Where do you start when it comes to redesigning an entire room like your bathroom? You have a lot of exciting decisions to make when it comes to the style of the room, but first must come basic functionality and practicality. It’s no good having a stunning bathroom if there are some basic design flaws that make the room difficult or uncomfortable to use.
To help you get the basics right, here are a few essential bathroom guidelines to follow when designing this space.
Think about door placement
The most rookie mistake that we see more often than you’d think is installing doors in places where they interfere with fixtures in the bathroom. Poor door placement can make it harder to get in and out or may stop the door from opening all the way. If your bathroom is especially small, you might consider doors that open outwards, instead. And don’t forget about the doors of bathroom cabinets. Make sure they can open without hitting anything else.
Create enough clear space
Even in a small bathroom, try to leave enough clear space so that you can move about comfortably inside the room. Leave space in between appliances so that everything isn’t too close together. A cramped design can make a small room feel even more claustrophobic.
Where to place the sink?
As well as not placing appliances too close to each other, you also don’t want them too close to the walls. Imagine brushing your teeth at the sink and constantly bumping your elbow into the wall. When placing your sink and vanity, a space of at least 20 inches from the wall or nearest obstacle is recommended.
The height of fixtures
Comfort when using a fixture or appliance also comes down to its height. You don’t want to be bending down really far to wash your hands in the sink. However, if you have small children in your home, you might want to position it lower to make it easier for them to use. You should also consider anyone with mobility issues when deciding the height of the toilet, as it can be more difficult for them to lower themselves down.
Safety with electrics
You might want some electrical sockets to use a hairdryer in the bathroom or to charge your electric shaver or toothbrush. But you probably know that electricity and water don’t mix well. To keep your bathroom safe and prevent electric shocks, any bathroom sockets must be ground-fault circuit interrupters.
Need more guidance for your bathroom remodel? Get in touch with us or visit us in Winston Salem, NC for our support with your bathroom, kitchen, and closet systems.