Bathroom Floor Plans - Top 11 Ideas for Rectangular, Small, Narrow Bathrooms & More | Architecture & Design (2024)

Floor plans and layouts are perhaps the most fundamental aspect of bathroom interior design. Layout ideas in application can enhance or create space, maximize utility, shape an environment, and emphasise an aesthetic design style. With the correct bathroom layout plans, small bathrooms can appear huge, large bathrooms speak to the height of luxury, and medium bathrooms become a pragmatist’s dream.

Bathroom floor plans Australia

Bathroom plans are an incredibly important aspect of bathroom design because they lay the foundation for your entire interior aesthetic. A clever layout planner will picture the space in its completed entirety before making moves towards the design, to ensure that the flow of the space suits the future appliances and furnishing.

The first thing to consider when beginning a bathroom layout plan is the size of the proposed bathroom. Size is hugely important as it will determine the number and type of appliances that will fit inside the room. Pay attention to the measurements of everything, from showers to sinks and cabinets to toilet dimensions. The standard bathroom size in Australia is 3m x 2m and will fit a toilet, shower, vanity and cabinetry.

There are a few avenues you can take for bathroom design ideas and advice. A variety of different design my bathroom layout apps and planners are available and cover multiple aspects of bathroom design. From interactive tile designs to comprehensive home design apps, there is no end to the customization.

However, it is best not to rely entirely on apps and your own vision for the bathroom. A skilled interior designer or architect will help guide you through the process of design and provide practical, professional advice that can prevent issues in the long run. For general ideas and inspiration, here is a breakdown of the most common layouts for bathrooms in modern Australian homes.

Bathroom plans: 11 layout ideas and designs

11. Simple

Bathroom Floor Plans - Top 11 Ideas for Rectangular, Small, Narrow Bathrooms & More | Architecture & Design (1)

This is one of the most common bathroom layouts in Australia. The shower is sectioned off, the toilet design is tucked into the corner facing the door, and the sink/vanity cabinet takes its place in the middle. This bathroom layout is classic, functional, and easy to navigate. It emphasises the negative space as much as possible to make the room feel less crowded.

10. Narrow small bathroom

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Narrow bathrooms are tough to style. They usually end up as some variation of this, with the sink next to the door and the shower taking up the entire corner of the room. This ensures maximum spatial efficiency as the sink requires the least room to manoeuvre around. The downside is that the door will have to be fully closed to comfortably use the sink, which could make teeth cleaning before bed somewhat annoying.

9. Long narrow bathroom laundry room

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A laundry room off of the bathroom is a great way to save space and keep all of your facilities in the one area. It keeps your laundry tucked out of the way, giving you more room in the communal living areas. A downside of this layout is that you will need to go through the bathroom to get to the laundry, which can be a challenge for privacy if you live in a multi-person home.

8. Small ensuite

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An ensuite is a private bathroom attached to a bedroom (usually the master). Ensuites are becoming more and more popular in Australia and are especially common in apartment living.

A small ensuite like the one above is known as a ‘half bath’ because it contains the bare minimums of a bathroom: a toilet and a sink. Every inch of space is critical in designing a tiny bathroom like this one, making layout all the more important. For more creative ensuite layouts and design ideas, see here.

7. 5x8 bathroom remodel ideas

Bathroom Floor Plans - Top 11 Ideas for Rectangular, Small, Narrow Bathrooms & More | Architecture & Design (5)

A 5x8 bathroom is a bathroom that measures at 5 feet x 8 feet. This is the most common bathroom size and will fit one sink, a toilet, and a shower. Occasionally a 5x8 bathroom will be able to fit a bath/shower combination. Their layouts are fairly straightforward given that there is not much room for creativity.

6. Rectangular bathroom

Bathroom Floor Plans - Top 11 Ideas for Rectangular, Small, Narrow Bathrooms & More | Architecture & Design (6)

Rectangular bathrooms provide a clever use of space that stimulates the natural flow of the space. A rectangular bathroom can have facilities on both sides, such as a toilet opposite the sink (rather than crammed next to it). This creates a visual pathway through the room that makes it feel more open. Read more about Room Sketcher bathroom plans pictured above here.

5. Small bathroom with bath

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Small bathroom design ideas are available in abundance. There are a huge variety of options and strategies. Some of the most common layout choices for a small bathroom include corner showers, combined sink and vanities, and side-by-side facilities.

4. Master bathroom

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The master bedroom is the most luxurious bathroom in the home. It is usually quite large, meaning that you have more freedom in your layout and design choices. Master bathrooms should take advantage of the space by using freestanding baths and extravagant cabinets.

3. Walk in closet with bathroom

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Walk in closets are the height of luxury in modern life. Attaching a walk in closet to your bathroom provides you with a wealth of opportunity in terms of storage and getting ready. The built in wardrobe can store extra bathroom supplies such as backup shampoo, conditioner, soaps, toilet paper, towels, and cleaning products. It also makes getting dressed after a shower super easy!

2. 3 way bathroom

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Three-way bathrooms are the way of the future. As the world continues to lean towards share-houses and apartment living, the emphasis on privacy becomes critical. A three way bathroom creates three separate, easily accessible areas for the shower, the toilet, and the vanity. This means that three people could simultaneously shower, clean their teeth, and use the toilet without having to share the space.

1. With walk in shower

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If you have the space, a walk in shower will bring you comfort and luxury for as long as you live in that home. They are easy to clean, extremely accessible, and much more pleasant for longer showers and enjoying the hot water.

