When done right, the design of your bathroom can make your life a lot easier – especially if you’re disabled or have limited mobility. When your bathroom is safe and free of hazards, it has the potential to provide some peace of mind. That’s why we’ve compiled 15 essential bathroom layout ideas to give you some inspiration on your possible bathroom remodel.
Whether you’re considering a bathroom upgrade for yourself, a loved one, or for a client, an accessible bathroom has endless physical and mental benefits.
Not only will a customised bathroom be more comfortable for its users, but it can also reduce the risk of falls and increase independence for longer.
What To Consider Beforehand
Before diving into our 15 disabled bathroom layout ideas for accessibility, there are a few practical points to consider:
Your unique wants and needs
The first thing to consider above everything else is how your bathroom can suit your specific needs. While Pinterest is a useful place to start browsing, it’s not always the best place to find bathroom inspiration for custom or smaller spaces, which is often the case in the UK.
Think about the future as you consider the look and feel of your bathroom layout. Will you need to use medical equipment? How will your mobility be in a few years’ time? Employing an expert to design your custom space can help you figure out exactly what you’re working with.
Your budget
Your bathroom revamp depends largely on the size of your budget. But don’t be put off – there’s a lot you can do to optimise your space without a full refit. Ultimately, you need to understand whether you can afford to either:
- Keep your existing toilet and washing facilities
If you aren’t moving plumbing around and you plan to keep your bathroom layout the same, this will be your most affordable option. With this option, there are still plenty of upgrades that can make your life easier, such as installing in-shower seating and handrails.
- Do a light remodel
If your aim is to make more space or add in features such as a separate bath and shower, this will be more costly than option A.
- Do a full overhaul
If your plan is to change your bathroom layout into a wet room, change the plumbing or move the bathroom to a new location in the house, this will be your most costly option.
Understand your bathroom floor and walls
Remember that concrete floors are hard to work with, so be sure to understand your home’s flooring system before you begin. The same goes for your walls. Will your pipework be boxed in, or can you build it into the walls?
In terms of accessibility, we recommend a ground floor bathroom. Not only is this better for wheelchair access, it’s also better for guests.
Know where your pipework and drains are
To make an easier (and cheaper) job of your bathroom upgrade, position your washing facilities in places that have access to the existing soil pipe and drainage at the rear or side of your property. Knowing this before you begin means you will have some creative constraints in what you can do.
Visualise your bathroom with a layout tool
Save time and costs on your fit-out by seeing your design in 2D or 3D before you begin. You can bring your bathroom layout ideas to life using a smart tool such as FloorPlanner, Magic Plan and even the IKEA room planner.
Enlist the help of a professional
As you collect bathroom layout ideas, you may be excited about doing the renovations yourself. But remember that employing a professional can save you bags of time – not to mention avoid costly mistakes.
Getting an expert to help makes sure you’re compliant with building regulations, proper waterproofing, and structural integrity.
Look for specialists who understand not just the technical aspects of installation, but the nuanced requirements of creating truly accessible spaces.
15 Bathroom Design Ideas for Safety
Without further ado, here are our 15 bathroom layout ideas to help you create an accessible, safe and peaceful facility now, and for many years to come.
Choose a spacious layout
Chances are that if you’re remodelling a bathroom in the UK, you’re short on space. So remember not to overstuff your bathroom with endless features, so that you can get in and out with ease.
Luckily, there are plenty of solutions, such as a walk-in shower and storage that can make a huge difference. Generally speaking, the more floor space, the better. Industry standards recommend a 1500mm turning circle for wheelchair users and 900mm transfer spaces.
Install your accessible bathroom on the ground floor
A bathroom upgrade on the ground floor of your property is a smart idea. There’s likely to be more space for an unobstructed pathway, with clear approach zones around sanitaryware facilities. Not to mention that the flooring is likely better for installation, and it’s more accessible for wheelchairs.
Rethink your bathroom and shower door position
To avoid the door impeding the bathroom’s function, consider sliding doors or folding doors, which won’t swing around. Otherwise you could install the door to open outwards instead of inwards.
If you have an ensuite space, it may be more convenient to forgo doors altogether and make the space as light and accessible as possible.
Upgrade your shower space
Shower trays are somewhat dated, and the high entry can cause unnecessary injuries. A large walk-in shower is a top solution, allowing for efficient water drainage and easy wheelchair access. It also makes your bathroom look more spacious – a win-win!
You can also alter the settings inside your shower, adding digital control options to create steam to improve blood circulation, shower temperature and water flow rate using an in-shower touch panel. You could even install a panel outside the shower, offering more control for different family members.
Other possible upgrades include hand-held showerheads for greater control, a built-in shower bench to sit down, and even a grab rail. These features can also be enjoyed by all the family.
