How to Futureproof Your Bathroom
Discover the features that will make your bathroom fit for later life – discreetly and beautifully
Whether it’s with later life in mind, to help older relatives feel comfortable, or for making sustainable choices that will stand the test of time and flex for future inhabitants, planning an accessible bathroom makes good design sense. But if you’re picturing chunky institutional grab rails and plastic foldaway shower seats, think again.
You can have a bathroom that feels friendly, safe and welcoming to those who may be less steady on their feet, yet still have a dreamy space. Here, as part of our Bathroom Planning guide, three experts advise what to consider – and how to make it look beautiful.
Starting your bathroom project? Read How to Plan for a Bathroom Renovation
Professional advice from: Eva Byrne of houseology; Sara Levy of Sara Levy Designs; Becky Storey of Storey Interiors
You can have a bathroom that feels friendly, safe and welcoming to those who may be less steady on their feet, yet still have a dreamy space. Here, as part of our Bathroom Planning guide, three experts advise what to consider – and how to make it look beautiful.
Starting your bathroom project? Read How to Plan for a Bathroom Renovation
Professional advice from: Eva Byrne of houseology; Sara Levy of Sara Levy Designs; Becky Storey of Storey Interiors
2. Plan for (good-looking) grab rails
Perhaps some of the most obvious – and ubiquitous – additions to bathrooms for later life are grab rails. “Grab rails are essential, but don’t have to scream accessibility: many companies offer a contemporary range in stainless steel,” Eva Byrne says.
“There’s a variety of finishes on the market,” Sara agrees. “You need to think about where to fit them so they’re in the correct place – for example, in the shower or by the toilet.”
Becky suggests also considering less obvious locations as a way to further enhance safety and confidence navigating the space without disrupting the bathroom’s aesthetics. “Installing a grab rail along any long, empty wall spaces provides additional stability when moving around the room,” she says.
She also highlights products such as supportive shower riser rails and grab bars that double up as a towel rail for more aesthetically subtle support.
Becky also makes the important point that grab rails need to be attached to structurally sound walls. Usually, if it’s a supportive external wall, it’s likely to be suitable. However, if not, she says, “You’ll need to ask your builder to reinforce or ‘pattress’ [a panel to which the rail can be secured] the walls in those areas for a grab rail.”
Perhaps some of the most obvious – and ubiquitous – additions to bathrooms for later life are grab rails. “Grab rails are essential, but don’t have to scream accessibility: many companies offer a contemporary range in stainless steel,” Eva Byrne says.
“There’s a variety of finishes on the market,” Sara agrees. “You need to think about where to fit them so they’re in the correct place – for example, in the shower or by the toilet.”
Becky suggests also considering less obvious locations as a way to further enhance safety and confidence navigating the space without disrupting the bathroom’s aesthetics. “Installing a grab rail along any long, empty wall spaces provides additional stability when moving around the room,” she says.
She also highlights products such as supportive shower riser rails and grab bars that double up as a towel rail for more aesthetically subtle support.
Becky also makes the important point that grab rails need to be attached to structurally sound walls. Usually, if it’s a supportive external wall, it’s likely to be suitable. However, if not, she says, “You’ll need to ask your builder to reinforce or ‘pattress’ [a panel to which the rail can be secured] the walls in those areas for a grab rail.”
3. Swap your bath for a shower
“Getting in and out of a slippery bath can be difficult or scary if you’re older or have compromised mobility,” Becky says. While grab rails and a rubber bath mat will improve the situation, a more long-term solution is to replace a bath with a walk-in shower, or add one if you have the space.
“A shower is a must, preferably with level access (as in a wetroom arrangement), but otherwise, with as low a tray as possible, which is quite common nowadays,” Eva says.
“[Choose a] no-step into the shower and fit a drain that’s flush with the floor,” Sara agrees. “In order to build this kind of shower, the waste must fit below the floor and still have enough slope to drain properly. There are a few suppliers that sell off-the-shelf shower trays that are floor level. Alternatively, we can build a ‘wetroom style shower tray’ out of floor tiles.”
