19 Universal Bathroom Design Ideas to Incorporate in Your Remodel

These universal design principles from designing pros aid create a tub that ’s secure and approachable for as many mass as possible , no matter their challenges . Here ’s what pros say about desegregate universal innovation into your lav work up or remodel to make it as easy - to - use and strong as can be .

What Is Universal Design?

Universal designaims to ensure everyone — regardless of age , sizing , or power — can safely and effectively utilize a space . For your tub , that means create a spot to clean up that ’s contrive to work for as many hoi polloi as possible . Here ’s what homeowners can do toembrace universal designprinciples in their bathrooms , according to accredited interior designer with theNational Kitchen and Bath Association(NKBA ) .

Recess Storage

" niche render a non - intrusive boulevard for key computer storage in sure surface area like within a shower stall , near the lavatory , or on the wall above a dresser , " say Michael Kaestner , certify Living in Place Professional ( CLIPP ) and proprietor of Kaestner Designs . Unlike bulwark - mount shelving , adjourn computer storage niches do n’t jut out into the room , reducing the likelihood that someone will knock into them or endeavor to take hold of onto them for stableness . The NKBA recommends storing frequently - used items 15 to 48 inches above the base for undecomposed availability .

Embrace Technology

Technology adds a new level of access for universal excogitation . For example , digital shower controls , smart toilets , medicine cabinet , bathroom scale , and lighting can all be controlled by smart - abode system and apps , often allowing individualised scope that help user stay both safe and self-governing . Another tech - savvy addition is a humidity - sense bath vent . These sports fan change by reversal on and off automatically to cease moisture from accumulating , preventing mold , peeling rouge , and warping wood which can create unsafe conditions over fourth dimension .

Add a Wall Treatment

Make an well-heeled but significant update to an existing blank space by add a horizontal paries treatment . “ If there is ever a case of vertigo or someone baffle giddy , having a horizontal feature article serve with equaliser , ” aver Cindy Kelly , Associate Kitchen and Bath Designer ( AKBD ) and Certified Living in Place Professional ( CLIPP ) atCindy Kelly Kitchen Design . Choose a paint , roofing tile , wainscotting , or control board and batten particular in a contrast colouration so it can be easily identified .

Install a Taller Toilet

Standard pot tooshie are 14 to 15 inches off the ground . “ Chair - height privy are today ’s manufacture standard . Most fall in the ADA - compliance category of 17 to 19 inch from the floor to the rim of thetoilet , including the stern , ” says Sara Scott , Certified Kitchen Designer ( CKD ) , Universal Design - certify Professional ( UDCP ) , and main room decorator atTailored Designs , LLC . Also called comfort - pinnacle toilets , these tall manikin take less bending and insistence on the knees , and they are well-to-do to apply for someone transition from a wheelchair .

Invest in Main-Level Access

Many homes boast a pulverization room on the main floor , but universal excogitation principles require outfitting the independent stratum of your base with a full lav . In addition to earmark anyone who embark your home to use the space ( many half baths in older homescannot lodge a wheelchairor walker ) , it will also allow a bathroom for mob members of any geezerhood if they get injured and can not make it upstairs during recovery .

Expand the Doorway

Most doorways ramble from 30 to 32 inches wide . A 36 - inch - wide opening makes it easier for hoi polloi who use wheelchairs and other mobility devices to move into the bathroom . Whetherembarking on a major renovationor a minuscule upgrade , Kelly commend widening the doorway and changing to an outward swing alternatively of a door that swings inward . “ If someone were to fall or come about out against the threshold , you ca n’t attain them in a seasonable way . The majority of falls in a house happen in a can , ” sound out Kelly . Another solution Kelly suggests is a air pocket door .

Ensure Adequate Floor Space

You might be surprised how much trading floor space a bathroom need to be accessible . For object lesson , there should be at least 60 inches of subject floor place in the way so that someone in a wheelchair can comfortably change by reversal around .

Floor space gets tricky when you consider toilets . " Private weewee closets are smashing for privacy , but are hard to use when assist is being provided by a walker or another person , " say Scott . Instead , Scott recommends a larger - than - standard space for the toilet area — ideally with sizable space on one side and a grab bar on the other . This leaves room for mobility devices or assistance from another person . The extra space might find uncanny when it ’s not involve , butstorage furniturecan easily fill the country — and well be get rid of — when the time come .

Add a Bidet

Bidets have become a popular world-wide design request because they upgrade upright hygienics for everyone . “ Bidet seat will give you a cleaner clean without the reach which is gravid for everyone but especially those with limited mobility , ” state Scott . Bidets are commonly contain into the bathtub with an tote up - on seat for an existing pot or a novel toilet with a build - in bidet . Just call up to contrive for an outlet near the toilet so there’spowerfor the bidet .

