Bathroom and toilet location as per Vastu

Bathrooms and toilets are an integral part of every house. When constructing a house, it is essential to design these spaces in a Vastu-compliant manner. Certain areas such as the northeast, referred to as the home of deities, and centre of the house must be avoided. Otherwise, it can cause negative energies to accumulate.

A bathroom/toilet space that is not Vastu-compliant, can lead to financial issues or loss of wealth or even health issues for family members, stress or even minor accidents. If you are looking to construct or remodel your bathroom or rectify the Vastu of the bathroom, here are some tips to follow:

 

Bathroom Vastu guidelines

Feature	Direction
Bathroom and toilet	North or northwest
Toilet seat	In a direction that one faces north or south
Washbasins and shower	East, north or northeast
Electrical fittings (hair dryers, fan, geysers)	South
Bathtub	North, east, west or north-east
Washing machine	Southwest and northwest
Mirrors	North or east wall
Doors	North or east
Attached bedroom toilet	Northwest or south
Small window in attached toilet	East, west or north wall
Flush toilet	Southeast or northwest
Drainage, water outlets and slope	North, east or north-east
Flow of waste	West
Overhead tank	Southwest

 

Bathroom and toilet Vastu significance

According to Vastu Shastra, bathrooms and toilets are an important part of any house but they are sources of negative energies. In earlier days, bathrooms were constructed outside the house. However, with evolving times, bathrooms are incorporated in modern house plans. Thus, it becomes crucial to ensure the proper placement of various elements of a bathroom to ensure positive energy flow and limit the negativities. The bathroom and toilet should be constructed in the Vastu-recommended direction such as northwest. By following Vastu principles, one can design a bathroom and toilet space that helps create a positive environment without causing any negativity.

 

Impact of incorrect placement of bathrooms, toilets

Direction	Impact	Vastu remedy
North	Impediments to business growth, wealth and new opportunities. It can also cause health issues.	Shift the pit to the northwest and paint the walls in black colour. Placing white coloured flowers in a metal vase facing north, can also help in eliminating the negative impact.
Northeast	Health problems among family members	Place a north-east yantra on the north-east side of the house. Burn camphor or fragrant candles inside the toilet and keep indoor plants like money plant or spider plant that will absorb the negativity. Sea salt also absorbs negativity and a bowl of it should be placed in the toilet. Ensure that the salt is changed every week.
East	Health problems affecting the digestive system and liver	Use bamboo on the roof; use light earthy hues of brown and green
Southeast	Financial problems or problems with marriage or childbirth	Place a Vastu pyramid on the south and east side of the walls on the outside. Keep Vastu salt in a copper bowl and replace it every week. Go for lighter colours.
South	Legal issues or loss of repute in business	Shift the toilet position between south and southwest; choose light shades of red, pink, orange, purple and violet if bathroom zone and neutral shades if the zone is extended.
Southwest	Relationship, health, or career-related problems	Place a Vastu Pyramid for South West toilet on the exterior wall. Choose light shades for the room.
West	Property-related problems may arise and non-fulfillment of dreams	Paint the walls on the west side in white and install something made of iron such as a door.

See also: How to improve the Vastu of a house without making structural changes?

 

Best location for bathroom and toilets in your home

 

See also: Bathroom design ideas for small and large homes

 

Bathroom and toilet direction as per Vastu

According to Vastu, the bathroom and toilet area must be in the northwest or west-northwest area (WNW) direction of your house. The northwest direction is associated with the air element and ruled by Vayu, the wind god. As per Vastu experts, the area between the south and southwest (SSW) direction is ideal for creating the toilet seat. This placement will ensure a Vastu-compliant house and boost the growth and prosperity in the house. One should avoid constructing bath areas and toilets in the south, southeast, southwest and centre of the house as it can negatively impact the health of the house occupants.

Bathroom and toilet directions to avoid

• South
• Southeast
• Southwest
• Centre of the house

Constructing a bathroom or a toilet in the above directions can negatively impact the health of the house occupants.