There should also be enough room to manoeuvre a wheelchair or walker, Sara says, adding that, if you have a glass panel, it must be secure. “Alternatively, a shower curtain is more practical, as you can move it out of the way to make more space.”
Ready to renovate? Find reviewed bathroom designers on Houzz.
“Getting in and out of a slippery bath can be difficult or scary if you’re older or have compromised mobility,” Becky says. While grab rails and a rubber bath mat will improve the situation, a more long-term solution is to replace a bath with a walk-in shower, or add one if you have the space.
“A shower is a must, preferably with level access (as in a wetroom arrangement), but otherwise, with as low a tray as possible, which is quite common nowadays,” Eva says.
“[Choose a] no-step into the shower and fit a drain that’s flush with the floor,” Sara agrees. “In order to build this kind of shower, the waste must fit below the floor and still have enough slope to drain properly. There are a few suppliers that sell off-the-shelf shower trays that are floor level. Alternatively, we can build a ‘wetroom style shower tray’ out of floor tiles.”
There should also be enough room to manoeuvre a wheelchair or walker, Sara says, adding that, if you have a glass panel, it must be secure. “Alternatively, a shower curtain is more practical, as you can move it out of the way to make more space.”
Ready to renovate? Find reviewed bathroom designers on Houzz.
4. Include a seat
“A bench is essential – built in if space allows,” Sara says. “Alternatively, you can purchase a fold-down bench that fits against the wall.”
Don’t forget to position towel hooks within easy reach when the shower is turned off, she adds.
“A bench is essential – built in if space allows,” Sara says. “Alternatively, you can purchase a fold-down bench that fits against the wall.”
Don’t forget to position towel hooks within easy reach when the shower is turned off, she adds.
5. Fit your shower head at the right height
With seated showers in mind, it’s crucial to avoid an inflexible shower fitting, or one only suited to stand-up showers. “We have our client sit on the bench, so we can place the shower head and handset at the right height for their reach and use,” Sara says.
“We choose an adjustable shower head that can be held in the hand or fixed onto an adjustable rail. And the shower valve must be within easy reach from a seated position, so the temperature can be adjusted if necessary,” she adds.
With seated showers in mind, it’s crucial to avoid an inflexible shower fitting, or one only suited to stand-up showers. “We have our client sit on the bench, so we can place the shower head and handset at the right height for their reach and use,” Sara says.
“We choose an adjustable shower head that can be held in the hand or fixed onto an adjustable rail. And the shower valve must be within easy reach from a seated position, so the temperature can be adjusted if necessary,” she adds.
6. Locate storage thoughtfully
“Allow for low storage, as an over-the-basin cabinet may not be accessible when arm and shoulder mobility is reduced,” Eva points out.
It’s worth noting that a vanity unit like this one is a good shout, not only in terms of the low-slung storage, but also because it’s sturdy. “We would choose to fit a floor-mounted vanity unit where possible, or put strong legs under a wall-mounted unit, so the client can lean onto the basin if necessary without worrying about it coming off the wall,” Sara says.
“Allow for low storage, as an over-the-basin cabinet may not be accessible when arm and shoulder mobility is reduced,” Eva points out.
It’s worth noting that a vanity unit like this one is a good shout, not only in terms of the low-slung storage, but also because it’s sturdy. “We would choose to fit a floor-mounted vanity unit where possible, or put strong legs under a wall-mounted unit, so the client can lean onto the basin if necessary without worrying about it coming off the wall,” Sara says.
7. Install easy-to-operate taps
Twisting traditional taps can be tricky for anyone with arthritic hands or reduced mobility and Becky advises being mindful of this when selecting a design for your new bathroom.
“Hands-free sensor- or elbow-operated taps will minimise the movement needed to wash your hands,” Eva says.
Twisting traditional taps can be tricky for anyone with arthritic hands or reduced mobility and Becky advises being mindful of this when selecting a design for your new bathroom.
“Hands-free sensor- or elbow-operated taps will minimise the movement needed to wash your hands,” Eva says.
8. Ensure your floor isn’t slippery
Think about safety when choosing a new floor finish, since what’s underfoot is crucial for those who may not feel steady on their feet.
