Master Bathrooms - Does Size Matter?

Beautiful master bathrooms are the result (firstly) of a carefully planned space which is thereafter executed with flair in your chosen style.

Yes, the size of the bathroom does matter but fortunately there is such a variety of bathroom fixtures available - from compact to grandiose in scale - that your bathroom design can be totally flexible, creating fancy bathrooms even in small spaces.

Before we get to the bathroom design though, it is important to carefully consider your wants and needs first. For example:

Do you and your partner use the bathroom at the same time, perhaps to get ready for work in the morning? Do you prefer to shower or bath? Asking yourself questions like these will help you determine for example whether separate basins and vanities are a must, whether you should consider a generous twin shower and whether your hot water supply will be adequate.

It is extremely helpful to write down your requirements - whether to clarify you and your partner's needs and thoughts or to create a brief for your architect or bathroom designer.

And so, without further ado, let's create your dream bathroom wish list!

Bath Tub

Spa-type and big enough for 2 people
Sized for one person but extra deep for a good soak
Adequate for occasional baths
No bath needed

Note: Having a big spa-bath may seem like a good idea at first, but for many people the novelty soon wears off or it takes too long to fill and so it becomes a bit of a white elephant. On the other end of the scale, not having a bath in the master bathroom may suit your lifestyle perfectly, but may not be good for future potential buyers of your home. Hmm, you may need to rethink this one...

Shower

Big enough for 2 people with separately controlled water jets and shower heads
Must function as a steam shower / steam room too
A spacious one-person shower
A wet-room type shower area
A tub and shower combination

Vanities

His and hers vanities
Can have one basin / vanity only

Toilet and Bidet

Toilet and bidet in a separately enclosed space
Toilet (bidet not needed) in a private space (semi-enclosed)
Toilet wherever it fits best / located outside the master bathroom

Storage

Ample storage needed for linen, toiletries, dirty laundry, cleaning products etc.
Some storage for toiletries only

Apart from the above which are present in one way or another in most master bathrooms, your wish list should also consider the following in order to do your planning - and budget!

Ample natural light and ventilation (sky lights, picture windows etc.)
Access to the outdoors and perhaps an additional outdoor shower
Adjoining dressing room
Heating: radiators, under floor heating, heated towel rails
Sound system and / or television

(For a complete list of all your bathroom requirements, visit our page on Bathroom Remodeling Costs)

The next step is to draw your bathroom to scale and to start playing around within that space with your chosen fixtures. Use our scale drawings to assist you with your Bathroom Plans. It will very quickly become clear whether you need to revisit your wish list.

Design Note: Very large bathrooms also present challenges. You should consider the use of partitions, panels and walls to divide up the space to make it more versatile and to avoid a cavernous feel.

Browse the creative bathrooms featured on our site for clever layout ideas and bathroom design inspiration:

Master Bathroom Designs - Island Splendor

Rustic Bathrooms - Open Plan Sophistication

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