skip to main content

The Old House Design Dilemma Bathrooms

need input on kids'hall bath layout

2 years ago

We live in a arts and crafts style house built in 1908 and are about to remodel all the bathrooms but keep finishes similar to original to preserve the historic look.

I am struggling with layout of the hall bath that both kids will use. It is tiny of course.

There is a separate water closet which will stay separate, so layout is just for tub and sinks and would like to keep some kind of closet or cabinet for storage.

The original plan was to take out the separate shower and convert tub to tub/shower, put full length cabinet where shower is currently. Then replace single pedestal sink with double sink (it wouldn't actually be the console type vanity pictured bc not enough space in the room to work around the legs, would either be wall mounted or two separate pedestals).

I didn't like the idea of having shower curtain blocking half of the window so we redid layout with moving the tub down and then have open space between tub and window all (about 30"), so designer planned to put a sink vanity there and then just a single pedestal on other wall with tall cabinet next to it. My concern was sink plumbing on exterior wall (the wall with sink next to tub is exterior) but contractor says can bring water lines through floor and will be no problem.

Then I became

concerned about the double sinks backing up to the water closet where access to plumbing from behind would be almost impossible for one of the sinks without removing toilet (everyone says make sure you can access from behind so don't disrupt tile in the event of leak).

Also have aesthetic concern with the separate vanity sink and pedestal sink not "matching", ie. will it look odd to have 2 totally different types of sinks in same tiny space?

So which would you do - keep relatively small 46-48" double sink and then just a vanity with no sink on opposite wall next to tub? (would be less storage bc can't fit a full length cabinet there)

Or do vanity with sink there and single pedestal?

first design - but need to move tub away from window

second design - concerned about sink on exterior wall and 2 nonmatching sinks

Featured Answer

wicketdog123

2 years ago

I reconfigured the kids bathroom to have 2 sinks when the kids were around 8 & 10. Fast forward 5 years later, thank goodness I did! It has minimizes a lot of sibling fights 😉

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

auntthelma
2 years ago
I kinda like the two separae vanities idea. You can shop for one style vanitie that comes in more than one size for continuity. will one kid be put out because he gets the small sink?
Kristan Milam
Original Author
2 years ago
Thanks for your feedback! I doubt my son would care at all what he uses and they are only 8 and 10, once they are older one of them will likely move to the current guest bedroom/bath on third floor.

