20 Fabulous Family Bathrooms the Whole Brood Will Love
Stylish, functional and fit for sharing, these beautiful bathing areas get the big thumbs up from young and old alike
Designing a bathroom for a family of three, four, or even more, can be a daunting task. After all, the space must be a breeze to navigate so multiple people can move around the area with ease – an essential on busy mornings when the bathroom is in high demand. It also needs to be a snap to clean, user friendly for all, and boast loads of storage and benchtop space. That’s not all, though! A family-friendly bathroom must also be decorated in a way that suits your family now and into the future.
Here are 20 stylish and functional family bathrooms that manage to marry these elements together. Look to these tick-all-the-right-boxes bathing areas when planning your next bathroom renovation – they’re sure to provide plenty of inspiration.
Here are 20 stylish and functional family bathrooms that manage to marry these elements together. Look to these tick-all-the-right-boxes bathing areas when planning your next bathroom renovation – they’re sure to provide plenty of inspiration.
2. Safety first
Bathroom safety is a priority in any home, but especially households with small children. While it’s near impossible to have a space that’s completely hazard free, there are some simple ways you can minimise the risk of accidents occurring – this bathroom provides some great examples.
Ensure your bathing area is properly ventilated (either with an exhaust fan or by keeping your window open when showering), as this will allow moisture-filled air and steam to escape and stop the floor and other surfaces from becoming slippery. Grip bars and non-slip bath or shower stickers are also a great idea.
Don’t forget to install child safety locks on your vanity drawers and cupboards so curious little ones can’t get their hands on toxic or dangerous items.
Bathroom safety is a priority in any home, but especially households with small children. While it’s near impossible to have a space that’s completely hazard free, there are some simple ways you can minimise the risk of accidents occurring – this bathroom provides some great examples.
Ensure your bathing area is properly ventilated (either with an exhaust fan or by keeping your window open when showering), as this will allow moisture-filled air and steam to escape and stop the floor and other surfaces from becoming slippery. Grip bars and non-slip bath or shower stickers are also a great idea.
Don’t forget to install child safety locks on your vanity drawers and cupboards so curious little ones can’t get their hands on toxic or dangerous items.
3. Living space
Upon first glance, did you mistake this eclectic bathroom for a relaxed living area? Don’t worry, we did, too! Here, in place of a comfy sofa and rustic sideboard lies an oversized curved tub and an antique-look timber vanity. Open shelves filled with keepsakes and reading materials, as well as the exposed brick walls and quirky decor, add to this family bathroom’s homey, living room-esque feel.
Upon first glance, did you mistake this eclectic bathroom for a relaxed living area? Don’t worry, we did, too! Here, in place of a comfy sofa and rustic sideboard lies an oversized curved tub and an antique-look timber vanity. Open shelves filled with keepsakes and reading materials, as well as the exposed brick walls and quirky decor, add to this family bathroom’s homey, living room-esque feel.
4. Seeing double
There’s nothing worse than walking into the bathroom in the morning to brush your teeth/shave/put on make-up only to discover that someone else has already commandeered the basin and all the counter space. The solution? Incorporate a double vanity into your bathroom design – your family will thank you for it. We love the contrasting round and square basins and mirrors in this eye-catching set-up.
There’s nothing worse than walking into the bathroom in the morning to brush your teeth/shave/put on make-up only to discover that someone else has already commandeered the basin and all the counter space. The solution? Incorporate a double vanity into your bathroom design – your family will thank you for it. We love the contrasting round and square basins and mirrors in this eye-catching set-up.
5. Pattern play
Inject colour and a touch of playfulness into your bathroom by introducing patterned tilework into your scheme. We think this bold and fun cartoon-like tiled feature wall looks pretty stellar, but if you like a more subdued space, choose a simple geometric pattern or chic decorative motif instead.
See more of this creative bathroom design
Inject colour and a touch of playfulness into your bathroom by introducing patterned tilework into your scheme. We think this bold and fun cartoon-like tiled feature wall looks pretty stellar, but if you like a more subdued space, choose a simple geometric pattern or chic decorative motif instead.
