“Home Renovation” Have you noticed that you are constantly adding photos after taking photos on your Pinterest board? We got it and suggested adding Jack and Jill’s bathroom to your home remodeling list. Designed for convenience and efficiency, Jack and Jill’s bathrooms might be the practical solution you’ve been looking for. Whether you’re planning on redesigning your Fort Worth, Texas home or remodeling your Oakland, California home, this article covers everything you need to know about Jack and Jill’s bathrooms, so you can determine if it’s the right fit before starting more toilet inspo.
table of contents
What is Jack and Jill’s bathroom?
Jack and Jill’s bathroom is a shared bathroom between two (bed) rooms and is only accessible from these rooms. Because of this crucial feature, like most bathrooms, Jack and Jill’s bathrooms are not accessible from the hallway. I’ll go into more detail on the functionality later, but like most toilets, Jack and Jill’s bathrooms also have sinks (usually two), toilets, showers (or tubs), and other regular bathroom fixtures.
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Jack and Jill’s bathroom pro
Space-saving design
Jack and Jill’s bathrooms essentially combine two bathrooms into one, allowing two people to use the space at the same time. This design reduces the need for multiple full bathrooms, which is particularly beneficial for homes with limited spaces. Low maintenance
Whether it’s a build, remodel, or clean, it’s less (and generally cheaper) than two separate bathrooms. Water conservation
Using a shared shower (or bathtub) and toilet can reduce water usage in one jack and Jill bathroom, as opposed to two separate bathrooms.
Cons of Jack and Jill’s bathroom
Privacy concerns
Given the nature of this bathroom design, privacy can be an issue, especially if there are no locks, rules and pocket doors. Resale challenges
If you want to sell, Jack and Jill’s bathrooms may not be attractive to potential buyers compared to one bedroom with a private professional. Noise issues
A shared bathroom can mean more noise for those on the other side of the bathroom where the flow sounds from the use of the sink, shower, or toilet.
Jack and Jill’s bathroom ideas: what to include
If you’re thinking about including a Jack and Jill bathroom in your home, here are a few features to consider:
Double vanity
“Think about adding double vanity to streamline your busy morning routine,” says Adam Palmer of the Bathroom Design Center. Popular for a reason, this Jack and Jill bathroom feature adds both functionality and convenience.
When it comes to vanity shopping, Saranadaraja from Rocky Canyon reminds us that “prioritizes symmetry, storage and privacy.” In particular, she suggests “choose a double vanity with individual mirrors and storage space.”
This feature allows both parties to use spaces simultaneously. This not only provides convenience, but also improves the flow of your daily bathroom routine. In double vanity, this addition also helps reduce clutter and promote personal space by giving each party a clear area.
shower
When building a shared shower, consider “using a Schulter or Latitelet Shower Pan System for your stand-up shower, taking into account lifetime warranty when installed properly.” “Typical shower pans fail very often and cause a major headache for homeowners as flood damage from damaged shower pans can easily be over $10,000,” continues Matt. While an upgraded shower pan may cost an initial extra cost, “insurances that know there will be no leaks in the next 5-10 years are worth it,” explains Matt.
toilet
“When designing a bathroom for Jack and Jill, leave enough allowances in the toilet to allow for a comfortable, spacious toilet area, with at least 20 inches from the center of the toilet to the walls and blockage,” says the owner of West Coast Construction Pro.
Another idea to consider when designing is to “provide privacy by adding separate water closets to provide additional privacy,” as Jael Prothro of the discolored gemstone suggests. Given the rising privacy concerns of Jack and Jill’s bathroom, adding a private door to the toilet is a great way to alleviate this.
Pocket door
Speaking of doors, some of our well-known experts suggest that Jack and Jill’s bathroom design feature a sliding pocket door (or two).
“If possible, place the toilet and shower behind the pocket door to ensure privacy when the two of them use the space at the same time,” says Sarah. Not only does this feature provide privacy, but “installing sliding pocket doors can also maximize space,” adds Adam.
Lockable door
Another great door suggestion comes from Jersey City, a channel contractor in New Jersey. He “recommended lockable doors from each bedroom to ensure the space works for multiple users while providing privacy.” This feature helps maintain privacy and improve harmony by avoiding issues such as walking through unexpected parties.
