Creating a bathroom involves more than selecting fixtures and tile—it takes thoughtful planning of space, function, and movement. A bad plan can result in frustrating daily routines, poorly utilised space, and expensive future renovations. Whatever the situation—new bathroom construction or renovation of an old one—the avoidance of layout pitfalls is essential to making a functional and comfortable space. Here are the most common bathroom design mistakes and how to prevent them.
1. Inadequate Toilet Placement
One of the most prevalent design errors is placing the toilet in a very conspicuous location, particularly in alignment with the bathroom door. This not only affects privacy but also spoils the aesthetic appeal of the area.
Avoid it by:
Positioning the toilet behind a partial wall or door.
Placing it away from direct view from the hallway or main room.
Creating a toilet compartment in big bathrooms for extra privacy.
2. Overlooking the Storage Aspect
A stunning bathroom without any functional storage is soon cluttered. Not designing for toiletries, cleaning products, towels, and other items may result in an untidy countertop and minimal organization.
Avoid it by:
Having drawers or cabinets in vanities.
Installing recessed shelves in shower stalls or above the toilet.
Using wall space with wall units or open shelving.
3. Overcrowding the Space
Packing too many features—such as a standalone tub and shower, two sinks, and bulk storage—into a small bathroom makes the space claustrophobic and uncomfortable.
Avoid it by:
Prioritising function over features.
Selecting space-maximising fixtures, such as corner sinks or wall-hung toilets.
Utilising glass shower enclosures to preserve an open atmosphere.
4. Poor Ventilation
Most homeowners underestimate proper ventilation when planning bathroom designs, resulting in too much moisture, mould, and long-term damage to the building structure.
Avoid it by:
Properly installing an exhaust fan in the appropriate size for the room.
Providing windows where feasible in order to enable natural airflow.
Ensuring adequate ducting to vent moisture outside the house, not into the attic.
5. Forgetting Lighting and Natural Light
A common design error is failing to include sufficient lighting or simply using a single central ceiling fixture. This provides shadows, particularly near mirrors, and makes grooming and everyday activities more challenging.
Prevent it by:
Including task lighting near mirrors or vanities.
Utilizing ambient and accent lighting to heighten the ambiance.
Taking advantage of natural light using windows, skylights, or frosted glass panels.
6. Ignoring Proper Clearances
Fixtures placed too closely together cause bathrooms to be cramped and even violate building codes. Inaccurate spacing causes discomfort and restricts movement.
Avoid it by:
Creating at least 15 inches from the centerline of the toilet to any fixture or wall.
Creating 30–36 inches of clearance between sinks and toilets for easy use.
Providing space for door swings not to conflict with fixture placement.
7. Ignoring Future Needs
Planning without regard to future lifestyle shifts—like aging in place, expanding families, or resale—can shortchange the bathroom's long-term functionality.
Don't do it by:
Adding universal design features such as grab bars, curbless showers, and lever-handled handles.
Designing flexible storage and configurations that can shift with evolving needs.
Considering durability and classic styles over fashion finishes.
Conclusion
A bathroom plan, well thought out, brings together beauty, comfort, and functionality. By sidestepping the pitfalls of poorly placed toilets, storage shortages, and crowding, you can create a space that optimizes your daily life and adds long-term value to your home. Regardless of the size of your bathroom, investing the time to think through the planning will allow you to get pleasure out of it for many years to come.
https://reddestin.wordpress.com/2025/06/30/if-the-toilet-cistern-does-not-hold-water/
https://www.bloglovin.com/@letsmewatchthis/how-to-choose-a-shower-tray