See more of this creative bathroom design
6. Mirror, mirror on the walls
A large mirror is essential in any family bathroom – it will make the space appear brighter and larger, and allows multiple people to get ready at once without getting in each other’s way. This cool, contemporary bathing area gets extra points for having not one, but two mirrors. The floor-to-ceiling mirror is just the thing for family members to do a full and final outfit check before running out the door.
A large mirror is essential in any family bathroom – it will make the space appear brighter and larger, and allows multiple people to get ready at once without getting in each other’s way. This cool, contemporary bathing area gets extra points for having not one, but two mirrors. The floor-to-ceiling mirror is just the thing for family members to do a full and final outfit check before running out the door.
7. In the zone
While open-plan designs are popular, sometimes it’s more practical to divide a large space into smaller zones. Here, a sliding door separates the combined bath/shower and toilet from the getting-ready vanity area.
While open-plan designs are popular, sometimes it’s more practical to divide a large space into smaller zones. Here, a sliding door separates the combined bath/shower and toilet from the getting-ready vanity area.
8. Just kidding
Do you have pint-sized youngsters? Then it goes without saying that your family bathroom must be child friendly. This contemporary space has the right idea; two step stools sit in front of the double vanity so youngsters can reach the basin and taps, while the wide bath ledge provides a spot to stow bath toys.
A frosted glass shower screen is a practical and playful design element – it offers privacy and is easy to clean, plus its spotted pattern echoes the round wall mirrors.
Pops of sky blue and cute bathroom accessories complete the kid-friendly look.
More: 8 Kid-Friendly Bathroom Ideas for the Whole Family
Do you have pint-sized youngsters? Then it goes without saying that your family bathroom must be child friendly. This contemporary space has the right idea; two step stools sit in front of the double vanity so youngsters can reach the basin and taps, while the wide bath ledge provides a spot to stow bath toys.
A frosted glass shower screen is a practical and playful design element – it offers privacy and is easy to clean, plus its spotted pattern echoes the round wall mirrors.
Pops of sky blue and cute bathroom accessories complete the kid-friendly look.
More: 8 Kid-Friendly Bathroom Ideas for the Whole Family
9. Pure vanity
This family bathroom boasts plenty of storage thanks to an expansive wall-to-wall vanity. With generous cupboards and drawers, there’s ample space to stow everything from toiletries to toilet paper with room to spare.
This family bathroom boasts plenty of storage thanks to an expansive wall-to-wall vanity. With generous cupboards and drawers, there’s ample space to stow everything from toiletries to toilet paper with room to spare.
10. Easy, breezy cleaning
Want to spend less time cleaning your bathroom and more time doing things you enjoy with your family? The key is to incorporate low-maintenance materials and bathware into the space.
Solid-surface walls and floors are ideal if scrubbing grout is your least favourite cleaning job, and using large-format tiles is a great alternative. Opt for simple, sleek tapware, as the fewer curves, nooks and crevices they have, the easier they are to clean. Wall-mounted vanities will also allow you to mop hard-to-reach areas with ease.
Good ventilation is the key to preventing mildew and mould. Improve air circulation by installing an exhaust fan or leaving your window ajar when showering. Clear glass is also notoriously hard to keep shiny and fingerprint free, so consider ditching it in favour of frosted glass.
Want to spend less time cleaning your bathroom and more time doing things you enjoy with your family? The key is to incorporate low-maintenance materials and bathware into the space.
Solid-surface walls and floors are ideal if scrubbing grout is your least favourite cleaning job, and using large-format tiles is a great alternative. Opt for simple, sleek tapware, as the fewer curves, nooks and crevices they have, the easier they are to clean. Wall-mounted vanities will also allow you to mop hard-to-reach areas with ease.
Good ventilation is the key to preventing mildew and mould. Improve air circulation by installing an exhaust fan or leaving your window ajar when showering. Clear glass is also notoriously hard to keep shiny and fingerprint free, so consider ditching it in favour of frosted glass.
11. Not-so-classic black
When choosing a base colour for a family bathroom, black isn’t a hue that would appear at the top of many people’s lists. This fun, edgy design, however, shows how to make the shade work in a shared space.
Here, eye-catching graffiti-printed wallpaper adds a hit of bold colour and personality, and in doing so, transforms the space from a sleek, monochrome bathroom into a cool bathing zone that appeals to kids and adults alike. Minimalist bathware and tapware, white penny floor tiles and industrial-style accents add a touch of grown-up sophistication and balance the playful style of the graphic wall covering.
