Dreaming About a New Bath?

Designing for Your Space

Planning an efficient layout and following recommended design guidelines can help ensure that you end up with a stylish bathroom that’s safe, functional, and comfortable.

Are you working with limited square footage? Be sure to ask your showroom consultant about space-saving tips.

Floor Plan Ideas

Use these sample floor plans to gather ideas about placement of elements. Whatever the size of your bath, keep in mind that the more walls that contain plumbing pipes, the higher the price tag. If budget is a concern, limit plumbing fixtures to one wall; for the greatest design flexibility, opt for a three-wall layout.

Three-Quarter Bath (No Tub)

All plumbing on the same wall saves labor and supply expenses. With only one sink and a shower, this is a popular and hardworking plan.

Full Bath

A tub/shower combination is a good choice for many baths. The tub’s end wall and the way the door opens help keep the toilet separate from the rest of the space. There is room for a long vanity with two sinks.

Posh Bath

The large tub is framed by an alcove with end shelves, and the double vanity saves space with shallow ends. The walk-in shower saves money because it doesn’t require a door.

Posh Plus Bath

This plan has it all: a separate shower, a corner tub under windows, a double vanity, and a private toilet compartment.

Double The Comfort

Are you planning a master bathroom that can easily accommodate two users during the morning rush hour? Consider including a separate shower—or better yet, a walk-in shower with multiple showerheads. Install dual vanities on separate walls to enhance convenience, and include the toilet in a private enclosure.

Keep Your Bathroom Safe

Follow these design guidelines from the NKBA to enhance accessibility and ensure safety for all users.

Install slip-resistant flooring in all areas of the bathroom.
Ease entries into tub and shower areas. Eliminate steps leading into the shower, and include a tub surround with a platform so you can sit down while entering or exiting the tub.
Select shatterproof shower doors. If the shower door is hinged, install it so the door opens into the room instead of the shower.
Install pressure-balanced and temperature-controlled valves to prevent scalding. Make sure fixtures are easily accessible from outside the tub and shower to prevent stretching to reach the controls.
Add grab bars throughout the bath — especially near the entrance of the tub — to prevent falls. New grab bars offer stylish looks and double as toilet paper holders, shower shelves, and towel racks.
Add a bench inside the shower.
Install an emergency shut-off for a whirlpool tub.
Use ground-fault circuit interrupters on electrical outlets; these shut off when a hazard, such as moisture, is sensed.
Use cabinet locks to prevent children from accessing household cleaners and medications.

Doorways

At least 32 inches wide.

Walkways

At least 36 inches wide

Shower

Minimum interior dimensions are 34 x 34 inches (36 x 36 is better). Swinging shower doors must open into the bathroom, away from the shower’s interior.

Tub/Shower Controls

In a shower/tub combination, mount the faucet 30.34 inches above the bottom of the tub. Set shower controls at 48-52 inches for ease of use while standing. Mount a showerhead 69-72 inches from the floor. Shower controls should be accessible from both inside and outside the shower.

Vanity Height

Standard height is 30-32 inches. Raise it for tall users. In bathrooms with two vanities, one could be 30-34 inches high and the other 34-42 inches high.

Sink

Plan at least 15-18 inches from its center to a side wall. If you install two sinks in the same counter, al.low 36 inches, center line to center line, between them. Allow at least 8 inches between the edge of a sink and the end of the counter for landing space.

Backsplash

Allow 8 inches or more between the top of the sink and the bottom of a medicine cabinet or mirror to catch any splashes from the sink.

Toilet

Allow at least 16 inches from the center of the toilet to an obstruc.tion or fixture on either side. Toilet seats are usually 14 inches above the floor. Toilet compartments should be at least 36 inches wide x 66 inches deep, with a swing-out or pocket door.

Towel Bar

Provide at least 36 inches of towel bar space per person. Mount towel bars 26-42 inches above the floor.