Add these ‘sanitary essentials’ to complete the bathroom design!
A bathroom is a dedicated space which is primarily utilized for bathing, washing hands and face, grooming, lavatory, and storing bathroom supplies. It is sometimes used for laundering, dressing, and infant care too. Bathroom fixtures including wash basin, toilet, bathtub, shower cubicle, bidet, storage shelves, etc make a must-have option for a user to utilize the bathroom as preferred!
We have listed below 5 crucial bathroom fixtures and their respective accessories that are helpful for the smooth functioning of the bathroom space:
Wash Basin or Sink
A wash basin or sink is a bowl-shaped bathroom fixture that is used for washing hands, face, and other objects. Wash basins are made of different materials like stainless steel, concrete, ceramic, terrazzo, stone, enamel over cast iron or steel, copper, glass or plastic. The wash basin should be fixed at a height of around 2’9’’ from the floor.
Accessories for the wash basin include:
Faucet - A wash basin includes a faucet or taps that supply hot and cold water and can include a spray feature for speed rinsing. The faucets can be fixed on the basin or the wall, just above the basin.
Vanity Mirror - The mirror should be placed at a minimum height of 1’6’’ above the wash basin and around 6’0’’ from the floor. For children, the placement of the mirror should be above the basin.
Vanity Unit - A vanity unit with a mirrored door can be of a 1’6’’ height and placed above the wash basin.
Soap Dish - Soap dish or toothbrush holder or soap dispenser can be fixed on the wall at one side of the basin at a height of 3’6’’ from the floor.
Towel Ring or Holder - A towel ring can be fixed at a height of 4’0’’ from the floor. For the children's bathroom. The towel holder can be placed a little lower.
Electric Holder - Electric holder is a useful addition to place an electric razor or hair dryer. It should be fixed at a height of 3’6’’ from the floor.
Toilet (WC)
A toilet or lavatory is a bathroom fixture that consists of a detachable bowl, a hinged seat and a lid, used for defecation and urination. It disposes of human waste with water that flushes it through a drainpipe in another direction. The common types of toilets include western, squat, and Anglo-Indian (Which is a combination of sitting and squatting).
Accessories for the Toilet include:
Health Faucet - It is a hand-held nozzle that distributes a spray of water for cleansing purposes. It is fixed to the wall, at the height of 1’6’’ from the floor to the right side of the toilet.
Toilet Roll Holder - A toilet roll dispenser is a necessary bathroom object that holds the toilet paper roll. It is generally fixated on the left side of the toilet bowl and should be easily reachable for the user.
Shower Cubicle
A shower cubicle or booth is a dedicated space used for bathing, and washing that includes an overhead shower to spray water over the body. The common corner shower cubicle will have dimensions of 1m x 1m or 1.2 m x 1.2 m which will provide all the functional requirements of the bathroom. A shower cubicle with a glass partition provides privacy and blends well with the bathroom without cutting the space.
Accessories for the shower cubicle include:
Shower Head - It is a perforated nozzle that dispenses water at a solid angle. It allows for less water usage as compared to the traditional bucket and mug system. Over head showers are designed to adjust the different patterns of water at different angles. It should be located at the height of 5’9’’ from the floor for adults and 5’0’’ for children.
Shower Controls - Hot water, cold water and mixing controls are generally located under the shower head at a usual height of 4’6’’ from the floor.
Soap Holder - Can be added to the side or rear wall, at the height of 4’6’’ from the floor for easy access.
Shower Curtains - These are added to the bathtubs with shower enclosures. Shower curtains provide privacy and prevent water from spraying or flooding in the bathroom. You can select the same from vinyl, plastic or cloth materials. These are fixed at a usual height of 6’0’’ from the floor.
Shower Ventilator - It is advisable to have ventilation systems installed in the bathroom to remove steam and moisture.
