Family bathroom ideas – 20 practical but pretty rooms to suit all ages
The morning rush and nighttime ritual can be made or broken by the layout of the family bathroom, which is typically the largest room in the house. The most pleasing designs provide a lot of storage space, are simple to maintain, and are conducive to group work.
You should consider who will use the bathroom in the future, not just today. This is especially important when making long-term decisions, such as those involving sanitaryware, which can’t be changed later.
For the family’s youngest members, a bath may be the best option, but most teenagers and the elderly may benefit from a walk-in shower. If you plan, you won’t have to worry about the costs of having to redo your kitchen or bathroom too soon.
FAMILY BATHROOM IDEAS
We have many stylish bathroom designs to suit your current and future needs, including excellent options for a family’s shared bathroom.
1. MAX OUT EVERY INCH OF A FAMILY BATHROOM
Family bathrooms specifically require ingenious bathroom arrangement ideas.
Deborah Bass, a founder of Base Interior, says, “when space is short in a home, the family bathroom often loses out size-wise. Therefore careful design is more crucial than ever.”
A smaller bathroom that has been thoughtfully laid up can be just as attractive and comfortable as a larger one that has been poorly designed. The goal is to prioritize mobility and ergonomics so that everything is accessible without compromising comfort.
This includes “basin taps that are easy to reach and operate, towel radiators that you can hang a towel on, and of course adequate and accessible storage,” as well as “bath faucets that the kids won’t knock their heads on.”
It’s essential to make every piece of helpful furniture; for example, a bathtub with an overhead shower occupies less floor space than a standard tub, and a toilet seat might be a comfortable perch from which to observe bath time.
2. INVEST IN A SHOW-STOPPING BATH
Family and kids’ bathroom ideas demand consideration.
A double-ended tub is ideal for families since it can fit two young children at once without squabbling over who gets to use the faucet. But there’s no need to throw style out with the bath water in favour of such practicalities. We are looking for small bathroom ideas that are family-friendly. This show-stopping roll-top is sure to be a conversation starter in any standard-sized room.
Design expert and studio head Chantel Elshout advises families with small bathrooms to go for an over-the-tub shower instead of squeezing in a separate shower and tub.
This clever two-in-one arrangement provides breathing room for the tub and creates the illusion of more significant space. Adding a luxurious shower rail to the very top of the wall helps the eye go up and around the room, emphasizing the tall ceiling and reinforcing the impression that this is a much larger space than it is.
3. GO BESPOKE
One of the best family bathroom ideas is fitted made-to-measure furniture – it can reach higher volumes of storage than freestanding. In this 1.5 m wide space beneath the eaves, designer Christopher Peters has installed an astounding number of drawers and cabinets and two large washing baskets.
‘One factor to consider when considering bespoke storage over off-the-shelf is the extended lead time, which can be several weeks from enquiry to installation,’ says master designer and owner Will Lyne.
Try to get your order booked in as early as possible, and remember that a bit of patience will pay off in the long term.
4. CONSIDER INVENTIVE FAMILY BATHROOM IDEAS
It’s essential to consider bathroom wall designs seriously; this chic design is one of our faves.
Designer Kirsten Wain at West One Bathrooms adds that “easy cleaning is key to the success of a busy family bathroom” and that customers are “getting more impatient with dirty grout lines,” which may be particularly difficult to keep clean in places with hard water.
Waterproof wallpaper is one option that has been gaining favour among households. This item is constructed from fibreglass and coated with a transparent waterproof primer to prevent water from entering the surface. A unique look is achieved by scaling the prints to fit the room. Best of all, it can withstand repeated use by multiple family members and provides hours of entertainment.
5. MAKE FAMILY BATHROOMS ACCESSIBLE FOR ALL
Family bathrooms should be kid-friendly, so keep everyone in mind when designing a walk-in shower.
Designer Emma Gurner of Folds Inside Ltd recommends a shower head with a riser rail kit so that everyone in the family, from the youngest to the oldest, can find a comfortable position under the water spray.
Low-level shower trays or level-entry wet room type tanking decreases the trip hazard possibility for children and old. Having built-in storage niches for soaps and shampoos is a fantastic way to keep the space organized.
6. BE BOLD WITH FAMILY BATHROOM DECOR
You can get away with using more vibrant hues and eye-catching designs in the bathroom, which is perfect for the whole family. Interior designer Gemma Dudgeon explains that with so many fantastic tile options, it’s simple to have fun.
If you’re worried about your bathroom looking too busy, keep the boldest motifs to the floor tiles rather than the walls. This also applies to bathroom paint ideas, which can be more daring.
