Bed + bathroom layouts and floor plan ideas.

Whether you are designing for yourself or someone else, bed + bathrooms should be cozy and comfortable, providing a space to unwind, recharge, and escape the chaos of the world. Even if your typical design style is more maximalist, bed + bathrooms usually lean more minimalist to offer a serene backdrop for a good night’s sleep. Bed + Bathroom layouts are also more simple. The square footage of your room and size of your bed frame will typically dictate the best layout.

These are some of the most common bed + bathroom furniture pieces that you’ll need to account for on your floor plan with tips on the best ways to arrange them in your space:

1. Bed: The bed is the centerpiece and typical focal point of any bedroom, providing a comfortable and restful place to sleep. It typically includes a mattress, bed frame, and headboard. While mattress sizes are standard (ranging from twin to california king), bed frames can really vary so make sure you take the bed frame size (not just the mattress) into account when planning your layout. If you have the space, it’s good to have at least 24 inches of walking space on either side of the bed. If not, you may want to put one side of the bed against a wall to maximize walking space. Pro tip: if you want good bedroom feng shui, place your bed facing the door, either opposite or diagonally.
2. Nightstands: Nightstands (or bedside tables) are small tables or cabinets placed on either side of the bed. They provide a convenient surface for placing bedside lamps, alarm clocks, books, and other personal items. Pro tip: Bedside tables should be placed 2-4 inches from the bed frame and no more than 24 inches deep (any deeper and it can be pretty uncomfortable to get in and out of bed). If you choose to add a table lamp or a sconce, keep in mind the depth of the light to ensure you have enough space on the bedside table.
3. Dresser or Chest of Drawers: A dresser or chest of drawers offers storage space for clothing, accessories, and other personal belongings. It usually consists of multiple drawers and may also have a mirror attached.
4. Wardrobe or Closet: A wardrobe or closet is used for storing clothing, shoes, and other items. It can be a freestanding piece of furniture or a built-in closet with shelves, hanging rods, and drawers. Pro tip: If you plan for your wardrobe or closet to include hanging rods, you will need a minimum of 22 inches of depth for a standard hanger to fit comfortably.
5. Area Rug: It’s common to include an area rug in a bedroom for extra warmth and coziness. There are three common layout options for rugs in the bedroom. Option 1, place the bed and nightstands entirely on the rug. Option 2, place ⅔ of the bed on the rug, with 24 inches extending beyond the sides of the bed. Option 3, place two runners along each side of the bed (the runners should be wider than the bedside tables, if possible).
6. Seating: Depending on the size of the bedroom, seating options such as an accent armchair, bench, or ottoman can be included. These provide a cozy spot for reading, relaxing, or putting on shoes. If you have the space, we highly recommend a bench at the end of a bed for our furry friends.
7. Desk (optional): If the bedroom doubles as a workspace or study area — most common for guest bedrooms or kids bedrooms — a desk can be added. It provides a designated space for a computer, books, and other work-related items.
8. Storage Solutions (optional): Additional storage solutions such as shelves, cabinets, or storage benches can be incorporated to keep the bedroom organized and clutter-free. It’s important to keep them in mind when creating your floor plan so you account for the space they will take up in your walking paths.

Remember, these are just the basics. The specific furniture arrangement and additional pieces may vary based on personal preferences and the size or shape of the bed + bathroom. Get creative and have fun with your layouts! If you need an extra hand, check out our step-by-step guide on How To Design a Bedroom.

On one hand, bed + bathrooms are undeniably practical spaces. They serve a very specific purpose and are often the smallest rooms in any home. On the other hand, bed + bathrooms also double as havens for cleansing and self-care, an intimate escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Small room, big personality.

Despite being a relatively small space, there are a lot of considerations in creating a good bed + bathroom layout. If you are building from scratch or remodeling, you may have more flexibility in your bed + bathroom layout and placement of plumbing fixtures. But moving plumbing is not always possible (or comes with a hefty fee!) — not to mention the many code requirements that dictate where you can and cannot place your fixtures (check with your local building department to find out what these are in your area).

In order to maximize square footage in a bed + bathroom (and to also save on plumbing and electrical costs), it’s common for all plumbing fixtures — sink faucet, toilet, and shower or bath valves — to be arranged in a straight line against a wall so your water and drain lines can all connect. The most basic layout would be: sink (or double sink), toilet, bath tub or walk-in shower (if designing a full bath). If you have the space to spread your fixtures out for a more luxury spa feel, keep in mind who will be using the bathroom at the same time and the flow and common traffic patterns from one fixture to the next.

Whether you're in the process of designing a new bed + bathroom or looking to revamp your existing one, the key components from one bathroom to the next are not that different. When planning the floorplan for a bed + bathroom, consider including the following:

1. Vanity or Sink Cabinet: The vanity or sink cabinet serves as functional bed + bathroom storage. It typically includes a sink or basin with a faucet, a countertop, and storage drawers or cabinets. Vanities can also be paired with a mirror above or medicine cabinets for extra storage. The vanity provides counter space for bathroom accessories, a place to wash hands or brush teeth, and storage for toiletries and personal care items. It’s common for modern bathrooms to include a vanity with a double sink.
2. Toilet: The toilet, a necessary fixture in any bed + bathroom. Toilets these days come in all shapes, colors, and sizes. If you are remodeling a bathroom, most contractors will recommend keeping the toilet in the same location because toilet plumbing lines are wider and usually harder (and more expensive) to relocate. A general rule of thumb (and often a code requirement) is to allow for at least 15 inches from the center line of the toilet to a wall or vanity on either side, so even though the toilet width may be only 18 inches, make sure you account for at least 30 inches on your floor plan. If you have the space, you may want to consider a toilet closet for privacy.
3. Shower or Bathtub (for full baths): Depending on the size and layout of the bathroom, you may opt for a shower or bathtub (or a bathtub with shower combination). A shower will consist of a showerhead, controls, and a shower enclosure (shower curtain or glass door), while a bathtub provides a space for soaking and relaxation. If you have the space, you may opt for a separate shower and a freestanding tub. Showers come in all shapes and sizes. Pro tip: A 3x3 foot shower is the minimum we would recommend for a walk-in shower. For a more comfortable layout, consider a larger footprint like 3x5 foot or a 4x6 foot. If you are opting for a swing glass door instead of a sliding door or a shower curtain, keep in mind the swing of the door when creating your floor plan.
4. Shelving, Storage Units, or Linen Closet: Depending on your square footage, you may want to add freestanding shelves, wall-mounted shelves, a storage cabinet, or even a linen closet to maximize storage space in the bathroom and provide a place to store towels, extra toiletries, and other bath essentials.
5. Task Lighting: It’s important you have enough light in your bathroom. Keep this in mind when planning your layout and include a mix of flush mounts and vanity lights.
6. Bath Accessories: While not furniture per se, bathroom accessories such as towel bars, hooks, and toilet paper holders are important for organizing and enhancing the functionality of the space. It’s important to keep them in mind when creating your floor plan so you account for the space they will take up in your walking paths. No one likes bumping their knees on a toilet paper holder!

Remember, these are just the basics. If you need an extra hand with your bed + bathroom design, check out our step-by-step guide on How To Design a Bathroom.