Universal Design Bathroom: A Complete Guide for Homeowners

“Universal design” has become the buzz word over the last 2 years in design- what does it mean?

Universal bathroom design is a new way to look at your space during the interior design process. In bathroom remodeling, universal design may help you make your home ready for you and your family members to age in place. It can also make your home more marketable, as it fits all stages of someone’s life. Anyone can live there and be comfortable.

Universal Bathroom Design Guidelines

There are universal bathroom design guidelines to consider to think of when remodeling your bath with this concept in mind are:

when remodeling your bath, including the following:

Ample clearance.

For a wheelchair to make a 180-degree turn in a bathroom, there must be at least 5 feet of open space.

Especially in a small bathroom, maximizing space is key for accessibility. Clearing the space in front of fixtures and appliances will also help to improve a bathroom’s accessibility.

 

Flexibility

Fixtures and amenities should accommodate a range of preferences and abilities. These include adjustable shower heads, variable-height counters, and toilets that are comfortable for users of different heights and mobility levels.

 

Simplicity and Intuition

One of the most important universal design principles is simplicity. A universal design bathroom layout and features should be intuitive and easy to understand. This will reduce the complexity and confusion for users with different levels of ability and familiarity.

 

Universal Design Showers

Safety is critical in a bathroom design. Fixtures include slip-resistant surfaces, proper lighting, and universal design bathroom features like attractive grab bars that can work as a hanger for towels or a handhold in case you lose your balance.

 

Curbless Shower

The Roman shower without a rim to step over is the ideal design for people of all ages, especially those with disabilities requiring walkers or wheelchairs. The doorless walk-in shower has no lip at the floor, which slopes down toward the drain (which, in some designs, is an infinity drain). With no threshold, the shower presents much less of a tripping hazard.

 

Universal Design Bathroom: Grab Bars

Forget the tubular, obvious bars that scream “senior.” Who couldn’t use the security of a grab bar in the shower, after all? This feature is suitable for all ages. According to Ken Perrin, a Cleveland, Ohio-based renovation expert, sleek grab bars can double as towel holders until the homeowner needs the extra support.

 

Hand-Held Shower

A hand-held shower is a necessity for those who have physical limitations. The fixture is convenient because it can be used for a quick spray-off (even replacing a bidet). But where the fixture is positioned makes all the difference. “Most of the time, the water supply is positioned too high,” Perrin explains. “The hand-held reaches down to your knees and that’s it. It’s too short.” Be sure the hand-held sprayer reaches your feet when you sit on the shower bench.

 

Shower Seat

A bench in the shower gives you a place to sit and bathe. You can use it for storage or to prop your leg up while shaving if you don’t need to sit down. A triangular bench or seat that runs along the length of a shower is an example of two configurations.

 

Walk-In Tub

Walk-in tubs are easier to get in and out of and soothe aching joints. New designs are more aesthetically pleasing.

 

Rather than soap dishes and shower shelves that protrude, consider a niche so people aren’t tempted to grab onto these features for support if they accidentally slip.

 

Other Parts of the Bathroom

Some common examples of important features in the rest of the bathroom include:

Tall Toilets

Opt for a commode that is 16 to 18 inches high compared to standard 14- or 15-inch-high seats. Once referred to as “handicap toilets,” these “comfort height” or chair height seats, as they’re now marketed, are suitable for household members of all levels of mobility.

Wall-Mounted Sinks

Wheelchairs and walkers can easily slide under sinks that are mounted to the wall. There are no cabinets or pedestals, which translates to more legroom.

Discover More About Universal Bathroom Design

These design ideas don’t mean your bathroom has to look like a sterile hospital room. The options are endless and most lend to a “spa-like” feel that anyone of any age will enjoy! Contact Minnesota Rusco today to learn more about our universal design options.

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