As I mentioned in my previous post, I absolutely love spending time in my master bathroom. I usually don’t get much alone time in there because my toddler is attached to my hip. But I keep reminding myself that my husband and I designed this space so we can enjoy it when our kid(s) get older and we’re empty nesters. For now, I’ll enjoy walking through it to get to our closet and keep dreaming of the day I can take a peaceful bubble bath in our tub.
Having a spacious master bathroom is something I’ve always dreamed of having. When we bought our house, I started pinning bathroom inspirations to my Pinterest board immediately; even though I knew the renovation to that side of the house wouldn’t be for another year or so. I had envisioned a classic, luxurious, spa-like bathroom; an oasis to relax and wind down from a busy workday. I’ll be posting before and after pictures of our master bathroom soon, so be on the lookout!
Below are some tips and general guidelines for designing a master bathroom.
Note that these are just recommended guidelines. Depending on your space, you can tailor the dimensions and placements to your needs and desires.
1. Pathways/Walkways
Allow clear pathways of at least 36 inches
Best to allow at least 42 inches in front of sinks
2. Sinks & Sink Cabinets
Position sinks so that they are easily accessible when entering the room and/or closet.
The most common placement aligns two sinks within a cabinet, while larger spaces may be arranged with independent cabinets, giving each person a personal counter-top.
The minimum width is 24 inches.
Most common and comfortable dimensions are 30 to 36 inches
Moving up to 48 inches in width per person provides a more spacious and luxurious setting.
The depth of a bath cabinet is usually 21 to 22 inches.
The height begins at 32 to 34 inches but is more frequently 36 inches, which is the standard kitchen cabinet height.
If you like pedestal or wall-mounted sinks you can definitely go this route but you’ll be sacrificing storage space without the cabinets beneath the sinks. Also keep in mind, you’ll be able to see all that plumbing below, which isn’t so aesthetically pleasing.
3. Tubs
Tubs are typically the focal point of a master bath. Leave as much open floor space as possible in front of tubs so that you can enter and exit easily.
There are so many different tub styles to choose from - freestanding, alcove, drop-in, corner, and under-mounts.
While many shapes and sizes vary, most tubs are 60 to 72 inches in length and 30 to 42 inches in width. The space needed for a tub depends on which configuration you prefer.
Other features to consider: jets and bubbles, chromatherapy, music, digital controls, and ADA compliant.
4. Showers
Showers should be positioned so that moisture and over spray are contained to water-resistant areas.
Minimum dimension for a shower is 32 inches in either direction, you will likely never want to go less than 36 inches in width or depth. Showers that are 36 inches deep and 48 inches wide are very comfortable for most people, especially if they have a built-in seat.
5. Toilets/Water Closet
Toilets should be out of sight lines, whether or not they have their own small rooms.
Minimum space requirements are 30 inches in width where it is centered in the space, and 24 inches of clear space in front of the fixture. It’s recommended to make the width a minimum of 36 inches and the length of the space in which the fixture rests at least 60 inches.
If your budget and space allow, you might want the water closet to be its own separate room. This room should be a minimum of 36 inches wide and 60 inches in length.
For luxurious accommodations, a width of 42 to 48 inches and a length of 66 to 72 inches will provide a spacious and comfortable setting.
6. Linen Closets
Ideally position it away from the wettest areas.
A typical linen closet is usually 30 to 36 inches wide and between 12-24 inches deep.
Almost all linen closets are always the height of the ceiling.
Standard shelving space is 15 to 18 inches between each shelf. Things to consider when planning out your spacing: the size of your bedding, blankets, comforters, etc.
7. Medicine Cabinets
There are many ready-to-install medicine cabinets that range from 15 to 24 inches in width and 20 to 30 inches in height.
You can either mount these on side walls adjacent to the sink or in the wall above the sink. You will want the top of the cabinet to stay under 80 inches but not below 48 inches.
8. Towel bars
Towel bars are usually made in lengths of 18 inches and 24 inches, and towel rings are 8 to 9 inches wide.
These fixtures are recommended to be placed 30 to 48 inches above the floor. You will also want these to be located 12 to 36 inches horizontally from your sink, tub and shower for easy reach.
9. Vanities
If you have space and room in your budget, you may want to have a built-in vanity. Makeup vanities need a width of only about 30 to 36 inches and a counter height of 30 inches, which is desk or dining table height.
You may want more width if you want extra drawers for this configuration. Allow at least a 24-inch knee-space width under the counter-top for your dressing stool or chair.
Here are some of my favorite master bathroom inspirations! Which one is your favorite!?
