Realistic Bath Design Ideas

Getting the kind of bathroom you want starts with a list of good bath design ideas. Sometimes it's hard to know exactly what it is you want until you actually see it or are somehow presented with the idea. But while perusing through a list of bathroom design ideas is certainly helpful, it's only one piece of the puzzle.

Bathrooms are high on the pecking order relative to room functionality and to get one that fits your home, your needs and your budget takes some forethought.

It also depends on your starting point: you might be designing a new bathroom for a new home or an addition or maybe you're remodeling an existing bathroom. Your particular scenario will help shape and define your bathroom. You'll need to marry those constraints along with your wish list of bath design ideas to end up with a bathroom that works for you and your house.

The following bath design ideas on this page are aimed at giving you a good head start on crystallizing a plan for your new or remodeled bathroom. No such list is ever complete and you may even dream up some ideas on your own. Choose the ones that resonate with how you live and you'll be one step closer to your new bathroom.

There's a lot of information on this web page so if you're short on time click on this Quick Fix link. It'll show you the key points to keep in mind when it comes to bath design ideas. Make sure to come back later when you have more time because there's lots of good detail on this page.

The Quick Fix - The 2-Minute Bath Ideas Drill

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First Things First - Planning & Forethought

Any resource about bath design ideas would be incomplete if it didn't include the most important part which is careful planning. Your first task when thinking about remodeling your bathroom or designing a new one is to carefully consider how you live in your home and how that situation may change in the future.

For example, if you currently have no children but are planning on starting a family, your considerations for a bathroom design might be different than if you already have kids who will enter their teenage years soon. By the same token, if you're planning a master bath suite, you'll probably lean toward bath design ideas that focus on comfort and perhaps a bit of indulgence rather than countertops that can take the beating that kids dish out.

Consider Functionality, Durability & Comfort

When you think about what you want your bathroom to be like, how it should look and function and the types of products to choose, make your decisions in the context of functionality, durability and comfort.

Functionality plays a key role because the bathroom is by nature a highly functional room. In other words, you want your bathroom to work effectively and reliably and that means choosing fixtures and products that work well and serve your specific needs.

Durability may seem like a given but when you consider the environment of a full bathroom, with all the water and humidity that's present, plus the daily use it gets, poor choices can cause problems later on. You'll want furniture like bath vanities to be able to withstand the moist environment. Choose bathroom faucets of high quality so you don't end up with deteriorating finishes and drips later on.

Comfort is something you'll also want to consider since we are talking about the bathroom here. There are fixtures that are more comfortable than others, whether we're talking toilets, vanity height or floor temperature. If you're looking for bath design ideas for a master bathroom, comfort might be a top priority that can include things like a jetted tub, steam shower or spa shower.

The point here is this: as you put together your wish list of bathroom design ideas ask yourself how they will make your bathroom highly functional, durable and comfortable as well.

- Will that kind of countertop stand up to toothpaste, nail polish and harsh cleaners?

- Those great looking bath faucets are a steal -- but are they made to last?

- You love the look of a wood floor -- but is that a wise choice in a full bathroom complete with a tub and shower?

- Would radiant floor heat in the bathroom make those frigid Montreal winter mornings more bearable?

The Reason Behind The New or Remodeled Bathroom

Another question you should ask yourself before contemplating various bath design ideas is why you're adding a new bathroom or renovating your existing bath. Ask yourself what it is about your existing bathroom that isn't working for you.

1. Do you need more space because your family's growing?



2. Are you looking to incorporate some more luxuries into your bathroom experience like spa treatments or a soaker tub?



3. Do you just have a run-down bathroom that needs an overhaul (new surfacing and fixtures)?



4. Does your bathroom need a facelift in order to make your home more marketable in preparation for near-term sale?

Get specific about what you like and don't like about your existing bathroom and why you need to change it so that you'll be more focused on which bath design ideas apply to your situation. Unless you have unlimited funds and space you'll probably have to prioritize which bathroom ideas to go ahead with and which ones won't make the cut. Asking yourself these kinds of questions will help you zero in on the most effective and satisfying bathroom design.

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'Must Have' Bath Design Elements

Bath design ideas can conceivably be grouped into two categories: those that are 'must haves' and the ones that are 'discretionary'. The must-haves are those elements that every bathroom should possess, aside from the basic essentials like a toilet and sink.

Here's a hint too: they're not the most glamorous ideas on the planet. Your guests won't go wild over them like they might for a walk-in spa shower.

Rather, these types of bathroom design ideas are really not "ideas" at all but design elements that could otherwise be called "peace of mind" details. They help maintain your bathroom's durability and longevity and can prevent ugly problems down the road.

