How To…Design a Healthy and Sustainable Bathroom

The bathroom holds a unique place in the home. It’s a space of daily rituals and quiet retreat, where practicality and self-care meet. From hurried mornings to restful evenings, it shapes the rhythm of our days. As a room we depend on for refreshment and renewal, the bathroom deserves thoughtful attention to its design and impact on wellbeing. Ensuring it is a healthy, sustainable space is about more than aesthetics; it’s about creating an environment free from harmful materials, one that nurtures both body and mind.

Whether it’s a family bathroom, a serene ensuite or a compact powder room, designing with care can turn this essential room into a healthy, personalized haven. It’s important to note that every bathroom is unique, and its design should be tailored to fit your specific space, lifestyle, budget and family needs. For instance, a busy family bathroom might prioritize durable materials and efficient storage, while a spa-inspired ensuite could focus on relaxation and wellness elements. Thoughtfully aligning these priorities with your personal circumstances ensures a functional and harmonious design that works for you.

The materials you choose for your bathroom do more than define its style – they directly influence your health and the environment. Many conventional paints, sealants, and finishes release Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) into the air. These chemicals can contribute to indoor air pollution, leading to respiratory irritation, headaches and even long-term health risks such as asthma and liver or kidney damage. High concentrations of VOCs are especially harmful in small, enclosed spaces like bathrooms, where ventilation may be limited.

Switching to low- or zero-VOC paints and finishes is a simple yet impactful way to create a healthier bathroom. Mineral paints, for instance, go a step further. Made from natural ingredients like clay, lime and chalk, mineral paints are free of synthetic chemicals and emit no harmful gases. Additionally, their porous nature allows walls to ‘breathe’, preventing moisture buildup and reducing the risk of mold – an essential benefit in humid bathroom environments.

For cabinetry and storage, reclaimed wood or repurposed vintage pieces offer a dual benefit; they bring unique character to your bathroom while reducing demand for newly harvested materials. Their lower environmental footprint, combined with the absence of the synthetic adhesives often found in particleboard, makes them a healthier and more sustainable option.

"The bathroom holds a unique place in the home. It’s a space of daily rituals and quiet retreat, where practicality and self-care meet."

When it comes to countertops and flooring, natural materials like granite, marble or slate are excellent choices. Unlike synthetic surfaces, which can contain harmful resins or chemical finishes, natural stone is durable, timeless, and free from toxins.

Eliminating plastic wherever possible is another significant step toward a healthier bathroom. Plastic shower curtains, for example, often release phthalates and other harmful chemicals into the air. Biodegradable options, such as hemp or linen curtains, are free of these toxins. Alternatively, glass shower enclosures are a durable, long-term investment that is easy to clean and completely free of off-gassing concerns.

For bath mats and towels, organic cotton or bamboo textiles are ideal; also seek out Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and OEKO-TEX certifications to ensure their provenance. Conventional textiles are often treated with chemical dyes and finishes that can irritate sensitive skin or release toxins over time. Organic options provide the same level of comfort and absorbency without compromising health, and their natural fibers are also gentler on the planet.

The bathroom is one of the most resource-intensive areas of the home, consuming significant amounts of water and energy daily. Installing high-efficiency fixtures is one of the most effective ways to save water without sacrificing comfort or performance. Toilets with the WaterSense label, for instance, use up to 20 percent less water than standard models, thanks to innovations like dual-flush systems that allow users to adjust water usage based on need. Similarly, low-flow showerheads and aerated taps maintain strong water pressure while reducing overall consumption. These modern fixtures are designed to combine functionality and efficiency, often recouping their initial cost through reduced water bills over time.

Energy-efficient appliances further enhance sustainability in the bathroom. Tankless or high-efficiency water heaters ensure you use only as much energy as needed to heat water, reducing waste. LED lighting is another key component, offering exceptional energy savings while providing long-lasting illumination. Unlike traditional bulbs, LEDs emit less heat, making them ideal for enclosed bathroom spaces and significantly lowering electricity costs.

Water quality is a critical yet often overlooked aspect of bathroom design, as it is often only considered in the context of cooking or drinking. Unfiltered water can contain chlorine, heavy metals and other impurities that may irritate the skin and hair. Adding a water filtration system to your bathroom can improve both health and comfort.

Showerhead filters are a quick and cost-effective solution for removing chlorine and other contaminants. For a more comprehensive approach, consider installing an under-sink filtration system or even a whole-house water filter. These systems ensure cleaner water throughout your home, benefitting your entire household.

Designer Elaine Santos and Mowery Marsh Architects turned to Passive House criteria to design a New Jersey townhouse. Photo courtesy of Haris Kenjar