Decorating Kids' Bathrooms -- Say Good-Bye to Bath-Time Tears

Decorating kids' bathrooms is not, actually, as simple as you would expect. You will want to create a space that is appealing for your kids to spend time in, and practical too. Let’s aim to put an end to those bath-time tears.

The best idea is to create a neutral base for your decorating plans. Pick a standard, white bathroom suite - nothing too old-fashioned and traditional, but equally, nothing that stands out as too modern. Also pick white, or neutral, tiles. Your kids will grow up quicker than you think. A decorating scheme that is perfect for tiny tots, will soon appear childish as they grow a little older. With a neutral bathroom structure, you can easily and cheaply get a whole new look, whenever you want.

For toddlers and small children, try to make it simple for them to learn how to use a bathroom. Get a small step for the toilet and basin, so tiny tots can reach easily - they will soon be learning how to do it on their own.

Make sure taps can be turned on and off easily, so they are user friendly for your kids. Also consider installing a push-button flush toilet. Can’t you remember being a kid yourself -- and trying to get the hang of that tricky flush-handle?

Creating plenty of storage in your kids’ bathroom is a must, whatever the age of your children. Toddlers are surrounded by nappies, creams, powders and heaps of bath-toys, while teenagers can really accumulate those toiletries. Choose baskets or boxes without lids -- that way there is more chance that they will actually be used! Keep storage boxes and baskets within easy reach. It is also a good idea to keep a shelf free near the basin or mirror, for those few items in constant daily use.


Safety is of vital importance when decorating kids’ bathrooms, so remember, water and electricity do not mix! Always make sure that you use the correct light fixtures in your bathroom. And don’t forget -- little kids in baths, splash -- a lot! Take advice from a professional electrician if you are in any doubt at all.

Now that you have created a safe, practical and neutral basis for your kids’ bathroom, think about personalizing it, with a ‘splash’ of color. Combine your neutrals with a vibrant wall color. Try using your child’s favorite color on the walls. Or, choose from those perennial kids’ bathroom favorites -- bright blues, turquoise, orange, yellow or lime-green. Always use a specialist bathroom paint, which will help to prevent damp and mold growth.

Jazz up your bathroom decorating scheme with stencils, borders, wall murals, wall and tile transfers or stick on tile decorations. Ideal themes for decorating kids’ bathrooms are boats, lighthouses, fish, mermaids, starfish or flowers. Carry your theme on, in your choice of accessories, too -- shower curtains, towels, soap dispensers, toothbrush holders, light pulls etc.

Get as creative as you like -- and have fun! You have created a great framework for decorating a kids’ bathroom. The details can be quickly and easily changed now, as the kids get older, and tastes begin to change.