Make your bathtub more accessible
Alongside your shower space, your bathtub can also be adapted for safety. One suggestion is to place the bath controls within easy reach of the tub’s access route. Stretching to turn handles or press buttons, particularly when surfaces are damp, is a hazard, particularly for those with mobility issues.
Another possible upgrade is to add a grab bar to your bath, and nowadays come in a variety of beautiful designs to match your towel rails.
Installing a walk-in bath is another possibility if you like to bathe. The easy, step-in access is ideal for people who don’t have someone to help them into the bath. If you want options, you can also install a shower above your bath.
Optimise natural light
When it comes to bathroom layout ideas, lighting is a small but powerful “switch” you can make for a comfortable bathroom. After all, a light and bright bathroom is a safe bathroom.
Optimise natural light where possible, expanding the size of windows if it’s an option. You may even like the idea of adding a skylight. Using daylight not only boosts your mood but also saves energy costs.
If you don’t have much natural light, you can also use mirrors to your advantage, positioning them strategically opposite a window.
Install smart artificial lighting
Alternatively, there are intelligent ways to use artificial lighting so that it remains safe and stylish regardless of the time of day.
From soft lighting inside bathroom cabinets to mirror sconces, the possibilities are endless. Light layering allows you to use different types of lighting for different areas, and installing a motion sensor can make midnight trips to the bathroom easier.
Ensuring adequate lighting is necessary to avoid trip hazards or wet floors. Installing smart lights at lower levels or even in the baseboards can help guide the way during the night. Opting for a softer wattage means you can reach the bathroom safely and remain undisturbed by the bright lights.
Ensure safe electrical and water installation
Faulty wiring or exposed electrical outlets in a bathroom can be dangerous. Using GFCI outlets away from water sources, and ensuring grounding during installation is crucial. Even more important is making sure that an expert takes care of this.
The same goes for water. Hot water is a scald hazard, especially in older populations who have a reduced sensitivity to heat. Setting the water heater temperature to a safe level and installing an anti-scald device on your shower heads and taps can also make a difference.
Make your storage safer
Many cleaning products contain chemicals that can be harmful if not stored properly. Keeping these substances out of the way in smart storage can help, at varying heights, so that everybody can access what they need.
Consider installing rounded edges on your bathroom countertops to avoid cuts or bruises, and avoid deep cabinets, instead opting for smaller, pull-out drawers for convenience.
Consider a non-slip floor
Slipping on the floor is the main cause of bathroom-related injuries. Anti-slip floor tiles are important in a mobility-friendly bathroom. The more textured the tile, the less slippery it will be. When possible, select tiling with a dynamic coefficient of friction 0.42 or higher.
Another way to make your floor easier to manage is to choose larger tiles that reduce the number of grout lines to clean.
Alternatively, if you don’t have the budget for a full floor fit-out, a slip-resistant rug is a good alternative, particularly next to the bath or shower.
Add a grab bar or towel rail
If you’re not getting a full remodel, then a few simple changes go a long way. You could add a stylish grab bar inside the shower or next to the toilet to prevent any trips and falls, or replace hooks with towel bars for safety. Towel rails can also be heated for comfort, for a relaxing bathroom experience every time.
Automate controls
Make your life easier by automating controls. Motion-sensored lighting, taps, flushes and handles can help massively. Alternatively, choose easy-to-handle controls like levers instead of round knobs.
You can also install voice-controlled in-shower or in-ceiling smart speakers, voice-operated commands and even a self-cleaning toilet! There are so many options to make your bathroom experience seamless.
Add simple accessories
From anti-slip shower trays to drain hair catchers that prevent blocked drains, there are many low-cost ways to make your bathroom safer. Even if you’re not going for a full bathroom remodel, you can make small changes to give you peace of mind.
Even built-in shower seating or watertight doors aren’t difficult to install, but can make a huge difference to your daily life.
Choose a limited colour palette
The fewer colours, materials and patterns, the better – and bigger. For example, using the same tiles across the floors and walls will create the illusion of a bigger bathroom. It also makes it easier to install a walk-in shower.
Make cleaning easier
Grout lines are prone to bacteria, so larger floor tiles and fewer grouting lines make floors and walls easier to clean. Hand-held showerheads are really versatile. Because you can hold them, this allows you to clean the shower area after use.
If you’re in the UK, your bathroom may be prone to damp. That’s why it’s important to ensure that your bathroom is well-ventilated to reduce mould buildup and prevent future cleaning. Find out more ways of getting rid of mould in your bathroom here.
Start Planning Your Disabled-Friendly Bathroom
Don’t wait for an accident to prompt action. The Bathing Mobility Advisory Service specialises in creating beautiful, functional bathrooms that boost independence and peace of mind.
Contact us today, and our experts will guide you through every step of making your bathroom layout ideas a reality.