
Designing a kids’ bathroom can be challenging if you don’t have a clear vision in mind. As a parent, your priority is creating a safe, functional space, while your kids likely want a bathroom that feels fun and inviting. How can you achieve the right balance?
Based on practical insights from over 30 years of professional experience and feedback from our customers, we have compiled tips on how to optimize your child’s bathroom in just a few simple steps. Read on to get inspired and speed up your renovation project.
The Color Scheme
A successful bathroom makeover begins with choosing the right color palette. While this step offers a great opportunity to showcase your creativity, the vast number of choices can feel overwhelming. However, knowing what you’re looking for puts you well on your way.
If your kids are old enough, engage them in the process and ask whether they have any preferences. If they’re too young or don’t point out anything specific, take matters into your own hands. Go online and browse color schemes that could be recreated in your space. Below are a few child-friendly options to consider:
- Monochrome scheme. With the right hue, a monochrome look could be a winner. While adults tend to opt for traditional single-color palettes, such as beige or sage green, consider vibrant bathroom colors — pink, blue, yellow — to make the space more appealing to your little one(s). A perk of a monochrome scheme is that it can grow with your child.
- Floral patterns. Use floral wallpaper to brighten up the space. For a more balanced bathroom design, cover just one accent wall and keep the surrounding area simple.
- A bold statement. Introduce a bright-colored centerpiece to your kids’ bathroom. A striking blue vanity or a rich emerald sink would instantly cheer up a natural color palette.
- A few bright accents. Rejuvenate the space with a few pops of color. Try painting the mirror trims bright orange, adding whimsical bath mats, and swapping boring white shower curtains for something vibrant and fun.
Fun Themes and Designs
Following a theme makes renovating your kids’ bathroom much simpler. Once you have a specific design in mind, set your imagination free and follow the aesthetics of your vision. Here are several fun bathroom ideas to get you inspired:
- Nautical theme. Marine aesthetics are perfect for invigorating your kids’ bath time. Paint the walls navy, add seashell soap dishes, fish-shaped bath rags, and fun towel hooks to conjure an under-the-sea atmosphere.
- Tropical vibe. A jungle-themed bathroom with lush leafy wallpapers, green flooring, and animal-shaped accessories is a fun adventure for your kids. Add a few plants for a lively touch of greenery.
- Space exploration. Launch your little astronauts to bathe in space — literally. Go for dark-blue wallpaper as a background and add a galaxy-themed shower curtain for a playful splash of color. Star-shaped soap dispensers and whimsical bath rags would support the interstellar feel of the room.
- Enchanting mermaids. Build an accent wall with tile in the shape of fish scales in your kids’ bathroom. Alternatively, if tilework seems too much hassle, opt for sea-themed wallpaper. Complete the look with curved towel holders and hooks to go in line with the bathroom design.
- Wall artwork. Introducing some wall artwork is an easy and budget-friendly design option. Add several bathroom accessories that match the style of the selected artwork and enjoy an instant bathroom space makeover.
Child-Friendly Fixtures and Accessories
When planning a bathroom for your kids, choosing child-safe fixtures and accessories goes without saying. But what exactly should you be looking for?
- Bathtubs and showers. If you decide to swap the existing bathtub or shower cabin, ensure the new plumbing fixtures are made of material that’s easy to clean. Opt for brushed nickel finishes, for example, to maximize the practicality and aesthetics of your kids’ bathroom renovation.
- Kid-friendly faucet(s). Start with the vanity corner. Ensure the faucet is accessible for your child. Plus, if you design a shared bathroom for siblings, give a double-faucet sink a try. This will allow two kids to use their bathroom at the same time — a life-saver for busy mornings.
- Light fixtures. Make sure the bathroom of your kids is sufficiently illuminated. Set up a few light fixtures to brighten up the space. Based on the bathroom layout, consider installing extra wall sconces or LED strip lighting.
- Step stools. Optimize the bathroom to make most essentials accessible to your little ones, but don’t get stressed if some shelves are still out of reach. Pick a step stool — ideally one that complements the bathroom design — so your children can use it when necessary.
