A Jack and Jill bathroom is an antiquated term used to describe a bathroom that is shared between two separate rooms and has two entry doors. This type of bathroom is commonly utilized by siblings and serves as a space-saving solution that can be adapted for various purposes. For instance, it can be employed to connect two guest rooms, or a single bedroom can share the bathroom with a study, den, exercise room, or home office located on the other side. While a Jack and Jill bathroom may or may not feature a double sink vanity to enhance convenience, it typically includes a shared shower, bathtub, and toilet.
What Is a Jack and Jill Bathroom?
A Jack and Jill bathroom serves as a communal restroom, connecting two bedrooms, typically designated for children. These bathrooms are exclusively accessible from the adjoining bedrooms and often feature dual sinks or vanities.
Highlight Favorite Colors
In designing a shared bathroom for twin boys, architect, and interior designer Barry Goralnick took cues from the individuality of their bedrooms. Inspired by one boy’s blue room and the other boy’s green room, Goralnick skillfully blended elements from both colors into the bathroom’s design. The overall color scheme of the bathroom was predominantly white, with tasteful accents of blue and green, he explains. To cater to each child’s needs, the bathroom features separate toilet and shower areas, twin sinks, and ample storage space for their belongings.
Build a Separate Shower Room
“If you prefer not to have two doors, here’s a clever trick you can try. According to Jean Brownhill, the founder of Sweeten, a home renovation company, her suggestion is to construct a bathroom or shower room resembling those found in hotels. In this setup, the section of the bathroom requiring privacy can be accessed through a single door that can be locked, while the sink and linen closet remain accessible to other users.”
Keep Some Features Uniform
“Typically, when it comes to Jack and Jill bathrooms, designer Judy Pickett explains that the plumbing fixtures, tiles, countertops, cabinets, and lighting remain consistent. Nevertheless, if the bathroom is shared by siblings, it is still possible to create a harmonious blend. Pickett suggests employing a similar color scheme and perhaps incorporating playful wall coverings that appeal to both individuals.”
Hire an Architect
Emily Henderson, an esteemed interior designer, enlisted the expertise of an architect to meticulously restructure the arrangement of her residence. Her paramount objective was to create a harmonious living space where her beloved son and daughter could conveniently access a shared bathroom exclusively from their respective chambers.
Add These Personal Touches
Not every shared bathroom between siblings has two distinct vanities, yet with some smart design choices, children can maximize the utility of this shared space. Designer Georgia Zikas proposes a helpful tip, saying, “In cases where you have a double vanity, it’s advisable to provide each child with their own bath mat and step stool. This way, they can ‘mark their territory’ and have a sense of personal space.” Zikas further adds, “If you only have a single sink, consider giving each child their own toothbrush cup or a unique piece of art to hang on the wall. This will make them feel that the room is truly theirs.”
Match the Wallpaper
Emily Henderson Design opted for a distinct color variation of the wallpaper to create a cohesive atmosphere within the pink nursery located on one side of the Jack and Jill bathroom. This decision not only enhances the personalization of the bedroom space but also contributes to the overall color palette.
Keep the Basics Neutral
When creating a Jack and Jill bathroom, designer Malka Helft suggests incorporating enjoyable design elements that will breathe vitality into the space for its daily occupants. For instance, the addition of vibrant pink linens injects a burst of color, although they can effortlessly be replaced with subtler alternatives in the future.
Double Guest Room
The shared Jack and Jill bathroom in A Beautiful Mess features a delightful double vanity adorned with a vibrant bubblegum pink hue, complemented by accents of gleaming gold tone. It serves as the central space for two charming guest bedrooms.
Maximize Storage
When two individuals use the same bathroom, there arises a greater requirement for well-organized storage solutions. Designer Lynn Stone suggests maximizing storage space by incorporating a contemporary mirrored medicine cabinet that seamlessly blends into the wall. This clever addition not only offers an ideal location for bathroom necessities but also goes beyond that. Additionally, don’t overlook the potential of concealed storage alternatives. Stone recommends opting for deep vanity drawers instead of smaller ones to effectively store various items such as products, bottles, and larger objects.
