Style and layout tips for functional family bathrooms

If you want to make the ideal family bathroom that encompasses both style and functionality, then look no further! This post discusses several style and layout tips for creating a functional family bathroom of your dreams. Get that pen and paper and let’s begin!

1. Double basin

For bathrooms with adequate space, consider fitting a double basin. This is ideal for busy family homes where the bathrooms are in high demand at certain times of the day. For instance, you may find two basins can save time in the morning when your kids are looking to get ready (e.g. brushing their teeth). 

If you do not currently have enough space for a double basin but would like additional room for features/fixtures such as a double basin, it’s worth considering having your bathroom renovated. The cost of a new bathroom generally ranges from £2,000 to £5,000.

2. Taps with easy turn handles and anti-scald features

Taps that feature easy turn handles (i.e. mixer taps) are great from a safety and functionality point of view. The red and blue labels make it easy for even young children to understand so that they can ensure they turn on the correct temperature (when suitable for them to turn the tap on or off themselves).

With that said, you may also want to opt for mixer taps with anti-scald features. This can provide additional safety. Be sure to consider safety for bathroom installations in general.

3. Built-in bath with a ledge

You’ll also want to consider a built-in bath that comes with a ledge. Built-in baths tend not to be as deep as freestanding baths. What’s more, a ledge can be a great place to store kids toys and various bath products. Just be sure that any bath products are closed so as to not pose a risk to your kids.

4. Consider adding stools for your kids

Adding a stool or two may be necessary to allow young children to reach your bathroom’s basin(s) such as for washing their hands or brushing their teeth. Be sure to find suitable stool(s) based on your kids’ heights. You’ll likely only need the stools for a year or two depending on the age and height of your children.

5. Plenty of bathroom storage

It’s also important to add sufficient bathroom storage for all items and products needed for your family. Making use of built-in storage where possible (e.g. beneath the sink) is a great way of making good use of the space available.

6. Additional towel rails

If you don’t have enough towel rails, consider adding another rail or two (space permitting of course) – this helps when you need to dry two or more towels at the same time. How many towel rails you’ll be able to add will, of course, be limited by the size of your bathroom – another reason to consider having your bathroom renovated. And it doesn’t have to cost a fortune, read this post for tips on remodeling your bathroom on a budget.

7. Non-slip baths and shower trays

For the safety of all your family especially your kids and elderly parents, having a non-slip bath and shower tray installed is definitely worth considering. In either case, an anti-slip coating is added to reduce the risk of slips and trips, offering improved underfoot stability and therefore, greater safety.

8. Install the mirror at the correct level

Also ensure that your bathroom mirror is installed at the right height for everyone in your home (i.e. neither too low down for the tallest member of your family nor too high up for the shortest family member). Having an elongated mirror that covers more height distance is one way of dealing with this problem effectively, but ultimately getting the level right is paramount.

9. Fit an exhaust fan

A bathroom should have an exhaust fan installed to address excess moisture. After all, like a kitchen (although to a greater extent), bathrooms can become very humid spaces due to the use of warm water (e.g. for bathing or showering).

10. Thermostatic shower to limit scald risk

Another safety element to consider for a family bathroom is a thermostatic shower. Thermostatic showers can react immediately to changes in water temperature thus reducing the risk of scalding hot water coming out of the shower. This is in contrast to manual mixer showers which are more vulnerable to this danger.