As American homes evolve, so do our functional spaces. The traditional powder room, once reserved for guests, is transforming into a versatile multi-use space. This shift reflects our changing lifestyles, where convenience and efficiency are paramount. Today’s powder rooms combine style and functionality, making them a central part of home design.
Outfitting an Extra Bath
When designing your extra bathroom, try to make it functional and easy to maintain. By choosing the right materials and smart layouts, you can create a space that’s durable and stylish. Here are a few ideas:
- Drying space: Install a permanent rod or pull-out clothesline in the shower area for air-drying delicate clothes or damp towels. This is a practical solution for big families or anyone who hand-washes their items.
- Floor drains: Add an integral floor drain, especially if the bath is likely to see a lot of dirt or water. It helps prevent water buildup, keeping the space cleaner and safer.
- Laundry and towel storage: Built-in storage for dirty clothes and towels helps keep things organized, especially if kids or gardeners will use the space. It also makes storing fresh linens convenient.
- Lighting: Make sure you’ve got adequate lighting, especially in windowless bathrooms. Using a mix of ambient and task lighting makes the room bright and functional.
- Ventilation: A strong exhaust fan is key to keeping the room fresh. It helps reduce moisture and odors, especially in bathrooms with high traffic or no windows.
- Wainscoting: Protect your walls with durable materials like tongue-and-groove paneling, tile set level with the top of the backsplash, or even sheet stock such as Avonite, Corian, or other solid surfacing. These surfaces can withstand moisture and are easy to clean.
The Utility Bath
The utility bath is one of the most requested extra bath designs, even in smaller homes. This type serves multiple purposes and is typically located near high-traffic areas like mudrooms or garages, making it a practical addition to your floor plan.
Key features include:
- Storage for toiletries and cleaning supplies
- Compact design (typically about 5-by-7)
- Durable, easy-to-clean surfaces
- Good ventilation to manage moisture and smells
- Shower, sink, and toilet
This versatile space is perfect for a variety of uses, including kids coming in from outdoor play, gardeners cleaning up after working in the yard, and swimmers rinsing off chlorine. It’s also for family members to wash up before entering the main living areas.
With thoughtful design, even small spaces can be highly functional. A 30-inch shower stall and a wall-mounted sink, for example, can fit into tighter spots while still offering comfort and style.
The Workout Bath
If you’re a fitness enthusiast with a home gym, a dedicated workout bath is a great addition. This space allows you to shower and change without tracking sweat through the house or cluttering your bedroom with damp workout gear. It’s more than just a convenience—it’s a boost to your wellness routine.
Common features in a workout bath include:
- Storage for workout clothes and towels to keep gear organized
- Larger dimensions (minimum 5 feet wide and up to 10–12 feet long)
- Non-slip flooring to reduce the risk of accidents
- Powerful ventilation (600 cfm or greater) to manage humidity
- Sauna (if space allows)
- A steam shower or whirlpool tub for muscle recovery
Pay special attention to lighting and ventilation in your workout bath, especially if it’s an interior space without windows. Good lighting makes it spacer, and proper ventilation prevents mold and mildew growth.
The ‘Other’ Master Bath
In larger master suites, having an extra toilet room with a sink can simplify the morning routine for busy couples. This separate space offers privacy and convenience, especially when it’s buffered from the bedroom by a dressing area.
Benefits of an extra master bath include:
- A second bathroom when the main one is in use
- Added privacy
- Reduced noise disturbance in the bedroom
- Streamlined morning routines by providing extra space
To maintain the bedroom’s calm, include soundproofing materials like insulated walls and solid-core doors. These features help reduce noise during busy mornings.
The Home Office Bath
If you work from home, a dedicated office bath serves multiple purposes. It keeps your work environment separate from family life while adding professionalism if clients visit.
Features for a home office bath are:
- Convenient access from both the office and the rest of the house
- Storage for office supplies and personal items to keep the space neat
- Good lighting for grooming before video calls
- A professional look for client visits
Ideally, this bathroom should also serve as a powder room for family use. A well-placed office bath is a valuable feature for a home that balances work and personal needs.
Maximizing Space in Extra Baths
Here are some tips to make the most of smaller powder room areas:
- Choose light colors for walls and fixtures to increase the sense of openness and airiness
- Install pocket doors to eliminate swing space
- Opt for wall-mounted fixtures to create the illusion of more floor area
- Use corner sinks or toilets to free up floor space
- Add large mirrors to make the space feel bigger and brighter
Eco-Friendly Options for Extra Baths
Incorporating eco-friendly features in your extra bath can reduce water usage and energy costs. Think about these options as both environmentally conscious and financially savvy investments:
- Dual-flush toilet systems which offer options for different water needs
- Energy-efficient ventilation fans to lower energy consumption
- LED lighting fixtures to maximize energy efficiency
- Low-flow toilets and faucets to conserve water without sacrificing performance
- Recycled or sustainable materials for countertops and flooring
