Floor plans and layouts are perhaps the most fundamental aspect of bathroom interior design. Layout ideas in application can enhance or create space, maximize utility, shape an environment, and emphasise an aesthetic design style. With the correct bathroom layout plans, small bathrooms can appear huge, large bathrooms speak to the height of luxury, and medium bathrooms become a pragmatist’s dream.

Bathroom floor plans Australia

Bathroom plans are an incredibly important aspect of bathroom design because they lay the foundation for your entire interior aesthetic. A clever layout planner will picture the space in its completed entirety before making moves towards the design, to ensure that the flow of the space suits the future appliances and furnishing.

The first thing to consider when beginning a bathroom layout plan is the size of the proposed bathroom. Size is hugely important as it will determine the number and type of appliances that will fit inside the room. Pay attention to the measurements of everything, from showers to sinks and cabinets to toilet dimensions. The standard bathroom size in Australia is 3m x 2m and will fit a toilet, shower, vanity and cabinetry.

There are a few avenues you can take for bathroom design ideas and advice. A variety of different design my bathroom layout apps and planners are available and cover multiple aspects of bathroom design. From interactive tile designs to comprehensive home design apps, there is no end to the customization.

However, it is best not to rely entirely on apps and your own vision for the bathroom. A skilled interior designer or architect will help guide you through the process of design and provide practical, professional advice that can prevent issues in the long run. For general ideas and inspiration, here is a breakdown of the most common layouts for bathrooms in modern Australian homes.

Bathroom plans: 11 layout ideas and designs

11. Simple

This is one of the most common bathroom layouts in Australia. The shower is sectioned off, the toilet design is tucked into the corner facing the door, and the sink/vanity cabinet takes its place in the middle. This bathroom layout is classic, functional, and easy to navigate. It emphasises the negative space as much as possible to make the room feel less crowded.

10. Narrow small bathroom

Narrow bathrooms are tough to style. They usually end up as some variation of this, with the sink next to the door and the shower taking up the entire corner of the room. This ensures maximum spatial efficiency as the sink requires the least room to manoeuvre around. The downside is that the door will have to be fully closed to comfortably use the sink, which could make teeth cleaning before bed somewhat annoying.

9. Long narrow bathroom laundry room

A laundry room off of the bathroom is a great way to save space and keep all of your facilities in the one area. It keeps your laundry tucked out of the way, giving you more room in the communal living areas. A downside of this layout is that you will need to go through the bathroom to get to the laundry, which can be a challenge for privacy if you live in a multi-person home.

8. Small ensuite

An ensuite is a private bathroom attached to a bedroom (usually the master). Ensuites are becoming more and more popular in Australia and are especially common in apartment living.

A small ensuite like the one above is known as a ‘half bath’ because it contains the bare minimums of a bathroom: a toilet and a sink. Every inch of space is critical in designing a tiny bathroom like this one, making layout all the more important. For more creative ensuite layouts and design ideas, see here.

7. 5x8 bathroom remodel ideas

A 5x8 bathroom is a bathroom that measures at 5 feet x 8 feet. This is the most common bathroom size and will fit one sink, a toilet, and a shower. Occasionally a 5x8 bathroom will be able to fit a bath/shower combination. Their layouts are fairly straightforward given that there is not much room for creativity.

6. Rectangular bathroom

Rectangular bathrooms provide a clever use of space that stimulates the natural flow of the space. A rectangular bathroom can have facilities on both sides, such as a toilet opposite the sink (rather than crammed next to it). This creates a visual pathway through the room that makes it feel more open. Read more about Room Sketcher bathroom plans pictured above here.

5. Small bathroom with bath

Small bathroom design ideas are available in abundance. There are a huge variety of options and strategies. Some of the most common layout choices for a small bathroom include corner showers, combined sink and vanities, and side-by-side facilities.

4. Master bathroom

The master bedroom is the most luxurious bathroom in the home. It is usually quite large, meaning that you have more freedom in your layout and design choices. Master bathrooms should take advantage of the space by using freestanding baths and extravagant cabinets.

3. Walk in closet with bathroom

Walk in closets are the height of luxury in modern life. Attaching a walk in closet to your bathroom provides you with a wealth of opportunity in terms of storage and getting ready. The built in wardrobe can store extra bathroom supplies such as backup shampoo, conditioner, soaps, toilet paper, towels, and cleaning products. It also makes getting dressed after a shower super easy!

2. 3 way bathroom

Three-way bathrooms are the way of the future. As the world continues to lean towards share-houses and apartment living, the emphasis on privacy becomes critical. A three way bathroom creates three separate, easily accessible areas for the shower, the toilet, and the vanity. This means that three people could simultaneously shower, clean their teeth, and use the toilet without having to share the space.

1. With walk in shower

If you have the space, a walk in shower will bring you comfort and luxury for as long as you live in that home. They are easy to clean, extremely accessible, and much more pleasant for longer showers and enjoying the hot water.

Floor plans and layouts are perhaps the most fundamental aspect of bathroom interior design. Layout ideas in application can enhance or create space, maximize utility, shape an environment, and emphasise an aesthetic design style. With the correct bathroom layout plans, small bathrooms can appear huge, large bathrooms speak to the height of luxury, and medium bathrooms become a pragmatist’s dream.