Whether you’re designing a family bathroom or a small ensuite, zoning can make your space more functional. From the vanity area to the walk-in shower, we look into why efficient planning is crucial for creating a harmonious flow within your space.

Each of the four key bathroom zones – bath, shower, vanity, toilet – deserves its own place: typically, the bath will take centre stage, with the shower to the side, the vanity closest to the door (as it’s often the last stop in daily routines), and the toilet in a more private spot.

So, where should you start? “First, think about how you’d like to use your bathroom; include elements such as window positions and heights, external walls and door openings,” says Barrie Cutchie, design director at BC Designs. “Once all this is mapped out, you’ll see where your key areas are.”

Today, we’re helping you design each of these bathroom zones, so your stylish space is also efficient…

• The bath zone
• The shower zone
• The vanity zone
• The toilet zone

The bath zone:

When planning out your bath area, make sure there’s enough space to move around. “Position the bath in a location that provides relaxation, possibly with a view – corners and alcoves are ideal spots,” says Jeevan Seth, CEO at JTP.

Choosing your bath

Consider the look of your bathroom – is it traditional, modern or classic-contemporary? Knowing this can help you choose from a plethora of styles, including roll-top, flat-top, single- or double-ended options. If you’ve got a compact space and think you won’t be able to fit a bath – think again! You can now find designs that are 120cm long.

Some roll-top and freestanding baths are twice as heavy as standard tubs, though, so consider the strength of your floor, says David Cruz, bathroom design expert at MyJobQuote.co.uk. “Stone floor tiles need a level surface to prevent cracking – laying a plywood subfloor can help distribute weight evenly and prevent too much movement.”

In terms of materials, cast iron is traditional for baths, but it comes with drawbacks such as extreme weight and heat loss. Acrylics or cast stone resin composites are good alternatives. To make a statement, pick a bold shade or opt for a metallic finish.

Wallcoverings

Once the tub is in place, why not use striking wallcoverings to make it stand out – for instance, a floral wallpaper can bring the outside in, while adding character. You can also experiment with a feature wall behind the bath, in the form of fluted panels, patterned tiles or an amazing artwork.

Lighting your bath zone

Task lighting or bold pendants will also draw attention to this zone. Just ensure any wiring is done ahead of tiling and that the fitting has the correct IP rating. Regarding plumbing, Jeevan advises to position the bath and shower along the same wall so they can share water supply lines and drainage pipes. Finally, place niches or shelves near the tub for all your essentials.

The shower zone:

The first thing to consider in this area is your preferred style of shower enclosure – is it going to be the private cubicle, the spa-like walk-in, or the seamless, screen-less wetroom? The enclosed shower is probably the easiest and most cost-effective to install, as it can be fitted almost anywhere in the room, says David. “And you don’t need to stick to a small square cubicle, as space-saving quadrant enclosures and larger rectangular cubicles are also available.”

Louise Ashdown, head of design at West One Bathrooms, adds that chunky, bold frames are back in fashion. “Coloured, framed enclosures seem to be overtaking chrome frame sales, too.”

For the walk-in shower, choose a low-profile tray and frameless glass panels to make the zone feel more spacious and to access it more easily. “Low-profile trays are set closer to the floor, meaning there’s less of a step when you get in and out of the shower,” says David. “Some trays sit almost flush with the floor, but they do require well-designed drainage to ensure water doesn’t spill out.”

Wall panelling and tiles

Wall panelling looks beautiful in walk-in showers, and it’s less of a hassle to install. But if you prefer the look of tiles, María D Arráez, director of Tile of Spain UK, suggests floor-to-ceiling tiling to create a distinct bathroom zone.

Meanwhile, the wetroom style works particularly well in a recess or in the corner of the room. Due to no screens or enclosures, it’s harder to make this a stand-out zone, compared to the other shower options, however it provides better accessibility for less abled users, as well as children, points out Louise.

David advises to tile the floor to achieve that ‘barely there’ design – which is also bound to make a small bathroom look bigger. “Going for a wetroom style gives you a bit more freedom over the size and shape of your shower zone, however it involves a more complicated installation,” he says.

“Not only do you need to waterproof the zone itself (known as tanking), but the area just outside the shower needs to be protected too; the ‘splash area’ will reach at least an extra metre outside the zone. Make sure to use a professional installer for a properly watertight area if this is the design you’re after.”

Finishing touches

Remember to find a convenient spot for your towel bar, too, so it’s easy to grab your robe once you step into the cold. “Traditional, vertical towel rails are still popular,” says Nick Duggan, director at The Radiator Centre, and robe hangers can help heat the room while keeping your dressing gown nice and warm.

The vanity zone:

When it comes to the vanity unit and the area around it, your focus should be on storage, organisation and accessibility. “It’s important to ensure the basin is set at a comfortable height for everyone using it, and it should be the right size and style for your needs,” says David Boddy, product manager at Abode. “Do you need a double-basin, or will one be enough for you? In any case, make sure it’s easy to clean.”

Work out how much room you need for beauty, personal care and cleaning products, and double-check the height, depth and width of your storage units. “In a compact bathroom, every inch matters, so make sure there’s enough space between the vanity and the rest of the suite,” he adds. “For reference, the required clearance in front of a basin is 51cm, and the required span – the distance between left and right without obstruction – is 76cm.”

Materials

Try sturdy options such as moisture-resistant wood, engineered stone or quartz, which are incredibly resilient and easy to maintain. Natural or painted wood looks good in a traditional setting, whereas glossy lacquer works best in contemporary bathrooms, says Jamie Bebbington, managing director at Aston Matthews.

Opt for a tiled surface, wall panelling or paint, depending on the style of your bathroom and the vanity itself – don’t be afraid to experiment with bold colours or intricate designs, either. This is your chance to get creative with this bathroom zone.

Brassware

Brassware will make a huge difference, says David. “Once you’ve established if you’d prefer a wall-mounted tap or deck-mounted model, you can explore minimalist lever designs, crosshead handles and designer options with knurled effects. It makes sense to match your basin taps with bath and shower hardware in terms of colour and design but focus on the practicalities first: are the taps smooth to use, simple to clean and in keeping with your personal taste?”

There’s a wealth of options, from chrome, black to brushed brass, so you’ll be spoiled for choice. Jamie suggests task lighting around the vanity area, for shaving, brushing teeth and applying makeup. Consider this at the beginning of your project so it can be properly planned before tiling and plastering. Then, you can add accessories such as a mirror with LED lighting, a soap dispenser and any towel hangers.

The toilet zone:

When designing your bathroom layout, it’s wise to start with the toilet. Typically, the soil pipe will be located on the exterior wall and can be tricky to move, so you want to keep the toilet in its pre-set position, where possible. “Running a soil pipe around the bathroom takes up extra space, doesn’t look pretty, and increases the risk of blockages,” says David C.

If you don’t have much space, a compact, close-coupled toilet is ideal, but there are also some back-to-wall toilets that come with a short projection. These have the cistern tucked behind a panel.

High-cistern toilets create more visible space, as the cistern is above eye level. And if space allows it, consider positioning the toilet in a more discreet area, either behind a partial wall or in a separate enclosed space, says Jeevan.

For a low-maintenance space, choose easy-to-wash fixtures, so this bathroom zone remains hygienic. Rudolph Diesel, interior designer at Rudolph Diesel London, suggests water-saving toilets to keep water splashes to a minimum. Last but not least, don’t forget to plan where your bin will go.

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