Designing Shower Spaces for Adults and Children

Consider these tips and tricks for designing shower spaces that grow with a person's sizes and tastes.


Small yet distinct differences exist in showers for adults and those for children. Learn what works as adult and how a child's bathroom could be designed to adjust as children grow.

Designing a shower for adults can be summed up in a few simple basics. Then, based on individual needs and wants, it can certainly get more complex. Basic shower-space requirements for adults would include the following:

• A 36-by-48-inch shower or larger would be ideal. This would allow for most adult to turn around and bend over without feeling too confined.
• A showerhead with multispray function, good water volume and water pressure installed specific to the owner's height or at a standard height of about 72 inches is appropriate.
• A slip-resistant shower floor should be installed.
• Decorative wall tile is where you can have some fun with patterns and textures, but make sure it's not something your clients will tire of quickly.
• A soap and shampoo shelf should be installed approximately 66 inches from the floor.
• Luxury showers quickly are taking over what used to be occupied by whirlpools in master bathrooms. If you are remodeling for added resale value, it would be wise to add some body sprays and dual showerheads-one fixed showerhead and one adjustable-height unit.

One more item to add to every shower is a bench. A bench would allow clients to sit or use it as a footrest when washing or shaving their legs. The bench could be at the back end of the shower space. If the shower is too small to accommodate a bench, a large corner shelf installed at 18-inches high can be used as a footrest.

After photo shows tub is gone and a new walk-in shower with bench

Before photo with whirpool and vanity

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  The following should be considered when designing a shower for children:

• A shower should be at least 36 by 48 inches. If you're remodeling, however, and there is an existing tub, use the entire area for the new shower.
• Easy maintenance is key to a child's shower, so use materials with smooth texture and small grout lines.
• Use slip-resistant floors but not with too much texture in case of sensitive feet.
• Install an adjustable showerhead so the height can be changed with the children's physical height. Because children are rough on items, be sure to install a sturdy brand.
• Frameless shower doors would be best, but in some cases, using shower curtains is a good idea because they can be replaced as needed, and you don't have to rely on children to keep the glass streak-free. If using shower curtains, hang two curtains on a single rod to ensure there is plenty of material to cover the shower opening.



Small and cramped bathroom with tub

• A good ventilation system can draw out the moisture after each use. Moisture needs to be evacuated, and teens don't allows remember to turn on the fan. If they do, they forget to turn it off. Use a ventilation system with a moisture sensor or one with automatic shut-off.

                                                                              
    Have fun with colors and patterns in the shower, but once again don't go too crazy because children grow quickly and they might become tired of it or grow out of it.


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Whether a shower is for adults or for children, the key is to customize it for the users. With that in mind, it makes sense that a child's shower should be designed so the space will grow with them.

After  removing the tub and adding a walk-in  shower with glass doors, the bathroom has more space