03/31/2026
A provocative question in modern home design: do urinals belong in residential bathrooms? (We have been in two homes this last month that have them)
From a functional perspective, the argument is compelling. Urinals promote improved sanitation by minimizing splash, reduce water consumption, and offer a level of efficiency that is difficult to replicate with traditional fixtures—particularly in households with high traffic or multiple male occupants.
Yet, the counterargument is equally significant. Urinals occupy valuable wall space, often disrupt the visual cohesion of a thoughtfully designed bathroom, and introduce a distinctly commercial aesthetic that may feel incongruous in a residential setting. Moreover, their utility is inherently limited, serving only a portion of the household.
In practice, their appropriateness is highly contextual. In secondary spaces—such as pool baths, garage bathrooms, or dedicated recreational areas—they can be a pragmatic and even strategic addition. In primary or guest bathrooms, however, their inclusion becomes far more contentious.
The question, then, is not whether they are effective—but whether they belong.
Where do you stand: a rational upgrade in efficiency, or an unnecessary departure from residential design norms?