Kid-Friendly Bathrooms That Don’t Sacrifice Style

Multiple kids sharing one bathroom can be a recipe for disaster. If you’re a parent, you’re probably already envisioning early-morning arguments over who gets the shower or mirror first. Cut out your morning chaos (as much as possible, at least!) by installing double vanities. Splitting up your bathroom design with two separate vanity stations allows you to capitalize on your current space, while multiple kids can get ready at the same time. If you don’t have enough space to install double sinks or vanities, opt for double faucets so there are at least two stations to wash hands and brush teeth.

Design Tip: If your younger children can’t reach a standard-height vanity, our experts still recommend installing the traditional size (at least 30 to 32 inches tall). If needed, utilize a step stool until they are able to comfortably reach the vanity. This will help keep your home functional for everyone while minimizing future renovation costs. Plus, you will be surprised by how quickly they will grow!

Don’t overlook the so-called “small stuff”. While most modern shower designs emphasize clean lines and smooth surfaces, they have very little built-in space for things like shampoo and body wash. The built-ins included are often at eye level for most full-grown adults, making them a hassle for children unable to reach. When designing a shower with your younger kids in mind, incorporate extra built-ins for shower essentials, to avoid lone bottles and piles of clutter on the floor. Don’t forget to lower them on the shower walls so they’re easily accessible for everyone!

There are many hazards for children in the bathroom, but the biggest? Slippery surfaces. When designing your bathroom remodel, invest in slip-resistant materials like matte tiling and vinyl flooring that offer more traction without compromising the style of your space. Tiles with different textures (think honed tile or porcelain) are great options to prevent slipping, and non-slip accent mats can be placed around toilets, near showers, and in front of vanities as an added precaution.

We get it—installing smaller fixtures when designing a child’s bathroom is tempting. But think twice before you sink your full remodeling budget into short-term accessibility features. Unless you plan to remodel again in a few years, we recommend choosing fixtures that will adapt to your family’s needs over time. At Southwestern Remodeling, we suggest selecting standard-sized, durable pieces (vanities, toilets, and tubs) that can transition seamlessly from a child’s bathroom to a guest suite down the road. Instead of investing heavily in short-term features, opt for timeless fixtures that can easily be made kid-friendly with simple, temporary additions!