Bathroom definition
A bathroom is a room in a building designed primarily for personal hygiene activities, such as bathing, showering, using the toilet, and washing hands or face. It typically contains fixtures like a bathtub, shower, sink, and toilet, and may also include storage for toiletries, mirrors, and sometimes laundry facilities.
In some contexts, especially in residential or commercial buildings, the term can also refer more generally to any room that includes a toilet, even if it does not have a bath or shower.
Approved document F, Ventilation, defines a bathroom as: ‘…a room containing a bath or shower and, in addition, can also include sanitary accommodation.'
See also: Sanitary accommodation and lavatory
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.
The 2025 draft NPPF in brief with indicative responses
Local verses National and suitable verses sustainable: Consultation open for just over one week.
Increased vigilance on VAT Domestic Reverse Charge
HMRC bearing down with increasing force on construction consultant says.
Call for greater recognition of professional standards
Chartered bodies representing more than 1.5 million individuals have written to the UK Government.
Cutting carbon, cost and risk in estate management
Lessons from Cardiff Met’s “Halve the Half” initiative.
Inspiring the next generation to fulfil an electrified future
Technical Manager at ECA on the importance of engagement between industry and education.
Repairing historic stone and slate roofs
The need for a code of practice and technical advice note.
Environmental compliance; a checklist for 2026
Legislative changes, policy shifts, phased rollouts, and compliance updates to be aware of.