How much space do I need between vanity and shower?

Author: Dr. Moses Nicolas DDS  |  Last update: Tuesday, December 26, 2023

Before installing your bathroom fixtures, keep this general tip in mind: big fixtures, such as toilets, bathtubs, showers, and vanities, should be placed at least 30" apart from each other, a wall, or another feature.

How much clearance do you need between a vanity and a bathtub?

Recommended Clear Bathroom Space

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.

How much space do you need around a shower?

Aim to have at least 30 inches of clear floor space from the outer edge of all bathroom fixtures, including the vanity, toilet, shower, bathtub and more. A minimum of 24 inches of clear floor space is required in front of the shower. At least 15 inches is needed between the toilet and other fixtures.

What is the minimum distance between bathroom fixtures?

Most codes require at least 15 inches (measured from the center of the toilet) from any side wall or obstruction and not closer than 30 inches center to center to any other sanitary fixture. (The NKBA actually recommends 32 inches.) There should be at least 24 inches of clear space in front of a toilet or bidet.

What is the proper spacing in a bathroom?

Bathroom Layout Guidelines
  1. Clearance: Leave at least 21" of space in front of the toilet. ...
  2. Clearance: At least 24" of space is needed in front of a shower or tub entry. ...
  3. Clearance: Provide at least 30" in front of the vanity. ...
  4. Clearance: Hang fixtures at least 8' above a tub and at least 3' from the tub's rim.

How Much Space Should Be in Front of a Toilet? : Bathroom Remodeling

How much space should be between bathroom vanity and wall?

Clear floor space

NKBA designers recommend a 30″ clearance between the front edge of a fixture, such as a vanity or toilet, and any other fixture or wall. The building code allows for a minimum of 21″.

How much room is needed for a shower toilet and sink?

While there is no set size, a room of approximately 30 to 40 square feet is recommended to allow for all the bathroom fittings to be placed comfortably.

What is the smallest shower by code?

Shower floor minimum size is usually mandated to be at least 30 inches square; that is, 30 inches by 30 inches. Shower door clearance: Because shower doors are usually glass and can break and because of other access issues, bathroom code states that shower doors need to have at least 24 inches of opening clearance.

How close can a shower be to a window?

The 60" inch rule is also a safety measure to prevent you from putting your elbow through window glass while showering or bathing.

Where should bathroom fixtures be placed?

To eliminate shadows under the chin, eyes, and cheeks, fixtures should be mounted on either side of the vanity mirror (or on the mirror's surface, if it's large), 36 to 40 inches apart. The center of each fixture should be roughly at eye level, or about 66 inches above the floor.

How wide does a shower opening need to be?

The standard shower door size is between 22-inches and 36-inches. A shower opening wider than 36-inches will likely need an additional door panel or a type of shower door designed for wide openings. Tip: It's also important to know the "handedness" of the door.

How much space do you need to walk into a walk-in shower?

Minimum Walk-In Shower Size

Our professional and experienced opinion would advise that as a minimum, the tray should be at least 1200mm in length and anything between 700 and 900mm in width.

What to do with extra space between bathroom vanity and wall?

There are several ways to fill the gaps between the vanity and the wall behind this.
  1. Caulk. The most popular and most accessible way to smaller gaps is to use silicone caulk to fill these up. ...
  2. Sealant tape. ...
  3. Backer rods. ...
  4. Backsplash. ...
  5. Small cabinet. ...
  6. Shelves. ...
  7. Trims. ...
  8. Filler strips.

Should a bathroom vanity go all the way to the wall?

Yes, Vanities Should Be Attached to the Wall

Most of the time, plumbing comes through the wall underneath the sink, and the vanity's cabinet keeps it hidden. A vanity that isn't attached to the wall could shift, either with time or because you've accidentally bumped into it.

Which types of vanities would be best for a bathroom where space is limited?

A floating vanity can create the illusion of more space by opening up the floor space underneath. This makes them ideal for small bathrooms. Cleaning is much easier with a floating vanity, since the entire floor is easy to access. A wall-mounted sink is an attractive addition to the style of a floating vanity.

Is it better to shower with window open or closed?

We would always suggest though that when cooking or showering that you should open the windows to allow the moisture laden air to escape.

Is it OK to shower with the window open?

Of course, there are even simpler ways to keep the air fresh. Leaving windows open during and for a while after showering or taking a bath will stop condensation forming. If your bathroom doesn't have any windows, leaving a door open will reduce the presence of excessive amounts of moisture.

How do you have privacy with a window in a shower?

  1. Blinds, Roman Shades or Shutters. Getty Images. ...
  2. Curtains. Curtains can really beautify any bathroom space and installing curtains means you can open and close them when needed. ...
  3. Glass Blocks. Getty Images. ...
  4. Motorized Window Treatments. ...
  5. Double-Sided Mirror. ...
  6. Windows Higher Up on Wall. ...
  7. Smart Film. ...
  8. Smart Glass.

Is a 30 inch shower too small?

Typically, the smallest shower size is 32 inches wide by 32 inches deep. However, the International Residential Code (which regulates houses, duplexes, and townhouses) allows for showers as small as 30 inches x 30 inches. Measurements go up incrementally from there, usually to about 36 inches by 60 inches.

Are doorless showers a good idea?

PROS. Glass shower doors require constant cleaning to avoid hard water spots, so a doorless shower means one less thing to clean. No step-over curb at the entrance makes the shower easily accessible to the elderly and those with mobility issues. Doorless showers are standard in age-in-place universal design.

How small can a walk-in shower be with no door?

How Big Should a Doorless Shower Be? A doorless shower layout requires a larger footprint than a standard tub or shower stall. Building codes may specify that a standard shower stall must be a minimum of 36 inches by 36 inches while the average doorless shower is about seven feet by four feet with many much larger.

Is it cheaper to build a vanity or buy one?

Typically a custom vanity costs about twice as much as a prefab vanity because there are more subcontractors involved in making and putting the vanity together.

How small can a 1 2 bathroom be?

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. A larger half bath is unnecessary, and it's not likely that you'd find that much “extra” unused space in your house.

What is a 3 4 bathroom?

Three-Quarter Bath

A three-quarter bathroom will have three of the four key components. Most commonly, these rooms will include a toilet, sink, and a shower stall without a bathtub (or in some cases, a bathtub without a shower).

Where should a vanity be placed in a small bathroom?

Small-Bathroom Vanity Placement

Placing a vanity in a corner takes advantage of every inch of floor space and also allows for storage options on two walls. A recessed cabinet installed into a sidewall is a smart way to capture space that is typically overlooked.

Previous article
Does stain change as it dries?
Next article
Is brown wood furniture coming back?