15 Adorable Small Kids Bathroom Ideas and Fun Decor Tips
Kids’ bathrooms and tiny spaces – talk about a match made in organizational chaos! If you’re staring at that cramped bathroom wondering how you’ll fit everything from bath toys to toothbrushes without creating a disaster zone, you’re not alone.
I’ve wrestled with this exact problem in my own home, and let me tell you, transforming a small kids’ bathroom from cluttered nightmare to functional paradise isn’t just possible – it’s actually kind of fun once you know the tricks.
You know what’s wild? Most of us think we need massive bathrooms to make them work for kids. But here’s the thing – kids actually thrive in smaller, more organized spaces where everything has its place.
After helping design three different kids’ bathrooms (and redesigning my own twice because, well, kids grow fast), I’ve discovered that the secret lies in smart design choices, not square footage.
Space-Saving Bunk Tub Design
Ever seen those genius bunk tub designs? They’re basically the bathroom equivalent of bunk beds, and they’re absolutely brilliant for families with multiple little ones. The concept stacks bathing and showering spaces vertically, creating a dual-purpose area that maximizes every inch of your tiny bathroom.
Picture this: a regular-sized bathtub on the bottom level perfect for bubble baths and bath toy extravaganzas. Above it, you install a shower platform with proper safety railings. The kids who can shower independently use the top level, while the younger ones splash around below. It’s like having two bathrooms in one!
I installed one of these in my sister’s house last year, and honestly, it changed their morning routine completely. No more fighting over who gets to bathe first – both kids can clean up simultaneously. The key safety features you’ll want to include are:
- Non-slip surfaces on both levels
- Sturdy grab bars throughout
- Temperature-controlled mixing valves
- Safety glass partitions where needed
What really makes this work is the clever plumbing arrangement. You run a single water line up with separate controls for each level. Sure, it requires some initial investment in plumbing work, but compared to adding a second bathroom? You’re saving thousands.
Colorful Wall-Mounted Storage Solutions
Wall-mounted storage – my personal favorite solution for tiny bathrooms! Why let all that vertical space go to waste when you could turn every wall into a storage powerhouse? The trick is making it fun enough that kids actually want to use it.
I’m talking rainbow-colored bins, animal-shaped hooks, and magnetic strips that hold toothbrush holders. Mount everything at kid height (obviously), but here’s a pro tip: install some storage higher up too. That’s where you stash the stuff they shouldn’t reach – medications, cleaning supplies, or that fancy shampoo you’re saving.
Making Storage Fun and Functional
The best wall-mounted systems I’ve seen combine open and closed storage. Open baskets work great for frequently used items like washcloths and bath toys. Meanwhile, closed cabinets hide the messy stuff – you know, the half-empty bottles and random bath products that multiply mysteriously.
Color-coding works wonders here. Assign each kid their own color, and suddenly, organizing becomes a game. My neighbor did this with her three kids – blue for Jake, pink for Emma, green for Noah. No more arguments about whose towel is whose. Genius, right?
Don’t forget about the back of the door! Over-the-door organizers with clear pockets show kids exactly where everything belongs. Plus, they can’t claim they “couldn’t find” their toothbrush when it’s right there in plain sight.
Fun Themed Bathroom for Toddlers
Who says bathrooms have to be boring? Creating a themed bathroom turns daily routines into adventures. And before you worry about committing to something too permanent, most themed elements can be easily swapped out as your kids grow.
Ocean themes work phenomenally well – think submarine portholes for mirrors, fish-shaped soap dispensers, and wave-pattern shower curtains. I helped a friend create an underwater paradise, and her toddler literally runs to brush his teeth now. We used removable wall decals (key word: removable), so when he outgrows the fishy phase, they can peel everything off without damaging the walls.
Theme Ideas That Actually Work
Space themes create educational opportunities too. Number the planets on the wall leading to the bathtub. Suddenly, bath time becomes counting practice. Add glow-in-the-dark stars to the ceiling, and nighttime bathroom trips become less scary. See what I mean? Functional and fun 🙂
Jungle themes bring nature indoors with leafy shower curtains and animal-print towels. Install vine-like towel holders and monkey-shaped hooks. The possibilities are endless, and honestly, browsing for themed accessories becomes addictive.
Also Read: 15 Brilliant Kids and Guest Bathroom Ideas to Try Today
Compact Vanity with Hidden Drawers
Standard vanities waste so much space, don’t they? Those fake drawer fronts drive me crazy! A properly designed compact vanity with real, functional hidden drawers changes everything. We’re talking drawers within drawers, pull-out organizers, and secret compartments that would make a magician jealous.
The sweet spot for kids’ bathroom vanities sits around 24-30 inches wide. Any smaller and you lose functionality; any bigger and you’re eating into precious floor space. The magic happens in the drawer configuration. Skip the traditional two-drawer setup and go for multiple shallow drawers instead.
