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RemodelingDesign Dilemma
colin_ezer26

Tight Layout Challenge: Converting 1 Bathroom Into 2

5 months ago

We are renovating our upstairs and are trying to turn one existing bathroom into two bathrooms: a main bath plus a small ensuite for the primary bedroom.


Current situation

  • Existing bathroom space could be about 6'8" x 7' if I end the room right after the window.
  • The current primary bedroom is 13'5" x 10'4".
  • We are also planning to move the closet.

What I’m trying to balance
I want to carve out an ensuite that is actually usable, without making the primary bedroom feel too cramped.

From my rough measuring, if the new ensuite is about 7' x 5'5", I think the bedroom would end up around 12'5" x 10'4".

My concern is whether that ensuite size is enough to work well, especially for clearances.

Ensuite idea so far
My current thought is:

  • entry from the hallway side
  • vanity first
  • toilet and shower at the far end

That seems like the most logical arrangement given the room length, but I’m not sure whether the clearances will feel tight or awkward.

Main bathroom idea so far
For the remaining/main bathroom, I’m thinking:

  • 54" alcove tub/shower where the shower is now
  • keep the toilet where it is
  • put the vanity on the top wall, though I’m not sure of the best location

I’m also wondering whether there is any smart way to fit:

  • a small linen cabinet
  • or possibly one of the all-in-one laundry units

What I’d love feedback on

  1. Does a 7' x 5'5" ensuite sound workable, or is that pushing it too far?
  2. Is the vanity / toilet / shower sequence the best layout for that ensuite?
  3. Would you keep the main bath layout roughly as described, or is there a smarter arrangement?
  4. Is shrinking the primary bedroom to about 12'5" x 10'4" still reasonable in exchange for getting an ensuite?
  5. If you were designing this, where would you prioritize storage?

I’m very open to layout suggestions, including ideas I haven’t thought of.




Featured Answer
  • PRO
    5 months ago
    last modified: 5 months ago

    ^^^ Move the toilet........below



    There is NO advantage to a pocket door, but noise. You close the door, once in, to shower or.........: ) and leave it open as you use vanity. . Better clearance with a move of the toilet and stay at standard sizing for vanity .An 18 inch vanity depth is nothing but a problem for sink and "out of standard" size plus cramp.

    Comments (14)

    • 5 months ago

      I think you need a bit more space, if you plan on a full bath for both.

      6 x 8 finished interior space with a door is still a tight space. Will you be trying to use all existing water/drain sources? Can you find a storage space outside the bathroom(s)

    • 5 months ago

      I can move plumbing, and some storage space can move outside the bathroom. As I think about this more, I need to think about this more clearly, my current layout wouldn't provide enough clearance.

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    • 5 months ago

      If i put the shower and toilet on the west wall, and vanity on the east wall (same wall as the entry), then I think it could possibly work with a 64-68" depth.

    • 5 months ago

      Usually 5x8 is minimum for a bath. Most hall guest baths are that measurement. Toilet requires 30" of space for code-15" on either side from the center of the toilet. 21" of clearance is required in front of the toilet. Average toilet depth for an elongated bowl, which is most comfortable, is 28-30" Average vanity depth is 18". That only leaves you 20 to 22" if you're working with 68". It would be very tight.

    • PRO
      5 months ago

      24 inches is code in front pf toilet.

    • 5 months ago

      I don't really see any way to make it any smaller than 80". had it sketched out, and this is the only way I can see it working. Any clear improvements on this?


    • 5 months ago

      I have to disagree pocket doors in small spaces are space savers. The swing of a door is not always possible to accommodate. Homes built in the 70s have closet sized ensuites. There are not tubs and the showers are tight but it can be done in your footage.

    • PRO
      5 months ago
      last modified: 5 months ago

      ^^^

      It is STILL an opening for human passage!! Whether pocket or swing!

      How was this going to work? with a nice short wall and a view to the toilet ?

      His drawing showing incorrect opening........



      If you want it as drawn? With same toilet locale It is below........



      OR???????

      Use a pocket here below....and slide it SOUTH

      ( same 27 " between vanity edge and shower

      It is a one at a time bath in ANY scenario



    • 5 months ago

      Hi Jan,


      Thank you for your help.


      Yes, we could swap the toilet and shower locations. That would work well.


      The 21" deep vanity also makes sense. That would leave 27" of aisle clearance, which is tight but still acceptable. We could increase the bathroom depth from 80" to 83", but the tradeoff is that it would make the primary bedroom smaller. I think that change would reduce the bedroom from about 11' x 10'6" to about 10'9" x 10'6", so it really is a delicate balancing act.


      If my measurement is off by a couple of inches and the bathroom is actually 7'2" long rather than 7', I may be able to make a more typical (but very tight) 8' x 5' layout work by reducing the vanity to 24" wide. The image below shows the general concept.



    • PRO
      5 months ago

      ^^You don't understand doors. You swing the door to the wall, NOT toward a vanity.


    • 5 months ago

      Hi Jan, I agree. Sorry I was using AI to do the mockup, I understand it was swinging the wrong way, and was unable to flip it. Shared the photo for the general idea (other than the incorrect door swing)

    • 5 months ago

      We have a pocket door on bathroom. It is a hateful thing. It is impossible to be quiet opening or closing. Highly recommend against them if possible.

    • 5 months ago

      (esp in the primary, where people may have different morning hours)

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