What is Universal Bath Design?

If you’re interested in remodeling your bathroom, you might have heard the term “universal bath design”. It’s a great idea for a house with multiple users and if you want a long-term design to accommodate changes in physical ability. There are many design options available for this type of bathroom, so you won’t have to sacrifice style or current trends for the bathroom of your dreams.

Here are the key things to consider when planning a universal bathroom design.

Where to locate your bathroom.

Access is very important for a universal bath design. It should be on the main level of your home to eliminate stair-climbing. The entrance should be wide enough to allow wheelchairs, with at least 5 feet clearance inside to allow enough turning room for wheelchairs or walking aids. Having more space means it’s also easier to look after families of small children at bath time.

Why is Lighting Especially Important in Universal Bath Design?

The right lighting means you can do multiple things in the same bathroom. Layer your lighting plan to ensure you have soft lighting for relaxing in your tub but enough strong light around your mirror. Good lighting is also needed in your shower and entryway so everyone can safely walk in and out. Make sure everyone can reach light switches or pull cords or consider sensor lights. The best kind of lighting is natural lighting though, so try to incorporate as many windows as possible to brighten up your room and your day.

What Flooring Should I Choose?

Marble might be your preferred style choice but think how slippery it becomes when wet. It’s best to err on the side of caution in a bath designed for everyone and go with textured flooring that offers better grip. Mosaic tiles, textured rustic stone and wooden floors are all good options for non-slip flooring. Rugs introduce color and texture, but they can be trip hazards, not to mention awkward for wheels to glide over, so be careful where you place them.

Are Sink and Vanities Different in Universal Bath Design?

Make sure your sink, vanity and mirror are at the right height for everyone using your bathroom, and for wheelchair users that there is space underneath for access. Floating furniture gives a clean, calm feeling to a bathroom anyway so is a good choice, aesthetically. If choosing a lower sink and vanity for small children, why not go for an adjustable one that you can heighten as they grow? Just make sure your vanity can take weight if leaned on and the hardware is large enough for everyone to use. Single lever and sensor faucets are excellent options for young and old alike.

Which is the best toilet for all?

Your toilet should be higher than a standard one to make it easy to get on and off. A comfort height toilet is 17-19 inches from floor to seat, which is the same as a chair, as opposed to a regular toilet, which is 15 inches.  You can add steps, grab bars and extra seats to achieve this, or have a wall-hung model placed at a height that suits everyone. Spray jets inside toilet bowls are handy, and always keep toilet paper within arm’s length.

What Kind of Showers and Tubs Work for Everyone?

Curbless showers are a modern design statement that also work well for people with wheelchairs and walking aids. Even better make your shower doorless or a fully open shower design for easy access for everyone.  Multiple shower heads are a luxurious touch and adding anti-scald settings and long hoses means showering is easy for all abilities. Benches incorporated into the design are perfect to sit on and store products. Just make sure that benches and niches are within reach of all users.  Walk-in tubs with a watertight opening are easy to access. Who wants to struggle climbing in and out of the tub when you just want to relax?

What are Universal Storage Options?

Custom storage solutions mean you can plan exactly what you need for your bathroom design and family. Hooks, cabinets and shelving can be at reachable heights and still look amazing.  Niche shower storage is ideal, but why not incorporate it throughout your bath design? Keeping storage flush to the wall means no-one will knock their head or mistakenly rely on it for support. Your design professional will ensure that your storage options are universal as well as stylish.

Equipping your bathroom for every user, both for now and the future makes sense and avoids constant remodeling. Explore our gallery for more bathroom remodeling inspiration and contact us today to see how universal bath design can make your family bathroom a stunning space for all.