- Soap dispensers and dishes. These accessories come in multiple shapes and colors — a great way to add a pop of vibrance and a playful feel to the space.
Storage and Organization
Sufficient storage is a crucial part for any restroom. However, not all bathrooms are the same. While spacious layouts allow for roomy cupboards and cabinets, those limited in square feet might be challenging to optimize in terms of bathroom storage. Still, there are a few practical tips worth implementing to make the most of what you have.
Give small improvements a try. Install extra towel racks, add hanging shelves, and attach screw-in or adhesive hooks to maximize vertical space. Look for stackable baskets, bins, and containers to store your kids’ clothes, toys, towels, and toiletries.
Stuck these under the sink and use as many as needed based on how many things you have to put away. Plus, consider labeling baskets and containers to organize the space and help your little ones keep it clean.
A secret in-wall cabinet could also be a life-saver. If the layout of your kids’ bathroom allows for a bit of a structural reconstruction, build one or a few medicine cabinets to store hygiene products and other essentials. This way, you won’t give up any interior room to otherwise space-consuming pieces of furniture.
Safety and Durability
Make kids’ bathroom safety and durability non-negotiable priorities. A restroom, with its slippery floors, hanging shelves, and sharp furniture edges, must be optimized to be secure. Below are some of the general safety requirements to keep in mind:
- Ensure full accessibility. You must be able to open a bathroom door from the outside.
- Eradicate access to hazardous products. Do not keep cleaning products or pharmaceuticals in the bathroom of your kids.
- Fix leaking taps. If you notice any leaking from plumbing fixtures, fix the issues promptly.
- Install grab bars. Add strong support handles near the toilet, bathtub, and inside a shower cabin.
- Add sturdy anti-slip bath mats. Cover the floors with slip-resistant rugs to avoid accidental falls.
- No sharp objects or edges. Put scissors and any other sharp objects away. Use furniture corner guards to protect your children from accidentally bumping into sharp edges.
Durable material is key to ensuring the space endures the kids’ curiosity. For example, tiles could be more practical than wallpaper if you want easy-to-clean walls that withstand years of wear and tear. Likewise, opting for nickel-finished plumbing fixtures adds longevity to the most critical elements of the bathroom.
Budget-Friendly Design Tips
The abundance of kids’ bathroom themes means there’s something for every budget.
If you’re looking for a cost-effective upgrade, follow a gradual approach. Have a look at the existing bathroom and consider what essential features need to be renovated. Once you’re done with critical upgrades, switch to a cosmetic side of the makeover.
Start by integrating a statement piece – a mirror with bright-colored trims or a wall artwork – and move from there. Add soap dispensers of different shapes, whimsical bath mats, and funky towel racks to liven up the space and make it more child-friendly.
Conclusion
Designing a bathroom space for your kids could be highly rewarding if you have a plan. Choose the aesthetic vibe or a theme you’d like to recreate. Then, consider the scope of renovation you’re opting for and select upgrades that fit your vision and budget. Finally, ensure the kids’ bathroom is safe.
That being said, undertaking such a project could be overwhelming. At Statewide Remodeling, we understand how challenging it could be and have experience-based solutions to liven up your kid’s bathroom space so it matches your vision. Schedule your free consultation today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best kids’ bathroom ideas for color schemes?
The best color schemes for a child’s bathroom are monochrome, floral, and neutral patterns with bright accents. With a monochrome palette, select a central hue and build the design of your space with different shades of that color. If a floral scheme seems fitting, cover one of the walls with it. With the bright accents, set your creativity free and add a few playful pops of color.
What safety features should I look for when designing a kids’ bathroom?
When designing a bathroom for kids, ensure there are no sharp edges or exposed slippery flooring. Put any sharp objects away. Plus, keep all cleaning products and pharmaceuticals out of your kids’ reach.
What are some child-friendly fixtures and accessories to consider?
Whimsical towel baskets, hooks, and racks are some of the easiest ways to make the bathroom space child-friendly. Try to scatter a few towel baskets under the sink and install several screw-in or adhesive hooks as fun yet practical accessories.