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
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
New measures to stop people being ripped off
Government to protect families from cowboy builders and aggressive bailiffs.
New Futurebuild showcase brings an innovation-first approach.
National Planning Policy Framework
Understanding the 2026 changes.
ECA's public affairs priorities
Member consultation opens to shape priorities for 2027 to 2030.
Dutyholder responsibilities from 1 July 2026.
Where performance meets practice
The Building Envelope Stage at UKCW Birmingham.
CIAT publishes briefing on planning reforms.
Leaders in Learning for Practice Network
Call for conservation leaders in learning to register interest in new network.
The importance of early engagement
Construction lessons from the Trillium HealthWorks Experience Centre.
Mayors are to be given planning call in powers
Mayors across England will be able to make the most important planning decisions.
The Master Builder: William Butterfield and his times. Book review.
Why construction can't afford to ignore the skills gap.