Pondering the debate: Are open-concept bathrooms a daring move or a design trend worthy of consideration for your restroom layout?
In the world of modern bathroom design, open plan bathrooms are becoming increasingly popular. These innovative spaces maintain privacy while preserving a sense of openness, making them perfect for small spaces or as part of a larger home.
Key strategies for achieving this balance include the use of dividing walls, such as half-height or pony walls, frosted or translucent glass partitions, and strategic spatial zoning between fixtures like toilets and showers. For example, a half-height dividing wall or pony wall can provide visual separation for toilets without fully enclosing the space, allowing light and air to flow freely. Materials such as frosted glass, tile, or cabinetry can be used for these partitions to blend style and function seamlessly.
Frameless glass showers paired with floating vanities enhance openness, while under-vanity lighting adds to the airy feel. These design elements help balance privacy needs with an open, spacious aesthetic.
For those seeking additional privacy methods, translucent window shades or decorative window films can obscure sightlines while allowing natural light, contributing to an open yet private atmosphere. Sliding doors on corner walk-in showers can also save space and reduce visual clutter, enhancing the open feel without sacrificing privacy.
When considering an open plan bathroom, some challenges may arise, such as additional plumbing needs, extra bathroom ventilation requirements, and ensuring the design of sanitaryware and bathroom storage ideas work with the more aesthetic needs of your bedroom ideas.
It's important to consult with experts, such as Leigh Price, Co-Director at Real Stone, Tile & Bathroom, who has been in the construction industry for 35 years and has worked in the tiling and bathroom industry for the past 16 years. Leigh suggests building stud walls around the WC area in open-plan bathrooms for privacy.
Barrie Cutchie, the design director at BC Designs, recommends getting the best bathroom extractor fan and adequate natural ventilation in an open plan bathroom concept. Carpet in a bathroom might not always be a bad idea, but it's crucial to consult with experts before making a decision.
Open-plan bathrooms, especially in larger homes or loft conversions, can provide an inviting modern living space. In two-storey homes or bungalows, a higher power extractor fan and opening windows in the room are needed for adequate ventilation. In loft conversion bathrooms or top-floor, third-storey houses, adding opening velux skylight or rooflight windows can provide light and ventilation.
Louise Ashdown, the Head of Design at West One Bathrooms, heads up the design and creative teams, overseeing all the bathroom projects, and sources the latest products. She emphasises the importance of following advice in the guide to baths in bedrooms when considering an open plan bathroom.
In terms of trends for 2025, using privacy or smart glass in certain areas, such as a fluted shower screen, is a popular choice. Stud walls can be half-height or full height, and can create a sense of flow between spaces. Openings at either side of stud walls can offer functionality for hiding plumbing and creating storage for toiletries.
The open plan bathroom concept does not necessarily mean no walls, and sliding glass pocket doors on an en-suite bathroom can add light and a sense of space in an open plan bathroom. The point of open plan is to make elements such as freestanding bath ideas the star of the show.
In conclusion, open plan bathrooms offer a modern, spacious living area while maintaining privacy. By utilising a combination of partial physical barriers, smart use of glass and light, and carefully planned fixture placement, homeowners can create a functional, stylish bathroom that seamlessly integrates with the rest of their home.
- In modern interior-design trends, open plan bathrooms are increasingly popular, suitable for small spaces or as part of a larger home.
- material such as frosted glass, tile, or cabinetry can be used for dividing walls to blend style and function seamlessly in an open plan bathroom.
- ForPrivacy needs, translucent window shades or decorative window films can be used while allowing natural light, contributing to an open yet private atmosphere.
- It's important to consult with experts when considering additional plumbing needs, extra bathroom ventilation requirements, or design of sanitaryware and bathroom storage ideas for an open plan bathroom.
- Building stud walls around the WC area in open-plan bathrooms for privacy is suggested by Leigh Price, an expert in the construction industry.
- Adequate natural ventilation, such as opening windows or adding opening velux skylight or rooflight windows, is crucial for proper ventilation in open-plan bathrooms, especially in larger homes or loft conversions.
- Louise Ashdown, the Head of Design at West One Bathrooms, emphasizes the importance of following advice in the guide to baths in bedrooms when considering an open plan bathroom and the use of privacy or smart glass in certain areas.
- Opening sliding glass pocket doors on an en-suite bathroom can add light and a sense of space in an open plan bathroom, making freestanding bath ideas the star of the show.
