9 Bathroom Layout Ideas for Spaces Large and Small

Lead the Eye With a Galley-Style Bathroom

You don’t need a square-shaped space to make a serene bathroom layout work. Even with a long galley footprint, you can still create an open feeling.

This bathroom has the sinks and vanity on the left and a glass shower on the right— both open up to a closet that draws the eye through the room.

“The open closet framed by playful wallpaper adds a surprising pop of personality that peeks through with charm,” says Adrianne Bugg, co-owner and design principal at Pillar & Peacock.

Accentuate a Tub With Natural Light

While this bathroom already has a large footprint, every effort was taken to make the most of the space. A water closet hidden behind pocket doors and integrated storage make the room feel more expansive, while also letting the tub shine as the show-stopping element.

“Guided by the clients’ love of natural light, we designed the space around the window to create an airy, restorative atmosphere,” says Kira Obermeier, owner and principal designer of Kira David Design.

Create Separation With Two Vanities

In this bathroom, the double vanities were intentionally separated to create space and the illusion of a bigger footprint. The tub and shower echo the dual layout and add interest to an otherwise long floor plan.

“This primary bath used to feel like a bowling alley,” says Stephanie Brown, co-founder of Saint Louise Design. “A little intentional negative space goes a long way.”

Emphasize a Classic Layout

In the days before bathrooms were reimagined as personal spas, there was a classic layout. Often, they had just enough room for a vanity, a toilet, and a tub, all in a row. The above example worked within the constraints of that footprint but added colorful details to give it some personal charm.

It’s a “small-scale bath” with a “sloped ceiling and a petite window,” says Annsley McAleer, owner of Annsely Interiors: “It’s big on functionality.”

Devote an Entire Wall to the Shower

This design turns the shower into a center stage moment, letting the tile become the foundation for the entire room.

“Instead of hiding it in a corner, we treat it like a feature wall with tile that runs floor to ceiling. The frameless glass keeps everything bright and connected,” says Val Nehez, principal designer at Studio IQL.

The vanity and tub are equally beautiful, and they fit perfectly into the room, avoiding too much negative space.

Don’t Be Afraid To Use Every Inch

It’s tempting in larger bathrooms to space everything out, but what will you actually do with all that space? Instead, consider condensing the layout.

“Our primary bathroom was made a bit smaller to allow for more closet space. Unlike many larger bathrooms, however, it’s full of nooks and crannies in an interesting way!” says Julia Marcum, CEO and creative director at Chris Loves Julia.

Tuck the Sink and Storage in a Corner

Very few people will tell you they could do without more storage in their bathroom—but where should you add it?

This bathroom layout makes the most of an awkward nook by tucking the cabinetry and vanity into an otherwise under-utilized space. The shower then resides within the part of the room with a taller ceiling, making it feel bright and spacious.

“This is a primary bathroom in an attic of a Victorian home, and we were able to turn some of the problematic head height areas into enclosed storage with walnut cabinetry,” says Carly Moeller, founder and principal designer at Unpatterned.

Add a Window to Lighten the Space

“This was a tricky bathroom I designed in a midcentury home,” says Kami Gray, owner of Kami Gray Interiors. “We wanted to enlarge it and added a window to make it lighter.”

By adding the window and accentuating the ceiling with exposed beams, the entire bathroom appears larger. The single sink vanity gives the room more counter space, and the storage area on the right is the perfect styling moment.

Combine the Shower and Tub Into One

If fitting both a tub and a shower into your bathroom feels choppy, then consider combining them into a singular space. This doesn’t have to mean opting for an old school shower-tub combo. Instead, put them both into a spacious, tiled subsection of the bathroom.