Family bathroom – how to design a space that is comfortable for both adults and children?

Added: Monday, 12/1/2025


A family bathroom is a space used by several people with completely different characteristics and needs. The biggest challenge when designing it is to create a functional space for every household member, ideal for both quick baths and longer rituals. When children are small, care must be taken not to turn the interior into a playroom or a storage area for children's things. How to make the bathroom comfortable and aesthetic for the whole family – now and in the future? You will find the answer in our guide. 

Family bathroom with a double sink, bathtub, and shower

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Plan the space well

Start designing the family bathroom by defining the most important zones in the room:

  • the bathing area with a bathtub and/or shower, 
  • the sink area, 
  • the toilet area, 
  • the laundry area,
  • the storage area. 

When children are small, it is worth creating a special space for them – with a cabinet adapted to their height and low-mounted hooks. If the bathroom size allows, consider a double sink area or plan a second, small point. For example, a children's sink GEBERIT with two washing stations at two different heights would work well. This way, you will significantly shorten morning queues. 

Choose safe and functional equipment

When choosing bathroom equipment for the family, it is important to keep in mind that children may:

  • have trouble adjusting the water temperature properly, which poses a risk of burns,
  • not yet know the principles of water conservation, allowing the stream to flow unnecessarily,
  • not know how to care for delicate coatings that cover faucets or ceramics,
  • easily injure themselves on sharp edges or slip on slippery surfaces, 
  • forget to wipe up water that splashed on the countertop or floor during handwashing or bathing,
  • accidentally drop various items on ceramic, glass, or acrylic surfaces. 

The key when selecting equipment is to minimize the above hazards. In the sink, shower, and bathtub areas, it is advisable to install thermostatic faucets that allow for setting a constant, safe water temperature. Additionally, it is better to avoid faucets with sharp edges. For water conservation, use fixtures with aerators. An aerator in the faucet also reduces splashing. Non-slip tiles or other solutions that prevent accidental slipping should be installed in the shower and bathtub areas. Grab bars and handrails are also helpful in these areas. 

Shower or bathtub – which is better for the family?

In a family bathroom, it is worth having both a bathtub and a shower cabin. If the size does not allow for arranging both zones, a bathtub is the more convenient option. It can also serve as a Children's sink Bambini B90 without a hole deeper sink on the right side white 502.974.00.2 shower – in combination with a shower-bathtub faucet and a bathtub screen. The size of the bathtub should be matched to the available space in the room. A large bathtub with a centrally located drain will allow siblings to bathe and play together and provide comfort for parents. In smaller family bathrooms, shower cabins are generally more convenient – both modern walk-in types with barrier-free entry and traditional ones with a high shower tray, which can serve as a mini-bathtub for children. 

Family-friendly technologies

A family with small children often lacks time – especially for cleaning. Therefore, it is worth choosing solutions for the family bathroom that promote cleanliness and hygiene. For example:

  • wall-mounted toilets and bidets on frames make it easier to clean the floor;
  • ceramic sinks with antibacterial coatings prevent dirt and microorganisms from adhering and allow for effective cleaning of surfaces without chemicals;
  • shower heads, rain showers, and bathroom faucets equipped with anti-calc systems prevent the accumulation of limescale deposits.

A modern family bathroom should also be economical and ecological. Therefore, it is worth having:

  • energy-efficient, durable, and safe LED lighting, 
  • fixtures equipped with water-saving solutions, 
  • a bathtub with thermal insulation properties,
  • a toilet bowl with a water-saving flushing system.

We encourage you to familiarize yourself with the offer of Onninen for contractors, designers, and individual clients. We supply sanitary products for the most demanding bathroom projects. If you have any questions, we are here to help. 

FAQ 

1. How to protect children from burns during bathing?

Install a modern faucet with a thermostat in the shower-bathtub area and set the desired water temperature. 

2. What flooring works best in a family bathroom?

The optimal solution is non-slip tiles, especially in the wet area. Avoid smooth, slippery surfaces and materials sensitive to moisture. 

3. Is a separate sink for children a good solution?

Yes, if you have space in the bathroom. There are special sinks for children available on the market - with two washing stations at different heights and rounded, safe edges. They are resistant to impacts and scratches and easy to clean.

4. What bathtub should I choose for a family bathroom?

Acrylic bathtubs work very well in family bathrooms. They are pleasantly warm to the touch, resistant to discoloration, scratches, corrosion, and mechanical damage, easy to clean, and easy to renovate. They also have thermal insulation properties, which helps save energy. 

5. How to make cleaning the family bathroom easier?

Opt for equipment with simple lines, made of easy-to-clean materials, with a smooth finish, preferably with coatings that prevent dirt and allow for cleaning with just water. Additionally, choose wall-mounted devices and furniture and minimize the number of joints.

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