New Year, new washrooms - 6 ideas for your restaurant washrooms
With the glitz and glamour of the festive season fading behind us, the new year is the perfect opportunity for reflection and renewed energy.
It also allows you to focus on what matters and rethink some of your restaurant’s key aspects. How can you improve this for the year ahead?
Often overlooked, clean, stylish and functional restaurant bathrooms can elevate your guests’ overall dining experience. So this year, you should make washroom refurbishment a top priority.
A great bathroom speaks volumes about your brand, so here are six ideas for upgrading your restaurant washrooms in 2025.
1. Touch-free facilities
Hygiene is a top priority for your guests, especially when food is involved. So this year, modernise your restaurant bathrooms with touch-free everything (or at least as many touch-free features as you can).
For example, you could install touch-free taps, soap dispensers, flushes, hand dryers and even door locks.
Not only does this reduce the spread of bacteria, but it makes your washrooms easier to clean and maintain. It also makes these spaces instantly more modern, stylish and durable.
2. Consider gender-neutral spaces
If you haven’t already done this and your space allows, you should consider introducing gender-neutral bathrooms in your restaurant.
This offers inclusivity and convenience to all guests and can be especially beneficial to families and individuals who might prefer a private, all-purpose washroom.
3. Add green features
There’s no denying sustainability is a hot topic right now, and your restaurant washrooms can showcase your commitment to saving the environment. As an added bonus, adding green features to your bathrooms, such as water-saving fixtures and energy-efficient lighting, can also help your business save money.
Other ways you can add green features include using recycled materials for countertops and flooring, as well as adding plants to the space. This can enhance the aesthetics, improve air quality, and boost the mood of all users.
4. Increase guest privacy
Along with hygiene, guests also value their privacy above all else. And let’s face it, nobody likes to hear restroom noises while dining or vice versa. So, this year, make sure to invest in proper soundproofing materials to maintain a comfortable and private experience for all guests.
It’s also a good idea to upgrade your toilet cubicles to full-length, floor-to-ceiling cubicles and doors. All of which can increase guest privacy and comfort.
5. Provide luxury amenities
You can show your guests you care with upscale finishing touches like stocking your bathrooms with high-quality hand soaps, lotions, air fresheners, diffusers or flowers. You could even include little extras like individually wrapped disposable hand towels, soaps, mouthwash, toothpicks or tissues.
These extra little amenities can make your restaurant bathrooms feel more luxurious and provide an upmarket experience to your guests. Not to mention, they are very practical!
6. Ramp up the ambience
Be sure to create an environment that complements your restaurant’s theme and values. You can do this by introducing warm lighting, stylish mirrors and décor that reflects the style of your dining area.
For instance, if you have a rustic theme throughout your restaurant, you could benefit from reclaimed wood accents, while a modern bistro would do better with sleek, minimalist fixtures.
Throughout the washroom design process, ensure your brand and values are built into every aspect and detail, no matter how big or small.
Are you ready to update your restaurant bathrooms this year?
It’s so important to remember that your restaurant’s washrooms aren’t just a utility - they are an extension of your brand.
By investing in thoughtful updates this year, you can create a space that will impress guests, set your restaurant apart and keep people coming back.