The ready-primed tub came with Gemma’s favourite Little Greene character, Mister David. Re-painting would be a breeze if the owners became sick of it or wanted to make a change.
7. SHARE A BASIN
Howard Birch, director of Aston Matthews, notes that “the family bathroom can be crowded, especially first thing in the morning as everybody jostles to clean their teeth, wash and shave before heading off to work or school.”
“Family strife can be avoided with a twin basin, which allows two individuals to use the bay at once while taking up significantly less room than two individual basins. Adding two sinks in the bathroom is a nice touch that conveys a feeling of luxury.
8. WORK THE WALLS IN A FAMILY BATHROOM
Use amusing and practical accessories to liven up the family bathroom.
As bathroom designer Caroline Greig from Ripples points out, “Wall-mounted decorations are convenient as they keep surfaces clutter free and can be positioned at the exact height required.”
Keep liquids and toothpaste out of the reach of toddlers and infants. We also suggest installing a toilet brush holder on the wall in every family bathroom. It not only keeps the brush-up out of the way of crawling kids and prevents it from being unintentionally pushed over, but it also makes the room look bigger.
9. STAY WARM
When considering family bathroom designs, heating is crucial, so it’s worth spending some extra time on research.
Design director at Sims Hilditch, Louise Wicksteed, says, “Plenty of heated towel racks not only assist keep the bathroom tidy and the floors towels free, but also prevent the scent of damp penetrating through to the neighbouring rooms.”
A heated towel rack heated by electricity rather than the radiators is a welcome addition in any season. Louise elaborates, “Underfloor heating is the quickest approach to deal with splashes on the floor, minimizing slip hazards and any damage to your flooring.”
10. ADD A DECORATIVE TOUCH TO YOUR FAMILY BATHROOM IDEAS
If you’re looking for a stylish yet functional bathroom colour scheme, black bathroom ideas are frequently an excellent way to go because they hide splashes and markings more effectively. I love this Little Greene wallpaper. Be sure it can withstand moisture or cover it with decorator’s varnish if it can’t.
11. PICK OUT COLORS USED ELSEWHERE
Ideas for a family bathroom need to be versatile, accommodating multiple users while giving a quiet retreat when needed.
According to Helen Shaw, UK director of Benjamin Moore, “when choosing the scheme for your bathroom, consider one that can be readily maintained but also gives a sense of flow from the rest of your home into the bathroom, making it feel linked and accessible to everyone.” The article says, “This may be accomplished with relative ease by carrying over existing colour schemes from other rooms in the house into the bathroom or selecting key tones and putting them on walls or tiles.”
12. FREESTANDING STORAGE WORKS WELL FOR FAMILIES
For a family bathroom to function correctly, it must work hard to meet the needs of everyone living in the house. If the space permits, two sinks are preferable, as they will reduce wait times and stress levels during morning and evening routines for everyone in the household. While closed cabinetry is great for preventing clutter, some open shelving is also welcome in the bathroom for showcasing decorative items like towels, vases, and soap dispensers.
Neptune’s head of interior design, Simon Temprell, explains that the company’s Edinburgh open washstands are “free-standing pieces” rather than “fitted cabinetry” due to the ample space under the basin for basket storage.
When young children are in the family, storage space is minimal. Toys for the bathroom can be stored in a tall laundry basket, and a slim display cabinet like the Shepton can be used to proudly show off your favourite fragrances while keeping them out of the reach of curious little fingers.
13. A SUNKEN BATH IS IDEAL FOR LITTLE ONES
The bathroom is one of the most often used rooms in a house. The layout should be functional and offer lots of storage space. If you want to keep your bathroom looking neat, consider installing a large vanity sink unit with plenty of drawers and cabinets.
According to Jen and Mar, the owners of Interior Fox, a compact sunken bath with an overhead shower is the perfect solution for a small family bathroom since the low level of the tub is suitable for bath time with the kids and easy to access for a shower. Place some extra cabinets close by for storing toilet paper and other bathroom necessities in order. Lastly, make the bathroom your own by picking out ornamental tiles and decorating them with plants and other items.
14. USE LARGE FORMAT TILE TO GIVE THE ILLUSION OF SPACE
Jo Oliver, director of The Stone & Ceramic Warehouse, says, “for a roomy sense, opt for a large-format design.” Because of their uniform appearance, slab tiles may make even a tiny bathroom seem more spacious. Reduced grout areas require less frequent maintenance, making them perfect for high-traffic family bathrooms.
To provide the crucial anti-slip flooring solution for a family bathroom floor, “many of our porcelain slabs come in several finishes,” which means that you can use a polished marble effect tile on the bathroom walls and a more textured marble appearance tile on the floor.
