Bathroom Solutions

Bathroom countertops: Why so short?

My rant for the day is the height of bathroom countertops, commonly 29". This makes the countertop like a table but is quite short for most adults to use the sink. The standard height for kitchen countertops is 36" or 3-feet. This is typically the optimal and most ergonomic height for most tasks in the kitchen. Why would it be any different in the bathroom?

Some manufacturers and builders are catching on and offering cabinets called "shaving" or "comfort" height countertops. Translation: kitchen-height countertops and vanities for bathrooms. 

Children's bathroom design
Consider a step stool built right into the toe kick area

A toe kick is a recess at the bottom of a base cabinet. It provides a recess for your feet (mostly your toes!) so you can get close to the counter top without losing your balance. Some people like to add more storage by building a drawer into the toe kick portion of the cabinet. For children's bathrooms, making it built-in step that you can easily slide in and out makes for a functional and attractive solution. You get your higher countertops and kids and still brush their teeth and wash their hands with ease.

Here are some great examples from www.houzz.com.

contemporary bathroom design by chicago architect Searl Lamaster Howe Architects

traditional bathroom design by san francisco interior designer Nicole Hollis

bathroom design by minneapolis interior designer Baker Court Interiors

Temporary and less expensive solution

If you have young children and don't want to pay for built-ins, there are plenty of fun workarounds. Raise the cabinets to accommodate stool storage or choose a sink basin with no cabinets underneath. 

contemporary bathroom design by san diego general contractor GDC Construction

traditional bathroom design by san francisco general contractor Upscale Construction