Hello everyone,
My wife and I are currently planning to renovate our two bathrooms.
We bought a semi-detached house built in 2010, but unfortunately the bathrooms were poorly designed and are quite rundown.
I’m really glad there is a forum like this where plans can be critically reviewed, and I appreciate your support in advance.
A brief overview of our idea:
The upstairs bathroom has a bathtub.
The downstairs bathroom has a shower.
We want to completely redesign both bathrooms and swap the bathtub and shower locations. The reason: our parents and both girls (1 year & 2 years old) sleep upstairs and don’t want to walk downstairs just to shower.
For the downstairs bathroom, we are considering:
a) Bathtub only (Option 2) or
b) Bathtub with shower option (Option 1).
General considerations:
Bathtub only:
In this case, the bathtub can extend beyond the window without any issues. Using the sloped ceiling shape, we maximize the width and ensure the tub doesn’t block the space. We plan to add extra storage space within the wall.
Bathtub with shower option:
I (dad) assume that with three women in the house there will eventually be disputes about who gets to shower when. Also, guests should have a shower option. That’s why I want to keep the option open to shower downstairs as well. I imagine choosing a regular bathtub and installing a folding splash guard near the window.
Yes, the bathtub is 75cm (30 inches) wide and extends beyond the window. Since a bathtub usually has a rim about 6cm (2.5 inches) wide, I’m thinking of attaching the splash guard not at the tub’s rim but where the tub slopes downwards (sorry, I don’t know the exact term).
As for the sink, I’m trying to keep it as shallow as possible or move it as far left as I can to avoid narrowing the walkway too much. Room width: 178cm (70 inches) / 50cm (20 inches) sink + 75cm (30 inches) bathtub = 125cm (49 inches) --> 50cm (20 inches) clearance at the narrowest point.
Alternatively, I could imagine using a curved vanity that gets narrower toward the right. My only concern is that the “curved” design might not quite fit the overall aesthetic if everything else is very linear.
For the design, we planned black tiles, wood-look surfaces, and white fittings.
Looking forward to your feedback!
Best regards,
Arnold


My wife and I are currently planning to renovate our two bathrooms.
We bought a semi-detached house built in 2010, but unfortunately the bathrooms were poorly designed and are quite rundown.
I’m really glad there is a forum like this where plans can be critically reviewed, and I appreciate your support in advance.
A brief overview of our idea:
The upstairs bathroom has a bathtub.
The downstairs bathroom has a shower.
We want to completely redesign both bathrooms and swap the bathtub and shower locations. The reason: our parents and both girls (1 year & 2 years old) sleep upstairs and don’t want to walk downstairs just to shower.
For the downstairs bathroom, we are considering:
a) Bathtub only (Option 2) or
b) Bathtub with shower option (Option 1).
General considerations:
Bathtub only:
In this case, the bathtub can extend beyond the window without any issues. Using the sloped ceiling shape, we maximize the width and ensure the tub doesn’t block the space. We plan to add extra storage space within the wall.
Bathtub with shower option:
I (dad) assume that with three women in the house there will eventually be disputes about who gets to shower when. Also, guests should have a shower option. That’s why I want to keep the option open to shower downstairs as well. I imagine choosing a regular bathtub and installing a folding splash guard near the window.
Yes, the bathtub is 75cm (30 inches) wide and extends beyond the window. Since a bathtub usually has a rim about 6cm (2.5 inches) wide, I’m thinking of attaching the splash guard not at the tub’s rim but where the tub slopes downwards (sorry, I don’t know the exact term).
As for the sink, I’m trying to keep it as shallow as possible or move it as far left as I can to avoid narrowing the walkway too much. Room width: 178cm (70 inches) / 50cm (20 inches) sink + 75cm (30 inches) bathtub = 125cm (49 inches) --> 50cm (20 inches) clearance at the narrowest point.
Alternatively, I could imagine using a curved vanity that gets narrower toward the right. My only concern is that the “curved” design might not quite fit the overall aesthetic if everything else is very linear.
For the design, we planned black tiles, wood-look surfaces, and white fittings.
Looking forward to your feedback!
Best regards,
Arnold
For me, option 3 or 4. Or a bathtub like in 8 and the rest like in 3 🙂
50cm (20 inches) is in my opinion very little. We have about 75cm (30 inches) between the sink and the shower wall, and it still doesn’t feel spacious.
50cm (20 inches) is in my opinion very little. We have about 75cm (30 inches) between the sink and the shower wall, and it still doesn’t feel spacious.
A
ArniBanarni23 Dec 2020 18:07@lbdk
I’ve entered your two sketches into the tool (10 and 11). Unfortunately, your second plan doesn’t fit the dimensions.
10: I’ll think about that later, but it’s a good idea, thanks!
11: In the 3D view, the toilet is positioned quite far into the room, and unfortunately the window can no longer open.
@Schimi1791
Option 4 is not possible for the reasons mentioned (my wife’s preference ;-) ).
Option 3: This offers the most space, but we would need to shower in the bathtub. The splash guard would then have to be installed either at the bottom (2 panels) or at the top (1 panel).
Option 8+3: If I understand you correctly, this corresponds to option 1+2 ;-)


