What Is a Jack and Jill Bathroom and Is It Right for Your Home?

While Jack and Jill are famous for running up the hill, they’re not necessarily known for running to the bathroom. These bathrooms have nothing to do with the nursery rhyme and instead focus on maximizing bathroom space for rooms other than the primary bedroom. They feature two doors on separate sides and are shared between two bedrooms. Find out more about this bathroom layout and if it’s right for your home. 

How Do You Know if You Have a Jack and Jill Bathroom?

Just because a bathroom has two doors doesn’t necessarily make it a Jack and Jill bathroom. The Jack and Jill bathroom criteria require that it is not accessible from the hallway, and you must enter either of the two rooms to enter. There are some exceptions where the bathroom is also connected to the hallway and the two bedrooms.

But if it’s only connected to one bedroom and the other door is only in the hallway, it does not fall under the Jack and Jill category.

What Are the Pros of a Jack and Jill Bathroom?

The largest benefit of a Jack and Jill bathroom is the amount of space that comes with it. In most configurations, you can fit two sinks, a full bathtub, and still have plenty of room for the toilet.

A Jack and Jill bathroom is typically only accessible by entering one of the two bedrooms it's connected to and is a way for the people in these rooms to have a private bathroom without necessarily having their own bathroom. This makes it an excellent option to consider for families with children or even college roommates.

What Are the Cons of a Jack and Jill Bathroom?

Like any bathroom with two doors, you’ll need to remember to close both before ensuring you have the bathroom to yourself. This could lead to a few screams and mishaps if you don’t remember to fully lock the doors or even close them.

If you're working on opposite schedules, for instance, with one child who's in college and doesn't get up until 9 a.m while the other is in high school and gets up at 6 a.m., the one in college might be in for a very abrupt awakening.

One other disadvantage is that these bathrooms will have less storage space than larger bathroom layouts.

Is a Jack and Jill Bathroom Right for Your Remodel?

If you’re looking to gain more room in the bathroom for the other members of the household, then you might want to consider a Jack and Jill bathroom. However, you should inquire with the people living in those rooms before finalizing any decisions. While it may expand on bathroom space, it might not be favorable for those that enjoy their privacy.

How Much Does It Cost to Add a Jack and Jill Bathroom? 

A bathroom remodel will cost anywhere from $6,700 to $17,650, so it’s best to ask as many questions as possible before making final decisions. If everyone seems to be on board for the remodel, contact a bathroom designer near you to get the project started. 

How long it takes to remodel a bathroom depends on the complexity of the project and how much is already in place. For instance, updating an existing vanity will likely take less time than installing a new one where there wasn’t one before. 

The total cost depend on several factors that include bathtub refinishing costs or if you decide to convert a tub to a walk-in shower. You should also consider the number of sinks, the flooring material, the type of cabinets, and any accessories you choose.

What Are the Layout Options for a Jack and Jill Bathroom?

Jack and Jill bathrooms are relatively customizable. You can choose anything from a simple half-bath with a toilet and sink only. Or you can go all out and have a sink for each bedroom, a closed-off space for the toilet, and possibly even a large tub with jets with a separate shower.

What Should You Include in Your Jack and Jill Bathroom?

Jack and Jill bathrooms can range from a simple toilet and sink to a full bathroom with sinks for each user and a separate toilet area. What you include is truly up to you and the needs of your space and the users. But here are a few ideas to get you started.

Two Sinks

Two sinks are a common Jack and Jill bathroom feature, especially since this type of bathroom is often shared by siblings. Having two sinks can help reduce the amount of fighting that could happen over whose space is whose and give each person a sense of ownership.

Locks

Locks are nonnegotiable in a Jack and Jill bathroom. Because there are two entrances, being able to close and lock both doors is essential to maintaining privacy in a shared space. But as important as it is to lock the doors while the bathroom is in use, it is equally important to unlock them afterwards to make sure everyone has access when they need it.

Mirrors and Other Accessories 

When choosing mirrors and other accessories, it’s important to keep everyone’s preferences in mind. It doesn’t matter what modern bathroom ideas are out there if they won’t actually get used. But here are some accessories to consider:

• Large mirrors

• Heated towel rack

• Bamboo bathtub mat

• Steam shower

• Large soaking tub

• Ring lighting

• Shelving 

Storage 

With at least two main users, Jack and Jill bathroom storage should be considered when bringing your bathroom remodel ideas to life. There should be room to store extra towels and washcloths, toilet paper, toiletries, and anything else that may be specific to your situation. Adding cabinets and shelving can help keep the space organized and functional.