Designing Modern Restrooms: Integrating Aesthetics and Functionality

Washrooms used to be relegated to an afterthought, with little thought beyond what is functional. A HandryersUK colleague described them as ‘the least considered most used room’, and in our experience this has proved true. But, things are changing. Brand and experience are things that every business needs to consider. Customer, clients and colleagues will make judgements on a business depending on a huge range of factors, some of which includes the washroom and the washroom experience. 

Your washroom has to be a blend of style and substance – it doesn’t matter if it looks fantastic, but there is no loo roll, it’s messy and the hand dryers are just a suggestion of a breeze. Conversely, your washroom could be functional, but cold, clinical and not a place people want to spend time. Neither is ideal, but a blend of both is preferred. 

In this post we’re going to look into various considerations when looking at hand dryers, which may help your determine what the most important performance metric is for you.

1. Sleek design with powerful performance

Modern fixtures demand modern solutions, and that includes hand dryers. The Dyson Airblade 9kJ, with its curved-edge profile and slim design, dries hands in just 10–12 seconds while removing 99.95% of particles through HEPA filtration. Its stainless-steel build and Quiet Mark certification make it ideal for spaces where both appearance and low noise matter—such as upscale hotels or corporate offices.

Alternatively, the XLerator blends performance with understated elegance. Available in brushed stainless steel or graphite finishes, it's both fast and energy efficient slashing energy costs by up to 80% per-dry compared to older models. Its robust build and flexible mounting options make it both practical and seamlessly integrated into varied design schemes.

2. Compact solutions for limited space

Design constraints shouldn’t compromise efficiency. The Dryflow BulletDri offers a slim profile (just 100 mm deep) while still delivering a 10–15 second dry time, HEPA filtration, and whisper-quiet operation. It’s perfect for boutique cafés or gender-neutral cubicles, where space is premium yet style essential.

Similarly, the Dryflow EcoSlim presents a minimalist, low-profile appearance. With energy consumption as low as 0.18 kW, it’s both budget-friendly and visually streamlined ideal for eco-conscious, design-forward venues 

3. Hands‑in units for prestige and hygiene

For designers looking to make a statement, hands‑in dryers like the Mitsubishi Jet Towel Slim elevate both hygiene and luxury. It’s one of the quietest options, with adjustable speed settings and anti-bacterial surfaces to suit different environments. Its tactile, sculptural form doubles as a design centrepiece, lending restrooms a high-tech, premium feel without compromising cleanliness.

4. Environmental responsibility meets elegance

Sustainability is a key aesthetic in modern design—and hand dryers contribute meaningfully. The Dryflow Ecoslim is a standout: it can deliver over 4,300 dries per £1 spent on electricity and offers carbon-neutral performance in a clean, compact shell. Linen-free restrooms, recycled finishes, and water-saving tap integration all signal an eco-savvy space—and the right hand dryer amplifies that message.

5. Custom finishes for cohesive spaces

When every detail matters, matching finishes reinforce design schemes. Franke dryers bring high-finish polish to compact units, offering colour-matched sensors, adjustable airflow, and sleek, minimal enclosures. Continued lines in chrome, black, or white ensure visual harmony between taps, soap dispensers, and dryers.

Bringing it all together

A well-designed restroom balances cleanliness, convenience, aesthetics, and brand values. Choosing the right dryer means:

• Performance: fast drying and low noise (Dyson Airblade 9kJ, XLerator, BulletDri).
• Space efficiency: slim profile and smart mounting (EcoSlim, BulletDri).
• Prestige appeal: hands-in luxury (Jet Towel Slim).
• Sustainability: energy-saving & low-waste (Ecoslim).
• Visual coherence: matching finishes (Franke).

By selecting hand dryers that excel in function while reinforcing visual design, facilities can craft washrooms that are hygienic, user-friendly, and truly memorable. The right dryer becomes more than a fixture, it becomes a feature.