Also read about Vastu tips when shifting to new rented house

 

Toilet seat direction as per Vastu

• East of southeast (ESE): This zone is ideal for placing the toilet and bathroom. It prevents stress-related problems. However, this direction may not be suitable for some people, such as economists, accountants, technical writers, etc. You can consult a Vastu expert.
• South of the southwest (SSW): This zone is ideal for toilet design as per Vastu as it is referred to as the zone of disposal.
• West of the northwest (WNW): This zone is called the zone of ‘Rodan Graha’, a zone meant for releasing all blocked emotions.

The toilet seat must be constructed in a way that the person using it faces the north or south direction. It will ensure good health of the family members. When deciding the toilet position as per Vastu, make sure to include a window that will help in ensuring the proper energy flow. The bathroom and toilet rooms must be constructed one to two feet higher than the ground level.

Also read about buying the best water tank in India

Placement of commode or water closet

This should not be above or under a pooja room or even a fire or bed space. It should be aligned in the north-south axis. The commode should be placed in the west, south or north-west side. As per Vastu Shastra, you should design the area in way that there is nothing above the head of the toilet seat, except the water tank. This is recommended from a scientific point of view and allows air to flow easily.

There are two types of toilet systems – the Indian and the western. One can choose any style based on their convenience. If you are installing a western commode, make sure to keep the lid closed after use to ensure better hygiene and the elimination of negative energies.

Placement of septic tank

Septic tanks should not be on the south side of the toilet. Its best location is towards the west side of the house or the north-west of the house. The tank must be higher than the floor level of the building.

Placement of attached toilet

An attached toilet should not be in the south-east or south-west side. It can be constructed on the south side.

Placement of taps and water storage

Do not put taps in the south-west or south-east. Also, do not store water in this direction. East, north and north-east are suitable directions for placing taps and storing water.

See also: Turn your bathroom into a spa sanctuary

 

See also: North facing house Vastu plan

 

Vastu rules for utilities and fixtures

• Washbasins should be in the east, north or north-east part of the bathroom.
• Opt for wooden bathroom furniture and utility baskets and metal light fixtures, for achieving a balanced look in the bathroom.
• The shower should also be located in the east, north or north-east part.

 

See also: Mirror direction as per Vastu

Bathtubs and shower cubicles

• Create the shower area or bathtub in the north corner of the bathroom.
• Choose bathtubs of standard shapes and size such as round or square.
• Make sure it does not have any sharp edges or angles.
• Place the bathtub in north, east, west or northeast directions.
• Keep bathtub pillows on the south side of the Jacuzzi.
• Place fragrant candles in the northeast corner.

 

Appliances

Washing machine: Most people prefer to keep washing machines in the bathroom. As per Vastu rules, the washing machine should be placed in the southwest and northwest direction of the bathroom.

Electrical fittings: Geyser, hair dryers, fan, etc., should be placed on the southeast side.

See also: Should you give up on a good property because of imperfect Vastu Shastra?

Mirrors

• Mirrors in the bathroom as per Vastu, should be put up on the northern or eastern wall of the bathroom. This will help reflect positive energies of the eastern direction all around.
• Choose square and rectangular mirrors and place them at least four or five ft from the floor.
• The mirror in the bathroom should be placed in a high position, such that it does not reflect the toilet seat.

Exhaust fan and ventilation

Exhaust fans, or if you have a window for ventilation, must face the east or north-east direction. The presence of exhaust fans in the bathroom will ensure that the energy keeps flowing inside the bathroom and does not remain stagnant. For an attached bathroom and toilet, install the exhaust fan in south corner. Align it parallel or at the same wall where the flush toilet is placed. Avoid having an exhaust fan on the east wall of the toilet as it can have a negative impact.

 

Bathroom lights

According to Vastu, lights in the bathroom should create a calming ambience. It should not be dark and dingy and have adequate illumination. If there are no windows in the bathroom, use bulbs in the overhead lighting fixture to simulate natural sunlight and boost healthy energy. In a small bathroom, general lighting is essential. A central ceiling light should suffice in such a situation. For large bathrooms which have sections of baths and toilets, go for overhead fixtures for enough light in all the corners. The most vital lighting in a bathroom is the one around the mirror. The light in this area should be diffused and have no glare or shadow. One can improve the energy of the bathroom by adding a small night-light preferably a wall scone.

