How to Decorate a Shared Girl's & Boy's Bathroom
Decorating a bathroom that is shared by a girl and boy can create a rift if the bathroom is too feminine or masculine. Instead, find a common ground to use in the bathroom decor to keep them both happy. Find a shared interest, hobby, colors or combine their favorite colors to create a harmonious space for both of them. If neither one is willing to compromise, choose a neutral theme yourself so you won't be accused of favoritism. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Paint or wallpaper
- Shower curtain/hooks
- Bath rug(s)
- Towels
- Wall decor
- Accessories
Instructions
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Choose a basic theme or color scheme that works for both children. Ask them--separately--what they'd like in the bathroom as far as a theme or colors. Compare the lists and pick something they agreed on. If they didn't agree on anything, figure out a neutral color or theme that can include specifics for each child without overpowering the bathroom or clashing with each other. Green stripes, for instance, can go with pink stripes for her and blue stripes for him.
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Paint the walls or put up wallpaper or a border in light, neutral colors. A rubber duck theme could include lighter blue walls with yellow trim or a border featuring yellow ducks. Green or blue would work for a jungle theme and blue would work for an underwater theme. Beige, ivory or similar light colors can work with nearly any decor. Keep complicated patterns to a minimum to avoid making the room too busy.
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Infuse color, creativity or bold patterns into the room through the shower curtain. Underwater themes could include a fish-covered shower curtain; a garden theme could include flowers and bugs; or a frog theme could include frogs and lily pads. Use complementary-colored hooks to hang the shower curtain to further a theme.
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Place non-skid bath rugs or mats in front of the tub and sinks in a solid color, or with images that coordinate with the theme. For a sage green, light pink and light blue bathroom, use the common green color for rugs. If each child has a private sink, hers could have a pink rug and his could have a blue rug.
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Hang coordinating towels from towel bars or rings where the children can reach. If possible, include personalized or monogrammed towels. For a red, white and blue nautical-themed bathroom, a white towel can have his name or monogram embroidered with blue and hers in red. Hang smaller hand towels over the personalized towels, leaving their names showing. His could include blue and white stripes and hers could include red and white anchors or stripes.
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Hang wall decor, such as pictures or artwork, that complement the room. A jungle theme could include each of their favorite animals; a frog theme could include a frog prince and princess; or a garden theme could include flowers and bugs.
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Tie the room together with themed accessories. Soap dispensers, toothbrush holders, tissue boxes, garbage cans and personalized step stools can include elements from the colors or theme you've chosen. These are the easiest items to replace if they grow tired of the decor.
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Tips & Warnings
Arrange common items so that the children can easily reach what they need, such as fresh towels.
Try to carry a common color or theme from the bedrooms if the bathroom is connected to the children's bedrooms.
Many accidents occur in the bathroom, which is why it needs to be safe for the children. Include non-skid bath mats, door locks, outlet covers and other safety features, depending on the ages of your children.
If guests often use the kids' bathroom, try not to overdo it with a child's theme so guests will feel comfortable in the bathroom as well.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit bathroom image by Gina Smith from Fotolia.com
