Clearances between bathroom fixtures
Updated 5 Aug 2026
Clearances between the washbasin, WC, bath, shower and bidet affect comfort, cleaning and safe movement in the room.
This guide gives practical minimum distances, passage widths and example dimensions for small, medium and large bathrooms.
Treat the values as planning guidance. Check the actual doors, furniture, protection zones and product dimensions in the project.
Recommended clearances around fixtures
Washbasin
- Clear space in front
- min. 70–80 cm
- Side clearance to wall
- min. 20 cm
WC
- Clear space in front
- min. 60 cm
- Side clearance
- min. 20 cm
Bidet
- Clear space in front
- min. 60 cm
- Side clearance
- min. 20 cm
Bath
- Clear space in front
- min. 70 cm
- Side clearance to wall
- min. 20 cm
Shower enclosure
- Clear space in front
- min. 70 cm
- Side clearance to wall
- min. 20 cm
Distances between fixtures
WC – washbasin
- Side-by-side distance
- min. 20 cm
WC – bidet
- Side-by-side distance
- min. 20 cm
Washbasin – wall
- Side clearance
- min. 20 cm
Bath – shower
- Distance between them
- min. 30 cm
Example bathroom sizes
Small bathroom
- Suggested length
- 170–200 cm
- Suggested width
- 180–220 cm
Medium bathroom
- Suggested length
- 200–250 cm
- Suggested width
- 220–280 cm
- Clear space
- min. 30 cm
Large bathroom
- Suggested length
- 250–300 cm
- Suggested width
- 280–350 cm
- Clear space
- min. 20 cm
Planning checklist
- Treat the listed dimensions as minimum recommendations.
- Check the actual room and product dimensions.
- Allow space for doors, drawers, cleaning and maintenance.
- Plan services and waterproofing after the layout is fixed.
- Wall-hung fixtures can help a small bathroom feel more open.
Frequently asked questions
How much space should be in front of a WC?
Plan at least 60 cm of clear space in front and about 20 cm to each side as a practical minimum. The final arrangement must also account for doors and adjacent fixtures.
How much space is needed in front of a bath or shower?
Allow at least 70 cm in front of both. More space may be needed for doors, furniture, drying and comfortable changing.
Are these dimensions legally binding standards?
They are practical minimum recommendations, not a complete legal assessment. Confirm binding requirements for the specific building, accessibility brief and project.
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