🚿 Designing a Family-Friendly Bathroom: Safety, Storage & Style Tips

Creating a bathroom that works for the whole family is no small task. From toddlers learning to brush their teeth to parents juggling bath time and school runs, your space needs to be functional, safe, and still reflect your personal style.

At Lacey’s Bathrooms & Tiles, we understand what modern families need. Here’s your complete guide to designing a family-friendly bathroom—with expert tips for safety, storage, durability, and timeless style.

1. Safety First: Slip-Resistant Tiles, Soft-Close Toilet Seats, and Rounded Corners on Furniture

In a family bathroom, safety is non-negotiable—especially when children or elderly family members are involved. High-traffic use combined with wet surfaces makes the bathroom one of the most accident-prone rooms in the house.

✅ Slip-Resistant Tiles

Opt for anti-slip floor tiles, particularly in wet zones like around the bath, shower, or sink. Look for tiles with an R10 or higher slip rating. These tiles reduce fall risk without compromising on design. Our Logan range offers an R11 anti-slip rating - check them out here

✅ Soft-Close Toilet Seats

Kids love slamming lids, whether by accident or not. Soft-close toilet seats help prevent injuries and also extend the life of the fixture. See our range of soft close toilet seats here

✅ Rounded Furniture Edges

Avoid sharp corners by choosing furniture with rounded profiles. This adds a soft, modern aesthetic while reducing the chance of bumps and bruises during bath-time chaos. See our full range of bathroom furniture here

💡 Pro Tip: Keep electrical sockets and heated towel rails out of children’s reach to further enhance bathroom safety.

2. Kid-Friendly Fixtures: Lower Basins, Step Stools, and Thermostatic Shower Valves

Children grow fast, but while they’re small, accessibility is key. Choosing child-friendly fixtures encourages independence while maintaining safety.

✅ Lower Basins or Vanity Access

Consider installing a lower basin or vanity, or make space for a secure step stool. This allows kids to reach the sink comfortably without help.

✅ Thermostatic Shower Valves

Install thermostatic shower valves that regulate water temperature to prevent sudden bursts of hot or cold water. It’s a simple safety upgrade that’s ideal for both young kids and adults. See our range of thermostatic showers here

🛠️ Need help choosing family-safe fittings? Our team at Lacey’s can recommend solutions that grow with your children. Contact us now!

3. Smart Storage: Organising Bath Toys, Toiletries, and Towels with Built-In Solutions

In a family bathroom, clutter is the enemy. From toys to toothpaste, your space needs smart storage options to stay tidy and stress-free.

🧴 Tiered Storage Solutions

Incorporate multi-level storage, so everyone in the family has easy access to what they need. Think:

• Low shelves or baskets for kids’ bath toys.

• Wall-mounted cabinets for adult toiletries.

• Towel rails and hooks at varying heights.

  
  

🧺 Built-In Niches

Use built-in shower niches for shampoo, soap, and other essentials. They’re a sleek alternative to cluttered caddies and easy for kids to reach.

🧼 Under-Sink Drawers

Swap out cupboard doors for pull-out drawers. These make it easier to see and access products—no more rooting around for cotton buds or baby wipes. See our range of bathroom furniture here

🧽 Tip: Keep a basket of kids’ items that can be tucked away in a drawer after bath time, keeping the space neat.

4. Durable Materials: Choosing Finishes That Can Withstand Daily Wear and Tear

A family bathroom needs to stand up to heavy use. From muddy footprints to toothpaste splatters, durability is just as important as design.

💎 Scratch-Resistant Surfaces

Choose high-quality tiles that are scratch- and stain-resistant. Porcelain tiles are a great option—they're tough, water-resistant, and easy to clean.

🚰 Hard-Wearing Fixtures

Opt for taps, basins, and showers made from solid brass with chrome or matte finishes that can handle daily wear. Avoid low-quality fittings that may corrode or chip easily.

🚿 Easy-to-Clean Walls & Floors

Glossy wall tiles are quick to wipe down, while textured but sealed floor tiles offer grip without trapping grime.

💡 Ask our team about low-maintenance finishes ideal for high-traffic family homes.

5. Grown-Up Aesthetics: How to Design a Space That’s Kid-Safe but Doesn’t Sacrifice Style

Just because your bathroom needs to be kid-friendly doesn’t mean it has to look like a crèche. You can still create a spa-like retreat that works for the whole household.

🎨 Neutral Palettes

Choose calming, neutral tones like soft greys, warm whites, or pale blues that work for all ages. Add personality with towels, artwork, or accessories that are easy to update as the kids grow.

🪞 Statement Mirrors & Lighting

Use backlit mirrors and elegant wall lights to elevate the design while providing functional lighting. See our range of LED mirrors here

🪴 Natural Materials

Wood-look tiles, stone finishes, or brushed brass hardware bring warmth and sophistication—perfect for style, but still practical.

🛁 Pro Tip: Keep kid-specific items tucked away in drawers or baskets to maintain a clutter-free appearance when not in use.

6. Lacey’s Top Picks: Tiles, Vanity Units, and Accessories Suited for Busy Family Homes

At Lacey’s Bathrooms & Tiles, we handpick every product with quality, style, and functionality in mind. Here are a few of our top recommendations for family bathrooms:

🧱 Top Tile Picks

• Slip-Resistant Porcelain Tiles – Ideal for wet areas and high-traffic floors.

• Wood-Effect Floor Tiles – Combine warmth with easy maintenance.

• Glossy Metro Wall Tiles – Stylish and easy to clean.

  
  

🛁 Recommended Fixtures

• Thermostatic Mixer Showers – Family-safe temperature control.

• Wall-Mounted Vanity Units – Space-saving and great for storage.

• Soft-Close Toilet Seats – Quiet, safe, and long-lasting.

  
  

🛒 Visit our Dublin or Kildare showrooms or browse online at www.laceys.ie to explore our full range of family-friendly bathroom solutions.

🏡 Final Thoughts: Balance, Functionality & Style

A family bathroom needs to be more than just functional—it should be a space that grows with your family, supports daily routines, and feels good to use. With the right mix of safety features, smart storage, and durable style, you can design a room that works for everyone in the house.

And when you’re ready to bring your vision to life, Lacey’s Bathrooms & Tiles is here to help—with expert advice, top-quality products, and designs that last.