Shared Half Bath
The Family Powder Room
(Part 3 - Storage/Organization)

When planning a family or shared powder room, be realistic about storage requirements.

Powder rooms used by family members tend to collect items not usually found in a powder room, because it is more convenient than going to the main bath to use them. Proper planning for these items can keep this room from becoming cluttered and messy.

Allowing family members to store frequently used items in the powder room, will help convince them to keep other items, such as shampoo, shaving gear, etc. in the main bathroom.

1. Cabinet area under the sink:
   • hand towels/paper towels
     
   • soap refills
     
   • hair dryer (in door mounted rack)
     
   • slide-out or door mounted trash bin
     
   • paper cups
     
   
   
2. Cabinet Drawers:
   
   • hand towels/paper towels
     
   • soap refills
     
   • hair dryer (in door mounted rack)
     
   • combs and brushes
     
   
   
3. Medicine Cabinet:
   
   • tooth brushes, tooth paste, mouth wash
     
   • hair spray
     
   • tweezers, manicure scissors
     
     

WC (toilet room)
There should be a place to store hand towels, toilet paper, soap, paper cups, etc. A recessed medicine cabinet with a mirrored door is a good choice for most items.

Open recessed shelving and cabinets can provide storage for a plunger and toilet brush without infringing on the space of the room. If possible, borrow space from an adjoined room or closet for recessed shelves.

A wall-mounted magazine rack will keep reading material handy and off the floor.

Closets/Cabinets:
 
A medicine cabinet with a lock, can be placed near the main door to the powder room to keep the following items out of the way:

• first aid kit & supplies
  
• over the counter medications
  (asprin, cough medications - pack of plastic spoons, etc)
  

Any bath that is heavily used is going to get dirty. A tall, shallow cabinet or closet with a lock, will provide convenient storage for non-personal items such as cleaning supplies, mops, sponges, light bulbs, etc.

A mirrored door allows for last minute grooming checks.

Avoiding Chaos
All too frequently, family powder rooms become catch alls for those items that no one knows what to do with it, or the powder room happened to be close at hand when someone was looking for a spot to put something.

• The following items should be stored elsewhere in the house:
  
  • vacuum cleaner
    
  • sports equipment
    
  • coats, boots, etc.
    
  • out-of-season clothing
    
  • bedroom linen
    
  • pet supplies
    
  • canning supplies
    
  • wrapping paper/supplies
    
  • toys
    

A good rule of thumb to follow:
If it isn't something that is generally used while using one of the fixtures, or it is not something related to the powder room, don't put it there.

Keeping things in order, prevents bottlenecks and accidents when several people use the powder room at the same time.

Infants/Toddlers:
If there are very young children in the household or young visitors are expected, consider purchasing a drop-down "Baby Changing Station" which recesses into the wall, or have one made. Recessed cupboards below the unit can provide storage for diapers, change of clothes, etc.

Installing the changing station in the wall of the main sink zone will prevent traffic bottles necks with those needing to use the WC.

TOILET TRAINING:
Child height toilets are available from some of the toilet manufacturers. When the child grows, the toilet can be easily replaced with an adult size toilet. The downside of course, is that only a child can use these ultra-low toilets comfortably. And unless a second toilet is installed, the WC (or bathroom) becomes a "children only" area.

Please note: Keidel does NOT sell toilet training products.
These products can be found in toy, department and specialty stores.
The information provided here is for your convenience only.

Potty seats (used on the toilet itself) are too difficult for most children to use, due to the height of the toilet itself. Parents find them inconvenient to install and remove.

Toilet training can be made easier if space is allowed in the WC to accommodate a portable potty chair (on the side wall between the toilet and the sink). Placement should not interfere with access to the sink or toilet.

A small alcove placed in this wall would allow clear access to the potty chair and the other fixtures in the room. When the potty chair is no longer needed, the space can be used for something decorative or functional (such as a hamper). The space can be reclaimed later when grandchildren come to visit.

Little Boys:
A wall mounted urinal will be difficult for young boys to use.

There are portable, flushable urinals that can be purchased from toy, department and specialty stores. These units can be wall mounted or freestanding, and are adjustable in height. The Peter Potty is one example of this type of product.

Please note: Keidel does NOT sell toilet training products.
These products can be found in toy, department and specialty stores.
The information provided here is for your convenience only.

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