The first rule for creating a highly functional bathroom is getting the layout right. When a bathroom is poorly laid out or doesn’t have adequate space to fit all of the services comfortably, it will score low on the functionality factor and turn your personal space into an unenjoyable experience.

We asked our Caroma experts what they recommend as the ideal measurements when planning a bathroom and here are our top dimensions for lasting bathroom bliss.

Toilet

In an open bathroom, allow a width of at least 750mm (although 900mm is preferred!) for the toilet to reside in to give the user enough space to sit comfortably without their elbows touching the walls. A length of 1200-1500mm is usually sufficient.

If you’re creating a separate toilet room, you’ll need to allow for more space. The standard door width in Australia is 820mm plus architrave and wall space on either side, so it’s likely you’ll want the room to be at least one metre wide.

Shower

Ensure a minimum of 900x900mm for an enclosed shower but a space of 1000x1000mm is preferable, if possible. There’s a trend towards ‘wet room’ style showers that aren’t closed off with a door and help enhance the feeling of space.

Bath

Always allow at least 200mm between the edge of a freestanding bath and the wall behind, and 300mm from each end. You’ll thank us when it comes to cleaning around it! If you’re building in your bath, you’ve got more flexibility with the depth of tiling around the edge.

Vanity

Make sure your door swings clear of your vanity and that you allow at least 100mm–200mm between a shower screen and vanity for cleaning.

Above-counter basins

You’ll need a tower mixer or wall taps for this basin style. Make sure your tower mixer is high enough for your basin or, if you’re using wall mixers, we recommend that they’re positioned 150mm above the top edge of the basin.

Vanity-basin proportion

Consider the size of the overall vanity when selecting a basin. A small basin on a large vanity will look out of proportion – and vice versa!

Towel rail

Don’t forget to leave room for your preferred rail, remembering that towel rails can’t be placed where a cavity sliding door has been installed. Speak to your electrician in advance if you’re using a heated towel rail to ensure there’s a power source next to the desired location.

Short on space? Here are some great space-saving bathroom design tips:

Ditch the bath: Word on the street is that if you’re considering resale value, a bath is no longer a make or break in a bathroom. When renovating, it’s always best to speak to your local real estate agent to see what potential buyers in your area value in a house. If you’re short on space, there’s no point squeezing in a bath that will make the room feel even smaller. Consider a beautiful, large shower instead, that will appeal to a mass audience.

Create a wet room: Positioning the bath and shower together behind a single glass screen allows you to locate the shower closer to the bath than you usually would but give the illusion of more space, as it’s all open.

Move your loo: If something really must move in your bathroom, perhaps look at moving your toilet into your laundry to create a combined power-room space.

Architecture & Design Team

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