Whether you are after some downstairs bathroom ideas to upgrade an existing ground floor space, or want to create an accessible bathroom to future-proof your home, our brilliant round-up takes all requirements into account.
Once seen as old-fashioned and impractical, downstairs bathrooms actually have a lot going for them. They make it possible to one day locate an extra bedroom on the ground floor, making them a popular choice with those building 'forever homes'.
To give you a bit of inspiration, we’ve gathered some of the best and most creative ideas to show the benefits of a downstairs bathroom.
1. Make a statement with a freestanding bath
It can sometimes be risky to install a very heavy feature tub in a first-floor bathroom if the structure isn’t designed to support the additional weight, and floors often need reinforcing to address this issue.
However, downstairs bathroom floors are typically solid in their construction, making them ideal for anyone who has their heart set on a hefty bathtub with some wow-factor.
This stunning ground floor bathroom has a walk-in shower, fitted with Acquabella's Flow Zero shower tray, with a view of the pretty Mediterranean courtyard garden outside.
2. Ensure privacy with high-level windows
Privacy can be an issue in downstairs bathrooms and while it can be lovely to enjoy your morning shower or evening bath while taking in far-reaching views over the countryside, this isn't always a possibility.
If your bathroom will be overlooked, avoid becoming the talk of the town by fitting high-level clerestory windows that will allow light in but will keep prying eyes out.
However, if your heart is set on big, open bathroom windows, you could always install switchable glass, which can be controlled to become transparent or translucent at the click of a button, giving you the best of both worlds.
3. Squeeze a shower enclosure into a downstairs WC
If you have the space in an existing or new cloakroom, why not consider making it part of a shower room too? It's always handy to have an extra shower, whether that is for a growing family or to make hosting guests a little easier.
"In our experience, the absolute minimum size for a shower enclosure is around 700mm x 700mm. While this can work in certain situations, it isn’t the most comfortable option for everyday use," says Oliver and Vic Slovak, founders of VOSC Bathrooms & Interiors.
"That size tends to make sense in more functional spaces, for example, in a downstairs cloakroom conversion, a garden office, or an additional bathroom added primarily to increase a property’s resale value. As a practical minimum, we suggest around 850mm x 850mm, or 800mm x 900mm."
Oliver and Vic Slovak are the founders of VOSC Bathrooms & Interiors, a specialist bathroom installation company based in St Albans, working across Hertfordshire and North London. Founded in 2021, VOSC delivers multiple full bathroom installations each month, focusing on high-quality workmanship, waterproofing expertise and practical, well-executed wet room solutions.
4. Connect your downstairs bathroom to the garden
Make the most of the ground floor location of your new bathroom by allowing it to be opened up to the garden when required.
While you might not want to expose the space to the elements in freezing cold weather or in the middle of a family barbecue, at other times this can be a real luxury – step out of the shower and onto your terrace for a zen-like experience.
That being said, you’ll need to plan your window treatments carefully to ensure privacy when needed, and consider whether curtains, frosted glass, switchable glass, blinds or shutters will work best.
5. Stick to built-in sanitaryware in small spaces
If you are looking for ways to make the most of a small bathroom, then this one is for you. Most bathroom suppliers now have ranges designed specifically to tackle the issue of compact spaces – and built-in sanitaryware is an ideal solution.
In the photo above, the suite from Tavistock Bathrooms manages to incorporate handy storage space while making the best use of a limited footprint.
“Corner or back-to-wall toilets, wall-mounted sinks, vanity units with integrated basins, and compact shower-baths are great options for a small bathroom where space is limited," says Alex Woods, bathroom expert at Victorian Plumbing.
Alex Woods is a bathroom expert at Victorian Plumbing, a major online bathroom and kitchen retailer based in Merseyside, UK.
6. Indulge in a luxurious sunken bath
If you have always had your heart set on a sunken tub, then a downstairs bathroom could finally help you realise this dream. While it is possible to build up the floor level to install a sunken bath, it is a tricky design feature to achieve on upper storeys.
"The key issue is how the load is being transferred into the structure below. A filled bath with a person in it is extremely heavy, so we always need to understand what the existing floor is made up of, whether that is a concrete slab, suspended timber floor, or a combination of both," says Chris Lawson, Managing Director of Online Drawing UK.
"Drainage falls also need to be factored in early, as lowering the bath can affect how waste pipes are routed without weakening the structure which is again pivotal. This is where architectural and structural input working together is essential, rather than treating the bath as a simple fit-out item."
Chris is the founder of Online Drawing UK and has been in the industry for over 15 years. He's been featured in trade press and national publications alike, alongside working on buildings of all shapes and sizes to create award-winning architectural projects.
7. Combine a utility room and downstairs bathroom
If you like the idea of a downstairs bathroom, but are struggling to fit one into your layout, consider combining it with your utility space.
Thanks to its practicality, this is actually one of our favourite utility room ideas, making it possible to place dirty clothes shed on entering the shower straight into the washing machine. It also means cleaning products are close to hand when required.
