How to design a bathroom in 5 steps

Are you planning for a new take — big or small — on your bathroom? Whether you’re doing a complete overhaul, a minor renovation or simply want some insights into how to design a bathroom, here are some important features that you may want to consider and add to your planning before going ahead.

A LETTAN mirror with KABOMBA LED wall lamps on either side of it is placed above a white HAVBÄCK wash-stand with two drawers.

Get started with your bathroom design

Let’s face it, unless we’re talking new-builds, you seldom get to choose where the toilet and vanity go, and you may not have the space to install a much-wanted bathtub. But if you go through the following steps for how to design a bathroom remodel, you’ll see how much effect your possible choices can have on the result. For example, even if there’s already a shower installed, you can easily update it with a shower head, rail and mixer, to make them match the rest of your bathroom.

An otherwise empty, white-tiled bathroom with grey floor has a window and a toilet and a shower door placed in a corner.

1. Let your washstand set the style

The vanity, or washstand, is often the focal point of your bathroom and as such, it can have a great impact on the overall expression. There are a variety of designs to choose from, so it can be smart to stick to a theme to create a harmonious whole: traditional, modern, glossy, sleek, wooden… If there are many family members who’ll use the bathroom, and if you have enough space to install it, there are options with two washbasins to make the everyday routines a little smoother for everyone.

One tip is to choose a vanity with one or two drawers for storage — you simply can’t have too much of it, as you’ll see in the next chapter. Remember to pick interior organisers to be able to sort smaller items inside the drawers. With all things neatly arranged in their designated places, you’ll have handy access to all your bathroom necessities without cluttering the space (or lose valuable time by having to look for things when trying to get ready). The result is a calmer bathroom and a calmer you.

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A white HAVBÄCK wash-stand with two drawers and an ORRSJÖN wash-basin is placed in a white-tiled bathroom with a window.

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Your shower, your way

A shower isn’t just a place to get clean, it’s where you get ready for the day and relax when you want to unwind. Choose the showerhead, rail, mixer, tap that meet your needs — and that match your bathroom style.

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2. Consider your bathroom storage needs

You can never have too much storage in a bathroom, so you’ll want to plan for a high cabinet or two (or three, if your bathroom’s big enough). There are often cabinets available in the same style as your chosen washstand so that you can create a uniform look throughout your bathroom.

Wall-mounted furniture is practical and visually striking, giving your bathroom an airy feel (and making it easier to clean the floor). If you prefer legs, there are cabinets with leg design options that’ll enhance the elevated appearance. The cabinet shelves are perfect places for bigger items, like toilet paper rolls and larger bath towels, while washstand drawers offer a great overview of smaller bathroom products.

An open frame works especially well in an otherwise unused nook and provides extra — and eye-catching — storage. You can choose the same colour as the rest of your bathroom or go for contrast, like the black frame in this white bathroom.

Whatever your storage solution, you’ll benefit from bathroom organisers, like baskets, boxes and containers. When all things have a place of their own, you can put them back after every use for an instant clutter-free feeling.

A white HAVBÄCK wash-stand with two drawers and a high cabinet with a door next to it are placed in a white-tiled bathroom.

3. Bathroom lights and mirrors

Lamps and mirrors are two of the most important aspects of your bathroom design. Natural light is nice, but you may want to partly cover the window for privacy and it’s seldom close to the vanity where you’ll apply makeup or shave. So instead of counting on natural light to do the trick, you should consider both ambient and task lighting and take the placement of your mirrors into account.

Ambient bathroom lighting is designed to create a welcoming feeling. Usually placed on the wall or in the ceiling, it should be warm and spread its light evenly.

To apply makeup or shave efficiently, you need a much stronger light source, so plan for a well-lit area at face level next to your vanity mirror. You can mount two lamps on either side of the mirror for an even light or save wall space by choosing a mirror with built-in lighting.

By occasionally changing your lamps and mirrors, it’s easy to update your bathroom without a complete renovation. Here are two more tips: Tip #1: If you want to check out your hair from all angles and get a close-up view when shaving or putting on makeup, a mirror with a magnifying glass on one side is indispensable. Tip #2: A Smart Home solution with a sensor is convenient everyday luxury, allowing you to enter the bathroom in the dark without having to search for the light switch.

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A bathroom with white tiles has two black KABOMBA LED wall lamps and a LETTAN mirror above a white HAVBÄCK wash-stand.

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4. Time for bathroom textiles

Bathroom textiles do more for your bathroom than you may realise. To wrap yourself in a soft and fluffy bath towel after a shower creates an unbeatable sense of luxury. Towels and other bathroom textiles, such as bathmats and shower curtains, also add colour and texture, and are an easy — and affordable — way to personlise and soften your space. Stay traditional with neutral colours for all textiles, or let your bathroom pop with bright yellow towels, like in this bathroom. Whatever you pick, it doesn’t have to be your forever choice. By replacing them every now and then, you can renew and refresh your bathroom look without spending a fortune.

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A white HAVBÄCK wash-stand and a white HAVBÄCK high cabinet are standing in a white bathroom with white and yellow towels.

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5. Bathroom accessories — the finishing touch

Soap dispenser, toothbrush holder, waste bin, toilet brush… these are small, but important additions that should improve the appearance and function of your bathroom. You can go whimsical and mix all kinds of materials and colours, or you can choose products from a series, where all things are designed to match each other perfectly. They’re also easy items to refresh if you feel that your bathroom needs a quick revamp. Just make sure that the accessories work with the rest of your now carefully planned bathroom so that you can fully enjoy it while getting ready for your day or winding down for the night.

Remember to make room for purely decorative things, too. A green plant or a twig brings a playful and pleasant touch of nature to the perfect order that you’ve created.

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A white-tiled bathroom has a white HAVBÄCK wash-stand with drawers, two black KABOMBA LED wall lamps and a grey bathroom mat.

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Plan your dream bathroom from home

Do you have grand plans for your bathroom? Use the bathroom planner to find the solution that best suits your bathroom and budget.

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Ideas and inspiration to refresh your bathroom

Make your remodelling journey easier and more enjoyable. Find clever tips for big and small changes that’ll turn your bathroom into a place that you’ll love to come home to every day.

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New washstands with washbasins are being installed in a bathroom. There’s part of a drawer on the floor and tools on a stool.

How to plan a bathroom remodel in 5 steps

Is your dream bathroom ready in your head? Time to realise your ideas! Check out our step-by-step guide for how to buy a bathroom and read more about our services that can help you along.

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