or Ikea’s bathroom mapping tool can plot these measurements accurately and visualise your bathroom layout in 3D.
If you’d prefer to let the experts handle the hard work, consider using our bathroom design service. For just £100, our team will professionally design your bathroom layout, and the best part is that the £100 cost is refunded if you choose to go ahead with our design.
