Human Scale:
3. Everyday Routines in the Bathroom

03/25

We wash our hands 6 to 10 times a day, usually shower every day or every other day and use the toilet six to ten times a day.

The bathroom is in use every day and is heavily frequented. This is also where a large part of family life takes place, and the bathroom also determines how long a person will be able to function independently in old age or with a disability. Due to the high frequency of daily activities in the bathroom, the potential for saving water, energy and cleaning products is very high - even with supposedly low consumption levels. When planning a bathroom, an efficient and well-organised daily routine is an important design criterion. A single person, a family, a sportsperson, a carer or an elderly person all have different requirements when it comes to bathroom functions in order to carry out their daily routines.

Activity	Realisation	Bathroom planning
Taking medication	Lockable medicine cabinet	Refrigerator for medicines Restrict access by children
Going to the toilet at night	WC with proximity sensor for automatic lid opening	Orientation lights Consider sound insulation during installation; for older people: barrier-free; avoid tripping hazards
Stick reminders / important sentences on the mirror	Large mirror or play cabinet, radiator with mirror surface	Mirror heating largely prevents the mirror from misting up Alternatively: the use of mirrors with an integrated monitor or input option
Communication (agreements, discussions, arguments, daily planning with partner/family)	Double washbasin; bathtub with centre drain	Observe zoning: Plan open spaces Bench or stool near the bath or shower
Wash yourself (at the washbasin with a flannel)	Large washbasin with high spout	Allow for a large open space in front of the washbasin; consider body height and determine height Height-adjustable washbasins possible for users of different heights
Drying and warming towels	Towel radiator/ radiator with integrated towel rail; bathroom furniture, accessories	Determine type of radiator; possibly additional electric radiator Option: Laundry chute in utility room
Drying laundry	Laundry corner	Integration of laundry corner; special design for bathtub; optimise ventilation concept Option: Laundry chute in utility room
Cleaning glasses	Free use of space	Enable preferred cleaning routine and filing options Mirror cabinet heating makes sense
Morning toilet	Washbasin with tap	Mirror cabinet Adjust the lighting temperature in the morning to suit your mood
Vomiting with nausea	WC	Toilet roll holder within reach Toilet carpets are used in 38% of German bathrooms*
Sorting laundry	Laundry collector (separate or integrated into bathroom furniture)	Plan space for laundry bins If the bathroom is small, consider alternatives (bedroom or similar)
Laundry	Integrate washing machine (and tumble dryer if necessary) in the bathroom	Allow space for washing machine, possibly special bathroom furniture for integration; water connection/drainage An option if space is limited, but reduces the living value of the bathroom
Folding towels and sorting clean socks		Plan storage space Bathtub cover is multifunctional
Getting ready, getting ready to go out	Washbasin with mirror/mirror cabinet, full-length mirror	Hook/wardrobe, chair for storing clothes Comb/brush/hair styler, store cosmetics within easy reach
Watching/keeping an eye on children while bathing	Chair, bench near the bathtub	Non-slip floor in bathtub Bath toys within reach
Showering flowers in the bath / shower	Bathtub/shower	Provide hand shower Sieve before the drain
Count mosquito bites	Open space in the bathroom, mirror	Good lighting, daylight Store ointment in the refrigerator if necessary
Washing curtains in the bathtub	Bathtub	The surface of the bathtub must be usable for care products Easy access to the mixer tap and bathtub
Looking in the mirror	Large mirror surface, full-length mirror, possibly a wardrobe with suitcase doors or similar.	Heatable mirror prevents the mirror from misting up due to water vapour Large mirror also helpful in the Tiny Bathroom; extra comfort thanks to special furniture
Manage everyday life independently with limited freedom of movement	Universal Design	Handles for washbasin, WC, bathtub, (floor-level) shower; high-contrast wall and floor design No carpets, minimise the risk of slipping
Cleaning dirty shoes in the bathtub	Bathtub	Hand shower within reach Sieve before the drain
Urinating (men, neutral)	Ceramic urinals	Urinals available within various collections; include lids for hygiene reasons A practicable solution for women has not yet materialised.
Cleaning pets	Bathtub or shower; shower enclosure	Separate hand shower available for animals; note drainage grille Sieve before the drain
Smart phone: making calls, chatting, playing games, etc.	Filing	Shelf at WC or similar, loading facility, soft floor around WC or similar. Observe electrical protection zones
Ironing	Ironing board, possibly shelf on bathtub	Ironing board integration in the bathroom Accessible power connection
Change clothes	Coat hook, chair, stool	Provide necessary manoeuvring space, laundry chest Laundry chute in utility room
Take off jewellery, watches	Shelf, box or drawer in the washbasin/bathroom furniture	Textile-lined compartments, possibly lockable Watch winder for automatic watches; bathroom furniture with display cabinet
Shine shoes	Work surface (as not hygienic)	Plan a work surface separate from the washbasin Store shoe polish separately
Check weight	Body scale	Space-saving storage when not in use Permanent placement on floor consumes 0.5 square metres
Clean glasses (reduced vision)	Improve lighting quality	Ultrasonic cleaner: Power connection close to the water drain Strong contrasts increase visual perception with long-sightedness
Treating stains on clothing	Washbasin with shelf	Provide a work surface if necessary Keep hazardous chemicals away from children

*Source: VDS bathroom baseline study #germanbathrooms 2024