Attic bathroom: how to design it? Find out!

Designing an attic bathroom is a chance to create a unique and highly functional space for the whole family — especially if it’s the second such room in the house. It can become a calm sanctuary, but also a space that accommodates more fixtures. How should you arrange it to make that happen? What’s worth keeping in mind? Here are our tips!

A modern attic bathroom: plan the space

Whether it’s a large or small attic bathroom with a sloped ceiling — each one needs proper organisation. Without it, your fit-out plan may prove impractical. How do you avoid that?

First, measure the entire space precisely: the floor, wall heights, and slopes. Ceiling height matters too, as a low, slanted ceiling can limit usable space. Make sure that in the spots where people will be standing there’s enough room to move about freely.

Bath or shower in a sloped-ceiling bathroom?

Consider which elements are most important and what should feature in your bathroom. Prioritising will help you plan the space optimally. Dreaming of an attic bathroom with both a bath and a shower? Or is the floor area small and you’ll have to make do with a compact attic bathroom with a shower? Sketch the individual fixtures to scale on paper according to their dimensions and the available floor area — it’ll be easier to see if, and how, they’ll fit.

Which bath should you choose for an attic bathroom? If it’s to be a bath under the slope, consider a rectangular or semi-circular model that will slot into the space with ease and be straightforward to keep clean. A narrow bathroom with a sloped ceiling? A compact shower will be the better solution. But if the floor area is generous, an attic bathroom with a freestanding bath can become your sanctuary. Just make sure there’s ample space around it for comfortable movement.

Besides the bath and shower, you’ll also need a washbasin and a toilet. Plan their placement with their dimensions in mind. And if you like practical solutions, consider installing a bidet.

Don’t forget about the furniture you want to include in the bathroom. In a sloped attic, made-to-measure furniture may prove the best solution. Consider ordering cabinets that make the most of the available space.

What lighting should you choose for an attic bathroom?

If possible, use roof windows to maximise daylight. Natural light makes the bathroom feel larger and more welcoming, and it also allows you to keep live plants there.

You’ll also need artificial lighting. Choose bright light sources that can illuminate every corner of the bathroom. A central ceiling light is essential, as are wall lights for the mirror. When choosing, be sure to check the moisture-resistance rating. The higher the IP rating, the safer the lighting will be.

Colours and materials used in the attic: do they matter?

Colours and materials do matter when arranging an attic. They will determine whether the room looks spacious or not. Remember that light, neutral colours visually enlarge the space. Whites, beiges, light greys and pastel shades are ideal in smaller rooms. Deeper hues, or even bold dark colours, are a good choice only for larger floor areas. Pay attention to materials too. Gloss-finish tiles, mirrors and glass help reflect light, which also makes the space feel bigger.

Proper ventilation: comfort and health worth prioritising

A sloped attic ceiling can hinder natural air circulation. If you can install them, roof windows with ventilation functions are an excellent solution. They’ll provide not only natural light but also fresh air. If that’s not an option, invest in mechanical ventilation to prevent damp and mould in the bathroom.

Comfort and convenience — an attic bathroom tailored to your needs

Fitting out an attic bathroom calls for careful planning and consideration of the specific architectural conditions of such a space. Map it out precisely, choose suitable fixtures and furniture, and remember effective ventilation, and you’ll create a practical bathroom. Best of luck!