To that end here are the bath design ideas that you should not do without:

• Good Ventilation
  There's nothing like a good bathroom fan or fans to help clear the air of high humidity and any disagreeable odors. It's the former however that's important. A bathroom fan is necessary to get rid of the high levels of moisture that a shower, steam shower and even a very hot bath can produce. That's good because if it stays in the bathroom, it can wreak havoc with surface materials and lead to the development of mold and mildew. A good fan will help keep your mirrors clearer too.
• The Right Surfacing
  Surfaces like countertops and flooring are more fun to choose than bath fans but choose wisely and don't let fashion rule over common sense. Materials that are impervious to water should be an obvious choice, particularly in and around showers, tubs and toilets. Porcelain tiles make a good choice for wall panels as do solid-surface materials (like Corian® and similar products).

  Remember that bathroom countertops have their share of challenges too. They're exposed to chemicals like nail polish remover, alcohol and harsh cleansers. Surfaces like engineered stone (quartz), solid surface and laminate are good choices here.

  Choosing the right bathroom flooring is also essential to ensure it lasts and won't be a problem in a wet environment. Tile is an obvious choice as is linoleum or vinyl. If you do go with vinyl, use sheet stock rather than tiles to eliminate seams that could ultimately allow water to get to the subfloor.

  Wood and laminate would not be the best choices simply because of they don't stand up to water very well.

• Sealing and Leak Protection
  This design concept is really about isolating the inside of your bathroom from everything just outside its walls. In other words you want to minimize the chance that any liquid water or water vapor has an opportunity to get behind the walls or under the floor in order to protect the surfaces just behind or underneath them.

  To do this you need to ensure your bathroom's design incorporates moisture barriers like waterproof membranes. These kinds of materials come by the names of Lacticrete and the products made by Schluter Systems. They provide sealing surfaces for areas like the bathroom floor and shower pans.

  Other provisions include using the right substrate materials in tub and shower surrounds. Those areas will normally be covered by materials that are, for the most part, impervious to water, like tile or some plastic or solid surface material. However the material behind these surfaces needs to rated for wet areas. Avoid using water-resistant drywall, often referred to as "green board". It's not allowed by some building codes and you'll be much better served using a cement board or similar wet-rated backer board.

  Whether you build your bathroom or you have a contractor do it be knowledgeable about proper leak prevention so you're sure you won't have any problems when the job is all done.

• Water Efficiency
  The earth's fresh water resources are finite and any effort we can make to conserve water helps the planet and ultimately us humans. Since the bathroom is the largest consumer of water in your home it makes sense to use fixtures that help conserve that water.

  To do this you can buy faucets and toilets that are designed to use less water than previous generations of products. The U.S. EPA developed its WaterSense program which establishes criteria that governs water-saving fixtures. Products that meet WaterSense specifications use less water than standard fixtures.

  Products include showerheads, toilets and bathroom faucets. WaterSense products are clearly labeled so they can be distinguished from non-WaterSense products.

  And saving water doesn't mean a less-satisfying shower either. Manufacturers have developed technologies that can reduce water consumption while offering the sensation of a shower that's similar to a higher-flow showerhead.

  You can learn more about the benefits of using less water in the article on the EPA WaterSense program.

• Good Lighting
  Effective lighting can make or break the livability of any space and the bathroom is no different. Even if you're considering just a small powder room, be sure to use lighting wisely.

  Good home lighting design uses a technique called layered lighting where fixtures provide ambient, task and in some cases, even decorative lighting. The larger your bathroom will be the more important this concept becomes.

  If at all possible try and use as much daylighting as you can, making use of windows and/or sun tubes. A sun tube is a device that captures the light from the rooftop and channels it into the inside of your home using reflective technology. Daylighting is a good way to reduce daytime energy consumption.

  And when it comes down to the all-important bathroom mirror try to use a combination of overhead and side lighting. Overhead lighting alone casts unappealing shadows on a person's face. The addition of side lighting alleviates those shadows and provides a more flattering appearance.

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'Discretionary' Bathroom Design Ideas

Once you've baked the 'must-have' design elements into your plan it's time to think about some of fun bath design ideas. These are the 'discretionary' bath ideas that you can choose depending on your wants, needs, budget and the physical constraints of your bathroom.

The information below contains a list of bath design ideas to get your creative juices flowing on how to get that bathroom you've always wanted.

Rather than one big list they're divided into categories to make things a bit more helpful.

Some are simply suggestions to help you consider concepts you might not have thought about while others could be considered 'reminders' -- things to keep in mind as you firm up your design so that you make the best of the space you have.

