Bathroom layout ideas: 8 styles to transform your 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.

Things to consider when designing a bathroom layout

Before we jump right into the bathroom layouts, you'll have to consider a couple of things first to ensure you'll pick the best for your space and needs. This includes:

1. The number of 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. Available 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. Lighting: 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. Tiling: 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 renovating your bathroom!

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

Your bathroom is a place to relax and freshen up, so it’s essential to choose a suitable design that will help turn your space into a functional haven. If you’re stumped for design ideas, you can start with these popular bathroom layouts. 

1. Side Layout

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.

A classic side layout is ideal for compact bathrooms where all fixtures line one wall to maximise space. (Source: iStock)

2. Accessible Bathroom Layout

An accessible bathroom remodel starts with the bathroom door. Unlike most bathrooms that open outwards or inwards, this type of 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.

An accessible  layout ensures comfort and mobility for all users. (Source: iStock)

3. His and Hers Bathroom Layout

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!

: A “his and hers” layout offers convenience for couples or shared spaces. (Source: iStock)

4. Center Layout

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!

The centre layout evenly divides the bathroom for functional flow and balanced design. (Source: iStock)

5. Island Layout

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. 

An island layout highlights a central feature—like a tub or vanity—for dramatic effect in large spaces. (Source: iStock)

6. L-Shaped Layout

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.

L-shaped layouts offer separation between zones, perfect for privacy and multi-user scenarios. (Source: iStock)

7. Powder Room Layout

A powder room layout is 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.

However, it's not for daily use as it can be too tight. You can fix it up with colourful ceramic or porcelain tiles, small plants, and artwork to give this small space more life.

Powder rooms are best for guest bathrooms, offering essential fixtures in a stylish, compact format. (Source: iStock)

8. Bathroom-Laundry Combo Layout

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. Using a washer and dryer simultaneously can get noisy, disrupting your peaceful bathroom routine because of the noise. Moreover, if your bathroom doesn’t have enough windows, it could also lead to excessive mildew and mold buildup, leaving dirty laundry odors lingering in your bathroom. 

Transform your bathroom into a dream space with Airtasker

Which layout are you eyeing? Is it the island layout or the bathroom laundry combo layout? Whichever one you choose, don’t forget to look and hire a reliable bathroom designer! 

At Airtasker, finding an expert near you is easy! You only have to post a task, note the specific bathroom layout you want, and indicate your budget. Soon, you’ll receive offers from Taskers, helping you choose a proposal that best aligns with your preferences and needs. 

Your dream bathroom could now be a reality with Airtasker.