Towel Rack - Select around 1’5’’- 2’0’’ long rack for keeping the towels and place it at the rear wall of the shower cubicle, at a height of 5’0’’ from the floor, only if it is far from the shower head. Otherwise, it is advisable to place it outside the shower cubicle to keep it dry.
Bathtub
A bathtub as the name suggests, is the common plumbing fixture used for bathing. Bathtubs made of acrylic and fiberglass are a preferred choice for many but you can select a bathtub that is crafted with cast iron, enamel over steel and even wood. The bathtubs are always added in combination with the shower. The common size for the bathtub is 60 inches in length, 30 inches in width and 20 inches in depth.
Accessories for the bathtub include:
Shower Head - At the height of 5’9’’ from the floor for adults and 5’0’’ for children.
Shower Controls - At the height of 4’6’’ or lower as per the homeowner’s preference.
Soap Holder - Can be recessed to the wall, at the side of the bathtub with a minimum height of 3’0’’ from the floor.
Towel Bar - Fitted to the side wall beside the bathtub at a minimum height of 4’0’’.
Curtain Rod - Should be added to the inside face of the bathtub at a minimum height of 6’0’’. You can also add an enclosed glass shower outside the tub to avoid water spilling on the floor.
Fitted Furniture
Fitted furniture is a series of units that provide ample storage space in your bathroom. The most common fitted furniture includes a washbasin and a vanity unit under the same. It often consists of a countertop as well! A combination basin unit with storage underneath and a WC unit that sits under the countertop is a preferred choice for modern bathrooms. Other fitted furniture types include wall shelves and tallboys that are perfect for additional storage.
For a spacious bathroom, fitted bathroom furniture can include a mirror cabinet, vanity unit, wall storage, tallboy, and toilet. You can select from various sizes, colors, and styles of these furniture pieces that match the chosen design or vibe of the bathroom space.
Remember, the prime aim of the fitted bathroom furniture is to provide maximum storage space no matter the size of the bathroom. Opt for sleek bathroom furniture that adds to the tidy look. Plus, with these fitting furniture pieces, you will be able to conceal or hide the ugly plumbing lines as well!
Minimum Clearance Space Required Around the Bathroom Fixtures
When designing a bathroom, there has to be adequate space for movement and easy usage of the bathroom fixtures. You must note that fixtures vary in size and dimensions, so you need to plan clearance rules as per the center-axis and edges of the fixtures.
Wash Basins
A minimum clear food space of 30 x 48 inches should be added in front of the basin. Also, up to 19 inches of 48-inch floor area can be extended under the sink where a knee space can be provided. The minimum clearance from the centerline of the sink to the side wall should be around 15 inches. The standard height of the sink or vanity should be around 80-85cm.
Toilets or Bidets
Measured from the center of the toilet, there should be at least 15 inches of clearance space from any side wall and it should not be closer than 30-32 inches to any adjacent side fixture. There should be around 24 inches of clearance in front of the toilet.
Bathtubs
The minimum clear floor space around the bathtub should be at least 60 inches long and 30 inches wide. You must allow for open space for accessing the plumbing or whirlpool motors.
Enclosed Showers
All enclosed showers, regardless of their design or shape should have a minimum interior of 1024 sq inches and a circular diameter of around 30 inches.
Ideal Location for the Bathroom
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If your home includes more than one bedroom then, ideally each bathroom should be located near the bedroom.
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As per vastu, the best direction for a bathroom is in the north-west direction of the home as it guides the elimination of waste.
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The washbasin and shower area must be located in the east, north, and north-east direction of the bathroom.
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The water outlets, drainage, and toilet in the bathroom should be in the east, north, and north-east direction of the bathroom. The bathroom floor should slant in the same direction to allow the water to drain in a similar direction.
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The bathroom window and exhaust fan should face the east or north-east direction to allow sunlight and fresh air to come inside the bathroom. Ventilation is crucial to eliminate the bacteria, dampness, and moisture in the bathroom.
