What Is Universal Design?
Universal designaims to ensure everyoneregardless of age, size, or abilitycan safely and effectively use a space.
The NKBA recommends storing frequently-used items 15 to 48 inches above the floor for best accessibility.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Embrace Technology
Technology adds a new level of access for universal design.
Another tech-savvy addition is a humidity-sensing bath vent.
Install a Taller Toilet
Standard toilet seats are 14 to 15 inches off the ground.
Credit: David A Land
Chair-height toilets are todays industry standard.
Expand the Doorway
Most doorways range from 30 to 32 inches wide.
A 36-inch-wide opening makes it easier for people who use wheelchairs and other mobility devices to enter the bathroom.
Credit: James Yochum
The majority of falls in a house happen in a bathroom, says Kelly.
Another solution Kelly suggests is a pocket door.
Floor space gets tricky when you consider toilets.
Credit: Kimberly Gavin
This leaves room for mobility devices or assistance from another person.
Just remember to plan for an outlet near the toilet so there’spowerfor the bidet.
Pairing this design flexibility with installation adaptability means floating vanities are a big success for universal design.
Credit: John Bessler
Maximize Lighting
The right mix of lighting ensures safety in the bathroom.
Universal design is finding new and beneficial uses forlighting, too.
Installing lighting in the recessed toe-kick of cabinetry can be great for middle-of-the-night trips to the bathroom.
Credit: Anthony Masterson
Get a Grip with Flooring
Outfit your bathroom withslip-resistant flooringfor added safety.
Small mosaic-tile flooring has many grout lines, which provide good traction.
Larger tiles with a bit of texture can also be a good choice.
Credit: Jean Allsopp
Kaestner suggests looking into slip-resistant commercial flooring that can be installed in a residential setting.
Hooks close to the shower and sink put towels nearby, especially if installed at the right height.
Consider the height of the hooks off the floor based on the user.
Credit: Emily Followill
Similarly, a single-lever shower control is easier for most users.
For both faucets and shower controls, hot and cold should be clearly identified with red and blue indicators.
Attach a Shower Bench
A shower bench provides support while bathing.
Credit: Stacey Branford
Kaestner recommends built-in or fold-down seats.
Installed with a vertical shower bar, you could position them at varying heights.
A handheld shower can target (or avoid) specific body areas.
Credit: Stacey Brandford
Handheld showerheads also more conveniently clean children and pets and are even handy forcleaning the shower itself.
Credit: Anthony Masterson
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Credit: Marty Baldwin
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