We’ve all been there—finding a quiet spot to work in a busy house or squeezing in productivity wherever we can. But let’s tackle an idea most people don’t dare say out loud: working in the bathroom all day. Yes, the bathroom.
That porcelain office space might be the last frontier for peace, productivity, and oddly great acoustics. Before you roll your eyes, hear me out. This could be a strange, game-changing revelation.
Why the Bathroom Makes a Surprisingly Good Workspace
At first glance, working in the bathroom sounds ridiculous. But think about it for a second. The bathroom is a little oasis in your house—usually quiet, relatively private, and equipped with a door that locks. Plus, it’s got a seat built in. If you’re creative enough, the bathroom might just be the hidden gem of home workspaces.
- Bathrooms often have great lighting. Large mirrors and bright bulbs make them perfect for video calls. No awkward shadows or bad angles.
- The acoustics are solid. Bathrooms naturally amplify sound, so recording a podcast or attending a meeting might actually sound better from in there.
- Privacy is built in. No one questions a closed bathroom door, making it ideal for undisturbed time.
If you’re tired of distractions in other parts of the house, the bathroom is a strong contender for the title of “most underrated office space.”
Setting Up Your Bathroom Office
You can’t just plop down and call it a day. Turning the bathroom into a workspace takes a little creativity (and maybe some extra towels). But with a few tweaks, you could have a cozy and functional spot to get through the workday.
- Use a small stool or folding table. Place your laptop or notepad on it, and suddenly the bathroom feels less like a bathroom and more like a workspace.
- Bring in a cushion for comfort. Sitting on a hard surface all day isn’t great, so a soft pad can make all the difference.
- Add a plant or two for ambiance. If the bathroom already has plants, great. If not, bring in something small and cheerful to keep you company.
- Keep snacks nearby. This sounds ridiculous, but you don’t want to keep leaving your "office" every time you’re hungry.
Transforming the space might feel weird at first, but once you settle in, it’s surprisingly cozy.
Need to Be Careful About Drawing Electric Points to the Bathroom
Okay, electricity in the bathroom. Mixing water and electricity is like inviting a cat to a pool party—it’s a disaster waiting to happen if you’re not careful. But hey, if you’re serious about working in there all day, you’ll need to figure out how to keep your laptop and devices charged without electrocuting yourself or burning the house down.
First off, bathrooms aren’t typically designed for long-term electrical use beyond the basics. The outlet for your hair dryer or electric toothbrush? That’s it. Drawing extra power to the bathroom requires some planning, so you don’t accidentally turn your workspace into a live-wire horror show.
- Use extension cords rated for high humidity areas. Regular ones can short out or cause sparks when exposed to moisture. Look for ones specifically labeled for use in damp conditions.
- Avoid running cords across wet areas. If your cord is lying near the sink or tub, you’re asking for trouble. Keep all wiring safely elevated and out of reach of potential splashes.
- Invest in a power strip with surge protection. It’s a lifesaver if your bathroom’s electrical setup isn’t the most modern. You’ll want something that can handle charging a laptop, phone, and maybe a light or two without tripping the breaker.
- Only plug in grounded devices. Three-pronged plugs are your friends here because they’re built to handle grounding, which reduces the risk of shocks.
Finally, take a minute to inspect the bathroom itself. Some bathrooms are better suited for electricity than others. Does yours have a proper exhaust fan to prevent humidity build-up? Are the outlets GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter)? If not, adding extra power points might be more trouble than it’s worth. A quick chat with an electrician might save you from learning the hard way why safety comes first.
Activities You Can Do While Working in the Bathroom
The bathroom isn’t just a place for scrolling Instagram anymore. With the right mindset, you could accomplish a surprising range of work tasks from your new favorite spot.
- Take video calls with confidence. The lighting is usually better than your desk setup, and the echo creates a professional tone for your voice.
- Record voiceovers or audio presentations. The natural acoustics make your voice sound crisp and clear.
- Knock out creative writing or brainstorming sessions. Bathrooms are naturally quiet, letting your thoughts flow freely.
- Plan spreadsheets or budgets. The isolation helps you focus on those tedious tasks without interruption.
It’s like a Swiss Army knife of productivity spaces, and honestly, it’s time to give it some credit.
