En-suite bathroom
Everything you need to know about the private bathroom trend
Key points at a glance:
- Planning an en suite bathroom thoughtfully: A bathroom directly connected to the bedroom offers comfort, privacy, and a luxurious living experience.
- Pay attention to ventilation and hygiene: Effective ventilation systems ensure a comfortable indoor environment.
- Create an inviting atmosphere with open designs: freestanding bathtubs, walk-in showers, and stylish room dividers highlight the modern character of the private bathroom.
The en-suite bathroom: pros and cons
There are two types of en suite bathrooms: one is a separate room that is directly and exclusively adjacent to the bedroom, and the other is a layout where the bathroom and bedroom are integrated into the same space.
However, anyone interested in an en suite bathroom should first consider the pros and cons of having a private bathroom. Despite the fact that it’s a current trend, there are a few things to keep in mind, which also depend on the specific type of en suite bathroom you choose.
Advantages
Privacy
In the morning, especially in a busy household, it can be nice to start the day in peace and quiet, just by yourself. Similarly, having a bathroom right nearby allows you to spend some time alone right before going to bed to unwind. Especially when other people are sleeping in the house, this also minimizes the risk of waking them up if they’ve already fallen asleep or haven’t woken up yet.
Comfort
Of course, shorter distances also make things more convenient. Plus, an en suite bathroom can be designed entirely to suit the needs of the person using it—there’s no need to worry about others.
Aesthetics
Visually, too, combining a bedroom with an en suite bathroom is a major advantage. Especially with the open-plan layout, a wide range of styles can be achieved—from postmodern industrial chic to a private wellness oasis with a tropical feel. This also creates a sense of spaciousness. With the separate layout, the design can also be customized to suit the user’s preferences.
Validity
An en suite bathroom can also be considered an added feature. After all, a private bathroom is inextricably linked to a sense of luxury and modernity. As a result, it increases the resale value of an apartment or house.
Disadvantages
Space management
Even if the en suite bathroom is small, it does not make efficient use of the space. A separate bathroom for private use is less efficient than one or more bathrooms for shared use. In compact living situations, it is generally recommended to use the space for other purposes.
Advance planning
Because of the necessary plumbing connections, an en suite bathroom requires a fair amount of advance planning. Retrofitting it later usually involves a lot of work, so it should be planned for right from the start of construction.
Humidity
A bathroom generates high humidity and must be heated and ventilated appropriately to prevent issues such as mold. This can be particularly problematic in the case of an en suite bathroom, as the requirements for temperature and humidity in a bedroom are often different.
Ventilation
Like any bathroom, an en suite bathroom also requires ventilation. If the floor plan of a bedroom with an en suite bathroom is not given sufficient consideration during the design phase and the bathroom itself lacks a window, ventilation is only possible through the bedroom. In both cases—but especially with the integrated layout—solutions must also be found to address unpleasant odors coming from the bathroom.
Planning an en suite bathroom
Since the drawbacks of an en suite bathroom should not be overlooked, careful planning is recommended—as this can help prevent many of them from arising in the first place. Therefore, the following aspects should be planned in advance:
Ventilation plan
Regardless of which option you choose, the en suite bathroom should be designed with a ventilation plan in mind. In the case of a separate room, an exterior wall with a window is, of course, sufficient. With the integrated version, however, it is somewhat more complex and requires effective coordination between ventilation and heating. It is therefore often advisable to have the integrated en suite bathroom designed by a professional.
Choosing the right option
Since there are different types of en suite bathrooms, you need to decide on one in advance. Of course, personal preferences play an important role, but you should also consider how the bathroom will be used. Will the en suite bathroom be used by just one person, or by several? If the latter is the case, the integrated type may not provide the desired privacy. In that case, the separate type might be the better choice.
Security
In particular, if you opt for the built-in version, there are also some safety considerations to keep in mind. Electrical appliances in the bedroom should be able to withstand a certain level of humidity and be placed far enough away from any potential water splashes. In addition, the bedroom floor should provide sufficient traction in case of condensation. By the way: An en suite bathroom can also be designed and furnished to be barrier-free.
Hygiene
If the en suite bathroom includes a toilet, it should be located at a sufficient distance from the bedroom to ensure properhygiene. Of course, it is also possible to design the en suite bathroom without a toilet and either place it in a separate room—as is common in many older buildings—or use the toilet in a shared bathroom.
Furnishing the en suite bathroom
Of course, all kinds of interior design styles are possible for an en suite bathroom. This allows you to get creative—after all, the whole point of a private bathroom is the freedom to design the space to suit your personal taste. We’ve put together a list of what to keep in mind and which en suite bathroom ideas are particularly appealing:
Freestanding bathtub
Few things are as closely associated with an en suite bathroom as a freestanding bathtub. A real eye-catcher here helps create the perfect sense of well-being. After all, what could be more relaxing than a long soak right before bedtime?
Walk-in showers
Especially in the built-in version, walk-in showers help the room feel even more cohesive. A glass partition also helps maintain the room’s open feel.
Stylish room dividers
With the integrated design, it may be a good idea to separate the two halves of the room depending on the situation. Screens or curtains offer stylish options that can even enhance the overall visual appeal.
Suitable fabrics, colors, and wallpaper
When designing a bathroom-and-bedroom suite, the materials used in the bedroom area must also be carefully considered. This is because they need to be able to withstand the increased humidity. It is recommended to use moisture-resistant paint when painting the bathroom. There are also special moisture-resistant options available for wallpaper.
