Design a Powder Room
Designing a powder room, or half bath, is not difficult but does require great attention to details involving space. A powder room, usually no more than 20 square feet, most often contains a toilet, sink and mirror and depending on its location in the home, focuses on the needs of family members or guests. In addition to the overall floor plan, the use of lighting, fixture choices and storage are also important considerations. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
Floor Plan
1. Consider the needs of those using the powder room and begin by determining requirements. In addition, check out state and local building codes.
2. Map out room dimensions. Measure and record room dimensions, including placement of the door and any windows. Software is available to assist you in plotting a room plan, or you can use a sheet of graph paper to plot the room out manually.
3. Consider doors and doorways. Doorways should be at least 32-inches wide for the best access. If the room is very small, consider a pocket door that slides into the wall instead of a traditional swinging door.
4. Decide on the placement of the toilet and sink. Since these are permanent fixtures, place them in the room first. Placing a sink and toilet along one wall can be a cost-saving measure but may not be the best in terms of overall space arrangement. Depending on square footage, placing the sink and toilet opposite each other, or on opposing walls, can result in better room flow.
Lighting and Electrical
5. Plan for natural light. A powder should contain at least 10 percent natural light whenever possible. Natural light can come from a traditional window, glass block or skylight.
6. Plan for artificial light. Poor placement of lighting fixtures and choosing the wrong type of lighting can result in harsh shadows and inadequate lighting. Instead of a single ceiling light in the middle of the room, low-profile recessed lights are a better idea. Place mirror lights alongside the mirror instead of above to eliminate shadows.
7. Decide on placement of switches and electrical outlets. Dimmer switches are a good idea for overhead and mirror lighting. Place a ground-fault circuit interrupter outlet near the sink.
Fixtures
8. Choose toilet design. Since small rooms amplify sound, a toilet with a pressure-assist flush will usually be too loud. Choosing a toilet with a sound modulator will lessen the possibility of others hearing the toilet flush. Toilet shape is also important. While elongated toilets are two-inches longer than round-front toilets, they are easier for males to use and the best for most powder rooms.
9. Choose vanity/sink design. Powder rooms should have a single-bowl sink. A pedestal sink is a good space-saving decision but will affect storage options. If you require storage, use a vanity.
10. Choose bowl and faucet design. Bowl and faucet decisions are a matter of preference. Drop-in bowls can be rimmed or rimless, vessel sinks can sit in the countertop and some can install directly to the wall. Bathroom faucets come in a wide variety of styles and finishes, most being the traditional two-handle type.
11. Make mirror choices and decide on placement. Most mirrors hang directly above the sink. If this is the only place you can hang the mirror, try to make sure it is not directly across from the toilet. Also ensure it cannot catch direct sunlight from a window and create glare.
Finishes
12. Decide on floor coverings. Hardwood does not work well in a powder room. If you want the look of wood, consider wood laminate. A lighter color floor will help make the room appear larger, and lighter colors are usually easier to keep clean.
13. Choose wall coverings. Vertical lines will reduce the appearance of space while horizontal lines, such as wainscoting, baseboard or crown molding, will make a room appear larger. Wallpaper is a good choice for a powder room but make sure the pattern is not overly "busy."
14. Choose a color scheme. Pale and cool works well in a powder room. This includes light blue or green, neutral colors and whites. Dark colors can make the room appear to close in. Alternatively, an all-white bathroom can give off an institutional feel.
Tags: powder room, make room, make room appear, room appear, also important, appear larger, Design Powder