Keeping It Comfortable
Spending an entire day in the bathroom, there are some restrictions, as you can imagine. But with a few tricks, you’ll be sitting pretty (literally) in no time.
- Rotate between standing and sitting. Bring in a high stool for variety so you don’t feel stuck in one position.
- Use a wireless keyboard and mouse. These let you sit comfortably without having to hunch over your laptop.
- Bring a fan if the bathroom feels stuffy. Small spaces heat up quickly, so a little airflow goes a long way.
- Play some soft background music. Bathrooms are often too quiet, and a little sound helps keep the vibe relaxed.
You might even forget you’re working in the bathroom by the end of the day.
The Unspoken Perks of a Bathroom Office
There are some obvious upsides to working in the bathroom that no one talks about. These hidden perks might even make you prefer it over your usual workspace.
- Zero commute time to your coffee machine or snacks. Everything is just a step or two away.
- Built-in break timer. Need a moment to stretch? The sink is right there for a quick face splash.
- You’re always prepared for nature’s calls. No rushing to the bathroom mid-meeting—you’re already there.
- It’s surprisingly cozy. The small space can feel like a little cocoon of productivity.
Once you embrace the quirks, it’s hard to ignore how convenient this setup can be.
Making the Bathroom Soundproof (For Loud Singers or Meetings)
Let’s be honest—singing in the bathroom is one of life’s purest joys. The acoustics are already fantastic, so belting out a tune while you work sounds like a dream. But what if you don’t want the whole house (or your neighbors) to join in on your greatest hits? Soundproofing the bathroom might be the answer.
Bathrooms are notorious for echoing every sound, which is great for your shower concerts but not ideal if you’re on a work call or trying to keep your musical moments private. To dampen the sound while still enjoying your mini studio, a few creative solutions can turn your bathroom into a quieter space.
- Add soft furnishings. Towels, rugs, or even a stack of pillows absorb sound waves and reduce echo. The more soft surfaces you add, the less sound bounces around.
- Use adhesive acoustic panels. Stick these onto the walls or even the door. They’re easy to remove later and do wonders for blocking noise from escaping.
- Install a door sweep. These handy gadgets seal the gap under the door, so your yodels or high notes don’t sneak out into the hallway.
- Upgrade the shower curtain to a thick fabric one. Plastic curtains are basically sound amplifiers, while heavy fabric dampens noise.
- Seal cracks or gaps around vents and pipes. Sound loves to travel through the tiniest openings, so a bit of foam or silicone sealant helps keep things contained.
If you’re really committed to soundproofing, you could consider swapping out your bathroom door for a solid-core one. Hollow-core doors let noise flow freely, while solid ones create a better barrier. But that’s a bigger project, so maybe save it for when you’re fully committed to life as a bathroom-based singer.
With a bit of effort, you can sing, yodel, or rehearse speeches at full volume without worrying about the rest of the house overhearing every note. And hey, who knows? Your soundproofed bathroom might even become your go-to recording studio for those viral TikToks or podcast intros.
Strange but Practical Realities of Working in a Bathroom
Let’s get real. Working in the bathroom isn’t all glamour. It comes with its own set of odd situations that you’ll need to adapt to.
- Plumbing noises can interrupt your calls. If someone flushes or uses the shower, it’s game over for that seamless audio.
- You’ll need to explain yourself. If someone asks why your background looks suspiciously tiled, you’ll need a good story ready.
- Getting comfortable takes time. Sitting on a toilet lid all day is far from ergonomic, so breaks are non-negotiable.
- Weird smells happen. Bathrooms are bathrooms, after all. Keep air fresheners or a scented candle handy.
Despite the quirks, the convenience and privacy make up for the occasional hiccup.
The Future of Bathroom Workspaces
Who’s to say bathroom offices won’t become a thing? As remote work continues to evolve, unconventional spaces like bathrooms could become the new normal. Companies might even design multi-purpose bathrooms in the future to accommodate work needs.
Imagine a bathroom-office hybrid with built-in desks, soundproof walls, and optimized lighting. It sounds ridiculous now, but so did open-floor plans once upon a time.
Working in the bathroom might not be conventional, but that’s part of the appeal. Sometimes, the strangest ideas are the ones that stick.
