As an interior designer, I have seen the classic 5×8 bathroom, some larger and some smaller, in almost every home I’ve been to. It’s the most common bathroom size and, for the most part, it’s enough space for a family to use. But they can be awkwardly laid out and dont always function the best. So how do you design a bathroom this small, and be confident it will work for you?
To design a 5×8 bathroom, you need to start with the basics: you have 40 square feet to fit a toilet, a sink, and a shower or tub/shower combo. Moving plumbing is expensive, especially the main stack, so try not to move a toilet unless you have the budget and only if the move will create more space.
The next step is to look at a few different bathroom layouts to get a better idea of what you want, but each comes with pros and cons. Here’s my take on the most common layouts you’ll see:
Large countertop
This layout doesn’t leave a lot of space to maneuver. Don’t put a countertop next to the sink like this. It’s really cramped trying to get over there. I get that it does provide more surface to use but it’s just not practical especially when it comes to cleaning, and squeezing in the space next to the toilet is not ideal. To gain more space install a pocket door instead of a swinging door.
Hotel style
Again, no. A little bit more floor space so again, go for a pocket door but it’s not ideal to squeeze next to the toilet to access the counter. Instead maybe add a piece of furniture that is not the same depth as the counter, something like 12”-18, to store extra towels or soap.
Most common
I see this one all the time. It’s a good bathroom layout but I personally hate the toilet next to the shower. Toilets and the floor surrounding them get absolutely disgusting — it’s amazing how far stuff travels. So when you get out of the shower all clean you will step next to or in front of the toilet…*shiver*. Also, reaching for the shower valve leads to brushing your leg on the toilet. No thanks.
As far as the vanity goes, it’s pretty small but if it’s just for guests and kids to use then hang some toothbrush holders on the wall, or anything else to keep the counter clean.
Make the shower the focal point. Pick colorful or beautifully textured tile — not both, unless you have an eye for color and pattern. Always do shower niches, it’s a great place to store your shampoo.
If possible, use a wall mounted toilet because then the toilet will be up off the floor and when you mop, you can just go right under it. You could also use a toilet without a snake for, again, faster cleaning. Easy peasy.
If you can move the shower valve to the other side so you can easily reach it. It’s obviously best to have all the plumbing on one wall but if you are going to move plumbing, this is the one I would do.
Choose a wood tone vanity, it will look sophisticated with the modern toilet and tile. I love a mosaic floor but it does take a lot to clean it. All these grout lines are a pain so if you don’t mind cleaning on your hands and knees then go for it. Also, get a steam cleaner for that type of floor, it’s worth it.
Better layout
This is a less common layout but it’s the best layout for a 5×8 bathroom, in my opinion. This bathroom feels larger because the shower is on one side and the toilet and vanity are on the other making a nice open space in the middle.
The only downside is that the vanity is still small. You could add a recessed medicine cabinet for more storage and get an organizational system to keep things neat.
The focal point is also a bit odd. Are we looking at a window or a wall and how do we make those a focal point? Put wainscotting on the wall and paint it a darker color than the wall or vice versa. Add trim around the windows or a roman shade. To finish the look, put lots of coordinating art on the wall as well as hooks for towels.
Plenty of space
In a perfect world, you are able to expand your bathroom from 5×8 to 9×9 during your renovation. This is the ideal layout: A 9×9 space allows for a 60” double vanity with two sinks and a linen closet. The toilet is tucked away behind the shower wall.
But, obviously, if you want this layout you’ll need to take space from another room.
Usually I find bathrooms are in between bedroom closets so you could gain some square footage there. But it depends. I’ve seen huge bedrooms that seem luxurious but that space is better used to expand a bathroom.
Sometimes chases are hidden in bathroom walls and the surrounding walls are much larger than they need to be. If that’s the case, investigate and see if you can gain four inches or so in your bathroom.
Put in a large window to create a beautiful view and paint the wall a soft color or use a textured vinyl wallpaper.
This layout is very close to a universal bathroom, you’d need to add a bit more square footage for a 5’ radius for wheelchair accessibility, pocket doors and a seamless shower so if you have the space, do it.
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