The bathroom is one of the most captivating and interesting rooms in the home, so its design requires special care and attention, both in new builds and during renovations. It must be functional without sacrificing aesthetics.
Long and narrow bathroom
Residential homes often feature long, narrow bathrooms. While this may seem like a challenge, making the most of the length of the walls, and therefore utilizing every available centimeter, can create an interesting and highly attractive space for the professional architect. In these cases, the best solution is the “inline bathroom,” with the fixtures placed on the long side, both for purely technical reasons (with pipes running along the same wall) and for aesthetics and space optimization. This type of bathroom is suitable both when the two short sides are occupied by the entrance door and window, and when the entrance is located on one of the two long sides.
Depending on the depth of the bathroom:
The toilet, bidet, and sink can be positioned at different distances (we recommend no less than 20 centimeters for comfort and practicality);
you can choose whether to install a bathtub or, if space isn’t enough, a traditional shower.
Square-shaped bathrooms
This shape favors positioning the sanitary fixtures on two adjacent sides (with the toilet and bidet on one side and the sink and tub/shower on the other). If the width allows, that is, when it is no less than 150 centimeters, the fixtures can be placed on two opposite walls. The important thing is to maintain a central distance of about 60 centimeters between them to avoid creating an oppressive and suffocating space.
Floor-standing or wall-hung toilets?
One of the most common questions when designing or renovating a bathroom concerns the choice between wall-hung fixtures and those directly connected to the floor. These two installation options are different and offer equally valid solutions. Let’s now examine the strengths and weaknesses of both:
One of the strengths of wall-hung fixtures is undoubtedly their more refined aesthetics, creating a more airy, clean, and dynamic look. Since this type of fixture is not installed on the floor but against the wall, it is more hygienic and therefore easier to clean.
Floor-mounted fixtures, on the other hand, are less expensive to install, and there are a vast number of different types and solutions available to satisfy every taste and preference.
Shower or bathtub?
Another common question concerns installing a shower or a bathtub. If you have enough space, you could opt for both, but what’s the best solution when that’s not possible?
One of the most common solutions regarding the bathtub’s location is to exploit the space beneath the window, thus maximizing natural light coming directly from outside. Another possible solution is to install it on the long side of the bathroom. Typically, in the former case, a modern bathtub with an innovative design is preferred, while in the latter, a classic built-in bathtub is preferred.
If you prefer a linear shower, however, it’s best to position it in a corner of the bathroom, usually near the entrance. However, positioning it to fill the entire short side of the bathroom isn’t out of the question, even if there’s a window that merges with the shower.
These are just a few options for this fixture; there are many other possible solutions; just browse the numerous catalogs on the subject.
Windows
National regulations state that the following rooms must have at least one opening window: the kitchen, living room, and bedrooms, but not the bathroom. However, while there’s no requirement for a window, a mechanical ventilation system is required. Local regulations can provide more specific guidance on this matter.
Many factors must be considered for proper bathroom organization, but if you proceed with great care and attention to detail, you can fully exploit this space’s potential and create countless solutions that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.