Fri Aug 18 2023
Bathroom Sizes – Important Things to Know for Renovation in 2023
Bathroom renovations are a huge task and involved a number of difficult processes. Without a proper understanding of plumbing, it can be quite difficult to tackle the project at hand. When it comes to bathroom renovations, the first thing you need to know is, how big your current bathroom is. Understanding your bathroom sizes is the first step that many may not take into consideration. It helps to figure out the actual things needed for your home and things that can be accommodated in your bathroom.
This article will discuss the different bathroom sizes in detail so that you can understand better your bathroom and make perfect decisions about your renovation project.
Is There a Standard Bathroom Size?
Yes, there is. An average bathroom has a good amount of surface area to accommodate a full bath (or ¾ bath), a shower, a toilet, a sink, and storage (optional). The general surface area for an average bathroom or a standard bathroom ranges from 30-40 sq. ft. This is a standard size that can be found in most U.S. households.
For a larger home, say a villa, the bathroom sizes vary. Depending on the size of your property, the bathroom sizes can range from 50-100 sq. ft. Sometimes, it can be more than 100 sq. ft for a master bathroom.
What Are Other Bathroom Sizes?
Apart from standard bathroom sizes, the other bathroom sizes are:
- Small bathrooms
- Bathrooms with a ¾ bath
- Bathrooms with a walk-in shower
- Half bathrooms
- Bathrooms for differently-abled persons
- Full-size bathrooms
- Master bathrooms
Let’s take a closer look at each of the bathroom sizes.
Small Bathrooms
Small bathrooms, from the name we can interpret that they are bathrooms with a smaller surface area. These bathrooms are significantly smaller than the standard bathroom and have little possibility of accommodating a bath and shower combo. The following are the general layout sizes for a small bathroom:
- 15 sq. ft bathroom (3X5)*
- 18 sq. ft bathroom (3X6)
- 16 sq. ft bathroom (4X4)
- 24 sq. ft bathroom (4X6)
- 36 sq. ft bathroom (6X6)
*- (Length X Breadth)
As the sizes listed above 15 sqft is the smallest bathroom size and it can fit only a toilet and a sink. In order to accommodate a shower, it is best to have a surface area of 36 sq. ft (6X6). This size of a bathroom can accommodate a shower, toilet, sink and if the area is available, storage.
Now, it does not mean that you cannot have a shower in other sizes of small bathrooms. Since the area is so small, you have to make necessary adjustments in order to fit a shower, toilet and sink. For example, when it comes to 18 sq. ft and 16 sq. ft, you can couple the toilet and sink.
In Japan, for saving water, the government and private companies started to implement the sink-toilet couple system. They are structured in a way that, once you use the sink, the used water is directly entered into the flushing system of the toilet and there, it can be used to flush the toilet. In that way, you save water and space in your bathroom which you can use to install a better shower system for your bathroom.
Full Bathrooms
When do you consider a bathroom a full bathroom? As the name suggests, a full bathroom should have a shower, toilet, sink, and a standard-size bathtub. Now, in order to accommodate everything on the list, the surface area of the bathroom should range from 40 sq. ft to 60 sq. ft. (5X8). This is the starting or average size for a full bathroom. Some of the full bathrooms can go up to 120 sq. ft (10X12).
Now, you might think that having a full bathroom with 100 sq. ft comes under a large bathroom right or even a master bathroom. Not necessarily the case, here. Large bathroom always starts at 110 sq. ft and goes up to 200 sq. ft or above.
Also, here it is a great idea to couple the toilet and sink even though you have enough space in your full bathroom. It is a good idea to save water. And, yes, more space to even add a large jacuzzi if you want.
Master Bathrooms
What is the difference between a master bathroom and a full bathroom? If a bathroom is attached to your master bedroom, then it is known as the master bathroom. Apart from that, everything about the full bathroom is also applicable here. A master bathroom consists of a larger bath, a shower system, a large sink with storage and single large or multiple toilets (the elements can vary depending on the size of the master bathroom). The “smaller master bathroom” can have a standard bathroom size, i.e. 40 sq. ft. But, most master bathrooms are more than 60 sq. ft, and can go up to 150 or even 200 sq. ft. Since you have a lot of space, it is better to have the largest bath (either a clawfoot or the largest freestanding bathtub), which gives more comfort during your bathing session, a large shower, a larger sink with storage space and a toilet.
Bathrooms with a ¾ Bath
Now, what is a ¾ bath? As mentioned above, a full bathroom consists of a bath, a shower, a toilet, and a sink. Now, if the bath is missing from the bathroom, it is considered a ¾ bathroom. These types of bathrooms can vary from 18 sq. ft to 24 sq. ft. Based on the surface area, it is better to choose the shower system (preferably a walk-in shower), then it is possible to install a sink with storage and a good size toilet.
It is also the best idea to install a sink system coupled with the toilet to save water and space when it comes to these types of baths.
One important thing to note is that the bathroom with a ¾ bath is the same as the bathroom with a walk-in shower. The only difference between a bathroom with ¾ bath and a bathroom with a walk-in shower is the length of the bathroom. The bathroom with a walk-in shower requires more length than the ¾ bath. The minimum requirement of a walk-in shower bath is 4-yards. Apart from that, every measurement remains the same as the ¾ bath.
Half Bathrooms
The most common type of bathroom in small apartments is the half bathroom. The half bathroom consists of a sink and a toilet. But that does not mean that you cannot install a shower system. The average size of a half bathroom is 15 sq. ft but this value can go up to 24 sq. ft. If you plan accordingly, you can definitely fit a functional shower system without an issue.
Some people remodel one of their bathrooms into a half bathroom and use it as a powder room and this can be seen in villas and big houses.
Bathroom for Differently-Abled Persons
A bathroom for a differently-abled person should have at least a 3X5 layout. Meaning the bathroom should have a surface area of 15 sq. ft so that individuals with support tools can move freely without any obstructions. The surface area can go up to 30 sq. ft. This really helps to make the doorway as wide as possible for easy entrance, a high sink, and lastly high rise toilet (usually around 17” –19” from the floor).
FAQs
An average bathroom has a good amount of surface area to accommodate a full bath (or ¾ bath), a shower, a toilet, a sink, and storage (optional). The general surface area for an average bathroom or a standard bathroom ranges from 30-40 sq. ft.
Yes, it is possible to have a 5X7 layout bathroom. It is safe to say that this 35 sq. ft size is the sweet spot for a bathroom that can accommodate a shower, toilet, and sink with storage. This can be seen in a lot of U.S. households.
No, it is not small. The surface area is more than the standard bathroom, and it is spacious enough to accommodate bathroom elements. For this layout, a ¾ bath is the perfect choice. The main reason is that installing a bathtub can make the bathroom smaller, and it may not be comfortable for you to take a bath.
Final Thoughts
Renovating a bathroom can be a bit of a headache if you don’t know exactly what and where to start the project. As said, understanding your bathroom layout will help to know exactly what should be done for your bathroom. Knowing what you want and what things can fit into your bathroom will save a lot of time and money during your project. This article hopes to provide enough information on bathroom sizes so that you can make good decisions for your renovation project. If you are looking for a best-in-class bathtub for your bathroom, you are in the right place.
Magnus home products offer both clawfoot and freestanding bathtubs along with other types of bathtubs in various sizes and materials. You can access the collections here.