Designing a Narrow Bathroom That Works

Key Bathroom Clearance Requirements

First, it's essential to understand the dimensions required to create a comfortable and functional narrow bathroom.

Your space likely needs to meet the standard bathroom fixture clearance requirements for the area in which you live.

While the dimensions can vary depending on your location, typical clearance guidelines include:

• Sinks: Ideally, a clear area of at least 21” - 24” (about 53 - 60 cm) in front of the sink for comfortable use.
• Toilets: A minimum space of 21” (53 cm) in front of the toilet to ensure ease of movement and accessibility. Additionally, allow at least 15” (38 cm) from the toilet centerline to the nearest other fixture or wall.
• Showers: A tiny shower enclosure can be 30” x 30” (75 x 75 cm), but a more recommended compact size is 36” x 36” (about 90 x 90 cm). If you plan to include a shower door, allow 24-28” (about 60 -70 cm) for clearance.

Adhering to these dimensions will help you plan a narrow bathroom layout that is still comfortable and usable.

When you add up the clearance requirements, the smallest narrow bathroom starts at about 3’ x 4’ (about 0.9 m x 1.2 m) for a powder room and 3’ x 9’ (about 0.9 m x 2.7m) for a ¾ bath with a standalone shower.

Top Tips for Narrow Bathrooms

When choosing bathroom fixtures, opt for smaller or narrow options that fit well in limited spaces.

Sinks

Explore wall-mount and pedestal sinks, which are designed to provide functionality without occupying too much floor space, compared to floor-mounted vanity sink cabinets. Alternatively, consider vanity sink options with depths of 17 - 20” (about 43 - 50 cm) instead of the usual 24” (about 60 cm). Corner sinks are ingenious solutions, utilizing corners to maximize space efficiency and create an appealing focal point.

Toilets

Installing a wall-hung toilet can save up to 10” (25 cm) in depth compared to traditional floor-mounted toilets. These toilets, mounted directly onto the wall, offer a modern look and free up valuable floor space.

Bathing Options

Opt for a doorless walk-in shower to save space, eliminating the need for a door swing.

If you prefer a bathtub, look for compact sizes. Smaller options, such as 55” x 30” (1.4 x 0.7 m) or Japanese Soaking Tubs (52” x 30” or 1.3 x 0.7 m), can fit your narrow bathroom floor plan efficiently.

In comparison, standard-size alcove-style or drop-in bathtubs in the US are around 60” x 30-32” wide and 1.7 m x 0.7 m in Europe.

Other top tips

Utilize vertical space for storage in narrow bathrooms. Consider wall cabinets and narrow shelves to store bathroom accessories, maximizing floor space. Additionally, traditional swing entry doors consume valuable space; choosing pocket doors that slide into the wall when opened can save inches, allowing more effective utilization of the area.