En suite bathroom
Everything you need to know about the private bathroom trend at a glance
The en suite bathroom: advantages and disadvantages
There are two types of en suite bathrooms: one option is a separate room directly adjacent to the bedroom, while the other integrates the bathroom and bedroom into the same room.
However, anyone interested in an en suite bathroom should first consider the advantages and disadvantages of a private bathroom. Despite the trendiness of this feature, there are a few things to consider, which also depend on the type of en suite bathroom you choose.
Benefits
Privacy
In the morning, especially in a busy household, it can be nice to start the day in peace and quiet. Similarly, having the bathroom close by allows you to have some time alone to wind down before going to bed. This also minimizes the risk of waking up other people in the house who are already asleep or have not yet woken up.
Comfort
Of course, short distances also increase comfort. In addition, the en suite bathroom can be designed entirely according to the needs of the person using it—there is no need to take others into consideration here.
Aesthetics
Visually, combining the bedroom with an en suite bathroom is also a big plus. Especially with the integrated version in one room, many different styles can be created, from postmodern industrial chic to a private wellness oasis with a tropical feel. It also creates a spacious feeling. With the separate version, the character can also be individually designed, again tailored to the preferences of the users.
Validity
The en suite bathroom can also be considered an asset. This is because a private bathroom is inextricably linked to a feeling of luxury and modernity. In this way, it increases the (resale) value of an apartment or house.
Disadvantages
Space management
Even if the en suite bathroom is small, it does not represent an efficient use of space. A separate bathroom for private use is less effective than one or more for shared use. For compact living situations, it is generally advisable to use the space for other purposes.
Advance planning
Due to the necessary connections, an en suite bathroom requires a lot of advance planning. Retrofitting is usually very costly, so it should be planned for during construction.
Moisture
A bathroom generates high humidity and must be heated and ventilated accordingly to prevent mold, for example. This can cause problems, especially with integrated en suite bathrooms, as the temperature and humidity requirements in a bedroom are often different.
Ventilation
Like any bathroom, an en suite bathroom also needs ventilation options. If the floor plan is not taken into account sufficiently when planning a bedroom with an en suite bathroom and there is no window in the bathroom itself, ventilation is only possible via the bedroom. In both variants, but especially in the integrated one, solutions must also be found for unpleasant odors from the bathroom.
Planning an en suite bathroom
Since the disadvantages of an en suite bathroom should not be ignored, careful planning is recommended—this way, many of them can be avoided from the outset. The following things should therefore be planned in advance:
Ventilation concept
Regardless of which option you choose, the en suite bathroom should be planned with a ventilation concept in mind. In the case of a separate room, an exterior wall with a window is of course sufficient. However, the integrated version is somewhat more complex and requires good interaction between ventilation and heating. It is therefore often advisable to have the integrated en suite bathroom planned by a specialist.
Choosing the right option
Since there are different variants for en suite bathrooms, a decision must be made in advance. Of course, personal preferences play an important role, but the intended use should also be taken into account. Will the en suite bathroom be used by only one person or by several? If the latter is the case, the integrated variant may not offer the desired privacy. In this case, the separate variant may be preferable.
Safety
If you opt for the integrated version, there are also a few safety aspects to consider. Electrical appliances in the bedroom should be able to withstand a certain level of humidity and be located far enough away from any potential splashes. In addition, the bedroom floor should be sufficiently slip-resistant in case of condensation. By the way: an en suite bathroom can also be designed and fitted out as a barrier-free bathroom.
Hygiene
If the en suite bathroom also includes a toilet, it should be located at a sufficient distance from the bedroom to ensure adequate hygiene. It is also possible, of course, to plan an en suite bathroom without a toilet and either accommodate 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. You can really let your creativity run wild here—after all, the whole point of a private bathroom is to give you personal freedom in how you design the space. We've put together a list of things to keep in mind and some particularly appealing en suite bathroom ideas:
Freestanding bathtub
Few things are as closely associated with an en suite bathroom as a freestanding bathtub. A real eye-catcher contributes to the ultimate wellness feeling. After all, what could be more relaxing than a long bath just before going to bed?
Walk-in showers
Walk-in showers, especially the integrated version, ensure that the room appears even more seamless. A glass partition also maintains the open impression of the room.
Stylish room dividers
With the integrated version, it may be advisable to separate the two halves of the room depending on the situation. Screens or curtains offer stylish options here that can even enhance the overall visual impression.
Suitable fabrics, colors, and wallpaper
When designing a bathroom en suite, the materials for the bedroom area must also be carefully considered. These should be able to cope well with the increased humidity. It is advisable to use moisture-resistant paint to paint the bathroom. There are also special moisture-resistant wallpaper options available.