See also: Design ideas for bathroom false ceiling

 

Doors

• Bathroom doors should be in the north or east direction.
• Use a wooden door and avoid metal doors.
• A metal door can create negativity and affect health of the inhabitants of the house. Avoid ornate statues of gods and goddesses on the bathroom doors.
• Bathroom doors should be kept closed at all times, as it is said that leaving it open could let negative energy pervade into your personal relationships.
• Avoid constructing bathroom door in the south-west direction.
• Keep the doors of the toilet closed at all times. Never allow the negative energies from the bathroom to other rooms as it can pose troubles in career and relationships.
• Avoid doors in bathroom with decorative elements like carvings of gods.

 

Windows

Besides the right bathroom direction as per Vastu, every bathroom should have a window or a provision for proper ventilation. It will allow negative energies to move out and aid the entry of light into the room. Moreover, it will ensure the bathroom area remains clean, dry and fresh if the windows are placed in the right direction. The windows must open towards the east, north or west in the bathroom. Also, make sure the windows open outwards. Go for light coloured curtains for the bathroom windows.

 

Bathroom Vastu colours

• Lighter colours: Choose lighter colours such as light blue, pink, grey, white, beige and cream.
• Neutral shades: Neutral hues such as grey, white or off-whites are ideal as per Bathroom Vastu. Such colours also bring sophisticated but require maintenance as dirt can be easily spotted in lighter background.
• Earthy tones: Another excellent colour option for bathroom recommended in Vastu is the earthy colour such as light brown, beige or pale terra-cotta. These colours help create a balanced atmosphere.

These colours also promote a sense of cleanliness and allow positive energy flow. 

Avoid dark colours

According to Vastu, dark colours can attract negative energy while making the bathroom look smaller and more cramped.

 

 

Vastu for attached bathroom and separate bathrooms

Ideally, toilets and bathrooms should not be attached, as per Vastu Shastra. However, due to space crunch, most urban homes cannot afford such a facility. Therefore, attached bathrooms are popular and widely used.

The north-west direction of a room is suitable for placing attached toilets. For attached bathrooms, a small window can be built on the east, west or north wall, inside the toilet. Remember the Vastu rules for toilet seat design and facing the Vastu recommended direction.

The southern corner is another suitable area for designing attached toilets.

Further, when constructing an attached bathroom in a modern house, make sure the bathroom and toilet space is higher than the ground level of the room. As per Vastu, the attached bathroom should not be on the same ground level as that of the room.

According to Vastu experts, bathrooms in the south, south-east and south-west directions can have a negative impact on occupants of a house such as financial or health troubles. Moreover, it can increase the flow of negative energy. Hence, it is essential to consider the Vastu rules when designing attached bathrooms and toilets.

 

Position of the flush toilet

As per Vastu for attached toilet, the flush toilet or commode should be in a spot such that the person faces any direction except east or west. Thus, design the toilet in southeast or northwest area facing towards north or south direction. Do not construct attached toilets in the northeast or east side as it is regarded inauspicious.

 

Wall-sharing with the bathroom

According to bedroom Vastu principles, beds should not be placed close to the bathroom or toilet space. Ensure that the bathroom does not share its wall with your bedroom or your kitchen or sanctified places like the pooja room.

Vastu experts say that the placement of a bed in a way that it shares a wall with the toilet may result in nightmares.

However, if you have a compact home and there is no way of avoiding wall sharing, you can change the position of your bed such that it does not recline against the bathroom wall. This will be your best bet to avoid negative energy.

 

 

Vastu for bathroom drainage and floor inclination

Water outlets and drainage must be in the north, east or north-east and the slope of the bathroom should be in the same direction. The flow of water in the bathroom must be from south to the north or from west to east. Hence, make sure you design the toilet floor in way that it slopes in the north or east direction.

As per Vastu guidelines, the west side of the house is the area where waste should flow. Hence, when designing the toilet seat or the wash basin, make sure the drainage is towards the western side. This should include the drainage pipes of the bathroom.