Opt for a Floating Vanity

Floating vanitiescome in various configurations , from a storage - packed lot of locker to a simple countertop with a sinkhole . mate this design flexibility with installation adaptability means float vanity are a gravid winner for universal pattern . A wall - mount vanity can be installed at the right height for any user , including accommodating mess of place underneath for a wheelchair to slither under or to conform to a bench to provide extra reenforcement .

Maximize Lighting

The right mix of lighting see safety in the toilet . Lighting helps with everyday undertaking — making it easier to apply makeup , find items in drawers , or note the difference between shampoo and conditioner — and identifying possible guard hazards , like a bunched rug or body of water pooled on the flooring . Ambient inflammation should illuminate the elbow room overall , admit the entrance and shower or tub areas , as well as task lighting at cardinal usable area , such as at the mirror and in the shower .

world-wide conception is finding new and good uses forlighting , too . “ Installing lighting in the recessed toe - kick of cabinetry can be great for middle - of - the - night trip to the lavatory . Toe - thrill kindling with a dimmer makes a nice small light to clear up the path for safety without affecting melatonin levels so you may get back to sleep quicker , ” says Scott .

Get a Grip with Flooring

fit out your bathroom withslip - resistant flooringfor add safety . Small mosaic - roofing tile floor has many grout line , which allow good adhesive friction . orotund tile with a bit of grain can also be a near option . Kaestner suggests looking into slip - resistant commercial message floor that can be installed in a residential mise en scene . Just be indisputable tiles are set up evenly to get a smooth surface that is free from head trip jeopardy and easy for mobility devices to pilot .

Switch Towel Bars for Hooks

Robe andtowel hooksrequire less blank on the paries than a traditional towel ginmill , so you could instal them in more commodious fix . Hooks close to the rain shower and sink put towels nearby , especially if installed at the ripe height . “ count the height of the hooks off the story based on the user . meat hooks around 48 inch off the floor can be majuscule for Thomas Kid or anyone that has restrict shoulder mobility , ” says Scott .

Add Cabinet Hardware

Increase handiness of shut store byadding hardwareto linen wardrobe , vanity door , and drawers . “ cosmetic address aid with assisting individuals who lack dexterity in their hands , and furnish wanton access to bathroom cabinetwork , ” says Kaestner . five hundred - chassis drawer and door take out with ample quad for finger to jibe between the ironware and the cabinet process well for many users .

Select a Single-Lever Faucet

oecumenical purpose recommends spigot should be able-bodied to be used with only one hand and without expect a lot of twisting . Asingle - handle faucet — with a lever tumbler handgrip rather than a node or fussy - style grip — appropriate the user to twist the water off and on with an undefended palm or a closed in fist . Similarly , a single - lever shower control is easier for most user . For both faucets and shower control , hot and cold should be clearly identified with crimson and blue indicators .

Incorporate Grab Bars

advance rubber by set up grab bar near the toilet and in the rain shower and bathtub , so that masses have something stable to grab onto when using the space . Although grab bars are more fashionable than ever , they ’re not decorative fixity ; they involve proper reinforcement to do their job . “ If you are remodeling and do n’t require to add catch bar now , it is in force to go ahead and bring wood blocking behind the roofing tile so if / when you are quick to append them , the wall is ready to accept the grab bars firmly , ” says Scott .

Convert to a Curbless Shower

When it comes to bathe , zero - threshold exhibitor are the most accessible innovation . Unlike a tub / shower jazz band or a traditional exhibitor kiosk , a curbless shower bath has no call forth threshold that needs crossing . “ Whether you are get into on your feet , with a Alice Walker , or by wheelchair , the absence of a kerb for a exhibitor is a winnings - win scenario , ” says Kaestner . “ They eliminate the tripping hazard by absent the curb and replacing it with a sloped shower base and enhance drain . ” This story handling imply it ’s not a simple swap from traditional to curbless shower bath — plan for additional price and preparation when installing .

Attach a Shower Bench

A shower bench provides support while bathing . Kaestner recommends built - in or fold - down seats . “ We should avoid anything in a shower that could move and mayhap increase the likelihood of creating a slip - and - fall scenario , ” articulate Kaestner .

Include a Handheld Shower

bully as an addition to a traditional showerhead or simply on their own , handheld rain shower put up the most flexibility for user . install with a vertical shower bar , you may lay them at varying superlative . “ They can be used as a normal exhibitioner drumhead positioned high for a full - eubstance shower bath , or humbled at shoulder height , to take a eubstance shower and not wash your hair , ” read Scott .

A handheld shower can target ( or ward off ) specific body areas . Handheld showerheads also more conveniently clean youngster and favourite and are even ready to hand forcleaning the shower itself .

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