Which arrangement is considered more correct for an everyday bathroom?

The most correct layout is one that keeps the sink, basin and shower in a logical sequence of movement, without collisions with doors and with as little movement of the basin as possible from the main drain.

Can I completely change the toilet position for a better layout?

Only if the new drain route allows the correct slope without raising the floor too much. In most apartments the toilet should remain relatively close to its original position.

Ideal Bathroom Layout: Basic Principles & Standard Floor Plans

We've all experienced it in some Greek apartment: You open the bathroom door and it hits directly on the basin. Or, you get out of the shower in the winter and there is literally no free space (not even half a square) to spread your hands and towel off.

The truth is hard but simple: Even the most expensive Italian tiles or designer faucets cannot save a bathroom with the wrong layout. Planning the floor plan is the very first—and most critical—step of any renovation. In this article, we put on the hat of the engineer and the interior designer, and show you how to divide your space intelligently, functionally and without costly plumbing mistakes.

What is the "Ergonomic Triangle" in the Bathroom?

As in the kitchen, so in the bathroom, the design is based on a triangle of movement. The three vertices of this triangle are the Washbasin, the Basin and the Shower (or Bath). The aim is to make movement between these three zones effortless.

Here are the basic placement rules:

Illustration for What is the "Ergonomic Triangle" in the Bathroom?

The Washbasin goes in first

It is the zone with the highest traffic (washing hands, teeth, mirror). Constructively and aesthetically, the sink should be the first thing you see when you open the door.

The Basin wants privacy

If the floor plan allows, the basin should not be in direct line of sight when the door is opened. It is often hidden behind the door, next to the vanity unit or behind a low built parapet.

The Shower (The Wet Zone)

It is usually placed in the farthest corner or in the back of the room. This prevents water from spreading to the rest of the space (dry zone) and takes advantage of the "dead" space of the corners.

The Golden Rule of Sewerage (Greek Reality)

Before you start drawing floor plans on paper, you should be aware of the biggest limitation of Greek apartment buildings: The central vertical drainage column (the "skylight").

The basin is connected to a large PVC pipe (usually Φ100 or Φ110 cross-section). This pipe must reach the central column of the building with a strict slope (flow) of 1% to 2%.

What does this mean practically? If you decide to move the basin 3 meters away from its original position, the pipe will have to go up several points. To hide this slope, the contractor will be forced to create a step (raised floor) in your bathroom—which is extremely uncomfortable and aesthetically outdated.
Conclusion: Reposition the sink or shower as much as you want (they have smaller Φ40/Φ50 pipes that "run" easily on the walls), but try to keep the basin as close as possible to its original position.

Standard Floor Plans (Layouts) per Space Scheme

Each space has its own peculiarities. Let's see the most common bathroom shapes in Greece and how to set up the ideal layout:

1. The Square Bathroom (The Classic Layout)

Usually around 2x2 or 2.5x2.5 meters. It is the easiest shape to achieve the perfect triangle. The Layout: The door usually opens in the center. Directly opposite or on one side wall is the washbasin. In one corner (usually diagonally from the door) a corner or semicircular shower cabin is placed, and in the other corner the basin. Pro Tip: Leave the center of the room completely free (clearance) so you can dress comfortably.

2. The Long Narrow Bathroom ("Hallway Type")

Very common in old apartments, with a width of only 1.20m - 1.40m and enough length. The Layout: The only functional solution is the linear layout (all on one wall). This is also ideal for the plumber, as all the supplies "run" into one wall, reducing costs. Pro Tip: Take advantage of the narrow side in the background (opposite the door) to make a spectacular wall-to-wall shower, separating it with a single fixed glass.

3. The L-Shape Bathroom

A shape that usually arises due to beams or the incorporation of a small corridor. * The Layout: Here, ergonomics dictates the separation of zones. Use the recess (the "foot" of C) to house the shower exclusively (wet zone) or, alternatively, to hide the washing machine and dryer there, making a laundry closet.

3 Steps to Design Your Own Floor Plan

Before calling the engineer or contractor, do the following preparation:

Map the obstacles: Measure the space with a tape measure. Don't forget to mark where the roof beams or columns (bearing body) pass, as digging for pipes is strictly prohibited there.
Note the door and window: Which way does the door open? Does opening "close" the sink space? Consider adding a sliding door (recessed or external) to gain up to 1 full square meter of usable space.
Group Plumbing (Plumbing Wall): Try to place plumbing fixtures on the same wall or on walls that form an angle (L). Avoid carrying water to 3 or 4 different walls as this dramatically increases stripping costs, materials and the potential for future leakage.

The right arrangement is the "invisible" hero of a beautiful bathroom. Take your time at this stage and experiment with floor plans. In our next article, we'll delve into clever space-saving solutions for ultra-small bathrooms (under 4 sq m), proving that size is no barrier to luxury.

Layout for Small Bathrooms (Under 4 sq.m.): Smart Space-Saving Solutions Layout for Long Narrow Bathrooms: How to Avoid the "Hallway" Effect Ergonomics & Safety Distances in the Bathroom: The Ultimate Technical Guide

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