 

 

Vastu for bathroom flooring

Vastu for bathroom states that the bathroom floor must never be on the same height as the bedroom and other rooms. A bathroom floor must be at least one foot above the ground level. Choose natural materials such as stone or go for ceramic tiles. Avoid black or red coloured tiles.

The perfect flooring colours for bathroom and toilets as per Vastu are calm colours like blues, white or pastel shades.

 

Vastu for bathroom overhead water tank

In cities where there is water shortage, most of the houses install an overhead water tank these days, According to the Vastu principles, the southwest corner should be the heaviest so place the overhead tank in the southwest corner. The tank can be slightly positioned to the south or west of southwest, and even in the west. This can lead to financial wellbeing. Never keep the tank in the northeast corner or southeast corner, states Vastu.

 

South west toilet Vastu remedies

 

Bathroom cleaning routine and Vastu

According to Vastu, the bathroom area should be kept clean at all times as this area is prone to negative energies. The bathroom must be kept clutter-free and cleaned regularly to avoid any stains, dampness or fungus, for ensuring a harmonious flow of energy.

 

How to remove negative energy from the bathroom?

• Salt to purify the space: As per Vastu, both, glass and salt, are factors of Rahu. You could place a glass cup filled with salt in the bath and toilet space. It is said to remove Vastu defects.
• Aromatherapy: Make your bathroom a haven for self-care and rejuvenation. You can use aromatherapy to freshen the bathroom, by adding a few drops of lemongrass oil into the toilet bowl. Let the aroma of essential oil or herbs, such as lavender, rosemary or sage, add a relaxing scent to the bathroom space.
• Avoid clutter: Things stored in the bathroom affects one’s health and wellbeing. To keep negative energy away, regularly go through the things stored in the bathroom, such as cosmetics, toiletries, etc. Anything that has expired or is no longer required, should be discarded. Do not keep old toothbrushes and empty lotion or perfume bottles. Keep the bathroom clutter-free.
• Discard broken items: Replace broken soap dispensers, toilet roll holders, etc. Regularly clean the towels and replace ones that are worn out.
• Mirror effect: Having a mirror on the outer side of the bathroom door, is a great way to get rid of Vastu flaws. However, ensure that it does reflect the bedroom or the entrance door.
• Bathroom fittings: Keep the bathroom fittings simple. While silver, stainless steel and ceramic are fine, do not opt for gold fittings as symbolically, it does not suit a bathroom setting.
• Ideally, have a door dividing the toilet cistern and the bathing area. If that is not possible, keep the lid of the cistern down at all times and keep the door closed. Or use a curtain to separate the bath and toilet area.
• Sound energy: Music has a positive effect, especially when bathing. It can help one to relax. Hence, you can have a music system installed in the south-east corner of the bathroom, as according to Vastu, this area is meant for electronics.
• Avoid empty containers: Do not keep water bucket empty. They must be filled with water or placed upside down. Choose blue colour for the bucket and mug that can create positive vibes in the bathroom.

 

Avoid water leakage in the bathroom

According to Vastu, it is considered inauspicious if water drips from the tap, jet or shower, even after it is turned off, as it causes negative energy. Wastage of water is not considered good. Leaking taps should be repaired immediately, as it can lead to  unnecessary expenditure and loss of money.

 

Vastu tips for plants in the bathroom

Plants	Benefits
Money plant	Can withstand the warm and humid condition
Lucky Bamboo	Enhance positive energies
Snake plant	Can thrive without direct sunlight
Spider plant	Easy to maintain, enhances the bathroom décor
Aloe Vera	Medicinal benefits
Cast iron plant	Enhances bathroom décor, low maintenance plant
Majesty palm	Suitable for spacious bathroom
Boston fern	Thrives in humid conditions

Greenery in the bathroom can absorb negative energy. Pick plants that thrive in high humidity and can tolerate moist air. Ensure that the bathroom has a window that gets natural light or else rotate plants in and out of the bathroom, to expose it to the sun a few times in a week.