When choosing a base colour for a family bathroom, black isn’t a hue that would appear at the top of many people’s lists. This fun, edgy design, however, shows how to make the shade work in a shared space.
Here, eye-catching graffiti-printed wallpaper adds a hit of bold colour and personality, and in doing so, transforms the space from a sleek, monochrome bathroom into a cool bathing zone that appeals to kids and adults alike. Minimalist bathware and tapware, white penny floor tiles and industrial-style accents add a touch of grown-up sophistication and balance the playful style of the graphic wall covering.
12. Compact yet complete
This inviting family bathroom may be on the smaller side, but it’s not lacking in style or functionality. Classic white walls and bathware make the room look and feel airy and open, while the wide mirror also gives the illusion of spaciousness. A shower in the bath saves valuable space, as does a basin positioned left of centre to maximise countertop space.
With open shelving and generous cupboard space (hidden behind frosted glass sliding doors), the timber cabinet provides plenty of storage, while enhancing the bathroom’s sense of openness.
Soft, blue mosaic tiles complete the look and add a splash of colour.
More: How to Gain Valuable Space in Tiny Bathrooms
This inviting family bathroom may be on the smaller side, but it’s not lacking in style or functionality. Classic white walls and bathware make the room look and feel airy and open, while the wide mirror also gives the illusion of spaciousness. A shower in the bath saves valuable space, as does a basin positioned left of centre to maximise countertop space.
With open shelving and generous cupboard space (hidden behind frosted glass sliding doors), the timber cabinet provides plenty of storage, while enhancing the bathroom’s sense of openness.
Soft, blue mosaic tiles complete the look and add a splash of colour.
More: How to Gain Valuable Space in Tiny Bathrooms
13. Water saver
Sustainability is the name of the game in this modern family bathroom, which features water-saving fixtures including an eco-friendly bath spout, showerhead and twin mixer taps. Another way to cut down on water consumption is to choose a toilet with a high WELS rating, which means the product is very water efficient and will save you money while helping the environment.
More: 11 Ways to Save Water (and a Little Money While You’re at it) at Home
Sustainability is the name of the game in this modern family bathroom, which features water-saving fixtures including an eco-friendly bath spout, showerhead and twin mixer taps. Another way to cut down on water consumption is to choose a toilet with a high WELS rating, which means the product is very water efficient and will save you money while helping the environment.
More: 11 Ways to Save Water (and a Little Money While You’re at it) at Home
14. Easy-to-update accents
Want a bathing zone that suits your family’s decorating style now and will continue to do so in the future? Opt for a clean, timeless design that can be easily updated with new bathroom decor as your family grows, and your needs and tastes change. Fast forward five or 10 years, and I bet you’ll find the candy-coloured accessories in this all-white contemporary family bathroom are long gone, with new stylish (and more grown-up) pieces in their place.
Want a bathing zone that suits your family’s decorating style now and will continue to do so in the future? Opt for a clean, timeless design that can be easily updated with new bathroom decor as your family grows, and your needs and tastes change. Fast forward five or 10 years, and I bet you’ll find the candy-coloured accessories in this all-white contemporary family bathroom are long gone, with new stylish (and more grown-up) pieces in their place.
15. Wall-to-wall fun
Wallpaper isn’t a common feature in many bathrooms, but this invigorating family bathing zone proves that it should be! The quirky blue and white wall covering is fun, fresh and injects a hearty dose of character and high-impact colour into the space. For a look that’s more subtle, wallpaper a single wall rather than the whole room.
Wallpaper isn’t a common feature in many bathrooms, but this invigorating family bathing zone proves that it should be! The quirky blue and white wall covering is fun, fresh and injects a hearty dose of character and high-impact colour into the space. For a look that’s more subtle, wallpaper a single wall rather than the whole room.
16. Another neutral?
If you’re not a fan of all-white bathrooms and are bored of classic neutrals like beige or grey, consider using soft, chalky shades such as mint green, powder blue or even barely-there pink as the base colour. We love the wallpaper used in this coastal-style bathing area – the cool tone gives the room a calming ambience.
