How to Plan a Bathroom Layout UK 2026
Planning a bathroom layout is one of the most important — and often most overlooked — steps in a bathroom renovation. Get it right and the space will feel spacious and functional. Get it wrong and you'll notice the mistakes every day.
UK Minimum Bathroom Dimensions
- Full bathroom (bath, toilet, basin): Minimum 1800×1500mm (2.7m²)
- Shower room (shower, toilet, basin): Minimum 1200×1800mm (2.2m²)
- WC only (cloakroom): Minimum 800×1500mm (1.2m²)
- Comfortable master bathroom: 3×2m+ (6m²+)
BS 6465 Minimum Clearances
- In front of toilet: Minimum 600mm clear space
- Side of toilet: Minimum 200mm from adjacent wall
- In front of basin: Minimum 700mm clear space
- In front of bath: Minimum 700mm clear space for access
- Inside shower enclosure: Minimum 700×700mm usable area
Electrical Zones (Building Regulations)
UK bathroom electrics are divided into zones under Part P Building Regulations:
- Zone 0: Inside the bath or shower tray. No electrical fittings permitted.
- Zone 1: Above the bath/shower to 2.25m. IP65-rated fittings only.
- Zone 2: 0.6m outside zone 1 horizontally. IP44-rated fittings required.
- Outside zones: Standard fittings permitted, but shaver socket must be an isolated type.
Layout Options by Room Shape
Rectangular Room (Most Common)
Bath along long wall. Basin and toilet on short wall or opposite long wall. Allows central floor space.
Square Room
Consider a P-shaped bath in one corner. This opens up floor space in the remaining area for a large walk-in shower.
Narrow Room (Under 1.5m wide)
All fixtures on one wall (bath or shower, toilet, basin in line). Or consider a wall-hung toilet and small basin to save depth.
Large Room (8m²+)
Opportunity for a freestanding bath. Double basin. Separate shower enclosure AND bath. Dedicated dressing area.
Common Layout Mistakes to Avoid
- Placing toilet directly visible from the door — position it out of the immediate sightline
- Positioning shower controls on the shower entry wall — you'd get wet reaching to turn it on
- Undersizing the shower — minimum 800×800mm, ideally 1000×1000mm+
- Not accounting for door swing clearance in tight spaces
- Forgetting ventilation (extractor fan to outside is Building Regs requirement)