We’ve all been there.
You finally arrive at the event you’ve been looking forward to for weeks. After travelling, queuing, and rushing to get inside, there’s usually one thing people want to do first:
Find the toilet.
You follow the signs, only to be met with a queue that seems to stretch forever. You can’t tell which cubicles are occupied. The layout is confusing, with toilets tucked away around awkward corners. There’s an unpleasant smell, the floor looks dirty, a lock is broken, and several cubicles are out of order.
Before the event has even begun, the experience has already been affected.
And it started in the washroom.
For venues, hospitality spaces, and event environments, washrooms are far more than just a functional necessity. They play a crucial role in shaping a visitor’s first impression. Within seconds, customers form an opinion based on the atmosphere, cleanliness, layout, lighting and comfort of the space.
A poorly designed washroom can create frustration, delays and negative perceptions. But a well-designed one can do the opposite. It keeps visitors moving smoothly, reduces stress, and reinforces a sense of quality and professionalism.
In hospitality and events, your washrooms are part of your brand.
Design Features That Improve the Customer Experience
Modern washroom design isn’t just about aesthetics. Thoughtful design can significantly improve customer flow, reduce maintenance issues, minimise vandalism and make cleaning easier for staff.
Here are some of the key features that make a real difference in busy public environments.
Full Height Cubicles for VIP or hospitality areas
Full height cubicles are ideal for premium environments such as VIP lounges, hospitality suites and executive areas. Their floor-to-ceiling design provides maximum privacy and sound reduction, creating a more comfortable and exclusive experience for guests.
They also contribute to a more refined, high-end aesthetic, helping venues maintain a consistent premium feel across hospitality areas.
Standard Height Cubicles (General Public Areas)
For general admission areas and high-capacity washrooms, standard height cubicles provide a practical and efficient solution. While they do not extend floor to ceiling, they are still built from highly durable materials designed to withstand constant use in busy public environments.
Standard height cubicles allow for quicker installation, easier maintenance access and better airflow, which can be beneficial in large washrooms serving thousands of visitors. When built using robust materials such as Solid Grade Laminate, they still offer excellent strength, durability and resistance to wear and vandalism.
Solid Grade Laminate (SGL) Panels
Solid Grade Laminate panels are designed for demanding environments with heavy footfall. They are completely waterproof, highly durable and resistant to impact. Their wipe-clean surface also makes them ideal for maintaining hygiene standards in busy venues.
Clear Sightlines and Simple Layouts
A well-planned layout allows visitors to quickly see which cubicles are available. Clear sightlines help prevent queues from backing up and reduce congestion, keeping people moving efficiently through the space.
Touch-Free Fixtures
Sensor-activated taps, flush systems and soap dispensers reduce the need for physical contact, improving hygiene and helping limit the spread of germs. They also lower cleaning demand and improve overall efficiency for maintenance teams.
Bright Lighting and Good Ventilation
Good lighting instantly improves the perception of cleanliness and safety, while proper ventilation helps eliminate odours and prevents damp conditions. Together, these elements make the space feel more welcoming and comfortable.
Colour and Material Choice
Colour plays a bigger role in washroom design than many people realise. Lighter colours can make a space feel brighter, cleaner and more open, which immediately improves the perception of hygiene and comfort. Darker tones, when used strategically, can add a premium feel while also helping to conceal marks and heavy wear in high-traffic areas.
Colour can also be used to reinforce a venue’s branding or interior design theme, helping the washroom feel like a natural extension of the overall space rather than an afterthought. When carefully selected alongside durable materials, the right colour scheme can improve the visual appeal of the washroom while also supporting long-term maintenance and durability.
Dunhams Recommended Solutions
At Dunhams, we design and supply washroom systems built specifically for high-traffic public environments such as stadiums, arenas, transport hubs and hospitality venues.
Here are some of our recommended solutions.
Altitude Cubicles
Our Altitude cubicles offer a premium appearance with enhanced privacy and strong resistance to vandalism. Their full-height design creates a modern, high-quality washroom environment, making them particularly well suited to hospitality suites, VIP areas and other premium spaces within a venue.
The floor-to-ceiling design improves both privacy and acoustic separation, helping create a more comfortable and refined experience for users. Built using durable materials designed for demanding public environments, Altitude cubicles combine strength, longevity and a sleek, contemporary finish.
This makes them an ideal solution for venues looking to elevate the overall washroom experience while maintaining the durability required for busy event and hospitality settings.
Challenger Cubicles
Challenger cubicles are designed for durability in busy public washrooms. They provide a strong, reliable cubicle system suitable for general admission areas and high-footfall environments.
Built using robust materials such as Solid Grade Laminate, Challenger cubicles offer excellent resistance to moisture, wear and impact while maintaining a clean, modern appearance. Their design balances durability, practicality and cost-effectiveness, making them a dependable choice for venues that need long-lasting performance without compromising on quality.
Duct+
Duct+ systems conceal pipework and services, preventing tampering while creating a clean and streamlined finish. They also make maintenance and cleaning significantly quicker and easier as they’re pre-framed in our factory before delivery to site, speeding up the installation process too.
Solid Surface Wash Troughs
Solid surface wash troughs provide a modern and durable solution for high-traffic handwashing areas. Their design allows multiple users to wash their hands at the same time, helping improve customer flow during busy periods.
Anti-Vandal Ironmongery
Our ironmongery is specifically designed for demanding public environments. Our heavy-duty fittings, including a three-hinge system, provide increased strength and durability to withstand constant use.
The First Impression That Lasts
Visitors may come to your venue for the entertainment, the atmosphere or the event itself. But their experience begins long before they reach their seat.
It starts with the small details, and the washroom is one of the most important.
A clean, well-designed and efficient washroom doesn’t just meet expectations. It reinforces your brand, improves visitor satisfaction and helps ensure that the experience starts on the right note.
Because great customer experiences don’t begin when the show starts.
They begin the moment people walk through your doors.
Get in touch with our team today to find out who we can help you create a safer washroom space.
