Designing a bathroom that works for the whole family can make daily routines easier, from brushing teeth to showering. Whether it’s just you and your partner or you have kids, a family-friendly bathroom is essential for avoiding stressful mornings and evenings. Nobody wants to be late for work because the bathroom is crowded, or spend hours scrubbing grime off surfaces.
The space you create should blend practicality, flexibility, and durability without compromising aesthetics. Here are five suggested bathroom upgrades that make it easier to accommodate every family member’s needs:
Choose a Larger Vanity Unit
Small vanity units can quickly become a source of frustration in a family bathroom. Limited counter space means toothbrushes, hairdryers, and toiletries end up cluttering the surface, making it tricky for more than one person to get ready at the same time. Storage can feel cramped, and mornings can turn stressful when everyone is trying to use the space at once.
A larger unit can make a big difference in a family bathroom. While you can choose whichever size you need, a 1500mm vanity hits the sweet spot for families or couples who like a bit of extra space. It provides enough room for two people to get ready at the same time, but it’s still compact enough to fit comfortably without crowding the rest of the bathroom.
There’s a wide range of 1500 vanity units in different designs and installation options. Wall-hung vanities make mopping the floor easier, while floor-standing cabinets provide plenty of storage space for your essentials. You can choose between single and double-bowl 1500 vanity units, depending on your needs. When making a final decision, consider the finish, such as matte white, timber, white gloss, or black gloss, to suit your bathroom style. Full-depth storage is another important feature for keeping hairdryers, spare towels, toiletries, and other everyday items organised and easy to reach.
Prioritise Smart Storage
Family bathrooms can easily become cluttered, especially when kids share the space. You can make daily routines smoother by prioritising smart, accessible storage that keeps essentials easy to reach and simple to put away. Consider using deep drawers, vanity organisers, and labelled baskets so each family member has their own space, while shared items like towels, toiletries, and hair products have a designated home.
Vertical storage is a lifesaver in smaller bathrooms. Think tall cabinets, over-the-toilet shelving, or wall-mounted cupboards to free up floor space. Hooks at different heights let kids hang their own towels, while magnetic strips, back-of-door organisers, and recessed shelving keep counters clear. Mirrored cabinets not only hide toiletries but also make the room feel bigger. If your bathroom doubles as a laundry area, hidden hampers or pull-out baskets are ideal for keeping dirty clothes off the floor.
Choose Durable, Easy-to-Clean Materials
If you’ve ever spent ages scrubbing water spots or mould from your bathroom, you know how important durable, easy-to-clean materials are. Family bathrooms take a lot of wear and tear, so choose surfaces that can handle daily use. High-quality porcelain or ceramic tiles on walls and floors resist moisture and stains, while laminate, composite, quartz, or solid-surface countertops can withstand frequent wiping without looking worn.
You can make cleaning even easier with wall-hung toilets and basins, grout-free wall panels, and large-format tiles that reduce grout lines. For floors, opt for water-resistant, non-slip options like textured porcelain and use epoxy grout for extra stain resistance. Mildew-resistant paint and good ventilation can also help keep surfaces fresh and clean.
Include Safety‑Focused Features
Family bathrooms come with their own set of challenges: slippery floors, sharp edges, and little hands reaching for everything. That’s why prioritising safety is key.
Non-slip flooring, like textured porcelain tiles or specialist vinyl, reduces the risk of falls, especially during busy mornings or bath time. Rounded countertop edges and soft-close cabinets help prevent bumps and pinched fingers, while thermostatically controlled taps and showers protect sensitive skin from burns. You can also keep potentially dangerous items out of reach with secure storage for medications, locked cupboards for cleaning supplies, and GFCI outlets for extra peace of mind.
Make the Room Kid-Friendly and Accessible
A family bathroom needs to work for kids as well as adults. There are different ways to make the space accessible and kid-friendly. For instance, open shelving helps kids see and grab what they need without making the room look messy. Step stools with rubber grips let children reach sinks and toothbrushes safely, giving them a bit of independence. A handheld showerhead is another handy addition; you can use it to help your kids or let them grow into it over time. Low hooks and towel racks at kid-friendly heights make it easy for your kids to hang up towels themselves. A few simple changes can make busy mornings much smoother for everyone.
