The 4 Main Types of Bathrooms

When designing or remodeling a bathroom, one of the first decisions to make is what type or layout to use. Bathrooms come in different shapes and sizes, but most fall into one of four main categories:

Master Bathroom

The master bathroom is the largest and most luxurious type of bathroom in a home. It is attached to the master bedroom as a private bath for the homeowners.

Master bathrooms are often big enough to include separate areas like a double vanity, makeup vanity, large walk-in shower, jetted tub, water closet, and spacious walk-in closet. High-end master baths may also incorporate features like heated floors, steam showers, and bidets.

Some elements that set a master bathroom apart include:

Size – Master bathrooms are generally over 100 square feet. Many are 200 square feet or larger. The space allows for multiple users and elaborate design features.
Privacy – As an ensuite bath off the master bedroom, only the homeowners use this space. It offers complete privacy from guests.
Luxury Features – From whirlpool tubs to heated towel racks, no luxury feature is off limits in a master bath. It often includes the most expensive finishes and fixtures in the home.
Storage – With large vanities and walk-in closets, storage space abounds in a master bathroom. There are plenty of cabinets, drawers, and shelves for toiletries and linens.
Relaxation – Master baths are designed as relaxing sanctuaries from busy lives. Many include space to lounge, like a fireside chaise.
Lighting – From dimmable lighting to skylights, lighting is an important part of creating a master suite’s ambiance. Both task lighting and accent lighting are used.

Master bathroom design trends include spa-like features, heated floors, large walk-in showers, personalized organization systems, smart home technology, and eco-friendly finishes.

Master Bathroom Layout Ideas

Some popular layout options for master bathrooms include:

Single Vanity – This simple layout has a large vanity as the focal point at one end, with the shower and tub elsewhere. The vanity may include two sinks.
Double Vanity – His and hers vanities, usually spaced far apart for privacy, let two people get ready at once. Separate vanities can face each other or be perpendicular.
L-Shaped – An L-shaped master bath layout emphasizes separate spaces for the vanity, shower, toilet, and tub area while keeping an open flow.
Linear – In a linear layout, different elements like the tub, shower, vanity, and closet align along the length of the bathroom for a streamlined look.
Wet Room – All areas with plumbing are together in an open wet room. The shower isn’t enclosed behind glass but set right into the space.
Water Closet – For the ultimate privacy, the toilet goes in its own small, separate room.

No matter what layout you choose, a master bath should feel spacious, airy, and organized. Carefully planning the lighting, finishes, and storage will help create an oasis.

Full Bathroom

A full bathroom includes all the major bathroom fixtures – toilet, sink, and either a combination shower/tub or separate shower stall and bathtub. Full baths are generally 25-40 square feet but can be larger.

Having at least one full bath is a must in any home. In single-family homes, the second bathroom is often a full bath as well. Full baths work well for families, since someone can use the shower while another person uses the sink or toilet.

Some elements of a full bathroom include:

Toilet – The toilet has its own dedicated space and sits on one wall of the bathroom.
Sink – Full bathrooms usually have a single or double sink vanity. The sink may sit along another wall or be installed in a bathroom vanity.
Bathtub – Most full baths include a bathtub with showerhead for both soaking and washing. The tub may have shower doors or a shower curtain.
Shower – Some full baths opt for a spacious shower stall instead of a tub. The shower may be open or enclosed behind glass doors.
Storage – Cabinets, shelving, and drawers provide storage for linens and toiletries. Bathroom vanities offer enclosed storage.
Ventilation – Proper ventilation like exhaust fans and operable windows are important in a full bath.
Lighting – A central overhead light combined with vanity lighting provides both ambient and task lighting. Sconces and natural light from windows also help brighten the space.

Full bathroom features to consider include towel warmers, water-saving toilets, and smart home-enabled lights and fans. Layout possibilities range from efficient use of a narrow space to large, luxurious designs.

Half Bathroom

A half bathroom, or “powder room,” contains only a toilet and sink. The lack of bathing facilities differentiates it from a full bath. Half baths are usually less than 25 square feet in size.

Half bathrooms are common as secondary baths in homes to accommodate guests and family members. They provide basic handwashing and toilet access without needing space for a shower or tub. Half baths are also essential in businesses like offices, restaurants, and stores.

Some qualities of half bathrooms:

Efficiency – With no bathing facilities, half bathrooms utilize space efficiently. Small powder rooms can even fit into a former closet space.
Convenience – Half baths placed near common areas and entryways provide convenience for guests and family members without cluttering the home’s full bathrooms.
Privacy – Doors allow half baths to offer privacy for using the toilet, despite their small size and frequent proximity to living areas.
Style – Powder rooms often have decorative touches like wallpaper, tile accents, or artistic vanities. Homeowners can add style without the expense of a full bathroom remodel.
Ventilation – Like all bathrooms, half baths need ventilation. Ceiling exhaust fans are common.

