(The following post describes a master bathroom but most of the considerations also apply to half-baths and powder rooms.)

One of the smallest rooms in the house consumes the most thought because there’s so much to plan and position. You must consider function, form and style in a relatively tight footage allowing proper spacing for approach, turning and use of the toilet, vanity and shower.

This isn’t launching the space shuttle but demands forethought of personal hygiene needs and preferences during multiple life stages and the potential circumstances of the individual occupants (e.g. children, elderly, pregnant wife, injured athlete, etc.).

So in order to have a “bathroom for a lifetime”, let’s start by listing some general must-haves:

• Bathroom entry door a minimum of 34 inches, a 2′-10″ door, (36 inches, or 3′-0″ door preferred), with lever handle instead of round knob

• Consider where practical either an out-swing or pocket, sliding door to save swing space

• Ideally, a 60-inch diameter (5′ x 5′) turnaround within bathroom

• Alternately, a T-turn space with 36-inch diameter, or 30-inch by 48-inch clear space among primary fixtures

• Reinforce walls around toilet, sink, shower/bathtub with three-quarter inch plywood for future grab bar installation*

• Lower towel racks, hoops and hooks within easy reach at point of use

• Single handle, lever style faucets and shower controls

• Easy to clean, non-slip flooring (avoid tight grout lines or pitted surface to avert mold or dirt accumulation)

• Anti-scald valves set at maximum 120 degrees

• Electrical outlets at point of use, easy to reach standing or seated

*A huge money saver now versus later, don’t let anyone tell you this is expensive or difficult. Quite the opposite, ever seen how much gets pitched on a construction site? Bracing with extra wood for future grab bars or a ceiling mounted, transfer lift is smart planning. If you’re ever in an accident or need for whatever reason, the walls are already prepared and installation will be a snap.

Next I describe the importance of an accessible and comfortable throne.

1. 

   David Popoff

   October 28, 2011 at 4:55 pm

   Some really great points on bathroom design though in the diagram you have corner shower units on the 45 that really are not practical for daily use. Thanks for the great blogging.