Essential Tips For Designing A Functional Family Bathroom

When it comes to designing a bathroom, there are lots of articles out there about the latest trends, from luxury spa to refined rustic. However, many people simply want a practical and low-maintenance space that serves the needs of the whole family. Here are some tips for creating a family bathroom that is appealing but above all functional.

Making the best use of space

The biggest challenge for many family bathrooms is making the best use of the available space. For families with young children, a bath is a key priority because it’s safer and easier to wash a small child in a bathtub than a shower. However, older children and adults usually prefer the ease and convenience of a shower.

Shower over bath combos

A shower over bath combo is a practical solution that saves space and allows for both quick showers and more leisurely and relaxing baths. Look for bathtubs with a P-shape or L-shape design, which allow for more space at the shower end of the bath. You’ll also need a shower screen and wall channel to mount it on, or alternatively a shower curtain. 

If you go for a shower screen, go for a foldable or pivoting screen rather than a fixed screen, to allow you easy access to the bath when dealing with the kids’ bathtime. It also makes it easier for cleaning access. 

If you are installing the bathroom yourself, it’s important to make sure that the shower screen is made from toughened glass or laminated glass, and complies with the required safety standards. This will provide peace of mind that the screen will survive accidental impacts, and if it should break it will shatter into rounded pieces rather than dangerous shards.

Walk-in showers

If you have plenty of space in your bathroom, then you may prefer to have a separate shower enclosure. Look for a low-profile tray with an anti-slip surface that makes it easy to step in and out. The shower head should be adjustable, so it’s convenient to be used by children and adults alike. 

Combination shower heads that offer a choice between a rainfall shower and a flexible handheld shower are a versatile option for families. You may also want to consider smart features that allow you to set maximum temperature controls and showering times, making the shower safer and more energy efficient to use. 

Basins and vanity units

Double basins can be game-changers in larger family bathrooms, allowing household members to get on with tasks such as teeth brushing in the morning without having to wait until the bathroom is vacant. For smaller bathrooms, wall mounted basins will free up floor space. 

For bathrooms with slightly more room, basins with built-in vanity units underneath will look stylish and also provide valuable space to hide clutter. For smaller bathrooms, consider installing wall-mounted glass shelves or cabinets to store toiletries, towels, and other bathroom essentials.

Space saving toilets

The humble toilet design has advanced significantly in recent years, so it’s worth investigating the latest space-saving and easy-clean options for your family bathroom. For example, back-to-wall toilets or close-coupled toilets are neat contemporary designs that are also much easier to keep clean and hygienic in a busy family bathroom.

Look for a toilet with a soft-close seat that will prevent children from getting their fingers trapped, and also be quieter if anyone needs to get up to use the loo in the middle of the night. 

The mirror

The mirror is an essential feature of a family bathroom, allowing household members to carry out personal grooming tasks more easily, and also to help reflect more light around the room and enhance the sense of space. In smaller bathrooms with limited wall space, mirrored wall-mounted cabinets are a great solution.

LED backlit mirrors with touch button controls are a nice-to-have feature, making it easier to carry out shaving or applying makeup with greater accuracy.  If you find that the mirror is always frustratingly fogged up just when you need it the most, consider investing in an anti- misting mirror, which has in-built heating to keep it clear at all times. 

The colour scheme

You may wish to stick to a neutral colour palette that will be light and welcoming, and add pops of colour with accessories such as towels and toothbrush holders. However, fun pastels can also work well if you have a young family.