Some half bath ideas include adding wide mirrors or sconces to make a small space feel bigger, choosing a visually appealing sink vanity, and upgrading the toilet or toilet paper holder. Mosaic tile and wallpaper with texture or patterns bring style to powder rooms.

Three-Quarter Bathroom

A three-quarter bathroom has three main fixtures – a toilet, sink, and either a shower or bathtub – without one bathing fixture. For instance, a 3/4 bath may have a sink, toilet, and shower but no bathtub.

Three-quarter bathrooms fall between full and half baths in size and functionality. They’re usually 30-40 square feet. The lack of one bathing fixture allows three-quarter baths to take up less space than full baths.

Reasons homeowners add three-quarter bathrooms:

Flexible Space – Three-quarter baths work well when space limitations prevent a full bath but more than a half bath is needed.
Additional Bathrooms – Extra bathrooms in a home, like off a bedroom, are often three-quarter baths to save space and expense.
Shower Access – Having at least a shower means three-quarter baths can still serve for bathing, not just toileting and handwashing like a half bath.
Cost – Adding only some bathroom fixtures instead of an entire set costs less in construction and plumbing.
Bathroom Variety – Varying the types of bathrooms, like having a three-quarter bath for kids and full bath for parents, fits different needs.

Three-quarter bathroom ideas include using space-saving fixtures like corner showers and narrow vanities, installing plumbing in a straight line, and brightening with light colors and ample lighting. Focus storage in the vanity instead of a linen closet.

Comparing Bathroom Types

Ultimately, choose bathroom types and layouts based on your home’s needs. Think about who will use each bathroom most and what functions need to be accommodated, like accessibility for aging in place or a place to wash up after exercising. The right combination of bathrooms makes a home more comfortable and convenient.

Elements of Bathroom Design

Bathrooms may serve basic functions, but they can also provide a beautiful space for relaxation and rejuvenation. Your bathroom’s design should suit your tastes while working for your life and household.

Here are some of the most important elements to consider when creating your dream bathroom design:

Fixtures and Appliances

The fixtures and appliances you choose will shape your bathroom’s form and function.

Toilets – One-piece toilets save space and are easier to clean. Models with elongated bowls or taller seats provide more comfort.
Sinks – Vessel, pedestal, and undermount sinks have less visible countertop space. Wall-hung sinks optimize space below.
Faucets – Widespread and centerset faucets work with most sinks. Wall-mount faucets are modern and take up less space.
Bathtubs – Soaking tubs, air tubs, and tub/shower combos each deliver a different bathing experience. Freestanding tubs make a statement.
Showers – Choose between framed or frameless shower doors. Showerheads with body sprays provide a spa experience.
Lighting – Use overhead, vanity, and accent lighting for both task and mood lighting.
Storage – Custom cabinets and shelving maximize storage. Drawers keep items organized.
Hardware – Handles and pulls should have the same finish or metal as other fixtures for a cohesive look.

Choose high-quality appliances and fixtures that match your bathroom’s overall aesthetic. Durability and easy cleaning are also important.

Layout and Zones

Bathroom layout involves placing fixtures and dividing the space into activity zones:

Wet Zone – The shower, tub, and surrounding area should be together near the plumbing.
Dry Zone – Toilet and door(s) are best away from wet areas, as is the vanity.
Access Zone – Provide clear paths in and out of the room. Doorways without obstacles prevent issues.
Privacy Zone – Separate toilet areas from other activities with walls, curtains, or distance.

Optimize the layout to maximize function and flow between zones. Allow open floor space for moving between fixtures.

Storage

No bathroom can have too much storage. Evaluate what you need room to store:

Toiletries – Designate drawer and cabinet space for personal care items. Use organizers to sort products.
Linens – Shelving or built-in cabinets offer linen storage. Add a hamper for dirty towels.
Cleaning Supplies – Keep them organized under the sink in bins or baskets.
Medicines – Medicine cabinets with mirrors keep items handy but out of sight.
Personal Items – Assign a drawer or shelf space for items used in the bathroom like hairdryers.
Toilet Paper – Designate a spot for an attractive toilet paper holder, with extra rolls stored nearby.

Adequate and smart bathroom storage reduces clutter.

Ventilation

Moisture control is crucial in bathrooms. Proper ventilation manages humidity and prevents mold.

Exhaust Fan – Powerful, quiet ceiling fans actively remove humidity. They should run for 20-30 minutes after bathing.
Windows – Operable windows bring in fresh air. Adding windows or enlarging existing ones improves airflow.
Passive Vents – Passive vents allow excess moisture to escape from attics and crawl spaces.
Timer/Humidity Switch – Automatic controls make sure exhaust fans run long enough after showers and baths.

