Creating a functional family bathroom takes careful planning and design. With multiple family members using the space, you need a layout that works for adults, kids, teens, and guests. Beyond fitting the fixtures, it should also reflect your family’s style and provide a relaxing oasis from busy days.
Though every family’s needs differ, these 8 elements can help you design an ideal family bathroom.
Ample Space
When designing a family bathroom, allow ample space for multiple users. Avoid cramped quarters and try to provide at least 25 square feet per person. This gives adults, kids, and teens sufficient room to move about and get ready comfortably.
Some tips for providing spaciousness in a family bathroom:
- Go for a larger footprint if possible. Knocking down walls or converting a closet can help achieve more space.
- Use wall-mounted sinks and toilets to save floor space.
- Install narrow shelving and cabinetry to fit in tight areas.
- Use a walk-in shower instead of a tub to open up floor space.
- Add mirrors and lighting to make a smaller bathroom feel more expansive.
The right layout can also impact the feeling of spaciousness. Aim for clear pathways between fixtures and avoid bottlenecks.
Double Sinks
For a busy family bathroom, more than one sink allows multiple people to use the space simultaneously. Double sinks let two family members brush teeth, wash faces, and get ready at the same time.
When choosing double sinks:
- Allow adequate counter space between sinks so family members have elbow room.
- Opt for two smaller sinks rather than one large one to provide separation.
- Consider symmetry with mirrors and lighting fixtures over both sinks.
- Choose alayout that works in your space, such as wall-mounted sinks, a split vanity, or two separate single vanities.
Double sinks can make mornings less hectic so the family gets out the door on time.
Proper Ventilation
Moisture and odors quickly build up in family bathrooms. Adequate ventilation keeps the space fresh and prevents mold and mildew growth.
For sufficient air circulation:
- Install an exhaust fan ducted to the outside. Choose a high CFM model that can keep up with bathroom activity.
- Open a window if possible for supplemental airflow.
- Consider adding a whole-house ventilation system that exchanges stale indoor air for fresh air.
- Use moisture-resistant drywall and paint to reduce the chance of mold.
- Seal surfaces properly and caulk around tubs, showers, sinks, and windows to prevent moisture intrusion.
With multiple family members showering, proper ventilation is a must.
Ample Storage
Between kids’ bath toys, teens’ beauty products, towels, and cleaning supplies, family bathrooms need plentiful storage. Well-designed cabinets, drawers, and shelving keep the space organized and clutter-free.
When planning storage:
- Assess how much storage your family needs and include extra. It’s easy to fill space.
- Install cabinets over the toilet and opt for models with doors to contain Mess.
- Use drawer organizers and trays to corral smaller items.
- Add a cabinet or shelving unit to store personal care items, medications, first-aid supplies.
- Use wall-mounted shelving for frequently used towels and washcloths.
- Include hooks on the walls or the back of doors for robes, towels, and bags.
With thoughtful storage solutions, you can keep the family bathroom tidy.
Durable Surfaces
Family bathrooms see a lot of use, so durable surfaces that stand up to wear are a must. When selecting materials:
- Choose porcelain, ceramic, or natural stone tile floors that resist stains and moisture. Mosaics add visual interest.
- Use quartz, granite, or solid surface countertops that tolerate sinks and drips. Marble can stain.
- Pick tub and shower surrounds made of tile, fiberglass, acrylic, or solid surface materials. Avoid drywall which deteriorates.
- Opt for matte or satin finishes on surfaces which help conceal scuffs and scratches.
- Install cabinetry and trim made of moisture-resistant materials like wood composites or bamboo.
Choosing the right high-quality surfaces makes the family bathroom more resilient.
Comfortable Temperature
Since family members use the bathroom at different times, maintaining a comfortable ambient temperature is important. Key tips:
- Include a ventilation fan to reduce humidity and prevent a muggy feel.
- Install radiant heated floors for warmth under bare feet on chilly mornings.
- Place the thermostat for central heating/cooling in or near the bathroom to monitor temp.
- Use a portable space heater or heated towel racks to add extra warmth as needed.
- Provide ample lighting for family members using the bathroom at night or early mornings.
With some planning, you can keep the family bathroom pleasantly temperate year-round.
