Top 10 Bathroom Interior Design Mistakes to Avoid in Indian Homes
Designing a bathroom seems simple, right? It’s just a small room. But honestly, it’s one of the trickiest — and most expensive — spaces to get right in a home. And the worst part? Most mistakes don’t show up immediately. You realize them only after using the bathroom for a year or two… when it’s too late to fix without spending a fortune.
So, if you’re planning your home interiors, especially your bathroom, here are 10 common mistakes you must avoid:
1. Toilet Seat Facing the Door – Big No
This is the most common — and most awkward — layout blunder. No matter how fancy your WC is, if it’s the first thing you see when the bathroom door opens, it’s a design fail. It ruins the aesthetic and creates an uncomfortable view.
What to do instead?
Try to place the washbasin opposite the door and tuck the WC to the side or behind a partition.
2. Bad Ventilation Planning
Every bathroom has a window and an exhaust fan. But here’s what most people get wrong: placing the exhaust fan right next to the window. When that happens, fresh air goes straight out without circulating.
Pro tip:
Install the exhaust fan on the wall opposite the window. This creates a proper airflow and keeps the bathroom smelling fresh.
3. Mirror Lights That Create Shadows
Seen those lights above the mirror? They might look okay, but they cast shadows under your eyes, nose, and chin — not flattering!
Better solution?
Install lights on both sides of the mirror or go for an LED mirror with built-in lights. It makes a huge difference while shaving or doing makeup.
4. Using Big Floor Tiles
Large tiles (like 4×4 feet) might look elegant, but they’re impractical in small bathrooms. Why? Because they make it hard to create proper slope for drainage.
Best size?
Stick to 2×2 feet tiles. They allow your mason to slope the floor correctly so water flows easily to the drain.
5. Choosing the Wrong Type of Tile
A tile that looks beautiful in the showroom might become a nightmare in your bathroom.
Here’s a quick guide:
| Tile Type | Water Resistance | Should You Use It? |
|---|---|---|
| Ceramic | ❌ Absorbs water, weak | No |
| Porcelain | ⚠️ Semi-resistant, decent | Okay |
| Vitrified | ✅ Strong and waterproof | Best option |
Always go for vitrified tiles for the floor. They last longer and handle water better.
6. Wooden Doors or Windows in Wet Areas
Many people still use wood for bathroom doors and window frames — and regret it when it starts swelling, rotting, or attracting termites.
What to use instead?
-
Windows: Go for uPVC — waterproof and low maintenance.
-
Doors/Frames: Use WPC (Wood Polymer Composite). But check density — frames should be 800 kg/m³+, doors at least 550 kg/m³.
7. Wrong Wood for Bathroom Cabinets
Your vanity and overhead cabinets face a lot of moisture, even if not directly wet. Materials like MDF or MR-grade plywood can’t handle it.
What works best?
| Material | Water Resistance | Bathroom Use? |
|---|---|---|
| MDF | ❌ Very weak | Never |
| MR Ply | ❌ Weak | Avoid |
| HDHMR | ⚠️ Moderate | Only far from water |
| BWR Ply | ⚠️ Moderate | Use with caution |
| BWP Ply | ✅ Waterproof | ✅ Best choice |
Always ask your carpenter to use BWP (Boiling Water Proof) grade plywood in wet zones.
8. Fancy Fittings in Hard Water Areas
Black, gold, and rose gold fittings look stunning in catalogs. But if your area has hard water, they’ll be covered in ugly white stains in no time.
What to do?
Stick to chrome or silver finish — they’re easier to maintain and hide water marks better.
💡 Not sure if you have hard water?
Buy a TDS meter (₹500 online). If the reading is above 400 ppm, chrome is your best friend.
9. Ignoring Floor Slope
This one’s easy to miss. But if the slope isn’t done right, you’ll have water puddles and constant dampness.
Quick fix:
Use smaller tiles and make sure your mason knows the right gradient to maintain towards the drain.
10. Undersized Exhaust Fan
A small fan in a big bathroom won’t do much. You need to match your fan’s CMH (cubic meter/hour) rating with your bathroom volume.
Also:
Install it opposite the window — that’s how you get real cross ventilation.
✨ Want a Bathroom That’s Functional and Beautiful?
Avoiding these mistakes will save you a lot of frustration down the line. If you’re planning your bathroom — or your full home — we at 91Homes would love to help.
👉 Visit our website and fill out the form. Let’s build something amazing, together.