Remember when you thought designing a kids’ bathroom meant slapping on some rubber duckies and calling it a day? Yeah, those days are long gone!
Creating a bathroom that works for both your little princess AND your superhero-obsessed son takes some serious creative muscle.
Trust me, I’ve been there—standing in the tile aisle, wondering if I should go with pink unicorns or blue sharks, only to realize I needed something that wouldn’t cause World War III every morning.
Here’s the thing: unisex kids’ bathrooms don’t have to be boring. You can create a space that’s fun, functional, and totally Instagram-worthy without picking a side in the pink-versus-blue debate.
After helping my sister redesign her kids’ bathroom (and surviving three meltdowns about shower curtains), I’ve learned what actually works when you’re trying to please everyone.
Neutral Color Palette Bathroom

Let’s kick things off with the foundation of any great unisex bathroom—the color scheme. Who says neutral has to mean beige and boring? Think warm grays, soft whites, and maybe some sage green thrown in for good measure. These colors create the perfect backdrop for whatever chaos your kids decide to bring to the party.
I recently painted my neighbor’s kids’ bathroom in Sherwin Williams’ “Misty” (a gorgeous gray-blue), and wow, what a difference! The kids still get their colorful towels and bath toys, but the walls don’t scream “gender specific” anymore. Plus, neutral walls mean you can switch up accessories without repainting every time your kid enters a new phase.
Want to add some pizzazz without commitment? Try these tricks:
- Colorful hardware on cabinets (think rainbow drawer pulls)
- Bright shower curtains that you can swap seasonally
- Fun bath mats in geometric patterns
- Neutral tiles with colorful grout (yes, it’s a thing!)
The best part about going neutral? When your kids outgrow their obsession with dinosaurs or mermaids, you won’t have to renovate the entire bathroom. Smart thinking, right?
Fun Wall Decals Bathroom

Okay, here’s where things get exciting! Wall decals are basically the superheroes of bathroom decorating—they swoop in, save the day, and disappear without leaving a trace when you’re done with them. I discovered this magical solution when my friend’s landlord said “absolutely no painting” in their rental.
You can find decals for literally everything these days. Ocean scenes, jungle adventures, outer space missions—you name it, someone’s made a decal for it. The trick is choosing designs that appeal to both boys and girls. Abstract shapes, nature scenes, and whimsical animals usually hit the sweet spot.
Best Decal Themes for Unisex Appeal:
- Underwater adventures (who doesn’t love sea turtles?)
- Forest friends and woodland creatures
- Rainbow and cloud combinations
- Geometric patterns and shapes
- Solar system and stars
Pro tip: Let each kid pick a section of wall for their own decals. My cousins did this, and their bathroom looks like an art gallery designed by tiny, chaotic curators. It’s perfect!
Nature-Inspired Bathroom Theme

Nature themes work like magic for unisex bathrooms because, honestly, who doesn’t love a good tree? Creating a nature-inspired bathroom gives you tons of flexibility while keeping things cohesive and calm. Think forest greens, sky blues, and earthy browns—colors that make everyone happy.
I transformed my own kids’ bathroom into a mini rainforest last year, and it’s been a hit. We installed leaf-shaped hooks, added bamboo storage baskets, and even found this amazing shower curtain with a watercolor forest scene. The kids pretend they’re showering under a waterfall now (which somehow makes bath time easier—go figure).
Want to nail the nature vibe? Consider these elements:
- Live plants (pothos and snake plants love bathroom humidity)
- Wood-look tiles or vinyl flooring
- Stone-textured accessories
- Nature sounds playlist for bath time 🙂
The beauty of nature themes? They grow with your kids. A five-year-old sees adventure; a teenager sees zen. Win-win!
Also Read: 15 Delightful Fun Kids Bathroom Ideas and Smart Organization
Pastel Splash Bathroom

Who decided pastels were just for nurseries? Pastels can create the most gorgeous, playful atmosphere without leaning too heavily toward any gender. I’m talking mint greens, soft yellows, powder blues, and peachy pinks all playing together nicely.
My sister-in-law went full pastel in her kids’ bathroom, and it looks like a scoop of rainbow sherbet—in the best way possible. She used white subway tiles as the base, then added pastel accessories and artwork. The result? A bathroom that feels fresh, fun, and totally timeless.
Pastel Combos That Work:
- Mint + peach + cream
- Lavender + yellow + gray
- Sky blue + pink + white
- Sage + coral + tan
The secret sauce here is balance. Too much pastel can feel overwhelming, so ground the space with white fixtures and natural wood elements. Trust me on this one—I learned the hard way when I went overboard with mint green everything. My husband said it looked like toothpaste exploded. Harsh, but fair.
DIY Storage Solutions Bathroom