Bedroom + Bunk Room
- Mindy Gayer Design Co. employed a color scheme comprising black, white, and a captivating forest green to embellish this extensive and sleek Jack and Jill bathroom. The design ingeniously blends various patterns and textures, resulting in a visually stunning space. On one side, you’ll find a charming boy’s room, while on the other, an inviting bunk room awaits.
Stick to Twos
When creating a Jack and Jill bathroom from the ground up, consider doubling up on everything, advises designer Tony Mariotti. Take into account the well-known territorial nature of children. The greater the division and organization in the design, the more effective it will be. This aspect becomes increasingly crucial as your children grow older. “Particularly during their teenage years, kids prefer to keep their belongings separate,” adds Mariotti.
Stagger the Doors
Numerous Jack and Jill bathrooms adopt a galley-style design where they connect to separate rooms in a straightforward manner. However, depending on your home’s layout, a shared bathroom might feature non-opposite doors situated on adjacent walls. Take, for instance, this example showcased in A Beautiful Mess.
Incorporate a Laundry Chute
Ensure that your bathroom floor remains free from a jumble of t-shirts and sweatpants. Mariotti emphasizes the importance of having a laundry chute in a two-story home, particularly for a Jack and Jill bathroom, as teenagers can often be quite untidy.
Limit Your Color Palette
The interconnected bedrooms and Jack and Jill bathroom in my century-old residence boast a harmonious and refreshing blue-and-white color scheme, fostering a seamless and unified ambiance throughout the shared area.
Don’t Forget About Door Locks
- When it comes to a Jack and Jill bathroom, special attention must be given to the design of the doors. According to designer Billy Ceglia, it is essential to have locks on both doors, ensuring privacy for each bedroom when the bathroom is occupied.
Include the Right Lighting
The greater the number of light switches, the higher the level of functionality achieved in a Jack and Jill bathroom. Ceglia emphasizes the importance of installing three-way light switches near each door, enabling the lights to be switched off conveniently from either side.
Or Include Sconces
- “Sconces serve as a fantastic option for a Jack and Jill bathroom, especially when employing a dual vanity setup. In such cases, we position a solitary sconce on either side of the sinks, accompanied by a double sconce positioned centrally between the two sinks,” explains designer Jennifer Barron. This arrangement provides an exceptionally unified aesthetic.
Separate the Vanities
- Barron suggests different ways to divide vanities in your bathroom for a unique look. One option is to position a hutch-style cabinet in the center of the countertop, creating a separation between the vanities. Another approach is to place the vanities on opposite ends of the bathroom, allowing for a distinct and symmetrical arrangement. These strategies add a touch of creativity to your bathroom design, providing a refreshing and personalized feel.
Design With Longevity in Mind
- “When aiming to create a bathroom that captures your children’s interest, it is crucial to consider the future, advises designer Kristina Phillips. Opt for materials and colors that will withstand the test of time and remain timeless as your children mature.
Achieve Symmetry
According to designer Christina Kim, top-notch Jack and Jill bathrooms exude a remarkable symmetrical feel. Nevertheless, there are instances where architectural constraints impede this ideal, requiring a clever optical illusion. To achieve this, Kim proposes the utilization of vibrant hues to paint the vanities. Additionally, she emphasizes that incorporating a single expansive mirror above both vanities significantly contributes to harmonizing an uneven layout.
Or Try This Layout Idea
- Designer Nicole Michael presents a captivating variation of the conventional Jack and Jill floor plan. In her innovative approach, each bedroom boasts its own private en suite bathroom, complete with a sink and a toilet. However, these individual bathrooms are ingeniously connected to a communal shower room. Nicole suggests this layout, particularly when accommodating children of different genders. It not only affords them the privilege of personal privacy but also provides an excellent platform for learning the art of sharing a common space. Moreover, this design choice yields cost savings in construction by eliminating the need for duplicate tubs or showers.
Create Zones
In this delightful Jack and Jill bathroom showcased by A Beautiful Mess, the toilet is cleverly positioned near a window, providing a welcome touch of seclusion within the shared area. Enhancing the ambiance with a touch of boho-inspired warmth, a beautifully crafted macrame curtain adorns the window, while an exquisitely placed raised planter hosts a sizable plant, infusing the space with a cozy and inviting atmosphere.