Have you already purchased the vanity? Where is the tub faucet? The only issue might be reaching for the faucet. If you got a longer vanity and eliminated the tower you might make up for some storage space. With a 60 inch vanity you could have double sinks, a big plus in a master bath. The other option would be a 14 inch tower, still plenty of storage and you would gain 4 inches next to the tub which would give you a little more elbow room if you have to reach around for the faucet.

Actually, I think you are fine. There is well over 1/2 of the tub to get in and out. If you moved the vanity over 4" you still can't get around it. You're good to go.

Can you change the closet door location? Can you enter the closet from the bedroom instead of the bathroom? Then you could wrap your vanity around to the shower.

I wouldn't sacrifice storage. Even if the faucet is on that wall you should be able to reach it OK. I bet you take a lot more showers than baths anyway, but it is a nice luxurey to have a soaking tub.

I agree with everyone... I wouldn't sacrifice the storage. I like Ray's idea... the only question is where to locate the door. Is this a house that is being built? Can you put it on the bedroom side? I've seen some bedrooms done with the bed in front of the window. I'm not sure if that would work for your space...or if that is an option you would consider. If you considered that option, I think you would need to move the location of the bedroom.

What about a simple pedestal sink instead of a vanity? If you have a storage tower anyway you'll have boatloads of storage. Plus with the closet, you're fine. We have a very similar configuration--closet inside new master bath, entered from master bedroom, and I actually store many bathroom things--towels, etc.--in the closet.

one more thing. We had our builder do a kneewall--about a waist height wall between our toilet and the sink. It offers nice privacy between the toilet and other open exposed elements in the bathroom, as it is a space shared by both my husband and I. It only takes up a few inches but it's great.

Thanks to everyone for the great suggestions. The tub faucet is on the wall side in the middle (long-side of tub) - you can see the lines on the tub rim designating the flat area for the faucet. We definitely considered a double vanity or a larger single vanity (and nothing has been purchased yet). We just really like the tower design. We can't move the closet door to the bedroom because the closet is only 5' wide (and entering on the 5' side would be awkward for the closet design - right? We could reduce the closet space by a few inches (from 5' to 4"10" or so)...does anyone think it's worth it? This would reduce walking area in the closet from 36" to 34" or so.

Personally, I wouldn't change the size of the closet... more trouble than it's worth.

I would leave closet, cabinets, all as is - think of removing tower, putting in a longer vanity with towers on top of the countertop located at each end. A undermount sink will allow an inch or two for more countertop space than a drop in. Here is a link to a design I did for BATHtastic where I put cabinets on the countertops. I would use 12" depth cabinets. http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/how-to-create-a-custom-vanity-from-stock-cabinets/index.html Good luck!

Thanks Kelli...I like your ideas, and we will plan for a drop in sink. I'm really sold on the separate tower design since it leaves the left hand side open for better natural light. Since this is an addition, we can still move the bathroom wall back a few inches at no cost. Would 33"-34" be enough for the closet walkway (57"-58" total room width with clothes taking up 24")?

Doing over 50 bath remodels, I recommend an undermount sink, easy to clean and gives you an inch or two extra for countertop space. I think you are fine with dimensions of room as is. The one tower is good, it is your bath! Have you had a chance to look at a wall elevation of it? I think it will look a bit heavy on the right, be open minded to the two 12" towers on each end - You will get so much more storage & you can add a apron on the top between the two towers, put in a can with side accent lighting on the cabinets - a custom upscale look. It won't compermise sunlight at all, if the window was on the same wall as the vantiy then yes but where it is located I think you will have no problem.

Let me just ask you this, if there is only 5' width to the closet, don't you still have room for an opening to the closet on the bedroom side? Can't you move your bedroom chest over and put a 30" pocket door there or even a small bi-fold door?
For me, bathroom space is precious. I would move all the stuff and have more room where you need it. I've remodeled two small bathrooms in my house myself and trust me, you'll want every square inch.

I'll remove the tower. You have plenty store space at new closet. You have a spacious bedroom, why not enjoy a bigger vanity as well

If we move the closet door to the bedroom wall, how would we configure the closet? I'd love to do this if it doesn't sacrifice too much closet space...seems we could only put clothes/drawers on 2 walls with the door on the short (5') side. If we could make this work, I could center the tub under the windows and move the toilet to the other wall (so it's not the first thing you see when you enter!). Can anyone please help with a closet design that would work? Kelli - I think you're right that the tower may look heavy on the right side. Walls will be ~9' high.

