When designing a bathroom for a young boy, it’s important to create a space that is both bold and flexible to grow with him over the years. Choosing the right fixtures, surfaces, colors and accessories can result in a bathroom that celebrates his personality now yet easily adapts as he gets older.
Choosing Fixtures for Durability and Style
Selecting high-quality fixtures for the bathroom is key to ensure they stand up to a young boy’s energetic nature. Here are some tips on choosing durable yet fun fixtures:
Opt for Sturdy Materials
Look for toilet, sinks and tubs made from durable materials like vitreous china, enameled cast iron or solid surface materials. Avoid delicate glass vessels or furniture-style stands. Stainless steel and solid metal fittings add bold style.
Include Fun Yet Functional Faucets
Look for faucets that pair sculptural shapes and performance features like anti-scald valves and water-saving aerators. Wall-mounted or vessel faucets add flair while taking up less counter space.
Pick Floor Mounted Tubs
Free-standing tubs look amazing but avoid clawfoot styles that are prone to toe-stubbing injuries. Acrylic or stone resin tubs withstand bumps and scrapes better than fiberglass.
Choose Space Saving Toilets
Compact elongated or round-front toilets take up less space yet offer comfort. Soft-close seats eliminate loud slams. Toilets with siphon-jet technology reduce clogs.
Add Convenient Showers
Opt for large single head showers or add a fun rainfall shower head. Include a handheld shower for bathing pets or washing gear. Sliding doors contain splashes better than curtains.
Don’t Forget the Extras!
Include useful extras like wall-mounted soap dispensers, sturdy robe hooks, nifty storage nooks and space-saving recessed cabinets.
Select Surfaces That Can Take a Hit
The surfaces you choose for the bathroom should be able to withstand the whirlwind of activity from a vivacious young boy. Here are some ideal options:
Tile or Stone Floors
Ceramic, porcelain or natural stone tiles stand up well to heavy use. Use large format tiles with thin grout lines that allow for easy cleaning. Mosaics add visual interest.
Solid Surface Walls and Counters
Seamless materials like Corian, Avonite or Swanstone resist stains, inhibit mildew growth and stand up to cleaning. Matte finishes hide scuffs better than glossy.
Moisture-Resistant Paint
Use satin or semi-gloss paint on the walls. Look for mold/mildew resistant bathroom paints that can handle humidity and occasional splashes.
Easy Clean Window Treatments
Window blinds and shades can take a beating. Opt for durable faux wood or aluminum mini-blinds that can be easily cleaned.
Go for Resilient Flooring Options
Vinyl plank flooring or poured resin floors offer waterproof durability. Large format sheet vinyl comes in fun patterns. Rubber floors absorb sound and impact.
Choose a Color Palette with Playful Pizzazz
The colors you choose for a kid’s bathroom should reflect their high-spirited personality. Here are some fun color options:
Bold Primary Colors
Can’t go wrong with classics like fire engine red, cobalt blue or grass green. Use sparingly against neutral walls and flooring.
Vibrant Secondary Colors
Energizing shades like orange, purple and lime green bring excitement. Coordinate with accessories and art.
Soothing Blues and Greens
From sky blue to sea green, water-inspired hues are tranquil and timeless. Layer shades in tile, paint and textiles.
Punchy Patterns and Prints
Don’t be afraid to use contrasting graphic prints, stripes, plaids or geometric shapes. Repeating motifs are playful.
Black and White Comic Theme
A retro comic book design in bold black and white is fun and stylish. Use colorful accents and period typography.
Include Clever Storage for Growing Kids
As kids grow, their bathroom stuff expands so ample storage is key. Here are some savvy ideas:
Install Adjustable Shelving
Wall-mounted shelves with adjustable brackets allow you to reposition as needed. Solid shelves withstand weight better than glass.
Use Space Efficient Cabinets
Take advantage of all available space with corner cabinets, two-tier cabinets and slide out drawers. Wall-hung styles maximize floor space.
Add Hidden Hampers
Use lidded bins or baskets tucked in cabinetry to corral laundry. Built-in hampers with removable canvas bags keep floors clear.
Consider Ladders for Display
Ladder-style open shelving is great for displaying favorite toys and bath accessories. Mount securely to studs.
Include Drawers and Trays
Install pull-out trays or drawers in vanities to sort hair products, soaps and other small items. Use plastic trays to corral loose items.
