Bathroom ergonomics - useful tips for planning a cozy bathroom

Dimensions and distances

The ergonomics of the bathroom is primarily aimed at convenience during hygiene procedures. Each person has their own concepts of comfort, we only give average figures that should be guided by.

It is recommended to install the bathtub at a height of 60 cm from the floor, while it is necessary to provide a slope for draining water into the sewer. The height of the bowl from its bottom to the ceiling should be about 200 cm. And for the elderly, a glass shower stall is considered a more convenient option - a too high side creates additional difficulties.

When installing the sink, it is necessary to take into account the growth of the owner of the apartment, but the standard height is considered to be the interval from 80 to 110 cm, optimal - 90. If instead of a solid structure, an overhead sink and an underframe are supposed, then it is best to choose them simultaneously in order to determine in advance the level of installation of products.

It is worth considering such ergonomic recommendations as the distance between the sink and the mirror: it should be at least 20 cm. In this case, the mirror surface will be protected from drops and splashes. It is convenient if there is 50–70 cm between the bathtub (or shower) and the towel racks: this way it will be easier to reach them. The same rule applies to the shelves for hygiene products.

The photo shows a small combined bathroom with well-thought-out ergonomics.

If a toilet is installed in the bathroom, according to the standard, the distance to the bathtub should be at least 50 cm.But in small rooms it is not always possible to carve out the necessary centimeters: then, in favor of ergonomics, it is worth thinking about replacing the bathtub with a shower with a floor drain.

The distance in front of the toilet should also be comfortable. If redevelopment is not expected, but you do not want to put up with cramped conditions, you should look at another toilet. A product with a top tank will allow you to get 15 cm, but not everyone will agree to an "old-fashioned" design. There is a way out - a wall-hung toilet with a built-in cistern. It is more compact than classic models, moreover, it looks very aesthetically pleasing. Alas, replacing a plumbing fixture entails repairing the floor, as well as the area on the wall behind it.

For convenience, it is advisable to place the toilet 40 cm from other furniture: from the cabin or from the bath, bidet and sink. It is established by the rules of bathroom ergonomics that, for minimum convenience, it is advisable to leave about 30 cm between the bidet and the toilet bowl. Various accessories (hygienic watering can, toilet paper holder) should be placed at half-arm's length. The height of the holder from the floor is about 70 cm.

In the photo, the toilet is located quite far from the bath, but close to the cabinet: in a small bathroom, it is better to sacrifice the distance to the furniture than to the bowl.

Correct layout

Let's decide on the location of the bathroom. If the short wall is more than 160 cm, then it is more convenient to install the bowl along it. If the wall is shorter, then there are several options for solving the ergonomic problem:

• Installing a cabin or shower enclosure (ideally with glass doors, as when using the curtain, cold air can blow it inward).
• Purchase of a corner bath.
• Installation of a shortened bowl: it will be difficult to lie in it, but this option is quite suitable for bathing a child and washing things.

Sometimes it is more expedient to remove the partition between the bathroom and the toilet and make the bathroom combined. In terms of ergonomics, this is not always convenient in a large family, but thanks to the combination, space is freed up for a washing machine. Dismantling must be approved by the BTI.

In a small bathroom, it is important that the door opens outward: this increases the free space. Sometimes it makes sense to replace the swing door with a sliding door.

In the photo there is a bathroom, the ergonomics of which are thought out to the smallest detail: the corner cabin is equipped with mirrored doors and a bench, the optimal distance is maintained between the elements, closed storage systems help maintain order.

If it is uncomfortable to use the toilet in a combined bathroom, you should turn it 45 degrees. You can place the standard model at an angle or purchase a special corner model. In terms of ergonomics, mounted products also have their advantages: cleaning the floor becomes much easier. In addition, furniture raised above the surface creates the effect of unoccupied space, and the room looks more spacious.

The photo shows a spacious room with perfectly organized ergonomics.

The ergonomics of the bathroom dictates the location of not only furniture, but also various small items: shampoos, tubes, cups with toothbrushes. It is convenient if hygiene products are at hand, but their abundance clutters up the space, making even the most stylish interior cheaper.

It is best to use closed storage systems, such as a cabinet with a mirror above the sink. The most essential bathroom elements - liquid soap and toothbrushes with toothpaste - can be left in a conspicuous place in beautiful dispensers and cups

When planning lighting, you should think in advance about the installation of outlets, switches and lamps. The general lighting of the entire room and local lighting of the shower area meet the ergonomic requirements.

We comply with safety rules

Elderly people and small children are most at risk in the bathroom, but the rest should not neglect the simple rules of ergonomics.

In a humid environment, water is the main hazard. First of all, you need to take care of the anti-slip coating on the floor and shower. A rubber mat can be used in the bath.

For children, it is necessary to provide stable supports to make it easier to use the washbasins. It is worth making sure in advance that they do not slip.

Ergonomic requirements also apply to handrails, which help to easily move into the bath or cabin. If the elderly take a shower in it, the support allows you to maintain balance. The handrail is installed at a height of approx. 100 cm.

In favor of the ergonomics of this bathroom, anti-slip floor tiles, wall-mounted sanitary ware and rather large distances between them play.

If the dimensions of the shower stall allow, it is worth providing it with a moisture-resistant bench: it is indispensable for people of age, as well as those who have difficulty tilting.

Much safer and more ergonomic is the room where quality bathroom furniture is used with a minimum of sharp corners.

From the point of view of ergonomics, it is important to create such conditions for the residents so that no difficulties arise during hygiene procedures, washing and bathing the baby. This requires a clear planning of all scenarios for using the bathroom, because a successful design begins with the right ergonomics.