How to design a large bathroom

If you’re fortunate to have a big bathroom, then there are lots of ways to get creative with its design, so kitting out a larger space shouldn’t be viewed as daunting. With more room to play with there are ample opportunities to cultivate a relaxing retreat where you can truly unwind and get away from the stresses of daily life.

Whether you’re planning a large bathroom renovation or are completing a self-build project and need some inspiration for how to make the most of a spacious interior, then read to the end of the blog for some top tips.

Planning your bathroom layout is key when it comes to larger bathrooms.

Planning your bathroom design

Pre-plan: The first thing to consider when planning your larger bathroom layout is to think about what you need and want from it in terms of style, design, functionality and efficiency. Is it to be a luxury spa-like space, a family bathroom or is it for a couple or one person? Who will use the bathroom and what are their specific needs?

Bathroom-ware placement: Begin by identifying where the soil pipes and plumbing are – or where you want them to be – as this will determine where other items will subsequently go. You may be limited if these are already in place, or you can relocate them if you’re renovating (although this will obviously incur additional costs). Meanwhile, if you’re completing a self-build project, you can decide early on where you want to position everything.

Bathshack’s free online 3D Bathroom Planner tool can help you decide where things will go, in these initial planning stages. You can see to scale what different types of bathroom-ware might look like in your space and experiment virtually with various products before making any decisions.

Choosing materials and products

Consider materials: With a larger bathroom, the overall costs will tend to be higher as you’ll need more to fill the space and cover larger walls and floors. Choosing ceramic or porcelain tiles over pricier natural stone or real marble (you can get marble-effect porcelain tiles, for example) will therefore save money while still giving you the look you want. You can also be strategic with where you place tiles, especially if they’re on the pricier end of your budget, creating standalone feature walls or only using them for splash-backs.

Choosing large-format tiles is also a good idea, to help you stay on budget, while mixing materials will not only make your bathroom look more interesting and add depth and texture, but also cut costs and avoid overwhelming the space. You can further pair tiles with paint and/or wallpaper to save money – a particularly good idea if you decide to create zoned areas within the bathroom (see below).

The large-format Caracalla Beige Porcelain Tile has a marble-effect design and modern matt finish.

For example, the Caracalla Beige Porcelain Tile is a large-format wall and floor tile with a marble-effect design and mixed cream colour palette which is great for bigger bathrooms. The striking yet subtle swirl-effect of the tiles, along with the contemporary matt finish and robust porcelain make these perfect for tiling around baths and creating feature areas. The rectified edges also give the tiles a more precise finish, so they can be laid closer together with minimal grout lines to cultivate a more seamless, flowing aesthetic.

Incorporate lots of detail: Making your bathroom characterful will help to prevent it from turning into a lacklustre, cavernous space, with mixed textures creating a layered, lived-in look. You can do this by incorporating tiles, wood and different product finishes, such as matt and gloss surfaces, as well as accessorising with artwork, plants and other items. Mixing up colour palettes and patterns will also add depth and detail to your space – for example, with tiling.

Mixing patterns, colours and finishes, as well as accessorising with artwork, will all help to make your bathroom more characterful.

Colours: Using black accent tones is a good way to add definition to your bathroom – for example black-framed shower doors and black accessories – while using vibrant colours or rich tones like brushed brass will also add detail and draw the eye. Mixing and matching colours and patterns as well as materials and finishes will, in turn, help to make the space more visually appealing, adding character and texture. It can also help in carving out separate zones within the room, which can create a cosier vibe.

Create zoned areas: If you have a large bathroom then breaking it up into different smaller sections can help make it into a more functional space and prevent it from having that empty, cavernous vibe. You can do this by installing screens, walls or partitions, as well as using tiles, textures and furniture to create dedicated areas within the room, as mentioned above. For example, you could have an area for sitting/lounging in if there’s lots of space, installing a comfy chair or chaise longue. You could also create a dressing zone, have a defined bathing area with a raised platform for the bath/shower, or jump on the ‘bathscaping’ trend and have a curated area around the bath. This could include special storage options for bath-only toiletries, a place for keeping towels and surfaces which allow you to decorate the space with accessories like candles and other items to cultivate that spa-like luxury vibe.

With ample space you could also create a wet room area, partitioning this off with a wet room screen and making a separate section just for showering. Alternatively, if you want something less open-plan in an already spacious room, then you could simply install a large walk-in shower enclosure.

Creating a wet room area and adding in seating and statement lighting are some ways you can style a larger bathroom.

Think big on bathroom-ware: With a larger bathroom you can really indulge in those more sizeable pieces of furniture, bringing added wow factor to the room as well as filling the space. If you like the idea of a luxury-look spa-bathroom then a freestanding bath is a no-brainer – and is perfect regardless of the look you’re going for, as there are so many modern and classic styles to choose from. Making a focal point out of a freestanding bath – for example, placing it in the centre of the room – is another option.

Unless you really dislike one or the other, then it makes sense to include both a bath and a shower in the room, with these in their own defined areas or zones. Double vanity units and basins are also a great idea if you have the space for them – while you can also go big with a statement mirror overhead. This will enhance the light in the room as well, making it into a more welcoming space. You can also use statement light fixtures to add character and again, set off the space, as you can choose something much more dramatic in a larger room.

Bigger bathrooms also give more scope for incorporating ample storage options – whether it’s with the double vanity unit or via additional cabinets and storage solutions.

Lighting fixtures can be used to enhance bigger bathrooms, such as eye-catching products like the Forum Spa Gene Cylinder Three-light Ceiling Light in Satin Brushed Brass.

Hanging a large statement mirror like the Brushed Brass Frame Mirror with Colour Change will add style and drama to your space.

Making a freestanding bath the focal point in the room and incorporating greenery and patterned tiling will all add texture and visual interest to your larger bathroom.

Double vanity units, like the Josef Martin Urbano Wall-hung Two-drawer Vanity Unit and Double Basin, are ideal for larger bathrooms.

How to heat larger bathrooms

Underfloor heating is a great idea for larger bathrooms, as this will warm the entire room and keep it constantly cosy.

Heated towel rails can still be used but be aware that these are specifically designed to heat towels and, while they will warm the immediate surrounding space, they aren’t radiators. Fitting actual wall-mounted or floorstanding radiators alongside or instead of underfloor heating is therefore best, to ensure optimum heat in your large bathroom.

Heated towel rails like the Lazzarini Silea Straight Heated Towel Rail in Brushed Brass are an option for keeping your bathroom cosy.

Designer radiators, such as the Peretti Radiator in Matt Black, come in a range of styles and are a reliable heating option for larger bathrooms.

Design your dream space with Bathshack

Hopefully this blog has given you some inspiration for how to style a bigger bathroom, but if you need any further assistance then our team is always on hand to help. Supplying a wide range of products, including tiles, toilets, vanities, baths, showers and more, we have something to suit all tastes and budgets.

Whether you’re planning a new bathroom project or are revamping an existing space, we can help you create the ideal relaxing interior.

To view our full range of bathroom products, visit bathshack.com. Alternatively, if you have any questions, just email our team at info@bathshack.com, call us on (028) 9077 0188 or use our online chat.