I can't put a vanity opposite tub bc there is a radiator there so need open space for that, hence either wall mounted or a pedestal. but there would be a large cabinet right next to sink (really more storage than we need bc we currently have a cabinet in same location as pictured in second design and it is half empty).
Related Discussions
Would love input on master bath layout
Q
Comments (7)
It seems to me that your layout provides the best use of space considering the windows and the doorway. To leave the toilet where it is means giving up your double sink vanity and having an unused spot over by the shower (I guess it could be linen closet if push comes to shove). The plumber will just need to do a little extra work to shore up the joists that he'll have to cut through to re-route the waste and water supply pipes. If it makes you feel better, $32k is right in line with what we're paying for our master bath remodel starting next month. Shocking, I know. If you'd like to look into some cost saving measures regarding the marble, there is now a beautiful porcelain tile that totally mimics Carrera. I couldn't believe it when the store associate told me it wasn't marble. I'll look for a link and post back if I can find it.
...See More
Master Bdrm/Bath Layout Input Needed
Q
Comments (4)
The bump on the shower was put in so that the shower didn't need doors. I know that the bump isn't absolutely necessary, but it will allow us to have more shower heads (and possibly more people) in there with less fear of splashing. We'd like to have the option of bringing a kid in there. As for the "make-up bump", we're open to any and all suggestions on how to use that space. I suggested to DH that we move the linen closet into the nook created by the closet overhang. However, he seems to be a fan of shifting everything back so that the closet doesn't extend past the bumpout and the using that space as an option to place the bed. Does anyone see any advantage to moving things around and doing one large shared closet? If we did one closet, it would be placed on the left side so the bathroom could occupy the right and get the morning sun.
...See More
Master bath layout - need suggestions
Q
Comments (2)
Hi Sandy, I bet you're so excited about the bathroom renovations! It's going to be tricky to fit in space for a linen closet without significantly changing your layout. Maybe adding a linen tower between the sinks in the Master Bath would give you the storage you're looking for. I love bathrooms that are set up like the Kid's Bath. It's great for sharing! My only suggestion would be a pocket door between the shower/toilet area and the sinks. It's a great space saver. Good luck with your renovations!
...See More
Master bath/closet remodel - layout advice needed!
Q
Comments (0)
We own an old Victorian home that was renovated in 2003, at which time the former owners added a TINY master bath and medium-sized walk-in closet to what I think used to be a stairwell. The time has come for an update to the bath at the very least - the shower is crumbling. In the tiny space allotted (6'x6' minus a chunk that is currently taken up by an unused chimney stack), there is no way to change the layout, but I would really love to gain some extra room for a larger shower. The master closet is larger than I probably need it to be, especially if it were renovated and fitted with proper shelving, etc., so I could theoretically steal some space there. The chimney stack is also on the chopping block, but only if removing it is a) possible and not too expensive; and b) gives us useful space in a new layout. I have been trying to get estimates for the chimney removal, but it's like pulling teeth to get appointments. However, I would love some input on the bathroom and closet layout in general, because I really don't know if the chimney stack space is useful no matter what the cost. Here's the current bathroom floorplan, so you can see what I'm working with. And the rest of the second floor, so you can see how the bath fits in (it's the one on the right side of the drawing below). The closet in the guest bedroom (behind the master walk-in) is more than large enough for our needs, so I would be open to stealing space from that closet and the master, or even bumping out into the bedroom behind the toilet, although I think the wall between bath and guest bedroom may be load bearing. Thanks in advance for your advice!
...See More
PRO
Madden, Slick & Bontempo, Inc
2 years ago
I don't know the dimensions on the room, so I'm not sure if this would work. In your first plan, what if you turned the tub/shower so that the window was in the shower. There are many ways to do this so that it is waterproof and private. You could then put a linen closet at the end of the tub with roll-outs and put a double vanity perpendicular to the tub across from the door to the bathroom.
apple_pie_order
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
Does the toilet room also contain a sink? If not, add one or put in a doorway to connect the toilet room to the sink-shower-bath room or combine the two rooms. Consider a shower room with dressing space instead of a toilet room.
User
2 years ago
I don't see any need for two sinks, get rid of one and you will have more room.
suzanne_m
2 years ago
Maybe something like this:

Related Stories

BATHROOM DESIGN Room of the Day: Renovation Retains a 1920s Bath’s Vintage Charm

By Becky Harris

A ceiling leak spurs this family to stop patching and go for the gut

BATHROOM DESIGN Room of the Day: Kids and Adults Share a Bright 40-Square-Foot Bathroom

By Annie Thornton

Splashes of lime green add a playful touch to this efficient and economical second bath

BATHROOM WORKBOOK Standard Fixture Dimensions and Measurements for a Primary Bath

By Steven Corley Randel, Architect

Create a luxe bathroom that functions well with these key measurements and layout tips

BATHROOM DESIGN Room of the Day: A Family Bath With Vintage Apothecary Style

By Becky Harris

A vintage mosaic tile floor inspires a timeless room with a new layout and 1930s appeal

MODERN HOMES Houzz Tour: Builder Moves From Party House to Kid-Friendly Home

By Becky Harris

A Texas pro designs and builds a one-story home with a safe room and an unconventional layout just right for her family

BATHROOM MAKEOVERS Room of the Day: Sophisticated Schoolhouse Style for a Kids’ Bathroom

By Karen Egly-Thompson

A renovated bathroom gets smaller, but the easier-to-navigate open plan and old-school finishes pass with flying colors

BATHROOM DESIGN 10 Bathroom Layout Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

By Georgia Madden

Experts offer ways to dodge pitfalls that can keep you from having a beautiful, well-functioning bathroom

MOST POPULAR 10 Tile Layouts You Haven’t Thought Of

By Toronto Interior Design Group

Consider fish scales, hopscotch and other patterns for an atypical arrangement on your next project

BATHROOM DESIGN Here's (Not) Looking at Loo, Kid: 12 Toilet Privacy Options

By Charmean Neithart Interiors

Make sharing a bathroom easier with screens, walls and double-duty barriers that offer a little more privacy for you

THE HARDWORKING HOME How to Tap Your Hall Closet’s Storage Potential

By Laura Gaskill

The Hardworking Home: Check out these design ideas for every space and budget

More Discussions

When are home renovations no longer worth the investment?

9

Help with lighting & arranging small, dark, narrow living room 1840's

1

Addition/floor plan help in a duplex

16

Hardwood floor transition piece

4

What Style? 1937 Southern California House

3