Remodeling your child's bathroom is an opportunity to create a space that’s both fun and functional. When designing for children, it’s important to prioritize safety and durability—think easy-to-clean surfaces, non-slip flooring, and features like grab bars for added security.
At the same time, a bathroom remodel is the perfect chance to let your child’s personality shine. Playful themes, bold colors, and imaginative decor can transform the space into something special. By involving your child in the decision-making process, you’ll not only make the remodel more enjoyable for them, but also ensure the finished bathroom is uniquely theirs.
Here, we’ll share tips for designing a bathroom that’s especially kid-friendly, while still ensuring it remains versatile and can easily evolve as your children get older.
When remodeling your child’s bathroom, prioritize durable and easy-to-clean material such as porcelain tiles, vinyl flooring, and quartz countertops. These materials are resistant to moisture and stains, making them ideal for heavy use and easy maintenance. Additionally, consider using semi-gloss or satin paint on the walls, as these finishes are more washable and can withstand frequent cleaning. Additionally, opt for rounded edges on countertops and fixtures to help prevent bumps and injuries during play.
Avoid using natural stone surfaces like marble or travertine, as they can be porous, stain easily, and require regular sealing and maintenance. Steer clear of high-gloss tiles, which can become slippery when wet and pose a safety risk. Glass countertops and shelving, while stylish, are prone to breakage and can be hazardous for active children.
When designing a bathroom for children, safety should be a top priority. Opt for non-slip flooring and install grab bars near the tub, shower, and toilet for added stability. Choose rounded edges on countertops and fixtures to avoid injuries from sharp corners. Lastly, make sure that all electrical outlets are equipped with childproof covers to prevent accidental shocks.
Children’s bath time often comes with an array of accessories, from toys to bath products, that can quickly clutter the space. This 60-square-foot Brooklyn bathroom features convenient tiled shelves for easy storage of these items, as well as a spot where parents can comfortably sit during bath time, keeping everything organized and within reach.
Child-proofing your bathroom is essential to ensure your child's safety. Install safety locks on cabinets and drawers to keep hazardous items out of reach. Use faucet covers and anti-scald devices to prevent burns.
Opt for shatterproof mirrors and avoid sharp edges on furniture and fixtures. Keep electrical appliances, such as hairdryers and razors, stored safely away from water sources.
A large storage vanity with childproof locks, like the one in this 60-square-foot Los Angeles bathroom, provides a safe space to store hazardous items out of children's reach.
Effective storage solutions are crucial in a child's bathroom to keep it organized and clutter-free. Use baskets, bins, and shelves to store toys, toiletries, and towels. Label each container to make it easy for your child to find and put away their items.
Consider adding hooks at a lower height for towels and robes that your child can access easily. Floating shelves and over-the-door organizers can maximize space and keep the bathroom tidy.
This 60-square-foot New York bathroom includes a conveniently placed hamper for easy access to clean towels, along with open wall shelving that keeps products within reach for adults but safely out of the reach of little hands or climbing toddlers.
Learn More: The Minimum Bathroom Size – How to Make the Most of Your Small Space
Designing showers to be kid-friendly
While bathtubs are often considered the more kid-friendly choice—perfect for splashing, playtime, and easy bathing of younger children—showers can also meet the needs of families and offer added benefits such as saving space, promoting independence, and simplifying cleaning.
To make showers more accommodating for kids, consider installing a handheld showerhead at a lower height, which allows children to rinse off easily and gives parents more control during bath time. Incorporate built-in benches or ledges for sitting and storage, and use non-slip tiles on the shower floor to prevent slips and falls. Frameless glass doors or low-threshold entries can make access easier for little ones, while adjustable showerheads and temperature controls help ensure safety and comfort as your child grows. With thoughtful design, a shower can be just as practical and enjoyable for kids as a traditional tub.
Choosing the right theme for your child’s bathroom is a fun and exciting process. Consider your child’s interests and preferences when selecting a theme. Popular choices include underwater adventures, jungle safari, space exploration, or even their favorite cartoon characters.
Remember to mix and match colors, patterns, and accessories that align with the chosen theme. This will create a cohesive look that your child will love. Involve your child in the decision-making process to make them feel a part of the remodel.
Be sure to consider your child’s growth and create a design that’s adaptable, so it stays appealing as they get older.
In this 40-square-foot New York bathroom, the homeowners aimed to design a playful space for their daughter that still honored the character of their historic building. They shared, “Our building is more Art Deco and old. Some of the patterns we chose for the bathroom feel like a modern twist on something you might have seen 100 years ago, which we really liked.” The whimsical wallpaper, featuring playful birds and soft clouds, added a dreamy touch that beautifully complements the building's aesthetic.
Looking for inspiration for your child’s bathroom design? Consider incorporating vibrant wall decals or murals that reflect their interests. Fun and whimsical lighting fixtures can add a playful touch to the space.
Personalized accessories, such as monogrammed towels and custom shower curtains, can make the bathroom feel unique. Don't be afraid to experiment with bold colors and patterns to create a lively and inviting atmosphere.
Here are 5 unique children’s bathrooms to inspire your remodel:
This 60-square-foot modern kids' bathroom in Brooklyn strikes the perfect balance between playful and design-forward, seamlessly blending the clean lines of square shapes with a vibrant palette of complementary blue and orange. The square-tiled flooring and floating shelves create a fun, youthful vibe while ensuring the design remains stylish as the kids grow older.
This 40-square-foot Los Angeles kids’ bathroom design serves as a blank slate with white flooring and walls, allowing color, pattern, and playfulness to be introduced through decor and accessories, such as the shower curtain, bath mat, and towels. As the children’s tastes evolve, the decor can be easily swapped out to reflect their changing style.
A children’s bathroom can still feel elegant and sophisticated. In this stylish 70-square-foot contemporary Los Angeles bath, striking aqua blue tiles take center stage, creating a stunning focal point.
This vibrant 60-square-foot bathroom in Brooklyn embraces color with whimsical pastel hues. The playful mix of soft orange and blue creates a cheerful, contemporary atmosphere that sparks imagination and adds a splash of fun to the space.
This 60-square-foot Westchester County, NY bathroom strikes the perfect balance between being kid-friendly and future-proof. The playful blue walls add a fun touch for the kids, while the parents planned ahead by converting the bathtub to a sleek walk-in shower. As their children grew out of bath time, the shower became more practical, offering benefits like easier cleaning and a more streamlined design that works well as the kids get older.
Learn more: The Ultimate Guide to Bathtub to Shower Conversions
Your contractor is key to the success of your bathroom renovation, serving as your main point of contact and expert guide. Finding the right one can be overwhelming, so it’s important to know where to start and how to choose the best fit.
Block makes it easy: We’ll match you with up to three bathroom remodel contractors from our vetted elite network.
Our robust vetting process ensures that every in-network contractor has:
Once Block matches you with trusted contractors, you’ll have the opportunity to meet them on a site visit at your home before they prepare your proposals.
Hiring the right contractor is a big decision for any homeowner. Give yourself peace of mind when you find yours with Block Renovation.