I recently installed a vanity with six narrow drawers in my kids’ bathroom. Each drawer stands only 3 inches tall, but they’re perfect for segregating items. Hair accessories in one, toothbrush supplies in another, first-aid items in the third – you get the idea. No more digging through one giant messy drawer searching for a hair tie!
Floating Shelves for Kids Essentials
Floating shelves – they’re like the Swiss Army knife of bathroom storage. Install them anywhere, adjust the height as kids grow, and they take up exactly zero floor space. But here’s what most people get wrong: they install one or two and call it done.
The real power comes from creating a floating shelf system. Think multiple shelves at varying heights, creating almost a ladder effect up the wall. Lower shelves hold daily essentials within kids’ reach. Middle shelves store backup supplies. Top shelves? That’s parent territory for things like medicine or cleaning products.
Strategic Shelf Placement
Corner floating shelves utilize those awkward spaces everyone ignores. Triangle-shaped corner shelves fit perfectly and hold way more than you’d expect. Install them in a spiral pattern up the corner, and suddenly that dead space becomes prime real estate.
Mix shelf sizes for visual interest and functionality. Narrow shelves (4-6 inches deep) work great for toiletries. Deeper ones (8-10 inches) handle towels and larger items. The variety keeps things interesting while maximizing storage options.
Bright and Playful Tile Patterns
Tiles set the entire mood of a bathroom, and in small spaces, they’re your secret weapon for making the room feel larger and more exciting. Forget those boring white squares – we’re going bold! Geometric patterns, colorful mosaics, and playful designs transform tiny bathrooms into spaces kids actually enjoy.
Hexagon tiles in rainbow gradients create movement and energy. Start with darker colors at the bottom and gradually lighten as you go up – this tricks the eye into thinking the ceiling is higher. I did this in my powder room, and everyone asks if I raised the ceiling. Nope, just smart tile choices!
Subway tiles arranged in unexpected patterns (herringbone, anyone?) add sophistication while remaining kid-friendly. Choose tiles with slightly rounded edges for safety, and always opt for smaller grout lines – less space for mold and easier to clean. Trust me on this one.
Also Read: 15 Gorgeous Modern Kids Bathroom Ideas for Happy Mornings
Corner Bathtub for Tiny Spaces
Corner bathtubs – the unsung heroes of small bathroom design! These triangular wonders fit snugly into corners, freeing up valuable floor space for other essentials. Plus, kids find them cozy and fun, like their own private pool.
The standard corner tub measures about 60 inches on each side, but compact versions go as small as 48 inches. That might not sound like much difference, but in a tiny bathroom, those 12 inches feel massive. Some models include built-in shelving in the corners for shampoo and toys.
Don’t overlook Japanese-style soaking tubs either. They’re deeper but take up less floor space, perfect for kids who love to play in water. Add a shower attachment, and you’ve got dual functionality without the bulk of a traditional tub-shower combo.
DIY Toy Storage Under Sink
That space under the sink? It’s prime real estate most people waste with a couple of cleaning supplies thrown in haphazardly. Let’s fix that! Custom DIY storage solutions transform this area into toy storage central.
I built sliding drawers on rails that pull completely out – think kitchen cabinet organizers but for bath toys. Use waterproof bins so wet toys can drain properly. Drill holes in the bottom for drainage (learned that one the hard way when I discovered a moldy rubber ducky collection).
Building Your Own System
Here’s my favorite hack: tension rods installed horizontally create instant hanging storage. Hang mesh bags or small buckets from S-hooks. Each bag holds different toys – one for boats, one for squirt toys, one for those foam letters that stick to walls. Organization made simple, and kids can actually see what’s in each bag.
Install a small curtain rod across the front and add a cute curtain to hide the whole setup. When closed, it looks neat and tidy. When open, everything’s accessible. FYI, this works whether you have a pedestal sink or vanity.
Interactive Chalkboard Wall Ideas
Chalkboard paint might be the best invention for kids’ bathrooms ever. Seriously! One wall (or even just a section) becomes an ever-changing canvas for creativity. Kids can practice letters while waiting for the tub to fill, draw pictures during potty time, or leave notes for siblings.
I painted the wall opposite our toilet with chalkboard paint, and it’s been a game-changer. Potty training? We drew a star chart right on the wall. Learning to brush for two minutes? There’s a timer drawn up there with fun facts that change weekly.
The key is using proper bathroom-grade chalkboard paint that handles humidity. Regular chalkboard paint will bubble and peel – ask me how I know. Seal the edges with waterproof caulk, especially near the tub or sink. Mount a small basket nearby for chalk and erasers, keeping everything contained.
Also Read: 15 Creative Unisex Kids Bathroom Ideas to Inspire Your Home
Minimalist Scandinavian Kids Bathroom
Scandinavian design and kids’ bathrooms might seem like opposites, but hear me out. The clean lines, natural materials, and bright whites actually create the perfect backdrop for colorful toys and accessories. Plus, minimal design means less to clean – winning!