"Effective zoning is about clear separation, without closing in the room. Methods such as concealing utility units are a great way to do this. Using storage to stack a washer and dryer, or hidden utility zones with bifold or sliding doors help to free up floor space and create a functional, flowing room," says Alex Woods.
8. Invest in good blinds to spare blushes
It’s all well and good dreaming of enjoying garden views while you shower through full-height glazing, but what about the views enjoyed by those outside looking in?
If your new bathroom windows are located in a spot that is likely to be frequented by passers by, be sure to fit them with good blinds or shutters, or invest in switchable glass.
To prevent mould and mildew from spoiling them, choose a waterproof or bathroom-specific option that can withstand the high humidity levels of a bathroom. You may also want to consider bottom-up blinds to allow partial views.
Add these bathroom blinds to your basket
We love the striped design of these blackout roller blinds, which can be cut to fit windows of any size.
Crafted from waterproof, durable PVC, these bifold shutters can withstand hot, humid bathroom conditions.
These Venetian blinds provide flexible light and privacy control and are made from treated wood to prevent warping.
9. Design a peek-proof downstairs bathroom
There are ways to allow plenty of light into your downstairs bathroom and enjoy great views of your garden, while still sparing your modesty.
For this to be possible, you need to carefully plan your bathroom design and locate fittings such as your shower enclosure and bath away from windows, using rooflights or similar in these spots.
Reserve full-height glazing for areas of the space where you are likely to be a little less exposed. The example here is perfect – the shower is tucked discreetly into a corner away from the sliding doors, while a cosy seating spot is able to enjoy the garden views.
10. Invest in good ventilation methods
Not only will adequate home ventilation be a requirement of the Building Regulations, it is also important from a comfort point of view – particularly in downstairs bathrooms.
Without proper ventilation methods, steam and moisture is likely to escape into other ground floor areas (and no one wants to be struggling to see the television after someone has taken a shower).
"It really comes down to having a good-quality extractor fan, making sure it's fitted correctly, and using it at the right times," says Michael Zohouri, founder of Pyramid Eco. "For a typical bathroom, you want a fan that extracts at least 15 litres of air per second. That’s the baseline. But to be honest, in bathrooms that get heavy use or have no window, I usually recommend a more powerful model."
Crowned as our number one extractor, this fan removes 26 litres per second and has been awarded Quiet Mark certification.
Michael Zohouri is the founder of Pyramid Eco with over a decade of retrofit experience. He specialises in tackling mould, damp and ventilation issues, alongside sustainable upgrades such as heat pump installations. His focus is on creating healthier homes that improve air quality and energy efficiency.
11. Make the most of the space with a wet room
Most wet room ideas are perfect for smaller downstairs bathrooms as they are very space effective.
Providing the space has been properly tanked, you may not need to fit a shower enclosure, or even a shower screen. This is a huge benefit, as you won’t need to worry about opening and closing a shower enclosure door. Do consider installing underfloor heating though, as it is the best way to dry out the floor quickly.
Wet rooms also score top points for accessibility, offering level access to the shower, space for seating, and wider doorways – especially when located on the ground floor.
12. Sneak a washing machine in your downstairs bathroom
If you are struggling to find space in your utility room for a washing machine or would like to avoid installing one in your kitchen, then consider locating it in your downstairs bathroom instead.
“One of the most important things to consider when placing a washing machine in a bathroom is electrical safety. Bathrooms are naturally damp and steamy environments, meaning it is important to firstly check that the washing machine is suitable for a bathroom," warns Alex Woods.
“Standard plug sockets are typically not allowed in bathrooms in the UK unless installed at least three meters horizontally away from a shower or bath. Also, remember to ensure your bathroom has adequate ventilation to avoid damage to the washing machine.”
13. Fit a bath into a downstairs bedroom
If you have a ground floor guest bedroom, but are struggling to find the space for an en suite or separate bathroom, then how about installing a bath within the room?
If this idea takes your fancy, be sure to work through the practicalities so that your new bath is a pleasure rather than a pain. You will need to think about how to get the water to and from the bath, provide adequate means of ventilation and choose bathroom flooring ideas that can withstand the odd splash or spill.
"Installing a bath in a bedroom introduces a higher risk of water damage because the space was not originally designed as a wet area. The biggest challenges are managing potential leaks and long-term moisture exposure (and the dreaded condensation without ventilation)," says Chris Lawson.
Is it okay to have a bathroom downstairs?
Unlike normal bathroom design ideas, ground floor spaces have some very unique requirements that need taking into consideration. These include:
- Location: If you're not working with an existing room, take time to consider the best location for the new bathroom – ideally it will be located so that pipes and waste can easily be taken outside and away from the main living areas.
- Ventilation: Don't forget the need for a window or extractor fan.
- Privacy: Think about window placement and treatment carefully.
- Size: What will you have space for? You need enough space to enjoy using your new bathroom without feeling hemmed in.
Once you have planned out the practical side of your bathroom design, it is time to start enjoying all the benefits of a ground floor bathing spot.
If you found this helpful and want more inspiration, our collection of the best luxury bathroom ideas and neutral bathroom ideas have advice to get you started.
