Designing a bathroom that is both stylish and kid-friendly can be a challenge. As your children grow, their needs change. A bathroom that delights a toddler may frustrate a teen. With some thoughtful planning, you can create a bathroom that meets the needs of every member of your family.
Choose Durable, Easy-Clean Materials
The first step in designing a kid-friendly bathroom is to select surfaces and materials that are durable and easy to clean. Ceramic tile is an excellent choice for floors. Use large format tiles with small grout lines that resist staining and are easy to wipe clean. On walls, smaller ceramic tiles, fiberglass, or acrylic panels are ideal. Solid surface countertops stand up well to heavy use. Stainless steel sinks resist chips and scratches.
Look for flooring that has texture or patterns to help prevent slips and falls. Mats with non-slip backing add extra traction. Provide sturdy step stools for children to reach sinks safely. Select faucets and fixtures that are made of durable materials like brass or stainless steel. Look for toilets with a slow-close seat.
Make It Convenient For Kids
Consider the heights of your children when selecting and installing fixtures in a kid’s bathroom. Mount the sink at the right height for each child to comfortably reach. Look for a pedestal sink or choose a vanity with an open bottom that allows a child to stand close. Install towel rods and hooks at an appropriate height as well. Position mirrors lower so children can easily see themselves.
Select a toilet with a seat height that allows a child’s feet to rest on the floor or footstool while seated. An elongated bowl provides a larger seating area. Consider installing a second toilet at an adult height for parents. Dual shower heads with controls at different heights accommodates both adults and kids.
Add Safety Features
There are several design elements that can make a bathroom safer for children. Use a soft, cushioned bath mat to prevent slips outside the tub. Install grab bars to provide stability and leverage for getting in and out. Non-slip decals or an anti-slip tub mat prevent falls inside the tub. Select a shower curtain with a built-in weighted bottom for stability.
Consider radiant floor heating to avoid exposed hot pipes and valves. Provide a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet near the sink. Install tamper-resistant outlets. Use soft-close drawers and cabinets to avoid pinched fingers. Select rounded countertop corners. Mount the medicine cabinet out of reach or use child-proof latches. Keep cleaning products locked away or up high.
Make It Fun For Kids
While meeting practical needs, you can also create a bathroom space kids enjoy. Paint walls in bright, cheerful hues. Choose patterned shower curtains, towels, and rugs featuring favorite characters or colors. Display shelving at a child’s height to show fun bath toys. Let your child pick a step stool in a fun shape or their favorite color. Stick-on decals in shapes, letters, or designs liven up shower walls.
Set up stations for bath-time play. Provide bins or baskets with bath toys that can hang from hooks on the wall or sit within reach. Add a tray that attaches with suction cups to the tub wall for crayons, markers, or books. Try washable wall stickers or decals placed at kid level. Use a waterproof Bluetooth speaker to play music.
Select Durable, Low-Maintenance Materials
Bathrooms get a lot of heavy use, so be sure to choose materials that will stand up to your family’s lifestyle when designing your kid-friendly bath.
- Tile – Ceramic, porcelain, and glass tile are all very durable, water-resistant, and easy to keep clean. Use them on floors, walls, showers, and backsplashes.
- Solid Surface – Materials like Corian are seamless for easy cleaning with no grout lines. Great for countertops and integrated sinks.
- Stainless Steel – A classic choice for sinks, faucets, and other fixtures. Resists rust, stains, and scratches.
- Acrylic – Acrylic sheets make inexpensive waterproof wall coverings that are mold and mildew resistant.
- Laminate – Affordable and lots of options. Good for cabinetry and countertops in kids’ baths.
Choose Kid-Height Fixtures
Installing sinks, mirrors, towel bars, and other fixtures at the right height for your children is key in creating a bathroom suited to them.
- Mount the sink so your child can comfortably reach and see into it.
- Position the mirror low enough for your child to easily see their reflection.
- Place towel rods and hooks where your child can easily hang towels and reach their belongings.
- Use a step stool that allows your child to safely reach fixtures.
- Install a second toilet at an adult height alongside a kid-sized one.
- Use adjustable shower heads with spray settings suitable for adults and kids.
Include Safety Features
It’s important to make safety a top priority when designing a kid-friendly bathroom. Include these elements to prevent slips, falls, bumps, and other accidents.
- Non-slip textures on floors, mats, decals, and tub appliques
- Grab bars for stability in and around tubs and showers
- GFCI outlets near sinks and other electrical sources
- Tamper-resistant receptacles
- Soft-closing drawers and cabinets to prevent pinched fingers
- Rounded countertop edges
- Slip-resistant rugs on floor surfaces that may get wet
- Child-proof latches on medicine cabinets
- Cord covers to avoid loose dangling cords
- Protected hot water pipes to prevent burns
Add Convenience Features for Kids
Look for products and design elements tailored to your children’s needs that will enhance their bathroom experience.
- Kid-height towel and robe hooks
- Step stools in fun colors to reach fixtures
- Night lights that automatically turn on in the dark
- Fun shower heads with adjustable settings for kids
- Child-size toilets or elongated seats for support
- Sink cups and toothbrush holders within reach
- Fun mirrors with storage shelves for bath toys
- Baskets or wall hooks to organize bath-time playthings
Make It an Enjoyable Kid’s Space
While meeting function, don’t forget to add playful details to make the bathroom an enjoyable place for kids.
- Bright paint colors and creative patterns on walls
- Themed shower curtains with favorite characters or colors
- Fun wall decals at kid height
- Shelves to display bath toys
- Music via a waterproof Bluetooth speaker
- Glow in the dark or color changing LED lights
- Fun mirrors with storage shelves for bath toys
- Baskets or wall hooks to organize bath-time playthings
6 Key Questions About Kid-Friendly Bathrooms
Designing a bathroom suited for your whole family can raise many questions. Here are answers to some key ones about creating a kid-friendly space.
What are the best floors for a kid’s bathroom?
Ceramic, porcelain, or glass tile are ideal. They are durable, easy to clean, and water-resistant. Use small grout lines and a non-slip texture. Mats and rugs add extra traction.
How can I make the fixtures suit my child’s height?
Adjustable or dual shower heads accommodate different heights. Consider a kids’ pedestal sink. Install the mirror lower. Provide a step stool in a fun color.
What design choices make bathrooms safer for kids?
Include grab bars, non-slip mats and appliques, GFCI outlets, soft-close cabinets, rounded countertop edges, protected hot water pipes, and child-proof latches.
Should I include a separate kids’ toilet?
Installing a toilet at child height alongside an adult one allows proper foot support and comfort. Use slow-close seats and consider elongated bowls.
What details make a bathroom fun for kids?
Incorporate bright colors, themed shower curtains, wall decals, glow lights, Bluetooth speakers, shelving for toys, and storage bins. Let kids pick decorative items.
How do I keep a kid’s bathroom clean and hygienic?
Choose smooth, non-porous surfaces like ceramic tile. Clean frequently with kid-safe, eco-friendly cleaners. Disinfect sinks and counters after use. Use auto soap dispensers.
Final Thoughts on Kid-Friendly Bathroom Designs
The key to designing a bathroom that works for kids and parents alike is to blend durable, water-resistant materials with safety and convenience features at appropriate heights for children. Don’t forget to include playful elements that make the space fun for kids. Tailor choices to your child’s age and needs. With smart planning, you can create a bathroom that grows along with your family.
