There’s a lot you can do with an 5-by-8 bathroom in terms of visually expanding the space and creating clever storage solutions. Fundamentally speaking, there’s also a lot up in the air in terms of where the components should go, depending on where your bathroom door is located; whether you want a shower, bathtub or both; and if you have the budget to move plumbing around for an optimized layout. Here are a few popular ways you can arrange your 5-by-8.
Meg Escott is an engineer by training who runs the website House Plans Helper, where she uploads her favorite — and free — layout ideas that she’s gained from living in 26 homes. In this example, with a door on the 5-foot wall, she shows how the preferred arrangement would be sink-toilet-shower because the sink allows more space for the door to swing in.
If the sink and toilet were switched, you’d have to step around the door, or you may bang the knees of your partner or family member when entering, she says.
The shower could be swapped for a bathtub or shower-tub combo, but this layout accommodates a shower large enough for drying off, preventing water drops on the floor that others could step in. “Also, there’s less opportunity for water from the shower to reach a wood cabinet box vanity,” says designer Sarah Keane of One Week Bath.
Keane says she doesn’t see much benefit to having the toilet first, but if that’s how your bathroom is already laid out, it makes sense to keep the toilet there to avoid the cost of moving it. There could be some benefits for people with mobility challenges or who need to get to the toilet quickly.
If you’re stuck with a toilet-sink-bathtub or shower arrangement, a pocket door, as shown here, can save space by eliminating a swing-in door. But just be conscious of selecting pocket door hardware. Many designers say the tracks are a hassle to deal with if you want to change them out, and moisture does a number on them. If you have your heart set on a pocket door, don’t skimp on the hardware.
Also, pocket doors don’t insulate sound very well because you can’t insulate the wall space in which the pocket door mechanism is housed. Nor can you run electrical through that space. “Even though they seem like a good idea, you’re actually losing in other areas,” says Renewal designer Jaime Milo.
If you don’t need a bathtub, a shower provides more flexibility because you can reduce its size to gain a small amount of storage space. This is something you may want to consider for a hall bath, but maybe not for a master bathroom, where a spacious shower can be more welcome.
If you need a bathtub, your options are a bit more limited. “You’re not really going to find a bathtub smaller than the standard 60 inches,” Milo says. “Especially not one that would be useful.”
This is Escott’s favorite layout for an 5-by-8-foot bathroom. With the door on the 8-foot wall, the desired arrangement is to have the sink directly opposite the entrance. That way if the door gets left open, guests — or you and your family — are looking at a nice vanity rather than a toilet. “You don’t want the door opening on the toilet,” Milo says. “A vanity gives a little bit of privacy.”
If you do keep a bathtub, this configuration allows a parent to sit on the toilet lid while bathing a child. The only thing Milo finds tricky with this layout is where to put the toilet paper holder. “If you want it on the wall, you have to reach behind or mount it to the side of the vanity,” she says. “If you have a pedestal sink, then you have to put it behind you or get one of those freestanding holders with a rod.”
This layout offers a separate corner shower and a bathtub, but Escott says it doesn’t provide ideal wet zone separation. You could even skip the bathtub and replace it with a double-length vanity. Again, this may be something to consider for a hall or guest bathroom where storage is more desired rather than a master bathroom where you probably want that spacious shower.
In this example, Escott has incorporated a small shelf over the sink and toilet for extra storage space.
If your morning routine conflicts with your partner’s, Escott says this is a great layout to consider for an 5-by-8-foot bath. You can separate the toilet into its own water closet accessed with a separate door. That way someone can use the toilet in private while the other person showers. Where to wash your hands becomes an issue, though. You could also create a pocket door between the water closet and sink and tub area, but Keane says that for some homeowners, the water closet will end up feeling very small. “But it is an option,” she says.
This 5-by-8-foot bathroom features the toilet-sink-shower layout.
5 Ways With a 5-by-8-Foot Bathroom
FAQs
Joseph Tsedaka, principal at NOMI, a Dallas-based company that specializes in bathroom remodels, suggests laying out a 5 by 8 foot bathroom using the following method: "The most efficient way to design a 5 by 8 bathroom is to have your vanity first (which is three feet) then your toilet (two feet), and then your tub or ...
Is 5 feet wide enough for a bathroom? ›
Minimum Dimensions: A functional bathroom should have minimum dimensions that allow for essential fixtures and adequate movement. A standard full bathroom typically requires a minimum of about 5 feet by 8 feet (or 40 square feet) of floor space.
What is the rules of bathroom layout? ›
Plan a clear floor space of at least 30 inches from the front edge of all fixtures (lavatory, toilet, bidet, tub, and shower) to any opposite bath fixture, wall, or obstacle. Code Requirements: A minimum space of 21 inches must be planned in front of the lavatory, toilet, bidet, and tub.
