Bathroom
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A bathroom is a room that may have different functions depending on the cultural context. In the most literal sense, the word bathroom means "a room with a bath". Because the traditional bathtub have partly made way for modern showers and steam showers, the more general definition is "a room where one bathes". There can be just a shower, just a bathtub or both; and often both plumbing fixtures are combined in the bathtub. The room may also contain a sink, often called a "wash basin", "hand basin" or "lavatory" (USA), and often a toilet fixture.
In the United States, "bathroom" commonly means "a room containing a toilet". In other countries this is usually called the "toilet" or alternatively "water closet" (WC), lavatory or "Loo". In America they are categorized as a "full bathroom", containing four plumbing fixtures: bathtub, shower, toilet, and sink; "half (1/2) bath" (or "powder room") containing just a toilet and sink; and "3/4 bath" containing toilet, sink, and shower. The word is also used in the U.S. for a public toilet.
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[edit] Types of bathrooms
A bathroom directly connected to a bedroom is often called an en-suite bathroom. Its use is primarily intended for the occupants of that bedroom only. In French the term en-suite literally means "a following", in this case referring to the bathroom being part of the bedroom it is attached to. A bathroom adjacent to or directly connected to the master bedroom is generally called the master bathroom, unless it is shared by other bedrooms or the house only has one bathroom.
The Jack and Jill bathroom might appear to be two separate bathrooms because it has two different doors.
Travelers often get confused regarding different types of bathroom when booking rooms in hotels and bed and breakfast accommodation. Some common questions relate to ensuite, private and shared bathrooms (sometimes called facilities rather than bathroom). An 'ensuite' bathroom is a bathroom for your exclusive use that is entered from within your bedroom. A 'private' bathroom is a bathroom for your exclusive use outside of your bedroom and normally adjacent to or nearby to your bedroom. A 'shared' bathroom is a bathroom outside of your bedroom that is shared between a number of guests. Although the word bathroom may be used this can refer to a room with a shower rather than a bath. The bathroom would also normally include a toilet as well as your washing facilities.
[edit] Design considerations
Bathrooms, some as tiny as closets may only be of value because of its utility and may appear futile to the owner to consider designing it.
Color is a key factor and the use of colors can alter the mood of any room even make it look bigger; The bathroom is no different. One good idea suggests that bathrooms be painted in light, cooler colors as bathroom is a wet room and water is the predominant element.
Use watery elements across the bathroom like clouds, or pattern of waves across the tiles and the ceiling. The light colors used in the bathroom design besides lending the cool feel can also make the room appear bigger. When using wallpapers in the bathroom, consider using patterns in shades of blue or green with patterns.
Another remodeling idea is changing the lighting, as it accentuates objects in the room. For bathrooms it is advisable to have overhead or ceiling ambience lights which could optionally be fitted with dimness regulator. Also add spot or task lights on the mirror. Install bathroom mirrors opposite each other as it can do wonders to your bathroom. Combined with the right lighting, this arrangement can make a small bathroom appear spacious. Choose bathroom cabinets, bathroom vanities and bathroom countertops with shiny, reflective surfaces; Install a glass shower enclosure during the remodeling process or even install a full-length mirror inside or right outside your shower.
The design of a bathroom must account for the use of both hot and cold water, in significant quantities, for cleaning the human body. The water is also used for moving solid and liquid human waste to a sewer or septic tank. Water may be splashed on the walls and floor, and hot humid air may cause condensation on cold surfaces. From a decorating point of view the bathroom presents a challenge. Ceiling, wall and floor materials and coverings should be impervious to water and readily and easily cleaned. The use of ceramic or glass, as well as smooth plastic materials, is common in bathrooms for their ease of cleaning. However, such surfaces are often cold to the touch and so water-resistant bath mats or even bathroom carpets may be used on the floor to make the room more comfortable. Alternatively, the floor may be heated, possibly by strategically placing heater conduits close to the surface.
Electrical appliances, such as lights, heaters and heated towel rails generally need to be installed as fixtures, with permanent connections rather than plugs and sockets. This minimizes the risk of electric shock. Ground-fault circuit interruptor electrical sockets can reduce the risk of electric shock, and are required for bathroom socket installation by electrical and building codes in the United States and Canada. In some countries, such as the United Kingdom, only special sockets suitable for electric shavers are permitted in bathrooms, and are labelled as such.
[edit] See also
[edit] External Links
- Articles and Information on Bathroom Designs and Plans
- Article about UK electrical regulations for bathrooms
[edit] References
- Dirk Hebel & Jörg Stollmann (eds.) (2005) Bathroom Unplugged: Architecture and Intimacy (German/English dual language edition) Bad ohne Zimmer: Architektur und Intimität - Birkhäuser, Basel ISBN 3-7643-7232-X
Categories: Restrooms | Rooms | Bathing
