bathroom reno
Inches count when planning a bathroom renovation that takes into account its pre-teen users
Two daughters need two sinks in a tiny loo.
Hi Jeffrey
We moved into our house over 10 years ago and, with the exception of updating our kitchen appliances, really haven’t done much in the line of renovations.
As our two daughters approach their teen years we know it’s time to redo the primary bathroom they share (my husband and I have an outdated ensuite off our bedroom). Ideally we would like a vanity with double sinks but the space only measures 64” and we’re afraid that’s too tight. I would love your opinion on this as well as any ideas you might have for creating a timeless bathroom for the girls.
Thank you, Dee
Hi Dee,
You and your husband win parents-of-the-week for prioritizing the renovation of your daughters’ bathroom over your own. I can’t guarantee I would be as selfless.
I always think bathrooms should be approached with a timeless design in mind. It’s not as if you’re going to redo this bathroom again before the girls leave for college. With this in mind, avoid the temptation to use any permanent materials (ie: tiles, fixtures or cabinetry) that read as cutsie or girly. If you want to introduce a youthful or feminine element, do so with the addition of artwork, cabinet hardware or even wallpaper (which can be replaced in a few years when the girls have outgrown them).
Let’s start by looking at my inspiration photo from Hicks Fine Homes in Vancouver (hicksfinehomes.com). This bathroom renovation ticks all my boxes. It has clean lines, it’s classic and efficient and I think you will do well to take a lesson in bathroom renos from Michael Hicks.
I assume your bathroom has a bathtub that you will either keep or replace. If a tub is not a priority, the space provided by removing it allows for a generous walk-in-shower. I recommend keeping the tub in the floor plan, even if it’s only used a handful of times a year and especially if it’s the only bathtub in the house. Think resale.
The room above is 75” wide, Michael says, so by using a 66” tub, he was able to create a niche for shelves and keep the existing window looking centered on the wall. The niche gives this renovation a definite a custom feel (as well as additional storage space). If this idea appeals to you but your bathroom isn’t quite as wide, consider using a 60” tub. Note the mosaic tiles on the back wall of the niche: It’s a simple decorative touch that allows you the opportunity to use a tile that you may deem too expensive to use in larger quantities elsewhere in the bathroom.
Now to answer your actual question, about the amount of space needed for a double vanity. Michael believes that, depending on your requirements (i.e. amount of drawer space and counter surface you desire), you can fit a double vanity into a space of 55 to 61 inches. Based on his measurements, you have ample room with your 64 inches. That said, I would advise using a vanity that either floats on the wall or steps back eight to 12 inches at the toe kick so the bathroom appears wider and more spacious than it is.
Like Michael, I often mirror the entire wall above a vanity, extending it across the back of the toilet area as well. It helps to visually open up a small space and, with two daughters getting ready at the same time, it will eliminate arguments over whose turn it is at the mirror. (A word of advice to whomever is installing your light fixture — be careful not to tighten the screws too much or you risk cracking the mirror. I’ve seen it happen, with an electrician doing the actual work, on more than one occasion.
Another finishing detail worthy of using in your renovation is extending the countertop over the toilet tank. Referred to as a banjo countertop, the additional space will come in handy. Just remember to allot enough space for the top of the toilet tank to be removed.
I hope I’ve provided you more than enough inspiration for your daughters’ bathroom. Maybe enough to inspire you to take on your ensuite after you’ve completed this project! Best of luck, Jeffrey