Creating a Kid Friendly Bathroom

Updated on: August 01, 2022

Creating a kid friendly bathroom doesn't mean outfitting the bathroom with custom cabinets and fixtures, all to accommodate the littles in your life. Kids grow and get taller and bigger (faster than you want them to!) and the bathroom needs to grow with them. It's best to approach the design of a kid-friendly bathroom by designing for adults and resale and then add accessories and after market items to accommodate the children who will be using the bathroom.

Creating a kid friendly bathroom doesn't mean outfitting the bathroom with custom cabinets and fixtures, all to accommodate the littles in your life. Kids grow and get taller and bigger (faster than you want them to!) and the bathroom needs to grow with them. It's best to approach the design of a kid-friendly bathroom by designing for adults and resale and then add accessories and after market items to accommodate the children who will be using the bathroom.

Tip #1: Go With The Taller Vanity

It's tempting to choose a bathroom vanity that is 30" high for a child’s bathroom; it's easier for kids to reach items on the countertop but children get taller and parents and other adults may use that bathroom, and a 30" high vanity isn't all that comfortable for most. I suggest going ahead with the 36" high vanity and having a step stool handy for kids to use to reach until they grow into the height of the vanity. In a previous post, I also talked about building a step stool into the toe kick of the cabinet which would be another great idea for a kids' bathroom!

Tip #2: Choose Durable Materials

Kids are rough on everything and it's best to design with that in mind rather than stress out about any damage that may occur to the bathroom. A quartz counter top is a great choice in a child's bathroom; they are very durable and indestructible and also come in endless color options. I love white cabinets in kids' bathrooms because all it takes is a quick wipe off all-purpose cleaner and they look good as new in a flash.

Tip #3: Plumbing Fixtures Should Work For Everyone

For the same reason a 36" high vanity is the best choice for a bathroom, a standard height toilet should be installed in the bathroom as well. It's better for re-sale and will be better as kids grow rather than just for the time they are small. A step stool tucked in beside the toilet until they can reach is the perfect solution for kids who can't get up on their own just yet. In the tub/shower area, I would install an adjustable shower-head with a hand shower. Hand showers come in handy when bathing small children, allowing you to get the water down to them with ease.

Tip #4: Plan Out Your Storage

With any room in the house, you have to plan out your storage needs, especially with children. Have baskets and storage containers easily accessible for children so they can help with clean up as well as know where their stuff is when it's time for bath or getting ready for school. If you have more than one child, assign a drawer or cabinet to each one so there is no fighting over who has whose brush or special body wash!

Tip #5: Add Fun With Paint And Accessories!

Paint is an easy and inexpensive way to infuse a little fun into a children's bathroom. As your child grows and their tastes change, all you have to do is re-paint to reflect what the love at that moment. Towels, bath rugs, and shower curtains are another way to add color to the space. A bold stripe shower curtain paired with colorful towels adds style and pattern to the bathroom.