Small Bathroom Ideas

• Use Standalone Sinks Instead Of Vanities
  In powder rooms and very small bathrooms use a standalone sink instead of a vanity to free up space. This kind of bath design idea offers more physical space and gives the perception of a more open feel.

  Standalone sinks include pedestal sinks, console sinks (supported in front by two legs) and wall-mounted sinks. Although you may forego some storage space by not using a vanity the amount of space that's lost typically isn't that much and can be supplemented using open shelves or a storage cabinet on the wall.

• Use A Pocket Door To Maximize Space
  The swing radius of a conventional door can take up a considerable amount of room. Consider using a pocket door for small bathrooms where space is a premium. These doors require special framing in the wall that they slide into so it's a decision that needs to be made during the design phase of your new or remodeled bathroom. Since pocket doors don't have a traditional door knob be sure the pocket door latch has a lock feature.
• Use A "Compact" Toilet
  A compact toilet is primarily what the name implies, but with a twist. It typically features an elongated bowl which is often viewed as a more comfortable toilet bowl however it fits within the smaller footprint of a round-bowl design. These toilet bowls make good sense in small, tight bathrooms. When shopping or browsing online just look for the term "compact toilets" to find them.
• Use Vanities With Legs For Added Space
  
  Rather than using a bathroom vanity that sits flush on the floor like a base cabinet does, choose a vanity that has legs and some space underneath. That open area around the base gives the perception of more space in a small bathroom.

  This particular vanity shown at right is more like a table than a vanity but you can find furniture-style vanities and antique vanities (reproduction or real) with shorter legs and possibly a drawer or two.

• Don't Fret About Floor Tile Size
  Search the web and look through home magazines and you'll find opinions that tell you not to use large size tile on small bathroom floors. Don't get too hung up on this because it's really a matter of perception. There's almost as much opinion to the contrary too so it's really a matter of perception.

  

  If you're unsure, do a mock layout on your bathroom floor or in an area that will approximate the size of your bathroom. Use pieces of cardboard (different colors helps) or simply draw the tile size you want on large brown wrapping paper. This way you can get a feel for whether a particular tile size is too large for the size of your floor.

  Be careful with colors however because bold colors have some effect on visual impact. If you mock up your floor using a bland cardboard color but then go out and buy alternating black and white tiles, the bold-colored tile may look very different than your mockup from a size perspective.

• Use A Curved Shower Stall Curtain Rod
  Small bathrooms sometimes have just a shower stall as opposed to a bathtub/shower combination. A curved, short shower rod provides more shoulder room in the shower by pulling the shower curtain out away from you. These types of curved shower rods are usually 36" long and some can be cut on either end to fit the dimensions of your shower stall.
• Use Adjacent Space To Increase Your Bathroom's Size
  If you're renovating an existing small bathroom consider using space that's adjacent to the outer walls of the bathroom and incorporating that into your renovated bathroom space. Examples include a closet that might be in a hallway or an adjacent bedroom. You'll need to knock out some walls but the added space might give a small bathroom just the right amount of breathing room it needs. Just be sure you can do without the space that you "stole" from later on.

Luxury / Personal Preference Bath Design Ideas

• Bath Towel Warming Racks
  
  There's nothing like stepping out of the tub or shower and into the warmth of a heated towel. Heated towel warming racks come in wall mounted as well as free-standing styles. They can be hard-wired into your bathroom's circuitry or you can buy the plug-in variety. There are also swing-out towel warmers that make it a bit easier to hang the towels on the rack.
• Built-In Towel Warming Drawers
  One step up from the heated towel racks are towel warming drawers. These devices are built into your wall and slide out to accommodate several towels. If your bathroom has room this is a nice way to conceal the towels while they warm up for your post-bathing comfort.
• Radiant Floor Heat
  There's nothing nicer than walking onto a warm bathroom floor on a cold winter morning. Remodeling or building new is the perfect time to outfit your bathroom with this feature. You can employ hydronic (heated water pumped through tubes) or electronic heat. Work with qualified installers to ensure you get a quality installation.
• Framed Bathroom Mirror
  Many bathrooms have a large wall-mounted mirror. Putting a beautiful frame around it does wonders for stepping up the style and look of your bathroom. You can have your mirror professionally framed or take a much easier route and frame it in place using one of several bathroom mirror frame kits on the market.
• Soaker Bath Tub
  If you like taking baths but the standard depth bathtub just doesn't cut it consider investing in a soaker tub. These tubs are taller, making for a deeper tub that allows the water to cover the body. You can buy them as free-standing units, alcove style (similar to standard tubs that have walls on three sides) and walk-in style. Just be sure the floor framing can handle the extra weight of a filled tub of this size.
• Glass Tub Enclosure Vs. Shower Curtain
  A glass enclosure on a standard bathtub shower can dress up your bathroom and look more refined than a shower curtain which can tend to make you feel closed-in. The glass helps make the shower appear larger and gives a more spacious feel because you can see the larger bathroom space outside of the shower. Different styles exist including frameless swinging-door models. Bath specialty retailers sell these products as do many local companies specializing in glass fabrication.
• Try A Pebble Shower Floor Instead Of Tile
  For a new twist on the shower floor consider using pebbles instead of traditional flat tile. The smooth pebbles are available from online retailers (just search for "pebble tile") and perhaps your local tile shop. They're cemented and grouted in place like regular tile but offer a unique look plus an invigorating feel underfoot.
• Spa Showers and Steam Showers
  Spa showers utilize several showerheads at various positions to provide a luxurious shower experience. Features include body spray nozzles and systems with up to 10 shower jets. Steam showers can be built in to your bathroom or can be bought as separate stand-alone units that can be installed in a bathroom. These units offer the same soothing steam room experience you'd find at a spa but in your own home.
• Mirror TV
  Sometimes you just can't afford to miss the morning financial report while you're getting ready in the bathroom. You don't have to with a mirror TV. These products incorporate a television within the mirror itself and are designed to withstand the bathroom environment. Some models offer a disappearing TV that turns back into a mirror once it's shut off whereas other models do not.