Choose Fun Bathroom Accessories He’ll Love
The right accessories will add personality and function to the bathroom. Tailor these details to the unique interests of the individual boy.
Display His Collections
Does he love comic books, action figures, sports memorabilia or rocks? Provide display ledges, shelves or shadow boxes to show them off.
Add Adorable Artwork
Frame pages from favorite picture books or hang gallery quality prints of robots, monsters or outer space.
Provide Useful Hooks
Keep towels at hand and bags off the floor with kid-level hooks and towel racks in fun shapes like sharks or rockets.
Include Novelty Mirrors
Circular porthole mirrors, framed cartoon prints or LEGO brick mirrors bring whimsy above the sink. Avoid breakable glass.
Toothbrush Holders with Personality
Fun toothbrush holders like mini basketball hoops, skateboard racks or LEGO builds make brushing more enjoyable.
Display Cool Collections
Clear canisters allow kids to proudly display favorite bath squirties, rubber duckies or bath crayons nearby.
Add Whimsical Wastebaskets
Plastic baskets resembling robots, monsters or animal shapes add a touch of fun while keeping trash tidy.
Design for Easy Cleaning and Maintenance
No parent wants to constantly scrub down a bathroom. Make upkeep easy with these design tips:
Choose Easily Cleanable Materials
Porcelain, natural stone, glass, metal and high-gloss laminates clean up quickly with just soap and water. Avoid porous grout.
Limit Exposed Hinges and Edges
Fixtures with less crevices and hidden plumbing fittings have fewer dirt-catching spots. Cover exposed piping.
Include Self-Cleaning Technology
Toilets and tubs with antimicrobial glazes inhibit stain and odor-causing bacteria. Some shower doors have stay-clean coatings.
Install Water-Resistant Surfaces
Use backsplashes and wallpapers with waterproof membranes to prevent moisture damage and mildew growth behind.
Provide Adequate Ventilation
Install a humidistat controlled bath fan to actively remove moisture and prevent condensation-related damage.
Make Floors Slip Resistant
Use textured, non-slip tile or adhesive strips for added traction and safe bathing. Avoid glossy marble or smooth porcelain.
Provide Easy-Access Cleaning Tools
Include handy pull-out spray faucets, corner-cleaning toothbrushes, and cleaning caddies to encourage kids to help clean.
Lighting Tips for Safety and Style
Proper lighting in a bathroom is critical. Maximize function and atmosphere with these lighting ideas:
Include Ambient and Task Lighting
Provide overall ambient light from flushmounts or semi-flush fixtures supplemented with task lighting on the vanity.
Light the Shower and Tub Area Well
Use recessed cans or vapor-proof fixtures to fully illuminate the bathing area without harsh glare.
Install Dimmers for Mood Setting
Dimmers allow adjusting the light levels for activities vs relaxation. Dimmers work well on overhead and vanity lighting.
Use Lighted Mirrors
Framed mirrors with built-in LED lights evenly illuminate the face without shadows for grooming.
Include Nightlights for Safety
Plug-in nightlights with auto-on photosensors prevent stumbling in the dark. Use fixture mounted or glow-in-the-dark models.
Highlight Special Features
Accent open shelving, tile patterns or wall art with discreet undercabinet lights or directional spotlights.
Consider Skylights or Solar Tubes
Natural light reduces the need for artificial lighting. Ventilated models prevent moisture buildup.
Create Zones for Privacy and Use
Careful bathroom layout and zoning allows for both privacy and convenient functionality.
Zone the Toilet for Privacy
Place the toilet behind a partition or in its own water closet space for solitude. Leave room for mom or dad to assist.
Keep the Shower and Bath Separate
Install the tub/shower away from other fixtures for containment. Use a shower curtain or partial glass door for privacy.
Design Multiple Users in Mind
If siblings will share the bath, include two sinks and mirrors and adequate storage for multiples.
Allow Space for Parents to Assist
Include a step stool for independence but keep enough clear floor space for adults help brush teeth and get dressed.
Provide a Grooming Zone
Allow enough landing space around the vanity for hygiene routines. Include a mirror that allows for both standing up and sitting down.
Add a Reading Nook
Carve out space for a comfy basket chair and reading light. This encourages quiet relaxation and private phone use.
Special Considerations for Teen Updates
As a boy grows into a teen, you can easily update the bathroom with more sophisticated choices.
