If you are planning to build a new home, or to renovate an existing home, something you need to consider is not only how many bathrooms you will have, but what types.
Yes, there are different types of bathrooms to consider, five main types that we want to look at in quite some detail.
5 Main Types of Bathrooms
Let’s jump right in.
En Suite Bathroom
The first type of bathroom you should be familiar with is the en suite bathroom, often called the primary or even the master bathroom.
One distinguishing feature of the en suite bathroom is that it needs to have all four of the major components that constitute a full bathroom. These four components include a sink, a toilet, a shower, and a bathtub (or a shower and bathtub combination).
The other defining feature of the en suite bathroom is that it is directly connected to the main or master bedroom of the house. Generally speaking, not only is the en suite bathroom connected to the master bedroom via a door, but it is also usually reserved for the master bedroom. In other words, many, if not most en suite bathrooms out there, only allow for access through the bedroom and do not allow for access from the hallways.
In terms of size, the en suite bathroom is the largest one. For an en suite bathroom, ideally, it should be between 36 and 40 square feet. That said, for a really nice en suite bathroom with all of the amenities, 100 square feet would do well.
If your house is small, you should reserve a space of at least 5 x 8 feet for an en suite bathroom, although this is definitely on the smaller side of things, especially considering that many en suite bathrooms have dual sinks, one for each person.
Full Bathroom
The next type of bathroom that your house could have is a full bathroom. Now, in essence, this is more or less the same thing as an en suite bathroom. After all, the definition of a full bathroom is one that all four major components, the toilet, sink, shower, and bathtub.
A full bathroom does not have to necessarily be an en suite bathroom, though. In other words, the only real difference between an en suite bathroom and a full bathroom is the fact that the en suite bathroom is directly connected to the master bedroom, while a full bathroom is not. Having this type of bathroom is definitely a good idea to get if you don’t have a master bathroom, or if you have other people living in your home, such as children for instance.
If you have more than one child, or more than one other person living in your home, having two full bathrooms (en suite or not), is called for. In terms of spatial requirements, these are the same for both full and en suite bathrooms.
Three-Quarter Bathroom
The next step down from the full bathroom is the three-quarter bathroom. This type of bathroom consists of three of the four main components that make up a full bathroom, hence the name, three-quarter bathroom. A three-quarter bathroom has both a sink and a toilet, and either a bathtub or a shower.
Now, these bathrooms are designed for convenience and to save a bit of space, which is why they have either a shower or a bathtub. However, because they are designed more for convenience than luxury, they usually always have a shower, not a bathtub.
Three-quarter bathrooms are generally not very large, so fitting a full-size bathtub in there would be a challenge. This type of bathroom could be ideal for your children and for house guests, or in other words, for people who need to get clean in the shower but aren’t going to lounge in a hot bath.
In terms of size, the smallest you want to go for a three-quarter bathroom is 35 square feet, with up to 50 square feet being ideal. That space can comfortably accommodate a toilet, sink, a moderate size vanity, and a shower. Any larger than 45 or 50 square feet and you may as well stick a tub in there too.
Half Bathroom
The next step down from the three-quarter bathroom is the half bathroom. This bathroom features two of the four main components that make up a full bathroom, hence the name, half bathroom. This type of bathroom has only a sink and a toilet, so people can relieve themselves and wash up afterward, but they have neither a shower nor a tub.
These are ideal for very small spaces, and people usually have these in their basements or on the main floors, in areas where people need to use a bathroom, but don’t need to shower.
Floors with bedrooms generally have en suite, full, and/or three-quarter bathrooms, whereas floors without bedrooms usually have half bathrooms. This is a good idea to have on your main floor, so you don’t have to run up the stairs every time you need the toilet, and it helps keep guests out of your main bathroom too. Reserve around 20 square feet for this sort of bathroom.
Quarter Bathroom
The final bathroom type to know is the quarter bathroom, which is of course called that because it contains only one of the four components that make up a full bathroom. These bathrooms have either a shower stall or a toilet, thus they are often called utility showers or utility toilets.
People really don’t put these in their homes anymore, as their only real use is for a quick trip to the loo or the shower when going to a different bathroom is not convenient. That said, having a toilet without a sink to wash your hands in afterward is definitely not ideal.
For a bathroom of this size, something like 10 square feet, or less, will do fine.
Specialty Bathrooms, Extras, and Bathroom Styles
We just want to mention that there are of course other things that can be put into bathrooms than showers, tubs, toilets, and sinks. Some of the fancier bathrooms out there may have special Roman-style bathtubs, jacuzzi, saunas, steam showers, bidets, and other amenities too.
These other amenities are all viable options that require your consideration, especially in terms of costs and spatial requirements.
Summary
The bottom line is that there are many different bathroom types that you can install in your home.
How many bathrooms and what types you go for will totally depend on your and your family’s needs.