 

Vastu tips for bathroom decoration

• Avoid family photos, figurines of Buddha, turtle, or elephant in the bathroom. One can hang photos of flowers, trees, meadows, etc.
• Do not display photos of waterfalls, rivers or fish.
• Do not hang prosperity paintings on the toilet wall. Avoid keeping too many candles in the bathroom, as it is a fire element and and the bathroom is the opposite element – water.
• Do not keep red and orange-colored decorative items in the bathroom. One can use sea shells for decoration in the bathroom. When using decorative lights in the bathroom, ensure that the lighting around the mirror is such that there is no glare on the mirror.
• According to Vastu, opt for green décor to add a touch of nature – for example, green napkins, towels, mats, curtains, etc.
• For natural fragrance and freshness, you can keep indoor plants, such as aloe vera, spider plants, etc., in the bathroom. You can also place an essential oil diffuser for a pleasant ambience.

 

Housing.com News Viewpoint

Bathrooms after often the most neglected areas when it comes to making a house in Vastu complaint. However, these areas can be a major source of negative energies. Hence, it is essential to follow these Vastu guidelines and place each element of the bathroom as per its Vastu-recommended direction.

 

FAQs

Where should bathroom be as per Vastu?

The bathroom in a house must be in the north or north-west portion.

What should be the color of bathroom according to Vastu?

Avoid dark colours in the bathroom. Light colours, such as beige and cream, are ideal for the bathroom, as per Vastu Shastra.

What should be the colour of the bucket in the bathroom according to Vastu?

Keep a blue bucket in the bathroom as it brings good luck, as per Vastu. Also, keep the bucket full of water.

What is the ideal direction for bathrooms as per Vastu for attached bathroom and toilet?

The northwest direction is suitable for designing bathrooms because this direction is favourable for elimination of waste and negative energies.

Which direction is not good for bathroom?

As per Vastu Shastra guidelines, one should avoid constructing bathroom spaces in the south, southeast, southwest corner of the house. It should also not be constructed in northeast or centre.

Why should bathrooms be Vastu-compliant?

Most homebuyer prefer Vastu-compliant homes, since a house devoid of any doshas is believed to bring positive energies and good luck. Thus, complying with Vastu guidelines for bathroom design will help maintains happiness and prosperity in the house by preventing the flow of negative energies.

Can we build bathroom under stairs according to Vastu?

Always remember that according to Vastu, the area under the stairs can only be used for storage purposes. So, while constructing, note that a bathroom should never be built under a staircase. These are some essential Vastu tips for bathroom homeowners should keep in mind.

Where should a toilet be placed in a bathroom?

Place the toilet seat in the west, south or north-west side of the bathroom.

Can we construct bathroom in north-east corner?

Do not install bathrooms and toilet in the northeast or centre of the house as these are considered sacred places.

Can we make toilet in north?

Avoid constructing a toilet in the north as it is the direction of Kubera. Designing a bathroom or toilet in the north can also impact the health of the people residing in the house.

Can toilets face west direction?

A toilet can be designed in west of northwest or the south or southwest or east of southeast. Make sure the toilet seats do not face west direction as it can lead to health problems. As per Vastu, toilets in a west facing house must be designed in the northwest direction.

What is the bathroom Vastu direction for north facing house?

According to the bathroom Vastu rules for north facing house, the south of south-west or west of north-west are suitable places to design bathrooms. The east of the southeast direction aids in eliminating physical and mental negative energies.

How to improve your southwest direction?

Design your master bedroom in the southwest direction as the earth element is associated with this direction, representing stability and prosperity. If the bathroom is in southwest, make sure to keep the doors closed at all times.

How to treat a northeast toilet?

A bathroom should not be constructed in the northeast direction, according to Vastu. One Vastu remedy for a northeast bathroom or toilet is to place a bowl of sea salt in the northeast corner. Replace the salt every week. Also, place indoor plants like spider plant or money plant, which will help absorb the negative energy.

How to remove negative energy from a toilet?

Some Vastu remedies for removing negative energies generated from a bathroom or toilet are – keeping the bathroom doors closed at all times; making sure the bathroom is clean and well-ventilated, and placing a bowl of sea salt, which will absorb the negative energies.

(With inputs from Purnima Goswami Sharma)

Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com