How to design the perfect family bathroom

Not everyone has the luxury of having a separate master bathroom to call their own. In addition to sharing the room with a spouse, if you have kids things can get pretty tight. To make the space work well for everybody in your home, employ smart design principles. Here’s how to do it:

Bathtub faucets
Be sure the antique bath fixtures or modern faucets you install in your bathroom are easy for the entire family to use. For example, a handle lever might be simpler to turn on than a rotating knob. This is a good option for younger and elderly bathroom occupants.

Additionally, if you choose one of the popular models of clawfoot tubs, use these principles to guide your faucet choice as well. Consider adding a hand-held shower head that helps make bathing a cinch.

Shower
If everyone gets ready at the same time in the morning, a standalone shower can be just want you need to keep bathroom traffic moving at a quick pace. While someone is in the vintage tub, another user can pop into the separate shower to wash up. Consider adding both an overhead shower head and hand-held unit to double the water outflow.

Vanity
If many people will be using your bathroom, a small vanity won’t work. Instead, purchase one with a long rectangular surface. Then you can install a double sink. This allows two people to get ready at the same time.

Mirrors
If you have a two-person vanity, you’ll need extra mirrors. Install two or more framed styles right over each sink basin. This way, while one member of the family brushes his or her teeth the other can wash up too.

Storage
With a lot of people using one space, you’ll need smart storage solutions. Take full advantage of any linen closets by placing bins in each. You can segment each toiletry, like towels, shampoo, soap, toothpaste and more. Or, for a nifty trick, you can give every household member their own
bin to fill with everything they need. Choose one with a handle so they can easily carry it to the bathroom. If you have limited storage space, install shelving along the walls.

Other tips
Consider everyone’s different levels of accessibility. For kids, keep a step stool nearby so they can reach the sink. Also, you may want to add a chair to your standalone shower for older users.