If you’re not a fan of all-white bathrooms and are bored of classic neutrals like beige or grey, consider using soft, chalky shades such as mint green, powder blue or even barely-there pink as the base colour. We love the wallpaper used in this coastal-style bathing area – the cool tone gives the room a calming ambience.
17. Form and function
Minimalist design elements not only enhance the look of this modern family bathroom but also improve its functionality. Drawers with cut-out handles are the perfect fit for the room’s clean, streamlined style, and they’re more user friendly than cabinetry with knobs, handles or pulls that may be difficult for some (especially youngsters and elderly family members) to grip.
A single-lever mixer tap is another smart, stylish and user-friendly inclusion, as people with mobility, strength and coordination problems find them easy to use. They also come in handy when you’re multitasking!
Minimalist design elements not only enhance the look of this modern family bathroom but also improve its functionality. Drawers with cut-out handles are the perfect fit for the room’s clean, streamlined style, and they’re more user friendly than cabinetry with knobs, handles or pulls that may be difficult for some (especially youngsters and elderly family members) to grip.
A single-lever mixer tap is another smart, stylish and user-friendly inclusion, as people with mobility, strength and coordination problems find them easy to use. They also come in handy when you’re multitasking!
18. Functional feature
Want to jazz up a plain wall but aren’t too fussed about introducing eye-popping colour or patterns to the scheme? Take style cues from this spacious family bathroom and use mirrors to add visual interest to your bath zone, while enhancing its functionality, too.
Want to jazz up a plain wall but aren’t too fussed about introducing eye-popping colour or patterns to the scheme? Take style cues from this spacious family bathroom and use mirrors to add visual interest to your bath zone, while enhancing its functionality, too.
19. Amicable split
If you don’t think a wide double vanity will work in your family bathroom due to the shape or size of the space, it may be best to incorporate two separate vanities into the design instead, either placed on opposite sides of the room or back-to-back like these. This layout is also a smart idea because it creates two distinct and private preparation zones. Compare this to a double vanity that requires family members to play nice and share the space.
If you don’t think a wide double vanity will work in your family bathroom due to the shape or size of the space, it may be best to incorporate two separate vanities into the design instead, either placed on opposite sides of the room or back-to-back like these. This layout is also a smart idea because it creates two distinct and private preparation zones. Compare this to a double vanity that requires family members to play nice and share the space.
20. Inviting oasis
After a long, hard day at work or school (or at home!), there’s nothing better than sinking into a warm bath or stepping under a steaming hot shower to help you unwind – and I can certainly imagine doing just that in this inviting bathroom. With cool white walls, warm timber tones, an open layout, elegant decor and an abundance of natural light, this soothing space is the perfect chill out and pamper zone for family members of every age.
SHOW US
We want to see your family bathroom! Please share your high-resolution photos in the Comments section.
MORE BATHROOM TIPS
Get a Clean and Beautifully Organised Bathroom in a Week
How to Make Timber Work in the Bathroom
10 Tips to Save Your Sanity in the Bathroom
After a long, hard day at work or school (or at home!), there’s nothing better than sinking into a warm bath or stepping under a steaming hot shower to help you unwind – and I can certainly imagine doing just that in this inviting bathroom. With cool white walls, warm timber tones, an open layout, elegant decor and an abundance of natural light, this soothing space is the perfect chill out and pamper zone for family members of every age.
SHOW US
We want to see your family bathroom! Please share your high-resolution photos in the Comments section.
MORE BATHROOM TIPS
Get a Clean and Beautifully Organised Bathroom in a Week
How to Make Timber Work in the Bathroom
10 Tips to Save Your Sanity in the Bathroom
When choosing a palette for your bathroom, opt for shades with universal appeal. While I, personally, think bright pink or moody blue can work a treat in any old space, I can understand why some families shy away from using shades that are considered too feminine or masculine in common areas like the bathroom.
The colour scheme used in this family-friendly bathing area is a happy compromise – a striking tiled feature wall in energetic shades of green takes centre stage, while red accents add drama and flair. Sandy neutrals and timber tones add warmth to the room and tie the look together, resulting in a bathroom that’s fun, fresh and satisfies everyone’s tastes.