A Jack and Jill bathroom provides privacy while adding more space to your home. While everyone can enjoy hall bathrooms, it’s fair to say that sometimes an en-suite just makes sense. However, an en-suite for each room is costly. That’s why the Jack and Jill bathroom is the perfect solution. But what is a Jack and Jill bathroom, exactly? We weigh in.
What is a Jack and Jill bathroom?
A Jack and Jill bathroom always has two doors or entry points, connecting two bedrooms to the shared bathroom. The only way to enter a Jack and Jill bathroom is to go through one of the bedrooms. Often, homeowners will designate a Jack and Jill style bathroom for kids to have a shared space separate from the communal space.
Some people assume that any bathroom with multiple entry points is a Jack and Jill. However, this is not necessarily true. A bathroom with one door in a bedroom and one in the hallway is not considered a Jack and Jill bathroom. Generally, a bathroom with two entry points connecting the bathroom to two separate bedrooms is a Jack and Jill.
Must-haves for a Jack and Jill bathroom design
If you’re considering remodeling your space to accommodate a Jack and Jill bathroom, you’ll want to ensure you include these must-haves.
Two doors with locks
To make a Jack and Jill bathroom, you’ll need to connect the space to two separate bedrooms. Additionally, it’s a must to include locks for both doors so that whoever is using the bathroom can have privacy. Locks are essential and will make the space more convenient for everyone involved.
Two sinks
At times, Jack and Jill bathrooms will be used at the same time. In these instances, two sinks can be super beneficial. If two people get ready or wind down simultaneously, having two sinks will make the morning and evening routines much smoother. Two sinks are also helpful for those who want designated spaces with personalized toiletry storage or wall decor. Having a personal sink is something many people value in a Jack and Jill setup.
A large mirror
Similar to the pros of having two sinks, a large mirror is also beneficial. In a shared space, especially one that two people could use at the same time, a large mirror will help make daily routines run much smoother.
Plenty of storage
You’ll also want to invest in plenty of storage space. Since the Jack and Jill bathroom is a shared room, plenty of storage is necessary for stashing everyone’s towels, toiletries, and bathroom supplies. Be sure to invest in larger sink cabinetry, shelves, or standing organizers.
Pros of having a Jack and Jill bathroom
There are several benefits of having a Jack and Jill bathroom.
Plenty of space
Jack and Jill bathrooms are often quite large. They are typically full bathrooms with two sinks and a shower or tub accommodation. This is great for families that need to share a space but don’t want to struggle with a lack of storage.
Great for kids
Jack and Jill bathrooms are great for kids. They get to have a designated bathroom without parents struggling to cram everything for every family member into one communal space. It is also helpful for parents who prefer to keep bath toys and kids clutter out of other bathrooms around the house, like guest bathrooms.
More privacy than a communal bathroom
The Jack and Jill bathroom offers more privacy for kids, teens, and even adults than one central communal hall bathroom. In a house with a hall bathroom, homeowners can use this space for guests while the Jack and Jill becomes the main bathroom for kids and teens. This helps keep everything organized and means the kids don’t have to share the bathroom with every other family member or guest in the house.
Cons of a Jack and Jill bathroom setup
A Jack and Jill bathroom is not for everyone. Here are some things to be aware of.
Not best for conflicting schedules
The main drawback of a Jack and Jill bathroom is conflicting schedules. If a teen has to wake up at 6 a.m. for a high school class while a child has to be up at 8 a.m., this can cause issues with noise or other disruptions. Conflicting schedules could wake up the person in the other room. Or schedules that are too similar can cause problems because only one person can use the toilet or shower at any given time.
Two doors can create issues
While locks on the two doors are necessary, sometimes they can cause issues. If someone forgets to lock both doors before using the restroom, this can cause some embarrassing moments. Alternatively, if someone forgets to unlock one door before leaving, the other person will have to go into the other private bedroom in order to access the bathroom. This could cause some tension.
Jack and Jill bathrooms give two bedrooms the benefit of an en-suite while saving space. While sharing a bathroom isn’t ideal for everyone, it’s certainly an upgrade from a cluttered or small communal guest bathroom. Whether you’re looking to remodel your space or have an existing Jack and Jill bathroom, they can be a fantastic addition to your home.
