Hi, I’m Emma! When designing or renovating a bathroom, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the options, from tile choices to lighting fixtures to the layout itself. The good news? There are some amazing bathroom design tools out there that can take the guesswork out of planning your dream space. These tools let you experiment with different layouts, colours, and materials—all from your phone or computer!
If you’re looking to tackle a bathroom renovation or just want to make a few stylish upgrades, I’m here to share some of my favourite bathroom design tools that’ll make the process a breeze. So grab a coffee, get comfortable, and dive into these fantastic apps and programmes that’ll make planning your bathroom as fun as seeing the result!
1. Planner 5D – Visualise Your Bathroom in 3D
One of my go-to bathroom design tools is Planner 5D. It’s an intuitive tool that allows you to create 3D layouts of your bathroom, which is incredibly helpful for envisioning the space. Planner 5D lets you play around with furniture, fixtures, and even decor, all in a highly realistic environment. Plus, it’s easy enough for beginners but has advanced options for more experienced designers.
What I love most about this tool is the ability to see everything in 3D, which gives you a much better feel for the layout than a flat drawing ever could. The app has a huge library of materials and fixtures, so it’s easy to experiment with different colours, styles, and arrangements. I used it when planning my bathroom renovation, and it helped me feel confident in my choices before making any big purchases.
Key features:
- Easy-to-use 3D design tools
- A large library of materials, furniture, and fixtures
- Augmented Reality (AR) option to see designs in real-life
Whether you’re trying to figure out where the bath should go or just experimenting with tiles, Planner 5D is a fantastic option for visualising your bathroom design.
2. Roomstyler 3D Home Planner—Simple and Free to Use
Roomstyler is another fantastic bathroom design tool perfect for beginners. It’s a free tool with a user-friendly interface that lets you create bathroom layouts and try out different design styles without any commitment. With Roomstyler, you can add items from their massive library of real-brand products, which is ideal if you’re looking to use specific fixtures or furniture in your space.
One of my favourite features is that you can customise the lighting to match different times of day, which is helpful when trying to imagine how your bathroom will look in both natural and artificial light. This tool even lets you see designs from other users, so you can gain inspiration from a real community of designers.
Why you’ll love it:
- Free and easy to navigate
- Customisable lighting for day and night views
- Access to a library of real, brand-name products
Roomstyler is an accessible, no-frills option for starting to design your bathroom layout without feeling overwhelmed by too many advanced features.
3. Homestyler – Bring Your Ideas to Life with Augmented Reality
If you’re looking to bring your bathroom design ideas into real life, Homestyler is an incredible tool. It uses augmented reality (AR) to project your ideas directly into your existing bathroom so you can get a feel for your design in your actual space. This feature was a game-changer for me—I could see how different cabinets, lighting, and flooring options would look in my bathroom before committing to a purchase.
Homestyler also offers a variety of templates and a 3D floor planner, which is helpful if you’re not starting from scratch but still want to make a few big changes. It’s also compatible with desktop and mobile devices, so you can design on the go if inspiration strikes.
Key features:
- Augmented reality to view designs in your real space
- 3D floor planner with an extensive design library
- Templates for quick room layouts
Homestyler’s AR feature makes it one of the best bathroom design tools for trying out various elements and ensuring your choices will look amazing before spending a cent.
4. SketchUp – Professional-Level Design Made Easy
If you want to take your bathroom design to the next level, SketchUp is a powerful tool offering a professional-grade experience. While architects and designers widely use it, don’t let that intimidate you! SketchUp has options for beginners and plenty of tutorials to get you started.
One of SketchUp’s strengths is its customisation. You can create your exact room dimensions and add everything from shower inclosures to custom vanities. It also includes plugins for detailed finishes, so if you’re picky about the exact shade of tile or countertop, you’ll love the options here. I used SketchUp for a bathroom project recently, and while it took a bit to learn, the detail and precision it offered were well worth it.
Top features:
- Detailed 3D rendering with customisable finishes
- Easy-to-follow tutorials for beginners
- Advanced options for professional-level design
SketchUp is perfect for anyone wanting to go all-in on their bathroom design. It takes a bit of learning, but the payoff is worth it if you want detailed, precise renderings.
5. MagicPlan – Measure, Sketch, and Plan with Precision
For those who want to get technical with their bathroom design tools, MagicPlan is a fantastic choice. It’s an app that lets you measure your space, sketch out layouts, and even create floor plans, all with a few taps on your smartphone. I found this tool particularly helpful in the planning phase, as it allowed me to map out my bathroom’s exact dimensions without all the guesswork.
The app uses your phone’s camera to measure room dimensions and create an accurate floor plan, which you can then customise with fixtures, furniture, and even plumbing. It’s especially helpful if you’re working with a professional designer or contractor, as you can export the measurements and plans directly from the app.
Why MagicPlan is great:
- Precise measurements for exact floor plans
- Easy export options for sharing with contractors or designers
- Customisable layout options with measurements included
MagicPlan is perfect for anyone tackling a full-scale bathroom renovation where precise measurements are a must. It’s a powerful tool that takes out much of the guesswork and helps you plan confidently.
Tips for Using Bathroom Design Tools Effectively
These bathroom design tools are only as useful as the effort you put into them. Here are a few tips that have helped me make the most of these tools:
- Start with a vision: Think about your bathroom goals before you start designing. Are you after a spa-like feel, or do you need extra storage? Having a clear vision makes the design process easier.
- Take your time: Experiment with different layouts, colours, and finishes. It’s easy to rush into decisions, but these tools let you try everything virtually, so take advantage of it.
- Use AR features: If the app has an AR feature, try it! Seeing items in your actual space can give you a better idea of how they’ll look in real life.
- Get feedback: Share your designs with friends or family and see what they think. Fresh eyes can offer great insights or even spot things you missed.
- Set a budget: It’s fun to dream big, but be mindful of costs. Most tools let you add real items from popular brands, so keep track of prices and stay within budget.
Ready to Start Designing Your Dream Bathroom?
With these bathroom design tools, you’re just a few clicks away from creating a beautiful and functional bathroom that’s tailored to your taste and lifestyle. I hope you find these apps and programmes as helpful as I have and that they make the design process feel less daunting and more like a creative adventure.
Have you tried any of these tools? Or is there another app you’d recommend? I’d love to hear about your experiences and tips in the comments below! If you find this guide useful, feel free to share it with anyone planning a bathroom makeover. Let’s get inspired and start creating bathrooms we truly love!
