5×8 Bathroom Layout: How to Make the Most of It (With Tips and Tricks)

Think of a 5×8 bathroom as the standard in most homes. At about 40 square feet, it’s just enough to fit the essentials: a sink, toilet, shower, and even a bathtub or shower-tub combo if you get creative. Of course, not everyone gets the luxury of a spa-like bathroom. If you’ve ever bumped into the door, stepped right into the shower while undressing, or felt cramped with another person in the room, then you know the struggle. It’s all about the space limitations! Still, even a 40-square-foot bathroom has a lot of potential. With the right layout, you’d be surprised how well everything can fit without feeling too tight.

Most Efficient 5×8 Bathroom Layout

5×8 Bathroom Layout With Tub/Shower Combination

A tried-and-true configuration for 5’ x 8’ bathrooms is the classic tub/shower combo, and it remains a popular choice. Its practicality makes it a winner! If you’re contemplating a bathroom revamp without wanting to relocate plumbing, fear not. You can elevate the overall aesthetics by upgrading individual components within the existing layout.

Features:

• A tub/shower combo: This space comfortably fits a 60” long x 32” wide tub. You have the option of a tub with an integrated surround or a tiled tub surround, depending on your budget.
• Tub/shower combos offer versatility for present and future use.
• In terms of added property value, having a tub/shower combo upgrades your bathroom status to a full bathroom rather than a 3/4 bath, which can be a selling point down the line.
• This layout supports a standard shower curtain and rod, or you can go for a sleek look with glass shower doors for your tub.
• And if you’re feeling more adventurous, the layout even allows for a generously sized walk-in shower spanning the entire length of the wall!

5×8 Bathroom Layout With Double Faucets

Upgrade your standard bathroom to one that accommodates double faucets! This layout is perfect for a master ensuite bath or a kids’ bathroom, ensuring that each person has their own faucet for a more convenient and enjoyable experience.

To make space for the larger sink, a slightly narrower tub is chosen to meet building code requirements and maintain ample room for the toilet.

Features:

• A sink with double faucets: A 36” wide sink with two faucets is the solution. Wall-mounted sinks provide ideal options for accommodating two faucets, while a trough sink can also serve the purpose when installed in a 36” wide vanity.

5×8 Bathroom Layout With Corner Shower

For a 5’ x 8’ bathroom layout with a corner shower, when you crave a bit more storage space or don’t require an expansive tub or shower, a corner shower becomes an excellent choice! Opting for a corner shower not only conserves space but also leaves available wall space for additional built-in cabinetry, hooks, or even open shelves.

The market offers a variety of corner shower stall kits, making it easy to tailor your bathroom to your specific needs.

Features:

• A corner shower stall kit: This layout can comfortably accommodate up to a 32” corner shower stall.
• The corner shower allows for flexibility in design—you can opt for tiled elegance or choose a kit for a more budget-friendly approach.
• Consider the design: it could be either round or rectangular. Keep in mind that a round shower with a sliding door is preferable, as it minimizes the chance of hitting other items in the bathroom compared to a swinging door.
• While a larger corner shower is a possibility, any additional inches used should be deducted from the allowable width of the bathroom vanity to ensure ample space for the toilet.

5×8 Bathroom Layout With Shower/Tub Along the Long Wall

Consider this alternative layout for a 5’ x 8’ bathroom with the tub/shower along the long wall. It offers a slight deviation from the norm by introducing another wall between the tub and the vanity, providing a bit more space for the vanity itself.

Depending on the placement of your door and existing plumbing, this layout brings its own advantages to a 5’ x 8’ bathroom.

Features:

• A tub/shower combo or a walk in shower: A 60” x 30” tub/shower could be seamlessly installed here, with a wall framed between the tub and vanity locations.
• Opting for a walk-in shower is also an option, although it might require customization due to the necessary 30” depth to ensure enough space for the toilet along the wall.
• Consider the aesthetics: a glass enclosure can enhance either a tiled walk-in shower or be used with a half wall if framing a full-height wall isn’t appealing when installing a tub.

Tips & Tricks For Designing a 5×8 Bathroom Layout

Full Bathroom

Whether your bathroom’s big or small, you can make it work as a full bathroom with the right layout. Generally, you need about 36 to 40 square feet for a full setup, which is typical for guest bathrooms or small master baths—like a 5×8 layout.

In a space this size, you’ve got two main design options. A full bathroom usually has one sink, one toilet, and either a shower or a shower-tub combo. Depending on your style, you can either go for a compact tub with a shower above it or a fancier shower cubicle with multiple showerheads.

With 40 square feet, both options can fit comfortably without making things feel too tight. Just be mindful when positioning things so you’re not bumping into the shower or door while changing!

Pro tip: Try to keep the toilet out of sight from the door if possible. Placing it strategically can give a more open, inviting feel as you walk in.

A Third-Quarter Bathroom

Even though you have a 5×8 bathroom layout, if you can, you must find ways to save as much space in it as possible. If that requires you to consider your 5×8 bathroom as a third-quarter bathroom and plan your layout accordingly, which will give you enough space to breathe and move around, a third-quarter bathroom is the way to go for you!

A 5×8 bathroom can meet all the minimum requirements of a bathroom. But it is advisable to use it as a third-quarter one, which will nevertheless even give you a luxurious and stylish look.

A third-quarter bathroom will require you to install nothing more than a sink, a toilet, and a luxury shower that will not take up too much space in the small bathroom and make it look cramped, which will ultimately help you declutter.

Positioning your shower or vanity in the corner can create a smooth flow of traffic, which you require in your tiny bathroom.

Other Things to Keep in Mind

It can be tricky to decide where each bathroom fixture should go so the space doesn’t feel cramped. Toilets or sinks often jut out awkwardly, interrupting the flow and making the room feel smaller. No matter your bathroom size, here are a few tips to make the layout feel more open.

Swing the Door Outward

Always make sure your bathroom door swings outward, if possible. It saves valuable space inside, making it easier to get in and out without taking up floor area in a small bathroom.

Place the Sink and Toilet Together

Try to place the sink and toilet side by side along the same wall. This arrangement keeps things compact, improves foot traffic flow, and frees up space for storage.

Add Wall Niches

If your sink or toilet is sticking out too much, consider adding wall niches. They’re perfect for creating a bit of extra depth, helping those fixtures blend in and keeping the room from feeling crowded.

Use a Short Wall for the Shower

Putting the shower on one of the shorter walls can also be a game-changer. It helps open up the rest of the bathroom and makes it easier to arrange other fixtures without feeling too cramped.

Start with the Tub

You must start the job on your new bathroom layout project with the largest component in the bathroom, the tub. The first thing you need to do is to figure out the placement of your tub or shower since this component takes up the most considerable amount of space in the bathroom. You may want to consider a one-piece shower pan or a shower-tub combo instead of going for both separately.

Lighting Choices

A 5×8 bathroom layout usually lacks good, sufficient lighting. The best option for such a bathroom layout is to go for recessed lighting, sleek wall sconces, and strip-style fixtures located on each side of the mirror. These not only light up the bathroom well but also save up a fair amount of space.

Frequently Asked Questions