Include multiple ventilation strategies. Update aging exhaust fans for better performance.

Lighting

Good lighting makes bathrooms safer and easy to use:

Ambient Lighting – Install overhead ceiling lights for general illumination.
Task Lighting – Vanity strip lighting properly lights faces for grooming.
Accent Lighting – Use fixtures like sconces selectively on focal walls or shower niches.
Natural Light – Windows and skylights make bathrooms feel bright and airy. Plan for privacy as well.

Choose the right light bulb color temperature and brightness. Dimmer switches allow adjusting light levels. Place lights strategically around the vanity mirror to minimize shadows.

Materials and Finishes

Bathrooms require durable, water-resistant materials able to withstand moisture:

Flooring

Ceramic, porcelain, or natural stone tile
Luxury vinyl tile or plank
Solid surface flooring
Laminate (not near shower)

Wall Surfaces

Ceramic, glass, or stone tile
Mold-resistant paint
Moisture-proof wall panels or wainscoting

Countertops

Laminate
Quartz
Solid surface
Natural stone

Select materials that fit the room’s look and usage. For example, larger tile works better in expansive master baths than small powder rooms. Carefully seal all seams and edges.

Planning a Bathroom Remodel

Remodeling a tired, outdated bathroom breathes new life into the space. Plan carefully to get the bathroom layout and amenities you want without going over budget or time.

Follow this process for a smooth bathroom remodel:

Set Goals

Define the problems with your current bathroom such as:

Insufficient lighting
Lack of storage
Outdated fixtures
Poor ventilation
Crumbling surfaces
Leaks
Inefficient layout

Then identify your goals for the remodel, like:

Adding storage solutions
Improving lighting
Installing new surfaces
Updating fixtures
Increasing accessibility

Focus on 2-3 top priorities to guide decision-making.

Make a Budget

The costs of a bathroom remodel range widely based on factors like size, materials, and how much needs updating. Set a realistic budget using estimated costs per square foot:

Minor remodel – $2,500-$7,000, focusing on surfaces and fixtures
Standard remodel – $7,000-$15,000, replacing most elements
Upscale remodel – $15,000-$30,000+, luxury finishes and expansions

Factor in contingency funds for unexpected issues. Aim to invest 10-25% of your home’s value in a main bathroom remodel.

Design the Layout

Maximize the existing space by reconfiguring the layout to improve flow and functionality.

Consider:

Eliminating wasted space
Moving plumbing
Removing or adding walls
Stealing space from adjacent areas

Create an efficient layout meeting your goals. For accessibility, include grab bars, curbless showers, comfort height toilets, and easy-open hardware.

Choose Fixtures and Finishes

Selecting materials, colors, textures, and styles creates your desired aesthetic.

Fixtures able to withstand humidity and usage
Easy-maintenance, water-resistant surfaces
Multiple lighting types
Comfortable, heated floors
Spa-like amenities
Universal design features
Stylish storage solutions
Soothing color palette

Balance looks, durability, and budget when making finishes decisions.

Hire Professional Help

Unless you’re highly skilled, hire general contractors and tradespeople to tackle the remodel. They have expertise in:

Demolishing existing bathroom
Rerouting plumbing and electrical
Installing new surfaces, lights, ventilation
Building custom cabinetry and enclosures
Meeting building codes

Get referrals and check credentials. Aggressively vet contractors before hiring.

Stick to the Schedule

Careful planning and scheduling prevent delays. Know long lead times for sourcing some materials. Build in buffer days.

Be prepared by:

Having other bathroom facilities in your home
Arranging temporary cooking arrangements if the kitchen is affected
Staying elsewhere if extensive home disruption is expected
Communicating schedule impacts to other household members

Stay involved throughout the remodel to keep the team on track.

With detailed planning and design, you can transform your outdated or dreary bathroom into a functional, beautiful oasis. Focus on improving lighting, storage, and layout along with the aesthetics.

Common Bathroom Remodeling Mistakes to Avoid

Bathroom remodels involve dealing with plumbing, electrical, ventilation, and complex construction issues in a confined space. Hazards abound for DIYers trying to save money by doing it themselves.

Avoid these common pitfalls when remodeling a bathroom:

Rushing the Process

Eagerness to have an updated bathroom can lead homeowners to rush the planning and contractor selection processes. Devote adequate time upfront to design and prepare.

Rushing through choosing a contractor often results in signing with underqualified remodelers or those who bid unrealistically low just to get hired. Then they make money back with change orders for “unexpected” issues once the work is underway.

Solution: Thoroughly vet at least three contractors. Check credentials, reviews, and examples of completed bath remodels.