Start with white or light gray walls and add warmth through wood accents. A bamboo step stool, wooden toilet seat, or teak bath mat brings in natural elements without cluttering the space. The beauty lies in the simplicity – everything has a purpose and a place.
Storage stays hidden behind clean cabinet fronts. No handles? Even better – push-to-open mechanisms keep lines clean while being easier for little hands to operate. Add pops of color through towels and bath mats that you can easily swap out as preferences change.
Multi-Functional Step Stool Designs
Regular step stools waste space when not in use, but multi-functional designs earn their keep 24/7. Storage step stools hide toys, towels, or toiletries inside while providing that needed boost to reach the sink.
My favorite design includes a flip-top seat with storage inside and a toilet paper holder built into the side. It slides perfectly between the toilet and vanity when not in use. The kids use it constantly, and guests never even notice it’s there until they need it.
Some designs include towel bars on the sides or even small drawers. Others fold completely flat against the wall when not needed. The folding ones work great in super tight spaces, though make sure the mechanism is kid-friendly and finger-safe.
Creative Hanging Baskets for Accessories
Hanging baskets aren’t just for plants anymore! Tiered hanging baskets create vertical storage that doesn’t touch a single surface. Suspend them from ceiling hooks or mount them on walls with brackets – either way, you’re using air space that usually goes unused.
Wire baskets work best because water drains through, preventing that gross buildup you get with solid containers. Line them with washable fabric if you need to contain smaller items. I use different colored liners for each kid – instant organization!
Basket Placement Strategy
Position baskets at different heights for different users. Lower baskets for everyday items kids need, higher ones for backup supplies or seasonal items. Corner placement maximizes space without creating obstacles. Just watch head clearance – learned that lesson the painful way :/
Vertical Storage Over Toilet Ideas
The space above your toilet typically sits empty, which is basically criminal in a small bathroom. Vertical storage solutions transform this dead zone into organization central. Over-toilet cabinets, ladder shelves, or floating shelf units all work brilliantly.
Ladder-style shelves lean against the wall without permanent installation – perfect for renters. They’re also naturally kid-friendly since the shelves get smaller as they go up, keeping dangerous items naturally out of reach. Plus, they look super trendy IMO.
For permanent solutions, built-in cabinets maximize every inch. Include a mix of open shelving for frequently used items and closed cabinets for the stuff you’d rather hide. Add LED strip lighting underneath for nighttime navigation – kids love the soft glow, and it prevents middle-of-the-night accidents.
Kid-Friendly Foldable Laundry Hampers
Traditional hampers eat up precious floor space, but foldable options disappear when not needed. Wall-mounted foldable hampers attach to walls or backs of doors, dropping down only when needed. When empty, they fold flat against the wall.
Mesh bag hampers that hang from hooks work great too. Use different colors for different types of laundry – whites, colors, towels. Teaching kids to sort laundry becomes automatic when the system is this simple. My kids have been sorting their own laundry since age four using this method!
Pop-up hampers collapse completely flat for storage but spring open when needed. Keep one in the bathroom for immediate use, with extras stored flat in a closet. When one fills up, swap it out and take the full one straight to the laundry room.
Personalized Name Wall Decals Design
Nothing makes kids feel special like seeing their name in their space. Personalized wall decals add that custom touch without permanent changes. Modern decals use materials that won’t damage paint, making them perfect for rentals or commitment-phobes.
Go beyond just names though. Create entire scenes with their initials incorporated into the design. A jungle scene where their name forms tree branches, or an underwater theme where letters become fish – the possibilities are endless. Kids feel ownership over “their” bathroom, leading to better care and cooperation.
Making It Educational
Use decals to create learning opportunities. Spell out daily routines: “Brush, Flush, Wash.” Add numbers near the sink for counting while washing hands. Include fun facts about hygiene that change monthly. Education disguised as decoration – parenting win!
Wrapping Up Your Small Bathroom Transformation
So there you have it – fifteen ways to transform that tiny kids’ bathroom from cramped chaos to organized oasis. The best part? You don’t need to implement all of these ideas at once. Start with one or two that address your biggest pain points and build from there.
Remember, the most successful kids’ bathrooms balance functionality with fun. Sure, you need storage and safety, but throwing in elements that make kids smile turns dreaded routines into enjoyable experiences. Whether you go for the interactive chalkboard wall or the space-saving bunk tub, the key is choosing solutions that work for your specific space and family needs.
What works in my bathroom might not work in yours, and that’s totally fine! Mix and match these ideas to create your own perfect combination. And honestly? Don’t stress too much about making everything perfect. Kids grow fast, needs change, and that themed bathroom that seems permanent now will probably get a makeover in a few years anyway.
The real secret to small kids’ bathroom success isn’t about having the most storage or the coolest theme. It’s about creating a space where kids feel comfortable, independent, and maybe even excited about personal hygiene. Get that right, and everything else falls into place. Now, who’s ready to tackle that tiny bathroom? Your transformation starts with just one small change!
