The bathroom used by your kids is often a challenge to remodel. Not only are the users prone to complaining if it is not to their liking, but their likes will without doubt change as the years go by. While some households might enjoy the luxury of a bathroom that is specifically created for small children, most will require this bathroom to evolve with their children’s changing needs. The key is to plan ahead – will having a bathroom with child-sized fittings lower the value of the home you are planning to sell in just two years? Is this type of remodelling project worth the expense for a one-child household? What can be done to make an existing bathroom child-friendly?

Kate van Niekerk, marketing manager at Tile Africa, believes that the first consideration for a child’s bathroom should be that of safety. “Turn down the temperature of the geyser fitted for this bathroom, and ensure that all medicines and cleaning products are safely stored in childproof cupboards. Tiles on walls and floors are ideal as they provide a durable, water resistant and easy to clean surface. Furthermore, textured tiles, such as Forte, Futura, Stockton or Colorado are recommended for the floor as they are more slip-resistant than smooth tiles. Stairs leading up to the bath are very romantic in an adult’s bathroom, but result in a higher step into the bath which can be dangerous for a child. Reaching over these stairs when bathing a small child is also more difficult.”

Next, consider the scale that is appropriate in a child’s bathroom. Small-scale toilets and basins can be fitted, or full-size fittings like basins can be hung lower on the wall. However, if a less permanent solution is required, ensure that stable, slip-proof stools are provided so that children can reach basins, taps and toothbrushes with ease. In a bathroom that is used by people of various ages, consider adjustable showerheads that will suit all heights, or the addition of body sprays, and mirrors that can tilt to accommodate children.

Separating the shower, bath and basin is useful when children of varying ages are sharing a bathroom, enabling an older child to bath or shower while the other is supervised using the basin. Opaque shower doors can be fitted when one child requires more privacy. Alternatively, half walls can be added if the design of the bathroom allows.

Children’s bathrooms should be fun, says van Niekerk, but as a child’s taste can differ vastly year on year, beware of multi-coloured permanent fittings and expensive painted murals. Instead, select neutral accessories in white or wood, and neutral walls. Colour highlights can then be introduced using high-gloss glass mosaics, used as a border, or to create a mosaic pattern on the wall. A specific theme can be introduced with shower curtains, drawer knobs and towels which are easily replaced when they have lost their appeal for the child. Always allow for adequate storage space, whether these be waterproof containers for bath toys or drawers for a teenager’s cosmetics.

Article provided by:
Tile Africa
Tile Africa stocks a wide selection of mosaics, ceramic and porcelain tiles, natural products, décor and accent accessories and bathroom ware suitable for children’s bathrooms. Trained staff are always on hand to offer advice on every aspect of your remodelling project, whether for you or your children.

Posted: 10 March 2008

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