8 Types of bathroom layouts for your dream space

If you recently bought an apartment or house with bathrooms that look like they’ve seen better days, don’t worry. You can always change the bathroom’s layout! With a bit of magic—aka a renovation—you can transform them into rooms you’d love to spend time in. For more bathroom layout ideas, keep reading.

6 Things to consider when designing a bathroom layout

1. People - Will your bathroom be for one person or a family of four? It’s important to ask yourself because, aside from the design, a family bathroom can require extra counter space, a double vanity, a larger bathtub or shower, and more towel rails.

2. Floor space - If your bathroom is only 40 to 60 square feet, choose a layout that suits it. Otherwise, it could lead to a cluttered room that won’t serve its purpose. If your bathroom is big and the layout is for a smaller space, you’ll have many empty areas.

3. Lights - Proper lighting will create the perfect ambiance and enhance the functionality of the space. Without it, your bathroom could look smaller and darker, leading to accidents like slipping or tripping.

4. Tiles - Aside from being a major design element, tiles impact your bathroom’s floor heating. Ceramic or porcelain tiles work well with heating systems and look luxurious!

5. Plumbing - Using pre-existing plumbing lines will save you money and time in the renovation process!

6. Wall space - Evaluating how much wall space you have helps you visualize your new bathroom. You can check where to place shelves, other storage solutions, towel rails, electrical outlets, and light fixtures!

8 Popular bathroom layout ideas you can explore

1. Side Layout

Best for: People who live in a Studio or 1-Bedroom apartment

This small bathroom layout means your toilet, sink, and shower are lined against the same wall. It may be simple and might remind you of a hallway, but it’s one of the most cost-effective bathroom design ideas. You can save on plumbing costs, and when you first walk in, the toilet’s not the first thing you see!

2. Accessible Bathroom Layout

Best for: Larger apartments or houses with occupants who have mobility issues or disabilities or are elderly

An accessible bathroom remodel starts with the bathroom door. Unlike most bathrooms that open outwards or inwards, a disabled bathroom layout should have a sliding door for easier access.

Ensure extra space between the walk-in shower, toilet, sink, and multiple grab rails, as wheelchair or walker users need more room to move around.

3. His and Hers Bathroom Layout

Best for: Couples with families

This expansive bathroom idea is known as a “Jack and Jill bathroom layout!” It comes with two sinks, a separate room for the shower, and a soaking tub—so more than one person can use it at a time.

This full bath layout gives the room a luxurious aura, thanks to the freestanding tub and a separate space for the toilet. Getting ready for work or bed will be much easier for you and your partner!

4. Center Layout

Best for: Small families

This is the most common type of bathroom floor plan. A center layout means your bathroom sink and shower are on one side of the room, and the toilet is on the other! This type of bathroom gives anyone enough space to move around or go from one appliance to the next without it becoming too tight.

The center layout works for any bathroom size, and you can brighten it up by adding a quirky rug or cute storage shelves for various products and plants!

5. Island Layout

Best for: Large bathrooms

While not a common bathroom floor plan, the island layout is perfect if you like a unique master bathroom style! This layout puts the vanity or bathtub in the center of the room. This is a great idea in a large bathroom as the light can be fixed to highlight the “heart” of the room.

Note that this layout can cost more as you’ll move either plumbing or electrical lines to the middle of the room. It’s best to work with a bathroom designer for this one to get the best use out of your space!

6. L-Shaped Layout

Best for: One to two people who share a bathroom

An L-shaped bathroom gives the room a more spacious feel as a wall separates one or two fixtures from the others. Thanks to the zoning and privacy of an L-shaped layout, if you live with a friend (or partner) and the house only has one bathroom, multiple people can use it simultaneously!

The only con about this floor plan is the potential for dead spaces since some corners can be difficult to access or store in.

7. Powder Room Layout

Best for: People who regularly have guests stay over

A powder room layout is not for daily use as it can be too tight. But it’s the perfect size for a guest bath! It's convenient for guests as it has all the necessary bathroom fixtures without taking up too much space. The sink and toilet face each other, with a dual shower tub next to them.

Since it’s small, fix it up with colorful tiles, small plants, and artwork to give the room more life!

8. Bathroom-Laundry Combo Layout

Best for: Single occupants or couples who want a multi-functional room

A laundry bathroom combo layout is a space-saver! It also helps you streamline your daily routines and makes it convenient to do chores, such as immediately washing your workout clothes and sorting laundry.

This combo layout can have drawbacks if you consider combining a bathroom and laundry. One is noise; using a washer and dryer simultaneously could disrupt your peaceful bathroom routine. Two is ventilation. Using the washer and dryer could lead to excess moisture buildup and mold if your bathroom doesn’t have enough windows. And last is dirty laundry odors could linger in your bathroom, which might not be what you want to smell after a long day.

Choose the perfect bathroom layout for you and your family

Which layout are you eyeing? Is it the island layout or the bathroom-laundry combo layout? Whichever one you choose, don’t forget to factor in how many people will use it, where the plumbing lines and wires are located, lighting fixtures, tiles for optimal heating, and ventilation. Next, hire a Tasker to do your bathroom renovation! Getting a pro to do it for you will save you money, stress, and time.