When you’re designing a family-friendly bathroom, there are a few things you need to consider. How much space do you have? Who’s going to use the bathroom most?

Here’s our list of 14 essential things every family-friendly bathroom needs.

Towel hooks

Towel rails can be tricky for little ones to use so consider installing towel hooks instead. Make sure you have one for each child that they will be able to reach (with a small step if they’re still little), plus a low hook for hand towels.

You can get super creative with hooks too. You can add their names or initials under each hook or choose funky hooks designed like their favourite animal or other things your child loves.

Step stool

If your kids are still small, you’ll definitely want to have a step of some sort available in your bathroom.

You can install pull out steps that hide away like a drawer in your vanity unit or simply get a step stool for kids that can be used anywhere in the bathroom. Make sure it has a set place to live so you’re not always tripping over on it when the kids leave it in the last place they used it.

Recess for toiletries

Whether you have a bath or a shower, having an in-built recess for your soap, shampoo and shower gel is perfect for a kids’ bathroom.

They’ll have everything they need on hand without the risk of them constantly knocking things over while bathing or showering.

Splashes of colour

Kids love colour, so don’t make their bathrooms drab and neutral.

You don’t have to go wild with bright wall colours and psychedelic tiles (you can if you really want to!).

Add splashes of colour through towels, shower curtains and artworks on the walls to make it a fun room for your children.

Shower bench

Having a small bench in the shower is great for younger kids. It gives them a place to sit as well as doubles up as a storage bench for toiletries or shower toys (because they’re probably going to take toys into the shower whether you like it or not).

Double sinks

When you’ve got more than one child trying to brush their teeth at the same time, having two sinks is ideal.

If you aren’t sure if you’ve got room for two separate sinks, consider installing a longer trough-style sink so there’s plenty of space for kids to share the sink at the same time.

Easy access storage

If there’s one thing every room in a family home needs, it’s storage. And the bathroom is no exception.

Don’t forget to incorporate as much storage as you can, and if you’re expecting your children to use it themselves, make sure it’s easily accessible for them too.

Seating

Little legs get tired quickly and can be exhausted at the end of the day. Add a small seat, bench or pouf to your bathroom to allow them to take a seat while they’re brushing their teeth or getting dressed.

Easy clean surfaces

Every family-friendly bathroom needs surfaces that are easy to clean and keep clean.

Timber vanities might look amazing but they probably aren’t ideal for a family bathroom where the kids are going to splash no matter how much you tell them to be careful.

Laundry hamper

Hate having clothes chucked on the floor in the bathroom? There’s a simple solution to that – make sure you have a laundry hamper in the bathroom.

It could be a small freestanding one or one that’s built into your vanity. For your personal sanity, add one in some shape or form!

Non-slip flooring

When it comes to bathrooms and wet floors, accidents can happen. That’s why in a family-friendly bathroom, you should invest in quality non-slip flooring.

Mosaic tiles are ideal as they provide extra grip, and there are also non-slip ceramic and porcelain tiles, as well as slip-resistant vinyl and linoleum options.

Easy-grip taps

Don’t install taps that your children won’t be able to work easily and safely.

If you can, take them along to a tap showroom and get them to test out turning taps on and off themselves to see what they will or won’t be able to use, before you buy your tapware.

Ventilation

Let’s face it – kids don’t really think about cracking a window open when they go for a shower or a bath. You’ll walk in after 5 minutes and the whole room will seem like a Swedish sauna and you can barely see your hand in front of your face.

Make sure you install adequate ventilation in your bathroom and teach your kids how to use it.

Tiled walls

Kids can often mark walls, without even realising what they are doing.

To save the walls in your bathroom, think about adding tiling, either halfway up the wall, or completely tile to the ceiling. It can have an amazing aesthetic effect to use wall to ceiling tiles too.

Alternatively, wainscoting is a great option too and looks beautiful.

 


Dean Williams is the owner of Perth-Fection Plumbing in Perth. He started working in plumbing in South Africa and now runs his own business in Perth.

Perth-Fection Plumbing specialises in laundry and bathroom renovations across the Perth metro area. Dean can help you design the perfect bathroom for your property without breaking the bank (unless you want to!). Find out more about Perth-Fection Plumbing on their website – https://www.perth-fectionplumbing.com.au/

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