Let’s get real for a second—kids come with SO. MUCH. STUFF. Bath toys, seventeen different shampoos (because someone’s always allergic to something), towels, toothbrushes, and don’t even get me started on the hair accessories. DIY storage solutions save both your sanity and your wallet.
I built floating crate shelves for my kids’ bathroom using old wooden crates from a craft store. Total cost? About $30. Total transformation? Priceless. Each kid got their own crate, painted in their favorite color, and suddenly the bathroom wars ended. Personal space matters, even in shared bathrooms!
Here’s what actually works for DIY storage:
- Mason jar toothbrush holders (drill holes in the lid for individual spots)
- Magnetic strips for hair clips and bobby pins
- Repurposed spice racks for small toiletries
- Pool noodles cut lengthwise as drawer dividers
- Hanging mesh bags for bath toys
FYI, Pinterest makes everything look easier than it actually is. That “5-minute craft” will probably take you an hour, but hey, at least you’ll have storage that works!
Minimalist Kids Bathroom

I know what you’re thinking—”minimalist” and “kids” don’t belong in the same sentence. But hear me out! A minimalist approach to kids’ bathrooms can actually reduce morning chaos. Fewer choices mean faster decisions, and less clutter means less cleaning.
When we stripped down our bathroom to the essentials, something magical happened. The kids stopped fighting over counter space, and I stopped finding toothpaste on the ceiling. (Don’t ask how it got there; I still don’t know.)
Minimalist Must-Haves:
- One towel per kid (in rotation)
- Clear containers for easy visibility
- Built-in storage to hide the chaos
- Neutral, calming colors
- Quality over quantity for accessories
The trick is making minimalism fun. We use colorful towels as the only pop of color, and each kid has one special decorative item they chose. It’s clean, it’s simple, and it actually stays that way for more than five minutes.
Space-Saving Corner Shelves

Corner shelves are the unsung heroes of small bathrooms. They use that awkward dead space and turn it into storage gold. I installed corner shelves in our tiny guest bathroom, and suddenly we had room for all the kids’ bath supplies when they visit.
You can go with floating corner shelves for a modern look, or get a corner tower unit if you need serious storage. The vertical space is your friend here—stack those shelves high and use lower ones for things kids can actually reach.
Smart corner storage ideas:
- Lazy Susan turntables on corner shelves
- Tiered corner caddies for shower supplies
- Corner-mounted toothbrush holders
- Triangle shelves for a unique look
My favorite hack? Command strips and small corner baskets. Totally removable, totally customizable, and totally saving my security deposit.
Playful Patterns Bathroom

Patterns can make or break a unisex bathroom. Go too wild, and you’ll give everyone a headache. Play it too safe, and you’ve got another boring bathroom. The sweet spot? Mixing patterns that complement without competing.
I learned this lesson the hard way when I combined polka dots, stripes, AND chevron in one bathroom. My kids loved it for about a week, then complained it made them dizzy. Now we stick to two patterns max—usually one bold and one subtle.
Pattern Combinations That Work:
- Geometric tiles + solid colors
- Stripes + small dots
- Chevron + plain surfaces
- Moroccan tiles + simple accessories
The game-changer? Removable wallpaper. You can go wild with patterns knowing you can change them when the kids get older or when you finally get sick of looking at rainbow zigzags every morning.
Dual Sink Setup Bathroom

If you’ve got the space and budget, dual sinks will literally change your life. No more fights about who’s hogging the sink, no more toothpaste wars, no more “she’s on my side!” Drama = significantly reduced.
We installed dual sinks last year, and morning routines went from battlefield to (mostly) peaceful coexistence. Each kid has their own designated sink area, complete with their own drawer and mirror space. It’s like giving them their own mini bathroom without actually building walls.
Things to consider with dual sinks:
- Different height options for different aged kids
- Individual storage under each sink
- Separate mirrors or one long mirror
- Color-coded accessories for each station
The investment pays for itself in preserved sanity, trust me. Plus, when they’re teenagers, you’ll be even more grateful for that second sink.
Also Read: 15 Clever Bathroom Corner Shelves Ideas to Maximize Storage
Floating Shelves Bathroom

Floating shelves give you storage without the bulk, and kids think they’re magic because they can’t see the brackets. Win-win! I’ve installed floating shelves in three different bathrooms now, and they never fail to impress.
The beauty of floating shelves is their versatility. You can arrange them asymmetrically for a modern look, line them up for traditional appeal, or stagger them for something unique. Plus, they keep things off the counter, which means less mess (in theory, anyway).
Floating Shelf Styling Tips:
- Mix functional items with decorative pieces
- Use baskets for hiding less attractive items
- Add LED strips underneath for night lighting
- Keep heavy items on lower shelves
- Leave breathing room—don’t overcrowd
IMO, the best floating shelf setup includes one shelf at kid height for their daily essentials and higher shelves for the stuff you don’t want them touching. Like that expensive shampoo you’re hiding from everyone.
Chalkboard Wall Bathroom