Is a 5 by 7 bathroom too small? ›
A 5×7 bathroom provides you with 35 square feet, which is considered small because you can't fit all amenities of a full bathroom. However, the space is large enough to fit a shower/bathtub, a sink, a toilet, and a small vanity, although the space will feel fairly cramped.
How do you plan a bathroom layout? ›
When designing your bathroom layout, start by positioning your sink, shower, tub, and toilet. Next, think about storage solutions, wet and dry zones, and how to tie everything together with beautiful aesthetics. Browse our bathroom layout ideas below to find inspiration and spark your creativity.
Is 5x8 big enough for a bathroom? ›
While 5 by 8 feet may seem like a small size for a bathroom, it's actually the most common floor plan that can still encompass a sink, a shower and tub, and, of course, a toilet. That said, the limited square footage does mean that those designing such a space from scratch may struggle with layout.
What is the perfect bathroom size? ›
Common Dimensions for a Full Bath
While 40 square feet (8×5) is the minimum size for a full bathroom, it is fairly small and most layouts make it seem cramped. The average size for a full bathroom is around 60 square feet (6×10), which is considered the most efficient size for a bathroom.
Should toilet or sink be next to shower? ›
If you want to minimize wasted space, you will put the shower farthest from the door. That means that the toilet is either next to the shower or next to the door, with the sink taking the other spot. It just seems more pleasant, in most cases, to have the sink by the door, so the toilet ends up by the shower.
Should a toilet face the door? ›
Tuck the toilet behind the door or place it to the side where it's not in full view when you open the bathroom door. When planning the position of your toilet, allow at least 20cm on either side for elbow room.
How do you space out a bathroom? ›
General bathroom clearance
Recommended clear space: It's best to plan a clear floor space of at least 760mm from the front edge of all fixtures (basin, toilet, bath, and shower) to any opposite bath fixture, wall or obstacle.
A 5×8 bathroom is like a designated cozy corner, measuring 5 feet in width and 8 feet in length. It's a balanced space, and super common in smaller houses. Now, compare this to a 5×7 bathroom, which is a bit more snug due to that one-foot reduction in length. A 5 by 8 bathroom gives you a bit more maneuver room.
Is 6X6 too small for a bathroom? ›
ft (6X6). This size of a bathroom can accommodate a shower, toilet, sink and if the area is available, storage. Now, it does not mean that you cannot have a shower in other sizes of small bathrooms. Since the area is so small, you have to make necessary adjustments in order to fit a shower, toilet and sink.
What is the smallest legal bathroom size? ›
While minimum size is 15 square feet, you need 20-25 square feet if you want your bathroom to be wheelchair accessible. 20-25 square feet allows for full accessibility and turning, although this can be changed if your bathroom is either circular or t-shaped to allow for easier access.
How far should a toilet be from a shower? ›
Shower/Bathtub
Clearance: At least 24" of space is needed in front of a shower or tub entry. Leave at least 15" of space between the shower and toilet or other obstacle. If you have a swinging door, take into consideration nearby fixtures.
Is there an app to design a bathroom? ›
3D Room Planner is a free bathroom design tool that provides top-notch design ideas and assists you in creating a highly individualized 3D bathroom layout. You begin by editing your design in 2D on the Room Styler platform, selecting bathroom storage fixtures and furnishings from their templates.
What do you remodel first in a bathroom? ›
Install the vanity first, including the sink and faucet. Once you have the drain hooked up to the faucet, you can move on to the other essentials such as the mirror, cabinets and trim around the shower or tub.
What is the narrowest a bathroom can be? ›
Bathrooms come in all shapes and sizes, from opulently large ones to relatively tiny ones. However, there is a limit as to how small a bathroom can be. As a general rule, the minimum bathroom size is 15 square feet for a powder room that only has a toilet and a sink.
How wide can a small bathroom be? ›
The minimum size of a small bathroom ranges between 35 and 40 square feet. Note that these bathrooms are just enough for incorporating a standard-sized sink, commode and shower area. The most prevalent dimensions of small bathrooms are approximately 6x6 feet and 8x5 feet.
Is 4 feet wide enough for a bathroom? ›
A half bath needn't be large. You will have enough space if you can find a spot in your house that's about 3 to 4 feet wide and 6 to 8 feet long. If it's any smaller, it will be uncomfortable for people to access.
What is the minimum public bathroom width? ›
ADA bathroom requirements state that this type of stall shall be at least 56 inches deep for wall-hung toilets and at least 59 inches deep for floor-mounted toilets. The width must be at least 60 inches, as measured from the right angle of the sidewall or partition.
