I talk to a lot of homeowners about issues they have with their home’s design, and one of the most common complaints I hear is lack of bathrooms. If you are contemplating a major remodel, you might be faced with the decision to just keep one bathroom in the hall for everyone to use. Or, you might be able to squeeze in multiple bathrooms. But unless you are able to add on to your home, the best solution might be one that’s often overlooked: the Jack and Jill bathroom.
But before we get into the benefits of a Jack and Jill bathroom, let’s talk about what it is.
The Jack and Jill bathroom gets its name from the nursery rhyme about two siblings.
By definition, a Jack and Jill bathroom design is a shared bathroom placed in between two bedrooms. The bathroom has a door on each side of the room, so that each bedroom has separate access.
Most homes with this bathroom layout will also have a third door that leads into the hallway from the bathroom.
Interestingly enough, you may have seen this kind of bathroom arrangement on the TV sitcom the Brady Bunch. The Brady kids shared a single bathroom accessible from either end of two bedrooms.
There are several pros to choosing a Jack and Jill bathroom layout in your home. Here are some of them:
A Jack and Jill Bathroom gives easy access to the bathroom. The kids don’t have to go out into the hallway to make their way to the bathroom and then back again, so it’s a convenient and time-saving arrangement.
Having a separate bathroom for each bedroom can be costly and take up space. Putting in a shared one, on the other hand, can save you money.
A single bathroom installation eliminates the need for additional plumbing, and you won’t have to spend extra on bathroom fixtures.
A Jack and Jill bathroom is a real estate space saver because it brings together what would have been two separate baths for different bedrooms.
Bathrooms take up otherwise useful space in the house. Instead of using all the space for a bath and toilet area, you can make bigger rooms, making all family members happy.
our kids may share the Jack and Jill bathroom across two bedrooms, but it still comes with a lot of privacy. Since the doors can lock from both sides, whoever is using the bathroom or shower can relax and not worry about intrusions.
You can also have a walk-in closet for added privacy, separating the two sinks and the bath/ toilet area.
You have the option to put in bath fixtures and sinks that suit your fancy. Plus, the kids can chime in and make their bathroom just the way they want it.
Here are some of the things you may consider including in your bathroom floor plan to make the Jack and Jill bath work for everyone.
Just like in the Brady Bunch, putting in two sinks is a great idea. Apart from giving the kids a sense of independence, it makes morning rushes all the more easier.
The hair-combing and teeth-brushing can take place simultaneously over both sinks, saving you time in the morning.
The Jack and Jill bath would not be complete without extra space for family members to store their stuff. To avoid those nasty sibling battles, it helps to put in some extra storage, preferably on each side of the two sinks. Here are some ideas:
The kids should be able to turn the lights on or off from either side. With that in mind, a three-way switch is a perfect solution to ensure the kids can access the lights from the two bedrooms.
If space is an issue, you may want to consider sliding doors as an alternative to swinging doors for each entryway into the two bedrooms. For privacy (to keep the Brady Bunch-level squabbles at bay), look for pocket-door latch hardware that has a secure locking mechanism. (Most don't.)
The first step is plan your layout and map out where everything goes.
You will have to consider how the bathroom will contribute to your home's resale value, as well as how the two separate bedrooms’ positions and components will fit together.
For example, you don’t want to put a toilet right next to the door.
There’s also the matter of the kids growing up. You want your bathroom to remain just as useful and appropriate as they get older.
Working with a professional who understands the design issues from the start may save you a lot of stress and money.
I recommend that you wait to choose fixtures, surfaces, and accessories until after you have settled on a floorplan. Approach the design of your Jack and Jill bathroom from a usability perspective first, and only then start picking out the fun accessories. You'll be rewarded with a highly functional, beautiful new space.