Photo Courtesy Of Séura

Convenience Bath Design Ideas

• A Shower Seat
  Having a spot to sit down or prop your leg up in the shower is a convenient option. You can design a shower with an integral (built-in) seat or you can purchase a fold-down seat such as the Steamist Shower Seat that attaches to the shower wall. The fold-down variety is handy particularly in small showers because you can move it out of the way when you get in and out of the shower.
• Vanities To Fit The Users
  Choosing bathroom vanities that are the right height for the primary users makes the bathroom experience more comfortable and convenient. Vanities come in several different heights and shorter vanities better accommodate children and the not-so-tall individual. On the flip side a taller vanity is easier for a tall person to use because there's less stooping involved particularly when using the sink. Doing a "trial mockup" using existing countertops, workbenches or even cardboard boxes set at various heights can help you get a feel for the differences.
• Use Recessed Wall Space For Shelves & Towel Racks
  
  The traditional place for a towel rack is against the wall but that means they stick out a bit and take up some room. If your design allows it, incorporate towel racks in a built-in recess between the wall studs. You can also use the same design concept for shelving too.

  You or your contractor will have to frame the wall correctly to do this which includes a bit more work when installing the drywall too. The benefit is that it provides more room by eliminating these items that stick out into the open space which can be a hindrance in a small bathroom.

• Recessed Medicine Cabinet
  Similar to the recessed shower rods mentioned above you can use the interior wall space to house a medicine cabinet too. They work well in a small bathroom where space is a premium. You can find them in a variety of styles with right hand or left hand door swings and with or without electrical outlets.
• Taller Toilets
  The seat height for most standard toilets averages about 15 inches high. Taller toilets are typically more comfortable because they're closer to a natural sitting height. They also make it easier to get on and off the toilet which can be a benefit to older and less-mobile individuals. Tall toilets (usually 16 to 18 inches high at the seat) are also ADA (Americans With Disabilities Act) compliant.
• Use A Curved Shower Curtain Rod
  
  
  They're available for small shower stalls as mentioned above as well as longer tub-showers. A curved shower rod extends out beyond the edge of the tub while keeping the bottom portion of the shower curtain inside the tub. This gives you some noticeable shoulder room in the shower that you wouldn't otherwise have with a standard straight curtain rod. It's a simple design idea but one that offers tangible benefits.

Practicality / Durability Bath Design Ideas

• Optimize The Bathroom Mirror Size / Height
  Use a mirror design that fits the users so that the head and neck is visible. If you have both tall and short people, make sure the mirror is large (long) enough to accommodate them. This isn't usually an issue in a bigger bathrooms with larger mirrors. However in small bathrooms that don't have a lot of wall space this can become an issue since smaller mirrors and medicine cabinet mirrors are used there.
• Make Your Bathroom More Soundproof
  Minimize the sound of toilets flushing and water running through the pipes by soundproofing your bathroom. This is particularly noticeable beneath 2nd story bathrooms. There are special types of drywall and other specialty products that exist to provide extra sound insulation for home interiors. Talk to your contractor about the the possibilities of incorporating this into your design if you're interested in greater sound insulation.

