This article provides a guide to planning your bathroom design and useful ideas for thinking about bathroom space and layout. Perhaps you’re planning to upgrade your existing bathroom or starting with a new one — either way, here are a few helpful tips you may like to consider:
- How big is the bathroom? What area are we talking about?
- Who uses it? The whole family, two people, children, guests, or just yourself?
- What are the fixtures to be installed (bathtub, shower cubicle, vanity, etc.)?
- Is the current lighting sufficient? What kind of lighting do you intend to use in the bathroom?
- Will there be any bathroom furniture? Do you intend to buy ready-made pieces or have custom-made ones?
- Are you planning on redoing the whole bathroom or just a certain part?
- Does it require plumbing work?
Begin with measuring the bathroom area and creating a sketch of the fixtures you have, what you want to modify or change, and — if it’s a brand-new toilet — what is going where. This enables you to estimate the precise area you have to play with. Then work on a realistic budget. If you are planning on redoing the plumbing, estimate the costs upfront, because plumbing can be costly. With the budget and fixtures you desire in hand, it becomes easy to dwell on ideas and new fittings. Be it a vanity top, a new tub, or a shower enclosure, do ensure you consider the usage of space — you wouldn’t want to clutter your bathroom.
Nowadays, modular bathrooms done in little space are in trend. More people are looking for smaller bathrooms fitted with modern amenities. With careful and meticulous planning, it is possible to fit in the things you desire. You can get corner shower cubicles that save space, and if there is a space constraint, you could always use a separate overhead shower cubicle and use curtains to keep water from splashing.
Tubs come in all kinds of shapes and sizes. To save your bathroom precious space, get a deeper bathtub that saves space around the foot-end, or one where you sit upright.
For larger bathrooms, you can work with the space with fewer constraints. Estimate the space, the gadgets, and the fixtures you plan to add. Shower cubicles, bathtubs, and even saunas are all possible — just have to work them in a way that still keeps the bathroom looking spacious.
Always pay attention to bathroom fittings. Detailed work and fittings like faucets and sinks can matter in fashioning your desired space.
Faucets
There is a wide variety of bathroom faucets. When choosing your faucet, pay attention to details like mounting (wall or sink) and material. For an existing bathroom with a faucet already installed, you may be planning to change the mounting, which will be more costly as it most likely requires additional plumbing work.
Toilet seats
Depending on the space available, you have a choice of elongated, rounded, or corner seats. The elongated seat is great for comfort, but pay attention to dimensions. Smaller bathrooms mean you may like to consider a smaller seat. Toilet seats come in different shapes and sizes; there will be one that fits your requirements.
Sinks and taps
Bathroom sinks come in different shapes, colours, sizes, and materials. The designer variety includes wall-mounted and counter sinks in ceramic, steel, or glass, with a wide selection of accessories and matching colours. Taps are supposed to be functional, so always take into consideration the water flow and temperature control system before you decide on a particular one. Find one that is the perfect combination of style and function.
Bathroom furniture
Bathroom vanity plays an important role in the overall design and function of your bathroom. Ask yourself: what kind of style do you want? An old-fashioned look or something new and fresh with a sleek design? Choose a style that suits your personality or matches the rest of your bathroom. Choose one with extra cabinets, shelves, or drawers if you need more space; if you want to keep a sleek, slim look, you don’t want all of that.
We hope you have a better idea now for your bathroom planning and design.