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Bathroom Layouts: Getting the Most Out of Your Bathroom Size

By George

15th Jun 2021

5 mins read

Bathroom Ideas

We've taken a look at some of the most popular types of bathroom to give you tips on making the most of your space.

Bathroom Layouts: Getting the Most Out of Your Bathroom Size

Whether you’re renovating for the first time or have tonnes of experience doing so, you’ll likely already know just how important it is to get your bathroom’s layout right.

Ensuring that everything fits comfortably and plays to the strengths of your specific bathroom size is the key to achieving a functional, and stylish space.

So, from downstairs toilet size advice to tips on getting that dream master bathroom layout, we’ve gone over 5 of the most common bathroom size options in order to help you make the right decisions.

We even give some basic advice on UK minimum bathroom size building regulations, just to make sure your renovations all go swimmingly.

Downstairs Toilets

Downstairs toilets are usually the smallest of all bathroom sizes. This tends to make them the bathroom that people put the least thought into when renovating. However, they’re far more important than you’d think.

In addition to being the only bathroom on the ground floor, they’re also the bathroom most likely to be used by guests. So, if you’re wanting to leave a good impression it’s important that yours is as practical and good-looking as can be.

To make the most of space here, we recommend looking at compact alternatives to standard products. The Milan Compact Floor Standing Vanity & Close Coupled Toilet, for instance, provides excellent functionality without leaving a hefty footprint.

In the UK the minimum toilet room size is 70cm x 130cm. While it is possible to make this work (especially if you’re only in need of a toilet and a basin), we recommend that your bathroom layout makes room for at least an 80cm x 140cm downstairs toilet. That extra 10cm each way may not sound like much, but it’ll go a long way to making your toilet size feel more accommodating - especially for taller users.

Compact Ensuite Bathrooms

Ensuite bathroom size varies massively depending on the bathroom layout in question. If you’re wanting to experience the luxury of an ensuite but are put off by the amount of space required, you’ll be pleased to know that it is possible to create them to have a small footprint - with some options almost as low profile as the minimum toilet sizes mentioned above. You will however need to choose its fixtures and fittings wisely.

To get the best out of your compact ensuite, we suggest abandoning plans for adding a bathtub. You’ll want to free up as much floor space as possible to give the impression that the room is bigger than it seems. Instead, opt for a stylish quadrant shower, such as the one featured in the Arezzo Matt Black Quadrant Shower Suite pictured below.

Our recommended minimum ensuite bathroom size is 1m x 2m. This should be enough to comfortably fit a toilet, basin, and shower enclosure - so long as you pick options that aren’t too cumbersome.

Small Bathrooms

If your bathroom’s layout includes plans for a modest bathroom, there are still plenty of options to cater for its size limitations without having to forfeit any of its functions.

We advise going for an attractive small bathroom suite to help you easily create a coherent space. Available at attractive price points, you can find impressive packages (such as this one from Cove) that include a shower bath, a toilet and a basin all sharing the same design cues.

In terms of bathroom size, if you’re working with very little room installing a standard size bath or shower bath could be difficult. Thankfully, there are tonnes of compact baths available, starting as small as 1200mm x 700mm. Note that these may be a non-starter for taller users. In this case, go for a shower enclosure instead. It’s never a good choice to sacrifice comfort or convenience.

Family Bathrooms

A good family bathroom layout should aim to make use of all the available space and avoid ever becoming overcrowded. Put ease of use at the forefront of all your decisions and try to pick products that are of a suitable height for your whole family.

In family bathrooms, it’s all the more crucial to create areas dedicated to the storage of towels and toiletries to increase the safety of space. So, in addition to your chosen bathroom suite, consider adding an eye-catching heated towel radiator and a wall hung bathroom cabinet to keep your floors clear and any potentially harmful items out of reach of young children.

The typical size of a UK family bathroom is 2m x 2m. If you plan your bathroom layout correctly, this should be ample room for your choice of fixtures and fittings as well as a handful of additional furnishings for that all-important storage.

Master Bathrooms

An expertly designed master bathroom could well be the crowning glory of your home. A sanctuary in which to relax and rejuvenate after long days, when planning the space we suggest that you consciously make decisions that aim to increase comfort at every turn.

Every good master bathroom needs a grandiose tub. We’re big fans of the Trafalgar Traditional Bathroom Suite which comes equipped with a dreamy 1685mm slipper bath that’s extravagant enough to act as a focal point in its own right.

Your average UK master bathroom will be around 2.5m x 3m, but feel free to dedicate more space to it if you have it. Just be wary of making it too big as bathrooms with large open spaces can often end up feeling a bit cold and clinical.

Enjoyed our guide to getting the most out of your bathroom size? Why not try our recent blog post on Bathroom Layout Ideas & How To Plan Them. For a bunch of other inspirational bathroom style guides and DIY tips, stick with us here on the Victorian Plumbing Blog.

George

George

George is one of our interior experts. He loves to write about the latest bathroom trends and he's a dab hand with bathroom DIY too.

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