How To Design A Kid-Friendly Bathroom

If you’ve got little ones running around, you know the importance of finding a balance between fun, accessibility, and—most importantly—safety. Those three pillars should be at the heart of your home, and that includes your bathroom. 

Luckily, at True North Kitchen and Bath, we know that a kid-friendly bathroom doesn’t have to compromise on style—it just takes a little bit of planning ahead. Whether you’re renovating a shared family bathroom or creating a dedicated kids' space, we’ve put together a simple guide to help you build a bathroom that accommodates children now and grows with them for years to come. 

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4 Kid-Friendly Bathroom Must-Haves

1. Safe Fixtures

Safety should always come first, especially when children are involved. Consider these safe fixtures as you design your kid-friendly bathroom.

• Slip-resistant flooring: Go for textured tile or matte porcelain to help prevent slips and falls—especially in a space prone to splashes.
• Anti-scald faucets and shower valves: These devices automatically regulate water temperature to prevent burns, making bath time safer for curious hands.
• Soft-close toilet seats and drawers: Eliminate the risk of pinched fingers with soft-close mechanisms on drawers, cabinets, and toilet seats—plus, they’re quieter too.
• Rounded countertops or protective edge treatments: Sharp edges on vanities can be a hazard for little heads and elbows. Opt for rounded surfaces or add edge guards for extra protection.
• Secure cabinetry: Install child-proof locks or choose high-mounted cabinets to keep cleaning products, razors, and medications safely out of reach.

2. Accessible Features

We often think about accessibility for our elderly or disabled loved ones—but it’s important to keep in mind that smaller bodies also require a little bit of help here and there. The following features are key to a kid-friendly bathroom.

• Built-in pull-out steps beneath vanities: No more dragging stools across the floor to reach the sink! Hidden steps tuck neatly away when not in use for a clutter-free space.
• Lever-style faucet handles: Easier for small hands than traditional knobs, lever handles simplify handwashing and brushing teeth.
• Handheld shower heads with adjustable height: Ideal for bath time and beyond, adjustable handheld showerheads make rinsing easier for everyone.
• Lower towel bars, robe hooks, and open shelving: Mounting bars, hooks, and shelves at kid height helps them grab and put things away all on their own.
• Toilet with an integrated child seat: Consider a toilet with a built-in child seat or a scaled-down model designed for children. This makes potty training and bathroom use less intimidating.
  
  

3. Storage That Grows With Them

Kids come with a lot of stuff—from bath toys to toothbrushes—and the right storage can make all the difference in keeping your bathroom functional and organized. The following storage solutions can work with little ones and easily adapt as they grow. 

• Vanities with multiple drawer sizes or compartments: Customize your vanity with a mix of drawer depths and dividers to help organize items by child or category. It keeps essentials within reach and messes under control.
• Custom cubbies or baskets: Use labeled baskets or built-in cubbies to organize bath toys, towels, and toiletries. It's a simple way to encourage your kids to clean up after themselves.
• Floating shelves or open built-ins: Open storage gives children easy access to items they use regularly—like hairbrushes, tissues, or washcloths. No need to rummage through drawers!
• Closed cabinetry for less kid-friendly items: Designate closed cabinets for items that should stay out of reach, like razors, adult skincare products, or extra cleaning supplies.

4. Kid-Friendly Flair

Now for the really fun part: adding some pizzazz to the mix! Your kids deserve to love the space they use every day—and that means highlighting their unique personality with fun colors and personalized touches. Consider the following options:

• Fun tile inlays or colored grout: Add a pop of personality with a patterned tile niche in the shower or use colored grout for a playful yet polished look.
• Chalkboard paint or pegboards: Raising little artists? Turn one wall into a creative zone with chalkboard paint, or install a pegboard to hang towels, baskets, or bath accessories.
• Custom stools or name-labeled hooks: Personalize the space for each child with labeled hooks, individual bins, or stools that make them feel at home.
• Kid-height mirror panels: Install an additional mirror at a lower height so younger kids can see themselves without help. It’s a small touch that makes a big difference.
• Bright, swappable accessories: Use towels, shower curtains, rugs, and wall art to add color and character to the space—then easily swap them as kids’ interests change.

True North Can Help

Ready to get started and bring your family’s dream bathroom to life? Let True North be your guide! We know that a kid-friendly bathroom doesn’t have to be temporary or overly themed. Together, we’ll work with you to build a space that the whole family can love—and one that has the longevity to last a lifetime as your family evolves. 

Contact True North Kitchen and Bath today for a family-first renovation consultation.