Okay, this one’s controversial, but hear me out. A chalkboard wall in the bathroom is genius for several reasons. Kids can practice spelling while they poop (educational!), leave messages for siblings, or draw while they’re supposed to be brushing their teeth.
We painted one wall with chalkboard paint in our downstairs bathroom, and it’s become the most popular room in the house. Who knew? The kids draw ocean scenes during bath time, we write funny quotes, and sometimes we even use it for actual reminders like “flush the toilet!”
Chalkboard bathroom tips:
- Seal properly to handle humidity
- Provide a designated chalk holder
- Clean weekly to prevent buildup
- Frame the chalkboard area for a finished look
- Keep wet zones away from the chalk wall
Fair warning: You will find chalk dust everywhere. But watching your kids create bathroom masterpieces? Totally worth the extra cleaning.
Compact Bathtub Ideas

Small bathroom? No problem! Compact bathtubs come in so many clever designs now that you don’t have to sacrifice bath time fun for floor space. Japanese soaking tubs, corner tubs, and shower-tub combos all work great for kids.
We replaced our massive old tub with a deeper, shorter soaking tub, and gained almost 2 feet of floor space. The kids actually prefer it because the water stays warmer longer, and they feel more cozy. Plus, less water = lower bills.
Space-Saving Tub Solutions:
- Corner tubs with built-in storage
- Freestanding mini tubs
- Shower-tub combos with sliding doors
- Inflatable tubs for tiny spaces (yes, really!)
The trick is choosing a tub that grows with your kids. That cute mini tub might work for toddlers, but your gangly pre-teen won’t fit. Think ahead!
Bright Lighting Bathroom

Good lighting makes everything better, especially in a kids’ bathroom where someone’s always looking for something tiny they dropped. I cannot stress this enough: layer your lighting for the best results.
We installed dimmer switches (game changer for nighttime potty trips), added LED strips around the mirror, and even put in a fun color-changing bulb for bath time. The kids call it “disco bath,” and honestly, it makes the whole bedtime routine more fun.
Lighting must-haves for kids’ bathrooms:
- Night lights that won’t disturb sleep
- Bright task lighting near mirrors
- Fun accent lighting for ambiance
- Natural light whenever possible
- Motion sensors for middle-of-the-night visits
Pro tip: Those LED mirror lights from Amazon that stick on with adhesive? They actually work great and cost like $20. Just saying.
Themed Accessory Bathroom

Here’s where you can really let personalities shine without permanent changes. Themed accessories let kids express themselves while keeping the base bathroom neutral. Our current theme? “Under the sea” meets “outer space.” Don’t ask how that works—kid logic.
The genius of themed accessories is that they’re totally changeable. When your dinosaur-obsessed kid suddenly decides trains are life, you just swap out the shower curtain and towels. No repainting required!
Popular Unisex Themes:
- Adventure/exploration
- Animals and nature
- Space and science
- Art and creativity
- Sports and activities
Keep a “theme box” where you store off-season or previous theme accessories. Kids love shopping their own bathroom box for “new” decorations, and you love not spending money every time interests change.
Easy-Clean Surfaces Bathroom

Let’s end with the real MVP of kids’ bathrooms: surfaces that practically clean themselves. Because let’s face it, kids are messy, and you don’t want to spend your life scrubbing bathroom grime.
After trying every tile, paint, and surface known to mankind, here’s what actually works: large format tiles (fewer grout lines), semi-gloss or glossy paint (wipes clean), and quartz or solid surface countertops (no sealing required).
Cleaning Game-Changers:
- Epoxy grout that resists stains
- Wall-mounted everything (easier to clean under)
- Shower panels instead of tile
- Antimicrobial toilet seats
- Touchless faucets (less fingerprints!)
We switched to large porcelain tiles that look like wood, and cleaning time dropped by half. The kids can even help clean now because it’s literally just spray and wipe. Revolutionary!
Wrapping It Up
Creating a unisex kids’ bathroom that’s both functional and fun doesn’t require a design degree or unlimited budget. You just need creativity, patience, and maybe a strong coffee while you’re shopping for the fifteenth shower curtain option.
The best advice I can give? Involve your kids in the process, but maintain veto power. Let them choose between pre-selected options you can live with. And remember, nothing in a kids’ bathroom is permanent—except maybe that mysterious stain behind the toilet that appeared sometime in 2019.
Focus on creating a space that grows with your kids, stays relatively clean, and doesn’t cause daily arguments.
Everything else is just bonus points. Now go forth and create that Pinterest-worthy kids’ bathroom! Just maybe skip the all-white everything unless you enjoy living dangerously. Trust me on that one ;