What are Jack and Jill bathrooms?

 A Jack and Jill bathroom is a shared bathroom accessible from two bedrooms, allowing both rooms to have a shared ensuite. This bathroom design maximizes space and is a great option for young siblings.

A creative design can make it convenient and tailored to the needs of those sharing the bathroom. Jack and Jill-style bathrooms have been a thing since the idea was popularized by the 1970s hit show “The Brady Bunch.” Since then, they’ve become a popular bathroom design for many modern homes, particularly for large families.

Characteristics of a Jack and Jill Bathroom

You may be wondering what makes a Jack and Jill bathroom different from a standard full bathroom. Well, Jack and Jill baths have a different layout and distinct features that make the space convenient for the individuals sharing the bathroom. Since it is a more private bathroom than a full bath, it has features you would expect to see in an ensuite.

These features include:

  • A full bathroom accessible to two bedrooms
  • At least two sinks
  • The ability to lock both sets of doors
  • Can only be accessed from one of the joint rooms
  • Plenty of storage space

Pros and Cons of Jack and Jill Bathrooms

Jack and Jill bathrooms appeal to many households with large families, but they do have some drawbacks that may give some homeowners pause.

Knowing the benefits and disadvantages of a Jack and Jill bathroom layout can help you decide whether it is the right bathroom design for your household.

  • Offers a great space-saving bathroom design for smaller homes. This is one of the leading reasons large families find this type of bathroom design appealing. If you have limited space in your home, a Jack and Jill bath is ideal.
  • It makes use of an otherwise unused area.
  • Can be specifically designed for children in the home using creative Jack and Jill bathroom ideas.
  • Is a cost-effective option. Instead of building multiple bathrooms for each bedroom, two rooms can share one.
  • Having multiple sinks in the bathroom allows each child to have a designated area, giving a sense of personal space in the bathroom.
  • It provides privacy since access to the bathroom is limited to the two rooms. This is good for kids who are still learning to be tidy. Since having their own bathroom keeps the chaos and mess contained, you won’t have to worry about guests using that bathroom.
  • Serves more of a short-term need and is not always as useful long-term compared to a standard full bath.
  • Since access is limited to just the two rooms, it is not easily accessible to others.
  • Designing this type of bathroom may be difficult for some house plans.

Cost for a Jack and Jill Bathroom

If you are building a new bathroom, the cost of adding a Jack and Jill bathroom to your home is similar to the cost of adding a full bath – roughly between $19,000-$50,000. The size of the Jack and Jill bathroom will influence your costs, and if you’re building a larger bathroom, the price will increase.

Other factors affecting the cost will be the materials you choose and the complexity of the job. If you are renovating a mid-range bathroom and incorporating a Jack and Jill bathroom layout, the remodel can be done for about $19,000.

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Does Jack and Jill bathroom add value?

Anytime you add a bathroom to your home, you add value and boost your resale value. How much will depend on whether the bathroom is designed with the future in mind.

Your planning will be critical. Think about what’s important to include in the bathroom for the individuals who will be using it, and also consider how those needs might evolve in the future.

How much space do you need for a Jack and Jill bathroom?

It’s important to consider the space for a Jack and Jill bathroom. For an average-sized Jack and Jill bath, you’ll need about the same amount of space as a medium-sized full bath, which is about 110 and 164 ft.².

Don’t worry if you have a smaller bathroom. Jack and Jill bathroom dimensions are not set in stone. You can still accomplish this bathroom design with 40 ft.². A more spacious Jack and Jill bath that offers abundant space for users will be about 165 to 210 ft.².

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Are Jack and Jill bathrooms a good idea?


As mentioned earlier, there are many benefits of adding a Jack and Jill bathroom to your home. Instead of building two ensuite bathrooms, you can add one Jack and Jill and save tons of space. However, it’s important to consider whether it is the right choice for your household. If you have small children and a large family, a Jack and Jill setup is an awesome way to maximize space while creating a bathroom for siblings to share. Even if you don’t have kids, this type of bathroom layout may be great if your home is the house where everyone gathers. 

When contemplating a Jack-and-Jill bathroom design, consider whether it will still be a good fit as your family’s needs evolve. Another point to factor in is how well the bathroom users get along. Since they will be sharing the space and need to coordinate a bathroom schedule, how compatible they are will matter.

Related Article: Cost to Remodel a Bathroom

Next Steps to Add a Jack and Jill Bathroom for Your Home

A Jack and Jill bathroom may be just what your home needs to add value and create a private shared space for siblings or other family members to enjoy. It is cost-effective, offers loads of storage space, and can be customized for users. Top Home Builders has helped many families enjoy the benefits of a custom Jack and Jill bathroom. We’re happy to help you explore this option and determine whether this popular and modern bathroom design is right for your needs.

Simply get in touch with us and we’ll guide you through the next steps.