Floor plans and layouts are perhaps the most fundamental aspect of bathroom interior design. Layout ideas in application can enhance or create space, maximize utility, shape an environment, and emphasise an aesthetic design style. With the correct bathroom layout plans, small bathrooms can appear huge, large bathrooms speak to the height of luxury, and medium bathrooms become a pragmatist’s dream.

Bathroom Floor Plans - Top 11 Ideas for Rectangular, Small, Narrow Bathrooms & More | Architecture & Design (2024)

FAQs

How do you make a small bathroom look classy? ›

Use White for Elegant Simplicity

Also, a huge mirror and shower door helps to create this illusion. Use a light neutral paint hue to make a small bathroom feel luxurious. If you spend extra on high-quality white towels and carpets, a tiny bathroom will make your bathroom luxurious.

What is the rules of bathroom layout? ›

Plan a clear floor space of at least 30 inches from the front edge of all fixtures (lavatory, toilet, bidet, tub, and shower) to any opposite bath fixture, wall, or obstacle. Code Requirements: A minimum space of 21 inches must be planned in front of the lavatory, toilet, bidet, and tub.

What color makes a small bathroom look bigger? ›

According to basic design principles, light colors such as white, crème, pastel blue, gray or yellow are all recommended colors to paint a small bathroom in order to visually expand a room, while dark colors such as a deep red, green or brown, will make a room feel smaller.

What is the narrowest a bathroom can be? ›

Bathrooms come in all shapes and sizes, from opulently large ones to relatively tiny ones. However, there is a limit as to how small a bathroom can be. As a general rule, the minimum bathroom size is 15 square feet for a powder room that only has a toilet and a sink.

What flooring makes a small bathroom look bigger? ›

Use large plain-coloured floor tiles

It's a common mistake to use smaller floor tiles in a small bathroom. This actually makes the room look smaller as it creates more dividing lines between the tiles. Choosing a large, plain-coloured tile will give the impression of more floor space and a cleaner, less cluttered look.

Where do you hang towels in a small bathroom? ›

Consider utilizing wall-mounted towel racks or hooks to maximize vertical space. Install them near the shower to keep towels within easy reach without taking up valuable floor space. Another tip for small bathrooms is to utilize the back of your bathroom door.

What color to paint a small bathroom? ›

Think light white paint colors or even gray paint colors. Not only are they soothing colors, but they also make a room feel light and, therefore, bigger. Be careful, however, not to be so colorless that the small bathroom ideas you pictured inadvertently generate a sterile, hospital feeling instead.

How to design a bathroom floor plan? ›

When designing your bathroom layout, start by positioning your sink, shower, tub, and toilet. Next, think about storage solutions, wet and dry zones, and how to tie everything together with beautiful aesthetics. Browse our bathroom layout ideas below to find inspiration and spark your creativity.

How do I plan a new bathroom layout? ›

How to plan a bathroom – a step-by-step guide to creating a sanctuary
  1. Assess your bathroom needs.
  2. Measure up your space.
  3. Ask the experts.
  4. Choose a layout.
  5. Seek out inspiration.
  6. Be realistic about your space.
  7. Remember, ventilation is important.
  8. Factor in storage.
Feb 21, 2024

Should a toilet face the door? ›

Tuck the toilet behind the door or place it to the side where it's not in full view when you open the bathroom door. When planning the position of your toilet, allow at least 20cm on either side for elbow room.

What color shower curtain for a small bathroom? ›

White shower curtains are the best for small bathrooms. Rather than bogging down a space with heavy accents, white curtains open up a room. They also tend to go with any type of bathroom style.

What do you put in the corner of a bathroom? ›

Storage and a Sink: Here is another example of placing a sink in the corner. This again keeps the user from feeling cramped by a wall but also allows for storage underneath. The mirror is also placed at an angle and can include even more storage, essential for a smaller bathroom.

How do I add space to my small bathroom? ›

5 Storage Ideas for Small Bathrooms
  1. Choose a Vanity With Storage. ...
  2. Swap Out Your Mirror for a Medicine Cabinet. ...
  3. Install a Shelf Over the Door. ...
  4. Hang Towel Racks on the Back of the Door. ...
  5. Use the Space Over the Toilet.
Mar 15, 2024

Which way do you lay tile in a narrow bathroom? ›

running tile the long way visually narrows and lengthens the bathroom resulting in a closed-in "galley feeling". Running across will visually widen the bathroom - making it appear more open - not excessively long and narrow.

Can a bathroom be 3 feet wide? ›

Half-bathroom or Powder Room Sizes

They are easily the smallest bathroom in the house. A typical half-bathroom is 3 feet wide, around 8 feet long, and about 20 square feet on average.

How do you make a terrible bathroom look nice? ›

The problem: That bathtub is just gross.
  1. Option 1: Clean up that grout!
  2. Option 2: Cover that tub with a pretty shower curtain.
  3. Option 1: Cover that floor up entirely.
  4. Option 2: Cover the floor up (mostly) with a pretty rug.
  5. Solution 1: Paint.
  6. Solution 2: Embrace art.
  7. Option 1: Replace the faucet and/or hardware.
Mar 29, 2023

How do you fit a shower and bath in a small space? ›

While fitting in a shower above a bath is the obvious solution for small bathroom ideas, that isn't the only option available. Space-saving shower cubicles, compact baths, sliding doors and invisible shower screens can all help to streamline the layout in a small bathroom to enable more to be squeezed in.

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