Bathrooms come in second to kitchens as places where considerable attention is given to layouts and finishes, and size doesn’t limit the quality of their design. Learning a few key dimensions and common fixture sizes — and understanding that a compact space can work to your advantage — will inspire you to embrace these intimate spaces as opportunities to create unique and delightful rooms. Because less material is required for a smaller bathroom, you may be able to upgrade your finishes, since you are buying less. This smart and sexy bath if filled with sumptuous marble tiles, and the beauty of the veining defines the character of the room. The airy floating vanity and white fixtures have clean and precise lines.

Despite the modest dimensions of this space, the custom-designed medicine cabinet stretches over the toilet, providing generous storage. Note that the lighting built into the cabinet is a tall and narrow strip. Lighting fixtures placed on both sides of mirrors are ideal. You want even illumination from each side when grooming, and this arrangement is a good solution.

The most common bathroom layout is the single plumbed wall. All fixtures are lined up and served from one compact source of drains, water supplies and venting. This saves on plumbing installation and provides efficient distribution of heated water, especially when the wall is near a water heater. These walls need to be constructed of 2-by-6 studs, rather than 2-by-4s, mainly to accommodate the larger vent stack for the toilet. Even if your home has a large master bath, it likely has at least one bathroom elsewhere in the house that’s arranged this way.

Tubs. Standard tubs with apron fronts are 60 inches (152 centimeters) long and 30 to 32 inches (76 to 81 centimeters) wide. The depth can be as little as 14 inches (35 centimeters) and as much as 20 inches (50 centimeters).

Toilets. You need at least 30 inches (76 centimeters) of clear width for toilets, but 32 to 36 inches (81 to 91 centimeters) is much better for most people.

Single sinks. For a single sink, you need at least 30 inches (76 centimeters) of width, but 36 to 48 inches (91 to 107 centimeters) is more comfortable.

Double sinks. You can squeeze two sinks into 60 inches (152 centimeters) of width, but 72 inches (183 centimeters) or more is preferred.

Note: Metric dimensions are close translations of U.S. standards and do not represent the standardized dimensions that may apply to your country.

To read the full article about the key measurements you need to make the most of your bathroom, please click here!