What is an ensuite bathroom? And how to make the most of one

Ensuite bathrooms can instantly make your bedroom feel like the most luxurious hotel room in the world; only better, because it will reflect your unique style and be right next to your very own bed. However, they’re not necessarily a fit for all spaces.

Whether you bought a new home and you’re looking to add an ensuite bathroom or you’re contemplating a remodel of your existing home, these ensuite bathroom ideas, along with expert interior design tips, can help you make the most of your bathroom design.

What is an ensuite bathroom?

“An ensuite bathroom is a bathroom that is directly connected to a bedroom, rather than off of a hallway,” says Heather Mastrangeli, founder of Innovatus Design.

Often considered a luxury feature, ensuite bathrooms are usually found in primary bedrooms and can only be accessed from the bathroom they’re attached to, so they’re especially private. Ensuite bathrooms are also typically bigger than standard bathrooms and may have added luxuries, like a walk-in shower, deep-soaking bathtub, vanity unit, or even a walk-in closet.

What does ensuite mean?

Ensuite is a French term that means “attached” or “together”. With respect to a home, it usually refers to the bathroom attached to the primary bedroom.

What are the key features of an ensuite bathroom?

Ensuite bathrooms don’t have standardized features, so they vary quite a bit in terms of design and functionality. But they’re commonly full bathrooms, with sinks, a bathtub, and a shower. However, you there are also half-bath and three-quarter ensuite bathrooms.

• A full bathroom: Consists of a toilet, sink or sinks, a bathtub, and a shower

• A three-quarter bathroom: Consists of a toilet, sink, and either a shower or a bathtub

• A half bath: Consists of a toilet and a sink or a shower

According to Doreen Amico-Sorell, founder of Sorell Interiors, “The key elements of a full ensuite bathroom include a freestanding bathtub with a separate shower, toilet, vanity, mirror, and medicine cabinet.” But other luxury additions are also common, such as bidets, radiant heat, heated towel bars, shower benches, and/or steam showers.

The pros and cons of an ensuite bathroom

Ensuite bathrooms have quite a few advantages, which is why they’re so popular. But they do have some drawbacks as well, so it’s helpful to keep in mind the pros and cons to make the most informed decision for your space.

Pros

Privacy

“Having a bathroom as part of the bedroom ensures privacy,” says Doreen Amico-Sorell. Privacy is inherent in the design of ensuite bathrooms since they can only usually be accessed through the main bedroom, so they’re typically the most private bathroom in a house.

Convenience 

Since ensuite bathrooms are directly connected to the bedroom, you won’t have to stumble far out of bed to reach it, which is a lifesaver during those middle-of-the-night bathroom breaks. You also won’t have to wait in line to use it. “An ensuite bathroom helps you avoid needing to wait your turn if the main bathroom is in use,” says Heather Mastrangeli.

Comfort

Since ensuite bathrooms are so private, they’re great for customizing to your unique design ideas and needs. Whether you want to create a modern bathroom or something more traditional or eclectic, you can really go to town in this space without worrying about what visitors and other household members might think since they’re not likely to use it.

Cons

Cost and maintenance 

Ensuite bathrooms, especially when they’re full bathrooms, tend to be bigger than other bathrooms in the home, which means they’re more expensive to install and take longer to clean than small bathrooms. “The main disadvantage of an ensuite bathroom is that it is an additional, often relatively large bathroom that needs cleaning,” said Heather Mastrangeli.

If it’s the only bathroom

Since you can usually only access ensuite bathrooms through the adjoining bedroom, they don’t work well as the only bathroom in a home. “The only time an ensuite bathroom becomes a nuisance is if it is the only bathroom in the home, where its only access point is going through the bedroom,” says Doreen Amico-Sorell.

It takes up space

Simply put, ensuite bathrooms can take up too much precious square footage of a bedroom. If your bedroom is short on square feet, you might not want to use too much of it by installing a big ensuite bathroom.

Pro tips for ensuite interior design

Ensuite bathrooms are fun rooms to design since they’re usually private, so you can really play around with different design ideas and elements that you might not want to incorporate in more common areas.

If you’re not sure where to start, consider the interior design of the adjoining bedroom. “An interior design that follows that of the adjoining bedroom can create a thoughtful, cohesive flow of style and coordination,” says Doreen Amico-Sorell.

An interior design that follows that of the adjoining bedroom can create a thoughtful, cohesive flow of style and coordination.

In a large, open-plan ensuite bathroom you can add all sorts of luxe elements to enhance your interior design and daily comfort, like a deep freestanding bathtub with pretty finishes, a jack and jill bathroom vanity, a walk-in shower, or a steam shower.

But if you have a small bathroom to work with, no worries! There are plenty of design tricks you can use to create a luxurious bathroom without too much square footage. For instance, according to Doreen, “You can install a glass shower door instead of shower curtains. The glass gives the illusion of a larger space and won’t feel so closed in.”

If the ensuite room is on the smaller side, try not to cram a lot of elements into the space.

For a small bathroom, you also want to be really thoughtful about each element you include as adding too much can quickly crowd the space and cramp your style. “If the ensuite room is on the smaller side, try not to cram a lot of elements into the space,” advises Heather Mastrangeli. “For instance, decide whether a bathtub or shower would be more beneficial for you, or compromise with a shower above the bathtub.”

Ensuite bathroom examples from pro interior designers

1. Bathe in blue

This bathroom design from Heather Mastrangeli is equal parts soothing and cool thanks to multiple blue tones. Meanwhile, mixed metal hardware infuses it with a modern edge, while luxe mirrors add just a hint of glam.

2. Create compelling contrasts

Incorporating contrasts is a great way to make a design more compelling. This bathroom design’s dark cabinets contrasted with light walls give the illusion of higher ceilings while making the space feel more dynamic and inviting.

3. Play with patterns

Patterns never fail to add personality to a look, especially when artfully mixed like this example. Pairing different types of bathroom tile together in one space can add movement to your design without encroaching on precious square footage.

[Design: Heather Mastrangeli, Innovatus Design Photography: Kasia Vetter, Kasia Vetter Photography]

4. Make it bright and breezy

This open-plan ensuite bathroom feels like a big, relaxing exhale thanks to its light color palette coupled with an all-glass walk-in shower. This light foundation also makes it easy to elevate the look with pops of color, like the warm, marigold towels.

[Design: Heather Mastrangeli, Innovatus Design Photography: Kasia Vetter, Kasia Vetter Photography]

5. Consider your color combinations

Blue and gray are a match made in interior design heaven, as evidenced by this gorgeous bathroom design. If you opt to incorporate this combination, just make sure to match the tones. For instance, rather than a warm gray, consider a cooler gray to match the cooler tones of blue.

6. Make a statement

An ensuite bathroom is the perfect opportunity to make a stylish statement with a gorgeous accent wall, but if you choose to add one, consider keeping the rest of the space more neutral. The patterned wallpaper in this bathroom design really pops against the subdued color scheme in the rest of the space.

7. Add organic warmth

Organic accents, like the wood cabinetry featured in this ensuite bathroom, are a no-fail way to make a design feel more warm and welcoming. And when paired with a clean white color palette, it adds just the right amount of contrast.