Offer More Privacy
Install obscured glass doors, blind corners or separate private toilet and shower rooms.
Update with neutrals and texture
Introduce shades like navy, gray, tan and white. Add natural stone and wood accents for depth.
Provide Space to Preen
Extend the vanity for spreading out grooming products. Add an enclosed medicine cabinet with mirror.
Upgrade Fixtures
Swap out playful fixtures for more refined classic or contemporary styles suitable for adults.
Add Tech and Audio
Include Bluetooth speakers for music and waterproof installed TVs for entertainment.
Include a Grooming Station
Provide a dedicated zone with good lighting for shaving and applying facial products and cosmetics.
Consider Contemporary Finishes
Matte black metal accents, concrete-look porcelain, and modern wall tile lend an edgy vibe.
Bathroom Layout Ideas for Boys
When planning the layout, look for ways maximize function and age-appropriateness.
Center Around Free-Standing Tub
Locate a cool contemporary tub in the center visible upon entering. Place toilet and vanity to one side.
Try a Wet Room Layout
Maximize space in a small bathroom with a unified curbless shower/bath zone with linear drain. Zone vanity and toilet separately.
Create His and His Sinks
For shared baths, provide two same-size sinks, mirrors and storage cabinets for equality.
Include a Urinal in the Water Closet
A wall hung urinal saves water and gives an option besides the toilet. Great for potty training or nighttime visits.
Design Parallel Vanities
Double up on sinks by placing two single vanities parallel. Allows for together yet separate grooming.
Make the Shower a Focal Point
Show off an awesome large format shower with fun tile, multiple heads and body sprays.
Choosing Bathroom Finishes Boys Will Love
Finishing touches like tubs, tile, color and decor let kids add their unique stamp on the bathroom.
Freestanding Stone Tubs
Substantial stone resin tubs make bathing an event. Choose fun shapes like rectangles or ovals.
Vibrant Geometric Tile
Bold zigzag, diamond, or triangle mosaic tile creates energy. Layer different colored grout lines.
Colorful River Rock Tile Floors
Pebble tile floors resemble a brook bed. Use large-scale stonelook porcelain on walls.
Black and White Comic Motifs
Use classic halftone dots, POP art splashes and retro typography for a comic book vibe.
Display Niche with LED lighting
Front-lit display nooks allow showing off favorite action figures or sports gear.
Surf’s Up with Beach Motifs
From fish tile to rope cabinet pulls, give a coastal vibe. Paint the ceiling sky blue.
FAQ About Designing Bathrooms for Boys
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about creating the perfect bathroom for a lively young boy.
What are some good sinks for boys bathrooms?
Rectangular undermount sinks allow for scrubbing and offer a sleek look. Vessel sinks are prone to getting splashed. Sturdy console sinks work in small baths.
What type of flooring is best for a boy’s bathroom?
Porcelain or ceramic tile is durable and comes in fun colors and patterns. Large format creates fewer grout lines. Vinyl plank resists water and mimics wood.
Should I avoid curtains in my son’s bathroom?
Shower curtains work fine if selected well. Choose vinyl curtains with anti-mildew treatment. Install curved rods to maximize floor space. Add second interior liner for privacy.
What is a good toilet height for a child?
Standard toilets may be too tall for kids. Look for child-height toilets (15-16.5 inches) until age 10. Slow-close seats prevent pinched fingers.
How can I add personalized style on a budget?
Use removable wall decals and stickers to show off their interests. Buy new shower curtain and towels featuring favorite colors and characters. Display prized collectibles.
Should towel bars be installed low for kids?
Locate a towel bar at a reachable height around 36-40 inches. Install a second higher bar around 50 inches for parents. Include hooks low enough for bathrobes.
How do I keep my son’s bathroom clean and organized?
Sturdy storage bins and baskets corral clutter. Labels help identify where things belong. Install corner shelving. Schedule weekly cleaning sessions together.
Final Thoughts on Designing for Young Boys
Creating a bathroom suited for a growing boy blends form, function and just plain fun. Durable, easy-care materials stand up to childhood exuberance. Clever storage solutions accommodate accumulating possessions. Pops of color and plenty of personality reflect his lively outlook. Most importantly, a flexible layout using timeless finishes fosters independence now yet adapts seamlessly as boys transition into young men.
