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

Bathroom Floor Plans - Top 11 Ideas for Rectangular, Small, Narrow Bathrooms & More | Architecture & Design (2)

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

Bathroom Floor Plans - Top 11 Ideas for Rectangular, Small, Narrow Bathrooms & More | Architecture & Design (3)

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

Bathroom Floor Plans - Top 11 Ideas for Rectangular, Small, Narrow Bathrooms & More | Architecture & Design (4)

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

Bathroom Floor Plans - Top 11 Ideas for Rectangular, Small, Narrow Bathrooms & More | Architecture & Design (7)

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

Bathroom Floor Plans - Top 11 Ideas for Rectangular, Small, Narrow Bathrooms & More | Architecture & Design (8)

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

Bathroom Floor Plans - Top 11 Ideas for Rectangular, Small, Narrow Bathrooms & More | Architecture & Design (9)

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

Bathroom Floor Plans - Top 11 Ideas for Rectangular, Small, Narrow Bathrooms & More | Architecture & Design (10)

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

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

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

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 width for a bathroom? ›

Here are some general guidelines for bathroom size: Minimum size: The minimum size for a bathroom will depend on local building codes and regulations. In general, a bathroom must be at least 3 feet wide and 5 feet long to accommodate a toilet, sink, and shower or.

How do you set up a long narrow bathroom? ›

10 Long and Narrow Bathroom Layout Designs and Ideas
  1. Go For Simplicity. ...
  2. Keep It Predominantly White. ...
  3. Add in Accent Colours for Contrast. ...
  4. Pick a Simple Wall Hung Suite. ...
  5. Be Clever With Storage. ...
  6. Eliminate Clutter. ...
  7. Get the Best Tiling Pattern. ...
  8. Make Your Floor the Focal Point.
Mar 25, 2022

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.

What is the rule of thumb for bathroom remodel? ›

According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), your bathroom remodel budget should be portioned out like this: Labor: 20% Cabinetry and hardware: 16% Fixtures: 15 %

What color bathroom sells a house? ›

The colors used in a home can have a significant impact on potential buyers. According to a survey by Zillow, homes with blue bathrooms sold for an average of $5,400 more than those with white bathrooms.

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.

What is a timeless color for a bathroom? ›

Light, clean blues give your bathroom a fresh and relaxing feeling. They can help the space to look bright, but without using any whites, which can easily become discolored and dingy. Consider a robin's egg blue for your tile or a pale blue color for your paint.

Where should a mirror be placed in a small bathroom? ›

Always position a mirror above the sink

This goes for any bathroom of any size, you should always position a bathroom mirror above the sink. You may choose to add a second mirror (more on that to come) but something feels very off when you look up from the sink into a solid wall.

What makes a bathroom look modern? ›

Whether you are remodeling from top to bottom or redesigning your bathroom on a budget, you can make any space more modern with finishes and fixtures like geometric tile, warm wood accents, minimalist design, open layouts, streamlined vanities, smart storage, glass showers, wall decor, window treatments, rugs, and more ...

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

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 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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