How to Design a Master Bathroom

A primary bathroom works best when the layout is settled before anyone picks tile. These are the decisions to make, in order, when you plan one: layout, shower and tub, vanity, lighting, ventilation and storage.

Start with the layout

Moving a toilet, tub or shower drain means changing the plumbing under the floor, which adds work. Keeping fixtures where the pipes already are is the simplest path. If the layout is not working, a plumber and contractor can tell you what moving them involves in your house.

Think about how the room is used each morning. Two people sharing it need separate access to the sink and enough room to pass each other. A toilet in its own compartment gives privacy. Check that doors swing without hitting the vanity or each other; a pocket door or an outswing door can free up floor space.

Shower, tub or both

Option	Good to know
Walk-in shower	Easy to get in and out of; a low or curbless entry needs the floor to be sloped correctly to the drain
Tub and shower combination	Saves space and works if there is only one bathroom for bathing
Separate tub and shower	Needs more room and more plumbing; useful if the tub gets regular use
Freestanding tub	Needs floor space around it for cleaning, and a floor that can carry the weight when full

If nobody takes baths, consider giving the tub’s space to a larger shower. Whatever you choose, the waterproofing behind the tile matters more than the tile itself. A shower needs a properly built, sloped base and a continuous waterproof layer on the walls.

Vanity and sinks

A double vanity helps when two people get ready at once, but one longer sink with more counter space can be more useful than two cramped basins. Drawers are easier to organize than a single open cabinet. A wall-hung vanity leaves the floor visible, and a floor-standing one usually offers more storage. Put the plumbing supply and drain locations on the plan so the cabinet and the pipes agree.

Materials that handle water

• Floors: porcelain or ceramic tile are common because they tolerate water. Choose a finish with some texture for wet areas.
• Shower walls: tile, or large solid panels with fewer joints to clean.
• Counters: quartz and natural stone are common. Stone may need sealing, so ask how it is maintained.
• Cabinets: look for moisture-resistant construction and finishes.

Grout lines, texture and color affect how much cleaning the room needs, so look at samples in the room’s own light.

Lighting

Use more than one source. Lights on both sides of the mirror, or above it, give even light on the face and avoid shadows. Add general light from the ceiling, and a night light for walking in at night. Fixtures in or near the shower must be rated for damp or wet locations. Your electrician and the local code decide the details.

Ventilation

Moisture is what damages a bathroom over time. A fan that vents outside, not into the attic, removes it. Choose a fan sized for the room, run it during and after showers, and put it on a timer or humidity switch if that helps you remember. A window alone does not do the same job in a Chicago winter.

Storage

Count what you keep in the room now: towels, toiletries, cleaning supplies. Then plan for it. Options include vanity drawers, a tall cabinet, a recessed niche in the shower wall, and a medicine cabinet set into the wall. A built-in is easier to plan before the walls are closed than to add afterward.

Comfort and access

Electric floor heating is installed under the tile and is easiest to add while the floor is open. Blocking in the walls for grab bars during the build makes it simple to add them later, even if you do not need them now. Slip-resistant floors and a shower with an easy entry are worth thinking about for the long term.

Bring a plan to the visit

Bring photos, a list of what works and what does not, and who uses the room. See our bathroom remodeling page for the work we do. We come to your Chicago home, look at the space and give a fixed written quote after the visit. Call (773) 968-3606 for a free estimate.