17 Playful Ideas for a Stylish (and Functional!) Kids' Bathroom

Heavily theming any children's room is a guaranteed way to ensure you're redecorating in a few years, but that doesn't mean that a few strategic playful touches aren't in order to keep things feeling youthful and fun. Here, designer Stefani Stein hung an antique ship's wheel mirror for a subtle nautical touch.

Kids and color go hand-in-hand, so it's no surprise that spaces dedicated to children tend to be more saturated than their adult counterparts. To bring that same rainbow-ready energy to the bathroom, consider adding an unexpected pop of color to a finish or fixture, like the emerald green sink in this space designed by Studio DB.

One surefire way to make a small kids' bathroom sing? Pack in the pattern! Here, a sketch-inspired print from Schumacher pairs with blue and white tones in this cheery washroom by JL Design.

Lean into the playful ethos of childhood with a few unexpected design touches. Here, designer Krystal Matthews hung a vintage oil portrait of a pageboy in front of the window. Bonus: It adds an extra layer of privacy to the space without the hassle (or cost) of window treatments.

If you're starting your space from scratch, you have a unique opportunity to ensure your kids' bathroom functions at peak performance. Have more than one kiddo? Avoid morning arguments before school by laying out the room with a separate wash closet, as seen here in this playful room designed by Charlotte Barnes.

If you've always wanted to experiment with bold tile, now is your chance. Our tip? Marry a colorful hue with a traditional shape (like the Pepto-pink subway tile seen in this bath by Kureck Jones) for a space that will grow with them.

There's no denying it: Kids can be very messy. To avoid spending endless hours a week scrubbing the bathroom clean, opt for an all-over tile, like the colorful hex penny tiles seen in this space by Joe Lucas of Lucas Studios. Not only will it protect the surrounding area against moisture and spills, but it will make every corner—from the walls to the shower to the floor—easy to clean.

Bathrooms can benefit from a touch of softness in a big way, and that sentiment certainly holds true when there are little feet running around (and complaining that they're cold). Give a kids' bathroom a stylistic and cozy upgrade by laying down a plush rug, like the vibrant Beni style selection in this Regan Baker-designed retreat.

Talk about a teenage dream. This dynamic space from Vidal Design has everything a duo of young adults would need to get ready for school or wind down for the evening, including dual sinks and a cushy bench for when those Dyson Airwrap arm gymnastics get to be too exhausting.

There's a common misconception that to cater to children, you need to forgo any luxe upgrades for fear of them being ruined. Well, good news: That could not be further from the truth. These days, there's a wide selection of materials that are as beautiful as they are durable, making them a worthy upgrade for a hard-working kids' bathroom. Case in point? This serene space, which designer Emily Henderson decked out in a stunning emerald quartzite for her two children to enjoy.

When designing a kids' bathroom, think of it as a little jewel box where anything goes—including gingham floors. The duo behind design firm Toldeo Geller leaned on the classic pattern to enliven this expansive Jack and Jill bathroom.

No room is immune to the transformative quality of art—not even a place as function-first as a bathroom. To upgrade your children's wash zone, focus on selecting a vibrant and eye-catching piece of artwork to complete the space. The addition will be especially useful in window-free bathrooms that are lacking a bit of brightness, like this pretty spot designer Celerie Kemble dreamed up for her daughter.

Privacy gets a posh spin in this design by Elizabeth Hay. A pair of custom shower curtains and a fabric-covered "valance"—finished with cheeky pom-pom edged scallops—keep things youthful and useful, ensuring more than one child can be using the bathroom at once.

Creating an enchanting kid's space is one part function, one part enchantment. Surprise and delight your tiny clients with a few unexpected details, like playful lighting or cabinet knobs in the likeness of their favorite pastime. Here, designer Breegan Jane took things next-level, with circadian-rhythm color lights that turn the cream walls into a delightful shade of cotton candy pink.

When designing for children, landing on an aesthetic that can grow with them is essential—and this space by Ariel Okin is serving up a master class in just that. Blush pink keeps things sweet but sophisticated, while a durable quartz counter holds its own against a lifetime of wear and tear, from toothpaste smudges to lipstick smears.

Everyone deserves a spa-like experience when they shower—even the under-10 set. Splurge on a collection of plush bath towels or soft hand cloths for your kids' bathroom—like the charming Missoni rainbow set seen in this space by Studio DB—and watch as they suddenly become far more amenable to their nighttime routine.

Sometimes bigger is better. Case in point? This oversize utility sink in a family home designed by Elizabeth Georgantas, which touts not one, not two, but three faucets. After all, nothing says family bonding quite like a group floss.