Behind the scenes: How to create show-stopping washrooms for your theatre

What do you think of when you picture a night at the theatre?

Vast foyers, velvet curtains, dramatic lighting, cascading staircases, and soaring ceilings complete with art deco-inspired features. 

Basically, what we’re saying is impressive buildings with even more impressive interiors. 

And then you’ve got the performance itself. Detailed set designs, extravagant costumes and a talented cast all come together for a truly magical experience. 

From the moment your guests step foot inside, you want them to be wowed by their theatre experience. 

Yet, one of the most overlooked aspects of any theatre is its washrooms. Poor facilities can leave a lasting negative impression and even ruin an otherwise flawless evening for guests. Whereas, restrooms that reflect the splendour of the theatre experience can instantly enhance the experience.

So, how do you create theatre washrooms that delight, impress and work efficiently for your venue?

Prioritise flow and functionality 

Theatre bathroom‘s face unique demands that other venues often don’t. Intermissions are short, and lots of guests will try to use the restrooms during this time. Therefore, space and flow are absolutely crucial, and your washroom design needs to reflect this. 

Some ways to get the most from your space include open plan layouts and using data to work out how many guests are using the space during an average show. This will enable you to ensure there are enough cubicles, urinals and wash stations for everyone. You might even want to consider a separate entrance and exit for your washrooms to keep the traffic flowing.

Theatre bathrooms that are poorly planned can lead to queues that spill into hallways, frustrated guests, and ultimately, stressed staff.

Choose modern fixtures 

The theatre itself could be a grand old building, but that doesn’t mean your washrooms should hold onto broken or outdated fixtures from the 1930s.

In order to promote safety, hygiene, and comfort, make sure that you have updated all the key fixtures and fittings. This might include touch-free technology such as sensor taps and flushes, or automatic lighting and hand dryers.

Of course, adding modern fixtures doesn’t mean you have to lose the grandeur of the theatre. By choosing luxurious colour schemes that reflect your brand, as well as sleek finishes and premium materials like solid grade laminate, you can ensure elegance throughout your facilities. 

Upgrade your accessible facilities 

In a space that’s open to the public like a theatre, accessibility is not optional. You need to make sure that you have accessible facilities for wheelchair users and guests with disabilities. 

These washrooms must include features like well-placed grab rails, low sinks with sensor taps, contrasting colours for visibility and clear signage. It might also include changing benches and facilities for families if you run a lot of family-friendly shows.

By making sure that every theatregoer has access to safe and comfortable bathrooms, you prove your commitment to equality, accessibility and offering the best possible experience to every guest.

Think sustainably 

It’s also important to prove your commitment to sustainability and the environment. Modern audiences increasingly expect venues to demonstrate their environmental responsibility, and your washrooms can play a huge role in this. 

By installing low-flow toilets and sensor taps, you can conserve water, while energy-efficient lighting reduces your carbon footprint. You should also opt for environmentally friendly soaps and cleaning products whenever possible. 

Manage crowds and keep your spaces clean 

Theatre washrooms see a lot of foot traffic and therefore, they must be durable and easy to keep clean when faced with large crowds. That’s why it’s important to choose materials that are durable and stain-resistant, that can keep up with the demands of a busy theatre. 

That is also why touch-free technology is so useful; for example, sensor taps and automatic hand dryers help reduce touch points throughout your bathrooms, reducing places where dirt and bacteria can build up and maintaining hygiene. This also makes these spaces easier to clean at the end of each show. 

Are you ready to impress your guests with show-stopping theatre washrooms? 

Who says theatre washrooms have to be boring? Your facilities can reflect the unique character of your venue through modern fixtures, elegant finishes, ambient lighting and thoughtful details. 

So, if you’re ready to redesign or revamp your bathrooms and make every trip feel like an extension of the theatre’s atmosphere, then you’re in the right place.

Get in touch with our talented team today to find out more about how we can help with your theatre washroom refurbishment project.