What to Consider When Planning Your Bathroom Layout

Designing your bathroom is more than just choosing colours and fixtures—it's about creating a space that meets your needs and enhances you and your family’s everyday routine. Here are some key considerations to guide you through the planning process.

Define Your Essentials

Start by listing the items you want and need in your bathroom. Do you prefer a relaxing bath, or does a quick shower suit your lifestyle better? Identify your priorities, whether they’re practical or indulgent, to ensure your bathroom reflects your personal preferences. There may be ways to find affordable versions of your ‘indulgent priorities’ at CIBO we specialise in bang for your bathroom buck 😊

Gather Inspiration

Explore Pinterest and create a board of bathroom designs and features that catch your eye. This visual reference can help you clarify your vision and communicate your ideas with others involved in the project.

Consider Space and Layout

For larger families, ample space to move around is crucial. If you're keen on having a bath but need to conserve floor space, think about a shower-over-bath option. This way, you can enjoy the best of both worlds without sacrificing valuable space.

Plan for Storage

Evaluate your storage needs carefully. Determine how much space you require for towels, toiletries, and other essentials. In larger bathrooms consider double basins so two people can get ready at once.

Light timber vanity with white fluted basins

Nordic 1500 Coast with Fluted Basins

Ventilation Matters

Proper ventilation is key to preventing moisture-related issues like mould. Incorporating opening windows (cross ventilation is the ultimate), an exhaust fan/heat lamp into your design will keep your bathroom well-ventilated and comfortable, minimising moisture build-up.

By addressing these aspects early in the planning stage, you’ll set the foundation for a bathroom that is both functional and stylish. At CIBO Bathroomware, we make products that add to the visual appeal and functionality of your bathroom but don’t break your budget. 

Maximise storage

Don’t forget to include plenty of storage space for all of your daily bathroom necessities. It doesn’t have to be just a mirrored cabinet or vanity with cupboards and drawers. Think recessed shelves in the shower to hold shampoo and conditioner, or baskets for extra towels and toilet roll storage. For a spa-like feel, hang a shelf next to the bath to display towels, candles and greenery.

Bathroom Layouts

As bathrooms are generally smaller rooms, it’s important to design a layout that maximises the space available. It might cost you more to move plumbing but it could make for a much more functional layout and even allow you to have a separate shower and bath.

In-wall toilet cisterns, wall-hung vanities, single-panel shower screens and vertical storage options are a great way to create more ‘space’. As a general rule, ensure you have a clearance of at least 70cm from the front of the vanity to the nearest wall, and leave at least 60cm in front of the toilet and a minimum of 20cm either side of the toilet bowl.

Jo Ingleton

Jo Ingleton is CIBO’s Design Manager. In this blog series, Jo explains how to get the most out of your bathroom budget, whether it’s a mini makeover, a renovation or a brand-new bathroom.

Previous
Previous

How to Choose the Perfect Bathroom Vanity