15. ADD SUBTLE COLOR CONTRASTS
Interior designer and ND Studios founder Natascha Dartnall remarked, “This room benefits from enormous, lovely sash windows, which are an obvious plus since the light adds to the sense of scale in what is already a generously proportioned space. Many customers have told us that a free-standing roll-top bath is their number one dream bathroom feature because of its association with luxury and rest. Black tubs like this one, which have a matte outer surface, provide an excellent point of contrast in otherwise all-white bathrooms. The pea-green chair is perfect because it brings colour and texture to the space. Adding a chair to the toilet is recommended for several reasons, including the convenience of having somewhere to sit when wearing a bathrobe.
You can’t go wrong with marble in the bathroom because it’s timeless, elegant, and easy to maintain. The storage situation in a bathroom is a common topic of inquiry because of how frustrating it can be for certain people. Rustic baskets are a blessing for keeping toiletries from cluttering up every possible inch of counter and drawer.
16. MIX PATTERNS FOR A PLAYFUL LOOK
The texture of flecked terrazzo tiles in a bathroom – or perhaps elsewhere – might inspire sun-baked escapes to the Italian countryside.
‘I used a variety of materials to create this colourful guest bath. “The teak vanity, terrazzo floor covering, and wallpaper are dramatic in scale and rich and warm in colour,” explains Karen Harautuneian, owner and principal designer at Hub of the House Studio.
17. MAKE IT SPACIOUS FOR ALL THE FAMILY
In a shared bathroom, every square inch counts, so go all out with the fixtures.
Jennifer Ebert, the digital editor at Homes & Gardens, remarked, “The beauty of a bathroom like this is that more than one family member might be in the area at the same time, as the shower size is spacious and the glass steel-framed doors offer vision.” It’s a win-win situation because “the tub can fit two tiny ones in it simultaneously.”
18. PICK FAMILY FRIENDLY FLOORING
Because of its longevity and ease of cleaning, vinyl flooring is an excellent choice for family bathrooms. Because vinyl is available in so many hues and textures, the creative possibilities are practically limitless.
David Snazel, the demanding flooring buyer at Carpetright, says that vinyl bathroom flooring is an excellent and low-cost option for bringing colour, pattern, and personality into bathroom flooring ideas without sacrificing safety or quality. It is perfect for households with children because it is long-lasting, does not get slippery when wet, and does not absorb moisture.
19. OPT FOR BLUE AND WHITE FOR A BEACH FEEL
While we at Homes & Gardens don’t typically advocate for using themes in interior design, a family room is a perfect place to try out some fun colour or pattern combinations that are sure to please everyone living there. And even after the swimsuit season has over, the beachy vibes of your bathroom can bring you back to those carefree days on the sand and in the sunset.
Here, Karen Harautuneian of Hub of the House Studio, who also serves as the primary designer, has stacked simple materials to create a fun beach house lavatory. The slab counters, white ceramic wall tiles, and blue and white concrete floor appear fresh and modern. The rich natural walnut of the vanity and the tall cabinet, which is vintage brutalist, provide a touch of nature into the otherwise contemporary space.
20. BALANCE BOLD COLOR AND PATTERN WITH WHITE
Bathroom tiles are more than simply a practical way to prevent damage to the walls and floor from water and soap, though they serve that purpose.
It is crucial to contrast an intense use of colour with flashes of freshness so the white elements balance it out, resulting in a softer, happier, and infinitely functional room, according to Samantha Todhunter, founder of Samantha Todhunter Design.
WHAT IS A FAMILY BATHROOM?
Often the only bathroom in the house, a family bathroom, will have a tub, a shower (either attached or separate from the tub), a toilet, and multiple sinks.
Because of this door, there is no need to go through anyone’s bedroom to get to the hall or landing. When the main bathroom is in use, the toilet and sink may be located in an adjacent room in certain houses, especially older ones.
It’s intended for use by anybody in the household, especially kids and guests who don’t have an en suite bathroom right next to their room.
HOW BIG SHOULD A FAMILY BATHROOM BE?
The ideal size for a family bathroom is as large as you can make it, yet many modern homes only have a 6-foot-by-6-foot bathroom. Some homeowners decide to turn an unused bedroom into a spa-like master bath for their family. You can also try moving the water heater or installing a pocket door to get extra square footage in the family bathroom.
If expanding the footprint of your family bathroom isn’t an option, you may make the most of the space you have by installing space-saving features like corner sink vanities, shallower medicine cabinets, and smaller bathtubs.
