Skip to main content
EN NLEnglish

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.
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, impacting the overall expression. What can you do to get the optimal look:

  • Design Choices: Stick to a theme for a harmonious look (traditional, modern, glossy, sleek, wooden).
  • Double Washbasins: Consider options with two washbasins for smoother routines if space allows and multiple family members use the bathroom.
  • Storage Tips: Choose a vanity with one or two drawers for extra storage. Use interior organizers to sort smaller items. Keep things neatly arranged for easy access and a clutter-free space.

    And the end result. A calmer bathroom and a calmer you.

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

2. Consider your bathroom storage needs

A well planned bathroom has optimized storage, but that doesn't mean it doesn't have to look good. Here's what you can do:

  • Maximize storage: Plan for high cabinets (one, two, or three) to ensure ample storage.
  • Uniform look: Choose cabinets in the same style as your washstand for a cohesive design.
  • Wall-Mounted furniture: 
    - Practical and visually striking.
    - Creates an airy feel and makes floor cleaning easier.
  • Cabinets with legs: Enhance the elevated appearance with leg design options.
  • Storage folutions: 
    - Cabinet shelves for bigger items (toilet paper rolls, large towels). 
    - Washstand drawers for smaller bathroom products.
  • Open frames: Utilize unused nooks with open frames for extra, eye-catching storage. Match the color to your bathroom or create contrast.
  • Organizers: Use baskets, boxes, and containers to keep things tidy and clutter-free.

See all bathroom cabinets
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.
See all bathroom cabinets

3. Bathroom lights and mirrors

Lamps and mirrors are two of the most important aspects of your bathroom design. These are crucial elements in your bathroom design.

  • Natural Light: While natural light is nice, it often needs to be supplemented due to privacy concerns and its distance from the vanity.
  • Lighting Considerations:
    - Ambient Lighting: Designed to create a welcoming atmosphere. Typically placed on the wall or ceiling, it should be warm and spread light evenly throughout the space.
    - Task Lighting: Essential for tasks like applying makeup or shaving. 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 even lighting or opt for a mirror with built-in lighting to save wall space.
  • Easy Updates: By occasionally changing your lamps and mirrors, you can easily refresh your bathroom’s look without undergoing a complete renovation.
  • Additional Tips:
    - Magnifying Mirror: A mirror with a magnifying side is indispensable for checking your hair from all angles and getting a close-up view when shaving or applying makeup.
    - Smart Home Sensor: A Smart Home solution with a sensor adds everyday luxury, allowing you to enter the bathroom in the dark without searching for the light switch.

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

4. Time for bathroom textiles

A bathroom without good textiles feels unfinished so here are some tips:

  • Enhance Your Bathroom: Bathroom textiles do more for your bathroom than you may realize. Wrapping yourself in a soft and fluffy bath towel after a shower creates an unbeatable sense of luxury.
  • Add Color and Texture: Towels, bathmats, and shower curtains add color and texture, making it easy and affordable to personalize and soften your space. Stay traditional with neutral colors for all textiles or let your bathroom pop with bright yellow towels, like in this bathroom.
  • Easy Updates: 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. 

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

5. Bathroom accessories — the finishing touch

Last but certainly not least, the accessories. Accessories really do have a big impact on your bathrooms appearance, so make sure they truly fit your style.

 

  • Essential accessories: Soap dispenser, toothbrush holder, waste bin, toilet brush… these are small, but important additions that should improve the appearance and function of your bathroom.
  • Style choices: Go whimsical and mix all kinds of materials and colors. Choose products from a series, where all items are designed to match each other perfectly.
  • Easy updates: these items are easy 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. 

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

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.

See all bathroom tips
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.
See all bathroom tips