How to create a child-friendly bathroom
Designing and decorating a child-friendly bathroom can be challenging for a number of reasons, least of all the fact that it can quickly be outgrown if it is too whimsical.
Bathrooms can be hectic in the early mornings, especially when children are getting ready for school. With a little creativity and clever design your child's bathroom could become a practical, easy to manage space for parents - that is easy to keep clean and adapts with the growth of your child.
Colourful bathrooms
Create a playful atmosphere by incorporating colourful glass mosaics. Colourful mosaic tiles are an affordable way to bring energy to the bathroom, and you can easily up the colour scheme with towels, face cloths and bathmats in colours in the mosaics. You will find a wide selection of glass mosaics at your nearest Tile Africa.
Tiled walls are hygienic
Tile the walls as well as the floor. Tiles are exceptionally hard-wearing, hygienic and easy to clean, and tiling your walls will not only protect the from splashes resulting from robust bath romps and bath crayons, but also adds character to the room. For more information on Tile Africa products, visit their website tileafrica.co.za. Click here for floor and wall ideas and tips on tiling.
Step it up
Make the bathroom easy to use. Buy a step stool or better yet, have one built into your vanity. Vanities are by default a bit higher for adult use so by adding a step, your children will be able to reach the tap and other necessities without too much fuss or mess.
Fit a pullout step into a bathroom vanity to make it easier for a child to reach the bathroom sink. An easy way to do this is to turn an existing drawer upside down and fit supports underneath the drawer base. Or remove the kickplate on a vanity unit and fit a pullout drawer on caster wheels. Find all the tools and materials for this project at your local Builders.
For small children a step stool that fits close to the toilet allows them to transition easily from potty to toilet.
Towel hooks are easier to use
Rather than fitting towel rails, mount towel hooks to make it easier for children to hang up their towels. In this way you will never have to bother with refolding or adjusting the towels to make the bathroom look neat after bath time.
Two basins better than one
In a shared bathroom, and where space permits, two basins with their own mirrors are ideal and will prevent the squabbling over space when it comes to brushing teeth, cleaning faces and washing hands.
Clever storage ideas
Storage in a bathroom is very important as children have lots of toys, especially when it comes to making bath time fun. Aside from installing a practical vanity with cupboard and shelf space, consider adding additional storage baskets and bins to reduce the clutter of bath toys and goodies.
Homemade art adds colour and interest
Use your PC printer and inexpensive picture frames (or make your own) to add educational art to a bathroom wall. Use colours that coordinate with those already in a bathroom and incorporate images that will teach your child about bathroom hygiene.
