Bathrooms are a key space in every home, so if you’re looking to spruce up your own, it’s important to plan the layout carefully. Whether you’re thinking about a standout freestanding tub or statement tile, a well-designed floor plan will ensure your new bathroom looks and functions beautifully. We spoke with experts to learn the best ways to get your layout right.
“Getting the layout right is a crucial step in designing your dream bathroom,” says Yousef Mansuri, head of design at luxury bath brand C.P. Hart. “There are many considerations, including the room size, door and window locations, and fixed features like a fireplace or existing paneling.”
When you’re planning your new layout, look at photos of bathroom remodel Chicago for inspiration and determine what the most important elements will be. It’s also helpful to sketch out the space so you can see how things will work. Using a software program such as Foyr Neo will allow you to create a 3D model of your bathroom and test out different layouts.
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make when renovating their bathrooms is putting the toilet too close to the vanity. This can create a cramped feel and prevents easy access to the sink. “As a general rule, you want to leave at least 21 inches of space between the front edge of the toilet bowl and anything that sits directly in front of it,” says Mansuri.
Another mistake people often make when designing a bathroom is forgetting about storage. It’s a good idea to incorporate plenty of cabinetry, both above and below the counter, so you can store all your essentials. If you’re tight on space, consider using a narrow piece of furniture such as a ladder or a tall bookcase to double as storage and add visual interest to the room.
In this small powder room, the stacked sink vanity and toilet are on opposite walls, which allows for the shower to be placed in between. This arrangement keeps the toilet out of direct view, which is ideal for a powder room where privacy is paramount.
If you’re working with a larger space, try adding an extra wall to your layout. This will allow you to separate a tub and shower and create two vanities, which is ideal for a master suite or guest bathroom.
Ideally, your tub should take center stage in your bathroom layout and be framed by a stunning window treatment or a stand-out paint color. In this spa-like bathroom, a shapely freestanding tub takes the spotlight.
If you have a very long and narrow bathroom, consider placing the tub on the shorter side of the room, with the shower in between. This will visually balance the vanity and keep the toilet out of sight. This is a great option for guest bathrooms and powder rooms, where the tub will only be used occasionally.