I’ve entered your two sketches into the tool (10 and 11). Unfortunately, your second plan doesn’t fit the dimensions.
10: I’ll think about that later, but it’s a good idea, thanks!
11: In the 3D view, the toilet is positioned quite far into the room, and unfortunately the window can no longer open.
@Schimi1791
Option 4 is not possible for the reasons mentioned (my wife’s preference ;-) ).
Option 3: This offers the most space, but we would need to shower in the bathtub. The splash guard would then have to be installed either at the bottom (2 panels) or at the top (1 panel).
Option 8+3: If I understand you correctly, this corresponds to option 1+2 ;-)
I didn’t know that higher quantity leads to better options. The amount you draw is unmatched.
What kind of maze should the waste take? Short routes to the soil pipe—that’s the key.
No, it’s a trip hazard. And quite uncomfortable to use with your back to the door.
If you respond to our answers, sure. Some feedback on replies would be good.
ArniBanarni schrieb:
Toilet on the right side, just by the entrance.
What kind of maze should the waste take? Short routes to the soil pipe—that’s the key.
ArniBanarni schrieb:
Do you think a 50cm (20 inches) passage in my drawing above would be sufficient?
No, it’s a trip hazard. And quite uncomfortable to use with your back to the door.
ArniBanarni schrieb:
I’m surprised how quickly and how many answers I’m getting.
ArniBanarni schrieb:
Do you see any other options?
If you respond to our answers, sure. Some feedback on replies would be good.
A
ArniBanarni24 Dec 2020 13:58Alright, I will address all statements and questions:
@Bertram100
@tomtom79:
Door opening outward:
Prefer shower over bathtub
@ypg
Bathtub in the niche: As mentioned, this is not an option.
I hope I have addressed everything sufficiently.
I favor the new solution 12 because:


@Bertram100
- Removing the bathtub is not an option for us because we have young children and are planning for more. In my opinion, a bathtub is essential here.
- I believe that if the bathtub is used mostly or only by children, there should still be at least one tub in the house. A small one is fine if it’s rarely used. I can understand the idea of removing the bathtub entirely, but we have a different perspective due to the children.
- We have the dryer, washing machine, etc., all located in our utility room.
@tomtom79:
Door opening outward:
- Good approach. I will discuss this with the authorities today.
- This definitely gives more space in the bathroom.
- On the other hand, I see a slight risk that someone (perhaps a child) could be pushed by the door if someone exits the toilet. If the door opens inward (into the bathroom), this is less of an issue since the door is usually closed when occupied.
Prefer shower over bathtub
- Apparently this is a matter of preference. I don’t think the property value decreases if there’s no bathtub. But I could imagine it may be an issue for young families.
- Regarding our case: We have a shower on the upper floor that gets 99% of the use. In rare cases, or when the girls get older and spend more time in the bathroom, having an alternative shower on the ground floor would be nice. The shower on the ground floor is not absolutely necessary. A small shower would suffice since it’s only a “second shower.” Much more important is that we can fit a bathtub on the ground floor. So we’re considering:
- Combination shower and bathtub (with splash guard in the bathtub)
- Separate shower and bathtub
- Or bathtub only
- Shower only is not an option
@ypg
- Thanks for the suggestions. I am currently favoring solution 12.
- Suggestion 1: Our layout is relatively straightforward. Do you know of any washbasins that have a shape like the one shown? Unfortunately, the ones I find are always rounded.
- Suggestion 2: Thanks a lot for the tip! I probably wouldn’t have noticed that.
- Suggestion 3: Yes, we plan to have a 10cm (5 inches) shelf in front of or behind the bathtub. We want to build a lit shelf recessed into the wall.
Bathtub in the niche: As mentioned, this is not an option.
- Difficult to clean
- Children are hard to reach during bathing
- Window is hard to open
I hope I have addressed everything sufficiently.
I favor the new solution 12 because:
- The bathroom remains open and receives enough natural light
- There are no tight spaces where you have to squeeze through
- The shower and bathtub are rarely used and positioned at the back – the washbasin and toilet are used most frequently and located right at the entrance
- A 1-meter (39 inches) wide washbasin is possible and all appliances fit in the room without crowding
Definitely an outward-opening door (since it is not used frequently and has advantages, for example if someone collapses in the bathroom, they won’t block the door because it can be opened outward). With version 12a, the toilet can also be positioned a bit further toward the bottom of the plan, and there is no need for a corner bathtub—which is too narrow in the direction of the shower/window—instead, a space-saving bathtub can be used.
A
ArniBanarni28 Dec 2020 18:13@ypg
Thank you for your input.
During the recent holiday break, we created a revised and now prioritized sketch.
We will change the bathroom door so that it opens into the hallway, thanks for the suggestion, ypg.
The triangle is meant to represent a washbasin.
I have only found straight and gradually narrowing washbasins from the manufacturer Polypex or Ego.
Model: EGO WT 100 right.
The access to the shower should be sufficient and meet all requirements.
What do you think?


Thank you for your input.
During the recent holiday break, we created a revised and now prioritized sketch.
We will change the bathroom door so that it opens into the hallway, thanks for the suggestion, ypg.
The triangle is meant to represent a washbasin.
I have only found straight and gradually narrowing washbasins from the manufacturer Polypex or Ego.
Model: EGO WT 100 right.
The access to the shower should be sufficient and meet all requirements.
What do you think?
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