Looking for a bathroom that works for everyone in the home? Universal design is quickly becoming the standard for kitchen and bath remodels. And it’s no surprise…
The bathroom is one of the most dangerous rooms in the house. According to the CDC, approximately 235,000 people are injured in bathroom falls each year.
That’s a lot of people.The good news?
With the right design, these accidents can be reduced drastically. Bathroom universal design makes the space safer, more accessible and more functional for people of all ages and abilities.
What’s in store for you:
- Why universal design is important today
- What every bathroom should have
- Flooring and surface materials to consider
- Future-proofing your remodel
Why Universal Design Is Important Today
Ok…
Universal design is not only about accessibility. It’s about designing spaces that work beautifully for all people. Recovering from surgery, a temporary injury or simply aging in place at home.
Kitchen and bath remodels require the experience and expertise of a professional to make sure every detail is covered. When it comes to things like grab bar placement and zero-threshold showers, Team Farrell knows the ins and outs of universal design and understands how they all fit together.
Let’s be honest…
A bathroom remodel takes time and money. The right contractor will work closely with you to design the perfect space for your needs and lifestyle. Universal design is the future. With more than one out of four older adults falling every year, and the bathroom being the site of most falls, now is the time to start thinking about bathroom safety.
Moist surfaces, abrupt transitions, and poor lighting all contribute to bathroom accidents.Slippery floors, low toilets and awkward corners aren’t going away. Smart homeowners are getting ahead of the curve.
What Every Bathroom Should Have
So, what are the must-have features in a truly universal bathroom?
Grab Bars
Grab bars have come a long way from the institutional look of years past. There are plenty of sleek, stylish options that seamlessly fit into modern bathroom design.
What you need to know:
- Install grab bars near the toilet and in the shower
- Match the finish to your other fixtures
- Proper wall reinforcement is key for installation
- Install them at heights that work for both standing and sitting use
Grab bars are great for everyone, not just the elderly or those with disabilities. A towel bar can provide support. A grab bar in the shower can help steady yourself after a night workout.
Zero-Threshold Showers
Ready to take one of the biggest tripping hazards out of your bathroom?
Curbless or zero-threshold showers eliminate the step completely. Forget about having to climb over a tub wall or a raised shower curb. No, just a seamless entry.
Curbless showers are not just for wheelchair access. They are easier for people with balance issues, fatigue and sore muscles after a long day. Plus, they look super modern and open up the space visually.
Comfort-Height Toilets
Standard toilets measure about 15″ high. Comfort-height toilets are 17″ to 19″ high.
That little difference makes a huge impact…
It’s much easier on your knees, hips and back to get up and down. Taller people will benefit from this upgrade as well. It’s one of those small changes that makes a big impact.
Smart Flooring and Surface Materials
Ok, let’s talk about what’s underfoot.
Ceramic tile looks amazing but becomes dangerously slippery when wet. Natural stone? Some options have that same issue.
Luxury vinyl plank with a textured surface, slip-resistant porcelain tile, rubber flooring in wet zones, and textured stone with proper sealing are some of the best choices for universal design.
Maintenance is key too. Even the best non-slip surfaces need regular cleaning to maintain their traction. Soap scum and chemical buildup can erode the grip over time.
Lighting That Does More Work
Here’s something that most people forget…
Lighting is a safety feature. Shadows and dark areas increase confusion and fall risk. Aging eyes require more light to see clearly.
Task lighting at the vanity, ambient lighting for overall illumination and night lights for safe navigation during late-night bathroom trips are the way to go. Dimmer switches add flexibility and prevent too much light during those middle-of-the-night bathroom trips.
Motion-activated lighting is another great feature. Hands-free lighting means no fumbling for switches in the dark.
Wider Doorways and Open Floor Plans
Movement through space is a consideration for universal design.
Standard bathroom doors are 24″ to 28″ wide. Universal design calls for 32″ to 36″ minimum. This wider opening is great for walkers and wheelchairs and just feels more welcoming in general.
Floor space inside the bathroom matters too. Clear space for someone using a mobility aid to turn around comfortably is important. And really, even without mobility issues, open floor space just feels better.
Lever-style door handles are another feature to consider. Easier to operate than traditional knobs, especially with wet or arthritic hands.
Future-proofing Your Remodel
Smart homeowners plan for future needs.
If grab bars aren’t needed today, install wall reinforcement during the remodel. Blocking inside the walls is very little expense during construction, but it can save a lot of cost and damage to your finished walls later.
The same goes for the rest of the bathroom. Choose fixtures with built-in accessible features. Plan a layout that could accommodate a seated user if needed in the future.
Pretty cool, huh?
Incorporating these features protects your investment and can add resale value to the home. More and more home buyers are looking for the benefits of universal design.
Pulling it All Together
Universal design can change a bathroom from a potential hazard zone into a safe, functional, and beautiful space for all people.
The key takeaways are simple:
- Start with safety features such as grab bars and slip-resistant flooring
- Remove thresholds and barriers whenever possible
- Choose comfort-height fixtures that are easier on the body
- Plan for adequate lighting throughout the bathroom
- Future-proof your bathroom remodel with wall reinforcement and wider doorways
A well-designed bathroom will serve all members of the household through every stage of life. It will also accommodate guests with varying levels of ability and add lasting value to the home.
Investing in universal design principles and features will give you a bathroom that pays dividends in safety, comfort and peace of mind. That’s a great feeling for any homeowner.