  Keep in mind that better sound insulation products will only minimize sounds that emanate from inside the bathroom such as running water from a faucet or back into a toilet tank. Any pipes behind the walls (outside of the soundproofing envelope) won't be isolated and you'll still hear running water unless you insulate those cavities as well.

• Provisions For Aging In Place
  
  Depending on your family's situation it might make sense to plan for universal design features in your bathroom. Provisions that aid aging or less mobile individuals will make the bath design that much more usable and convenient. Things like taller toilets, better lighting, appropriately placed grab bars, lever door and cabinet handles and adjustable height shower heads are just a few examples of the design features to consider.
• Frame It Now To Accommodate Grab Bars Later
  Even if you don't anticipate the need for grab bars in the near term it really helps to frame your bathroom to accept them later on. Grab bars need solid anchors in the wall and can't be simply screwed into tile or drywall. Add "blocking", framing members that will support the grab bars, in appropriate spots such as near the toilet and around the tub/shower.

  Doing it now will avoid will avoid having to cut into the walls later on to install these anchors, which would necessitate patching or re-tiling affected areas.

• Use Glass Or Acrylic Block Windows For Privacy
  
  
  Introducing a lot of natural daylight into your bathroom is a good idea but maintaining privacy is difficult to do with clear windows. Instead, use acrylic or glass block windows to let in the light but keep the requisite level of privacy. You can also use them as privacy dividers between portions of your bathroom.

  One benefit of acrylic block windows is their lighter weight. This allows windows to be made with the same look as glass block but light enough so that the windows can be opened, unlike glass block windows that are too heavy to be opened.

  The benefits of acrylic and glass block don't end with windows however. They're great for shower enclosures too plus there are many other uses as well. The article on how to choose and use acrylic and glass block around your home has many more ideas on these versatile building materials.

Budget Bath Design Ideas

• Do As Much Renovation Yourself As You Can
  Consider doing the work on your bathroom yourself to avoid the cost of labor that a contractor will charge. Bring in paid help only for those things that you think are beyond the scope of your capabilities. You'd be surprised how much you can do just by following procedures found in books for tasks like tiling, faucet installation, etc. You could also take a few classes on how to do these things yourself. They're typically offered by local home centers and tile suppliers.

• Source Products At Online Retailers
  Consider buying fixtures like faucets, sinks and even vanities at online sources since you can often take advantage of sales, price incentives and closeouts. It might take some time and sleuthing but you might just end up with a better deal than you could if you bought through a home center (along with being able to choose from a wider selection).

  Use the product search capabilities at the various search engines to quickly compare the prices at various online retailers for a specific product you're interested in. Use sites like Overstock.com or search using the keyword "closeout" after your main search term like "sink" or "faucet".

  Remember to choose wisely however. Don't compromise on quality. Use the other articles here at HomeStyleChoices.com to learn how to choose various products.

• Use Less Expensive Flooring
  Nice looking tile doesn't have to be expensive. As mentioned above, look for deals online and at local tile shops where closeout and discontinued tiles are being phased out. Just remember to buy enough to have a little extra should you need to replace a tile or two down the road.

  Also consider using sheet vinyl flooring as an alternative. It's durable, impervious to water (provided it's sealed well at the edges) and it's economical.

• Avoid Relocating Plumbing When Remodeling
  If you're remodeling your bathroom, try and avoid relocating the plumbing. The work and labor involved in moving tubs, sinks and toilets can drastically increase the cost. Instead, focus on replacing and refreshing the fixtures and surfacing. You can achieve a totally new bath design by adding new countertops, new flooring, a re-tiled shower and new faucets without moving any plumbing.
• Use Laminate Countertops
  Laminate countertops offer a very affordable alternative to pricier options like stone and quartz. They also work well in a bathroom since they're easy to clean. You can find them in a wide variety of colors and patterns which offers more decorating flexibility.
• Restore - Don't Replace Your Tub
  Rather than remove your old tub just because it's avocado green or the finish has deteriorated renew it using one of the aftermarket bath refinishing services like Miracle Method. These restoration services essentially "paint" your old bathtub with a hard, durable coating in the color of your choice.

  To be sure you're saving money, have a bath refinisher provide a quote to do the job and then compare that to what it would cost for a new tub. Just remember that getting an old tub out of your bathroom is quite an undertaking so factor that into your consideration.

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Finding Local Bath Experts & Getting Free Quotes

Need help finding someone who can help make your new bathroom a reality and can provide a free quote to boot? If that's something you'd like help with, simply fill in the form below.

Qualified local bathroom remodeling experts will contact you at your convenience and provide you with a free quote on your specific project. Having them come to you takes a good chunk of the hassle out of finding who can do your project.

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