If you plan to decorate the bathroom you need to know what functions you will require from it - what is its purpose and who will use it. To help you make these decisions, in the previous part of this guide we have described the bathroom standards.

If in a flat or a house we may have at least two bathrooms, and each of them can perform various functions. Then for each of the bathrooms we can choose a different standard of equipment associated with the main function of that bathroom: family bathroom, bathroom for guests, for children or as an en-suite. The selection of the basic functions depends largely on the habits and lifestyle of the household members.

If we have only one bathroom then it needs to perform multiple functions - as a universal bathroom for the family. We then have to decide what we want to install.

Shower or bathtub?

It is worth choosing a shower if our bathroom is small. The functionality of the shower can be increased by using a deep shower base.
We recommend a bathtub when the majority of the household like long and relaxing baths. Choosing a bathtub is also a necessity for families with children - both with the very young ones and somewhat older ones. Of course, in order to install a bathtub in the bathroom we have to have the necessary space.

A compromise between the advantages of a shower and a bath can be the use of a shower screen. If the size of the bathroom does not allow you to install a bathtub and a shower separately, a bathtub equipped with a screen is the optimal solution. A bathtub combined with shower may be the ideal solution when we try to combine a number of functions in a small bathroom.

The toilet in the bathroom or in a separate room?

Regardless of the fact whether we have one or more hygienic and sanitary rooms in our house of flat, it is advisable that there is a toilet in every bathroom. If you decide to have a separate toilet it is worth, for reasons of hygiene, to also install a sink in that room - even a small 30- centimetre one. If there is the space in that additional toilet, it can easily be converted into an extra bathroom by installing a shower cabinet.

How many washbasins?

Choosing the number of washbasins for the bathroom depends largely on the size of your bathroom. If we have enough space, and the household members have a similar daily schedule (for example, using the bathroom at similar times), then it is worth installing two washbasins.

If the available space does not allow for a larger number of washbasins, you may decide on just one, but of a size allowing you to use it comfortably. It should also be noted that in the family, the bathroom washbasin is used not just for washing but also for doing small laundry. So given the additional features, you need a larger washbasin.

Bidet
 
In many modern bathrooms a bidet is standard equipment. However, the decision to install it mostly depends on the needs and preferences of the users, and - perhaps most importantly - the availability of space in the bathroom. A bidet is considered as an element of additional equipment without which the functionality of the bathroom will not be significantly reduced. The bidet and toilet require the reservation of about 1-1.2 square meters of bathroom floor, which not everyone can afford. A compromise solution can be using a special tap unit with a pull-out handle in the washbasin installed next to the toilet. Then the function of bidet can be performed by the toilet bowl.

Washing machine in the bathroom
 
If we do not have additional room for laundry, it is the bathroom that is the most practical place to put the washing machine. By installing a washing machine in the bathroom we get access to water and other equipment useful for laundry - a bath or a washbasin.

By deciding to install a washing machine in the bathroom we should keep in mind that it usually takes quite a lot of space, so we'll need to provide space for its convenient and safe use. We should also take into account that we need a place to store dirty laundry and washing agents. Ideally a washing machine in the bathroom should be hidden - in a niche, under a counter or in a special cabinet. The space required for a washing machine should be about 10 centimetres wider than the machine due to vibrations during operation, as well as the possibility to easily move the machine if necessary.

By planning place for washing machine in the bathroom we have to consider safety since the machine is an electrical device. The standards define the minimum distance between the washing machine and bathtub or washbasin at 60 centimetres.

Harmony in bathroom décor
 
Due to the need for a harmonious overall design, it is important to place the right devices by each other. We should not locate toilets and washbasins or bathtubs and shower cabinets next to each other. An interesting way to separate the bathroom into functional zones is the use of low walls that enable the bathroom part to be divided from the toilet part.

Comfortable positioning of bathroom elements
 
Convenience and safety in the bathroom also rely on the location of equipment. Both the positioning of the elements in the room and the maintaining of the correct distance between them is important.
Bathroom equipment should not be placed too close to each other. We should plan the necessary amount of free space around each, allowing us to use it comfortably and without difficulty.

Below we present standard distances and heights recommended for modern bathrooms.

By comparing our plans for arranging bathroom with your real room, you may find that some plans will have to be corrected.

Soil pipes
 
When planning fittings in the bathroom we are dependent on certain fixed elements. One of them is the position of the soil pipe. The soil pipe in a way forces the location of other elements in the bathroom - the toilet, shower or bath. Devices with an outlet near the floor, such as toilet, bath, or shower - should be placed as close to the soil pipe as possible. For the toilet the length of connections to the soil pipe cannot exceed 1 metre, for a bath or shower - 3 metres. Longer connections somewhat complicate the structure as they require additional ventilation ducts and inspection openings.

Fixed architectural elements - doors and windows
 
If a bathroom has a window, when we are planning the location of equipment we need to take into account its size and location.
Access to the window should remain free as far as possible. For example, by placing a washbasin under the window, we have to remember that this will prevent us from hanging a mirror over it, while a bathtub under the window make it difficult to open or wash the window.

The position of the bathroom door has a key influence on the location of bathroom equipment. Sometimes in order to place a bathtub or shower in a more convenient location, you might even consider changing the location of the bathroom door.

We should remember the principle of placing the most attractive devices in the front of the door - it is known that when you enter a bathroom our eyes are firstly attracted by the elements lying ahead. Therefore, we suggest not putting toilets and bidets in front of the door - this will give us the necessary sense of intimacy when we use the bathroom.