Storage
Storage is important in Jack and Jill’s bathroom, as the two use one space. From built-in cabinets to low sink storage to wall-mounted shelves, there are several solutions to keep your space organized and messy. If you are using bins or baskets to organize toiletries and essentials, consider adding labels to maintain order and separation. There are plenty of storage ideas to choose from, so you can find one that suits both Jack and Jill, while keeping your bathroom clean and stylish.
Photo credit: Riley
Neutral design
“When renovating and decorating Jack and Jill’s bathrooms, it’s very important to define style first,” says Martha Navarro of Centro Carpintero.
If you’re styling, Oleg and his sons recommend “match it well with both bedrooms to keep the design neutral.” Keeping Jack and Jill’s bathroom design neutral might be a solution to maintaining balance and flow, as the other party’s bedroom can be of conflicting aesthetics.
Once the style is selected, it’s time to choose the materials for the countertop and wall shower. Along the neutral, Martha proposes natural quartz, marble, or granite. “Natural stone materials usually carry veins and other color variations. These different tones help to perfectly harmonize and synchronize the final colors perfectly for the best atmosphere that inspires the guests in both bedrooms,” explains Martha.
Texture
With something like a countertop already in mind, Spencer Riley has ideas for adding textures to the bathroom. In a redesign of Jack and Jill’s bathroom, she “used a very rustic tone to be cozy and kept a modern twist while still remaining true to the bones of the 1970s home.” To achieve this, she added “a lot of interesting textures, including wood tiles for the shower, hexagonal tiles for the floor, and penny tiles for the shower floor.”
Playful design
“When most homeowners enjoy a more neutral and cohesive look in their main living space, these small, isolated rooms are an opportunity to do something a little different and you can escape that for a totally different time.” In fact, “Jack and Jill’s bathrooms are the perfect space to showcase this kind of unexpected, bold and playful design, including adventurous coloured tiles, fun-patterned wallpapers, and quirky lighting fixtures,” continues Brittany.
If you want to design and enjoy this bathroom for two people, consider “playful gender neutral themes such as jungle animals, ocean creatures, and colorful polka dots.” Having a whimsical theme allows the bathroom to be “fun, safe and work for two children with different tastes.” Additionally, “The theme makes it a seamless and stylish look with unique adjustable decorations that spread across the bathroom and into adjacent bedrooms,” adds Leslie.
Whether you add bright waterproof and mold-resistant wallpaper, ocean-themed shower curtains, or striped bath mats, adding playfulness through colour and design “makes this space fun and makes sharing your bathroom a bit painful,” says Brittany.
Photo courtesy of ozscape design
Personalized details
When purchasing bathroom accessories and decorations (theme or not), consider purchasing specific items that individually reflect Jack and Jill. Sarah proposes “add a personal touch to the artwork on both sides, complementing the realm and creating his aesthetic.” Whether it’s a personalized but free bath towel, toothbrush holder, or framed art piece, just adding these little touches will not only decorate the space, but also help both Jack and Jill feel like a bathroom.
Is Jack and Jill’s bathroom suitable for your home?
Unfortunately, we can’t answer that for you, but “remodeling Jack and Jill’s bathrooms could be a game changer in the functionality and style of your home,” says Joaquin Castillo, owner of Portland contracts. With her pros and cons in mind, she “uses clean and smart designs, privacy-friendly features and the right materials to create a space that really helps everyone,” Joaquin continues.
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FAQ
How much does it cost to add a Jack and Jill bathroom?
This depends on finishing, plumbing updates and customization features, but “usually you can expect an investment of between $15,000 and $25,000,” says WA-based remodeling contractor Oleg and his son Bellevue.
What are the layout options for Jack and Jill’s bathrooms?
A traditional shared layout includes one central room with a shared single sink, toilet and shower (or bathtub). The double vanity layout has two sinks (usually one shared counter), a toilet and a shower (or bathtub). The split bath layout includes separate sinks with shared toilets and shower (or bathtub) areas.
How do you lock Jack and Jill’s bathroom?
This is optional, but you can install a standard privacy lock, interior dead bolt or side bolt, or a smart lock on two doors to increase privacy. Another option includes adding locked doors to either the toilet and/or shower area.
Do Jack and Jill’s doors need to go directly to each other?
No, Jack and Jill’s bathroom design is up to you. The doors can be against each other, but you can also line them up/angle them or offset them around the corner.