I don't have time this afternoon but I would push your tub down over to the bedroom wall, move the vanity down to the window wall (may need to be creative with cabinets close to the tub). Put your toilet where your tower or closet door used to be and shower stay as is. That way you are not looking at your biffy when walk into the space - I will have to do on mt program to see if it really works. But I like the idea of switching the closet opening to your bedroom a lot!

Kelli - thanks for your continuing help!

I think this will work. sketched on bamboo APPS

Here is a plan I quickly put together according to your dimensions. Lots of bath storage and the vanity wall could look quite stunning! Custom built-ins, wall sconces that flank the tall cabinets over the vanity, tall mirror over sink that goes to the ceiling or apron across the top. Good luck! - sorry I am no help with closet spaces....

Thanks Kelli - I love it! Now I'm off to figure out the closet!

If you use the plan or not, I hope it all works out! Good luck

I just finished a bathroom remodel with limited space. Whatever you choose to do I would still recommend double sinks and a good size shower. If you've never had a double sink you don't know what you're missing. Also for resale, double sinks are always a big plus.

With Kelli's great layout, you certainly have room for double sinks. I'm sure you are doing this...but in case you are not, definitely go with under mount sinks and 8 inch centre faucets or a single control faucet. I skimped with our faucet in the powder room and didn't do the 8 inch and I find it A LOT harder to clean around.

If we are just dreaming and we have no existing structure as limitations, here are some considerations- move "fireplace to a corner unit" with seating, relocate entry to suite to improve traffic flow, consider same size windows for exterior architectural appearance, bath vanities with center window, high wainscot for behind tub wall, linen cabinet remains, toilet is tucked away, add sheling to one side of closet for shoes, sweaters etc.

Don't want to be rude but I like the fireplace between the two windows like their original plan. It is the first thing you see when entering into the space and what a stunning focal point. It will also be a beautiful view lounging in bed.

Hi Hthorson, you have many great comments already, here's another take on your bathroom. The shower is still 42"x48" but with an angle cut off, which is still plenty big. The toilet has a bit more privacy instead of being opened to the bathtub. The window would need to be reconfigured but that's really the only way to have your cake and eat it too :)

Good Luck.

I like Teryc's plan. I really like seeing a beautiful bed when you walk into a bedroom and you will still enjoy the fireplace in bed. I also like two entrances to your closet but you do give up space, so that's a consideration. If you put the vanity on the window wall, just think of all the natural light you would have, while getting ready.

I also like tareyc's idea but I'd spin the tub the the other direction so you're looking toward the window when reclined, not wall/toilet. I also don't like closets opened to bathrooms as you're just asking for humidity problems, not to mention dressing issues. One person tying (or stinking) up the bathroom prevents the other from getting to the clothes. Better to have the closet door in the bedroom instead. Don't generally like corner fireplaces as they always end up being a hassle to decorate around.

Try putting toilet next to vanity & shift tub over to where toilet is now.

I would not add any walls or half walls to the bath - it will really make the space feel small. Half walls are not needed in baths - usually you are the only one using the biffy, I don't like anyone in there or don't want to be in there when someone is doing their business, don't see the point. I know others will disagree with me but I would much rather have an additional 4 - 6 inches for storage, not only does the 4" -6"wall take up space but you have to allow for additional space between the wall and the other objects. It will make the space feel smaller. Good luck, lots of great ideas and suggestions!

oops on the tub direction and here's a No2 solution

I think we need to get back to the original simple question, is the vanity too close to bathtub?!

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. Many doors/windows cannot be moved due to existing stairs, not wanting to look into our neighbor's backyard, etc. So far, we are leaning towards Kelli's original layout, with cabinets across the 9' wall. One concern is that granite only comes in 8' slabs and my husband is worried that seams will be needed to extend the full 9'. Any thoughts?

Thanks for the other proposed configurations. We have a 1905 Craftsman home, and don't think a corner fireplace would fit the style/period. We may consider moving the bed to the left wall, but I'm not sure whether we can separate the windows.

I need help my bathroom sink is literally next to my tub and I can't close the shower curtain all the way because the vanity is actually touching my tub, I want to remove the vanity but I don't know what to use to hold up the sink although however my sink is attached to the wall. Can someone please help me cause it drives me crazy to not be able to close my shower curtain all the way.

Put in a glass “wall” 1/2 the length of the tub.

That sounds like a good idea but I'm not the homeowner I just rent the apt. I was looking towards just removing the vanity and leaving it open and just buy a cover to wrap around the sink.

One of our drains will bring a smile to your face every morning!

Is there a water concern with placing a vanity 7" alongside a bathtub? Or is a pedestal sink the better way to go, although you do lose storage? (All the plumbing is naturally on that same front wall... head of the tub/shower and the vanity fixtures.)