Safety Features
In a space used by children and aging family members, safety is a top concern. Include these features to reduce risks:
- Use a grab bar and non-slip strips or mats in the tub/shower.
- Install a toilet safety frame or wall-mounted grab bars for stability.
- Choose cabinets with soft-closing hinges to avoid slammed fingers.
- Use rounded corners on countertops and cubbies to prevent dings.
- Install child-safe locks on drawers and cabinets containing chemicals.
- Keep electrical appliances away from sinks and tub. Use GFCI outlets.
- Use tempered glass shower doors and slip-resistant flooring.
- Store medications, razors, and other hazardous items locked up high.
Focusing on safety helps give family members peace of mind in the bathroom.
Easy Cleanability
Family bathrooms see a lot of use, so they need surfaces that clean up quickly and easily. Design choices that help:
- Porcelain, glass, and metal surfaces resist stains and wipe clean easily.
- Use wall-mounted faucets and fixtures with less crevices to collect gunk.
- Choose low-maintenance materials like quartz countertops and tile surrounds.
- Include a wall-mounted or walk-in shower rather than a tub which requires more scrubbing.
- Install cabinets and shelving with open rather than solid fronts to access and clean inside.
- Opt for bins, baskets and trays to corral messy items and simplify cleaning.
- Use a seamless acrylic or fiberglass tub if adding a soaking tub.
With smart design decisions, you can make the family bathroom more maintainable.
Style for All Ages
Since the family bathroom gets used by multiple generations, the style should have widespread appeal. Some ideas:
- Choose a light, neutral color palette that suits kids and adults.
- Include pops of color with towels, shower curtains, and accessories that can easily change.
- Blend modern and traditional elements for a timeless transitional look.
- Add fun patterns and textures in doses on shower curtains or tile backsplashes.
- Incorporate elements kids love like bubble pendant lights or wallpaper border accents.
- Display favorite family photos and framed art for a personal touch.
The right style choices help the family bathroom remain current as kids grow up.
In Conclusion
Designing a functional family bathroom requires forethought. Allowing ample space, durable surfaces, proper storage, and safety features ensures the room accommodates all family members comfortably and safely. Easy-to-maintain materials, comfortable temperature control, and flexible style keep the room fashionable and tidy as families change. Incorporating these key elements sets any family up for bathroom bliss no matter how hectic life gets.
Frequently Asked Questions About Designing a Family Bathroom
What size should a family bathroom be?
Ideally, allow at least 25 square feet per family member expected to use the bathroom. A minimum of 60 total square feet provides adequate space for most families. The bigger the footprint the better for busy family bathrooms.
How many sinks should a family bathroom have?
Most family bathrooms benefit from double sinks, allowing two people to use the space simultaneously. Though one large sink may fit, two smaller sinks separated by counter space work better.
What flooring works best in family bathrooms?
Durable and water-resistant choices like porcelain tile, natural stone, and vinyl plank stand up best to family use. Mosaics and patterns add visual interest. Avoid carpet which stains and holds moisture.
Should you put a tub or shower in a family bathroom?
For space and ease of maintenance, a walk-in shower often works better than a bathtub in busy family bathrooms. If adding a tub, choose an alcove, corner or drop-in tub with acrylic or fiberglass for easiest cleaning.
What materials should you avoid in a family bathroom?
Steer clear of high-maintenance surfaces like marble counters which stain easily. Also avoid real wood cabinets which deteriorate with moisture. Materials like drywall, wicker baskets, and laminate don’t hold up either.
How can you make a family bathroom safer?
Include grab bars, non-slip surfaces in showers, soft-closing cabinet hinges, rounded corners on countertops, GFCI outlets, child-safe locks, and slip-resistant floors. Store hazardous items out of reach of children.
How do you add storage to a family bathroom?
Use wall cabinets, drawer organizers, freestanding shelving units, built-in medicine cabinets, cabinets over the toilet, under-sink storage, wall-mounted shelving, and hooks on walls/doors to hold essential items.
What colors work well in a family bathroom?
Light, neutral hues like off-white, light gray, pale blue, and tan appeal to kids and adults. Add pops of color with towels, shower curtains, and accessories that can easily change as tastes evolve.
