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Design DilemmaBathrooms
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Help needed with small bathroom design layout

Amara H
2 years ago

Hi, I'm at the very beginning of having my bathroom re-done and really want to create a nice space that feels less cramped! This is a 1900's terraced house and we only have one bathroom which is on the ground floor at the back of house as they often are. Me and my partner have been trying to think of layout and design ideas and have agreed to definitely keep a bath. From the pictures you can see we have a wall that comes forward at the back of the bathroom with some storage space behind the shower which we really don't like and plan to knock through for more space. Bathroom size 188cm x 216cm

Option 1- We originally thought to remove the shower and have a shower in the bath, moving the bath left and up against the back wall as the ceiling is slanted at the back of the bathroom meaning its too low to have a shower in the bath where it is currently. The toilet is on the right hand side of the bathroom when you walk in and we would probably move that slightly over for more space so it's not so close to the door and keep the sink and radiator where it is but just upgrade these pieces. We also thought we would have nice tiles around the bath and paint the rest of the bathroom white.

Option 2- An idea that is still floating around in my head haha - having both the bath and shower separate, square/rectangle shower cubicle and a free standing bath to create space for the toilet to be moved over slightly with a similar layout as we already have or maybe even swap the shower cubicle and free standing bath to go on the opposite sides they are now. I'm not sure if this is just too much for the size of my bathroom and we are trying to keep within a reasonable budget. But any advise and ideas would be so appreciated on layout and designs.






Featured Answer
  • gimabo
    2 years ago

    A bath is an indulgent & romantic item, given the space it takes up, the time it takes, & the probable rarity of use. Given that yours is beyond the kitchen, on the ground floor, it may not be the best place? Am thinking of a relaxing bath, then a scurry through the kitchen & then into the living room to get upstairs!

    If, as Wumi suggests, you could sacrifice some space upstairs, could you put a bath in a bedroom? Even the 3rd floor - it's a trek up there from middle floor, but still not as far as the back of the kitchen.

    If you're set on the bath downstairs, & shower etc, what about considering a deep-soak Japanese style bath? I looked at these when we wrestled with giving up our bath for a walk-in shower. Much smaller. Might also be an option for upstairs, breaking the wall from befroom 1 into the rectangular space of landing. And making a tiny landing, but sacrifice is the norm in a small house! https://www.cabuchon.com/portfolio/deep-soaking-tub-county-down-northern-ireland/ 

    In the end, we decided for the likely 3 times a year we'd really have a long soak in the bath, we'd go to a hotel :)


    Comments (9)

    • User
      2 years ago

      It does look pretty cramped at the moment, so I thank a shower over the bath would be best. Could you post a floorplan with dimensions please?

    • Amara H
      Original Author
      2 years ago

      It really does!



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    • gimabo
      2 years ago

      Query - why does the back wall of your shower have a slanted bit at the bottom? Is there something behind that, and under your storage area, that would mean you can't use all that back wall?

      If there's nothing there, and no problem with that corner, then:

      1 - You could leave the bath where it is. Upgrade the panelling around the base and maybe put a little door in the panelling for under bath storage of cleaning stuff etc. Maybe even upgrade the bath itself too?

      And then move the loo to the back left corner, facing the window. Move the basin closer to the new loo position, and further away from the door, and build a low storage 'wall' all along that side wall, with the basin on it, and the loo also. The top of that new 'wall' will be a shelf for putting nice candles etc. Then, mirror all across that side wall, above the shelf, to increase the light and spaciousness.

      This is what we had in our tiny bathroom. It's more linear looking, with the main items on opposite sides of the room.


      2 - Move the bath to horizontally across that back wall as you suggested - if space allows for the length of the bath. I think there will be enough space for a shower, even with sloping ceiling. Try standing up in the bath, and see if there is room above the tallest person's head. If you attach a pump to the shower, you will have enough power for a good shower.

      Maybe use mirror type tiles on the back wall above the bath to reflect light, and increase space.

      Move loo further into the room. Consider putting basin beside loo if there's enough room now, under the window and connecting them both, with a similar streamlined idea to above. This will square out the room a bit, leaving central space. You will also have a little space then on the left side where the sink was. Maybe a towel ladder could go there, or nice storage basket for loo rolls etc.


      3 - Go and talk to Carolina in the Tubs & Tiles in Sandyford, in Dublin. She's amazing, and is a qualified architect, so she really understands space. She re-did our tiny bathroom. It looks amazing and has already won a prize! We took out the bath for a walk in shower. Which is my next suggestion to you! Even if you have small toddlers etc - you can always get a big plastic basin for baby bathing for a couple of years, and leave it in the shower.

      We left the sink and loo along the left side, and they're connected with the type of shelf I mentioned above.

      Good luck!

    • Amara H
      Original Author
      2 years ago

      I actually don't know, but it is a bit odd. We're arranging for a plumber to come and have a look to give us some advise and insight into the structural underpinnings which I think will be helpful so we can understand what things can go where. Thank you for the advise and those extra little details sound great. We had debated just a walk in shower but I think we would like the option to have a bath to relax, especially as it's are only bathroom. But you've given me lots to think about! and amazing I hope we'll too have a bathroom worthy of a prize haha!

    • rinked
      2 years ago

      Option 1. Without doubt.

      I am curious (as in suspicious) to what's there in the left corner though!



      In the drawing are a 120cm vanity and 170cm bath.

    • Wumi
      2 years ago

      Option 1 for sure! @rinked’s plan looks good to me.


      Totally left field, but have you considered stealing some space from the second bedroom and adding an upstairs bathroom?



      It’ll leave you with a smaller room but you’d have the benefit of a bathroom upstairs (if feasible) and convert downstairs bathroom to wc/utility room.


      Could ask the plumber if it’s feasible since he’s already popping round.


      Just a thought!

    • Amara H
      Original Author
      2 years ago

      Thanks @rinked, I think this is the best option and hopefully I'll soon find out! Yes @Wumi, it is something we had thought about as well and would be very ideal, but you're right definitely worth asking and I will do, thank you, I appreciate all the advise and ideas!

    • Amara H
      Original Author
      2 years ago

      Yes @gimabo the walk to and from the bathroom is a a bit of a pain so having a bathroom upstairs would be ideal. It's definitely something we would want to do, just not sure we can afford to do the two bathrooms now, will be speaking with the man we have coming round to discuss some options. But you're so right in the use of a bath will be rare, although I still have a strong attachment to it! and thank you I'll have a look at the deep-soak Japanese baths.


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