“Floor tiles have slip ratings, so ensure you purchase a tile with a high slip-resistance rating,” Sara says.
Be aware, also, that bath mats will generally be a trip hazard.
Think about safety when choosing a new floor finish, since what’s underfoot is crucial for those who may not feel steady on their feet.
“Floor tiles have slip ratings, so ensure you purchase a tile with a high slip-resistance rating,” Sara says.
Be aware, also, that bath mats will generally be a trip hazard.
9. Hang your loo
Having a raised-height toilet will often make getting up and sitting down easier for those with reduced mobility. But you don’t need to get a specialist (and potentially not in-keeping) piece of sanitaryware, nor resign yourself to a plastic add-on, as Eva explains.
“A wall-mounted toilet with a concealed cistern can be placed at any height and so allow you to avoid a raised toilet seat,” she says.
More: A Room by Room Guide to Inclusive Design
Having a raised-height toilet will often make getting up and sitting down easier for those with reduced mobility. But you don’t need to get a specialist (and potentially not in-keeping) piece of sanitaryware, nor resign yourself to a plastic add-on, as Eva explains.
“A wall-mounted toilet with a concealed cistern can be placed at any height and so allow you to avoid a raised toilet seat,” she says.
More: A Room by Room Guide to Inclusive Design
10. Widen your entrance
When extending, you may be required to upgrade all doors to fire-rated versions. This makes it a good time to consider adjusting opening sizes, too, so that anyone using, say, a walking frame, could easily get in and out of the bathroom.
“Make your doorway as wide as possible,” Sara suggests. “If you can, fit double doors to the room, so they’re less in the way when opened.”
When extending, you may be required to upgrade all doors to fire-rated versions. This makes it a good time to consider adjusting opening sizes, too, so that anyone using, say, a walking frame, could easily get in and out of the bathroom.
“Make your doorway as wide as possible,” Sara suggests. “If you can, fit double doors to the room, so they’re less in the way when opened.”
11. Pay attention to lighting
Good lighting is super important for those with reduced vision. “Incorporating smart technology, such as motion-sensor lighting, will add convenience and efficiency for now and the future,” Becky says.
If you take a more traditional route, Sara advises installing easy-to-use switch plates.
A variety of light sources is also a good consideration, making the room comfortable for different users. “And good extraction is important, so the room doesn’t fill up with too much steam,” Sara adds.
Good lighting is super important for those with reduced vision. “Incorporating smart technology, such as motion-sensor lighting, will add convenience and efficiency for now and the future,” Becky says.
If you take a more traditional route, Sara advises installing easy-to-use switch plates.
A variety of light sources is also a good consideration, making the room comfortable for different users. “And good extraction is important, so the room doesn’t fill up with too much steam,” Sara adds.
12. Extend your reflection
Being able to see yourself in a bathroom mirror is something you may well take for granted. But for those using wheelchairs, a standard-height installation is of little use. It may also be uncomfortable for those with back problems.
The solution? “A full-length mirror will mean you can always check your appearance with ease,” Eva says. It can dramatically boost light levels in the room, too.
Tell us…
What kind of futureproofing features would you add to your bathroom? Let us know in the Comments.
Being able to see yourself in a bathroom mirror is something you may well take for granted. But for those using wheelchairs, a standard-height installation is of little use. It may also be uncomfortable for those with back problems.
The solution? “A full-length mirror will mean you can always check your appearance with ease,” Eva says. It can dramatically boost light levels in the room, too.
Tell us…
What kind of futureproofing features would you add to your bathroom? Let us know in the Comments.
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The designers agree it’s good to get ahead. “I’ve designed a few shower rooms for older clients and ones with mobility issues,” Sara Levy says. “We can still make them look fantastic and be practical and safe, [but] most of these clients have waited until they really need to repurpose the space. It would have been helpful if they’d planned ahead.”
Becky Storey agrees. “The bathroom is the space in our home where we desire the most independence and privacy,” she says. “Therefore, if you’re in the early stages of planning the layout of your bathroom, carefully consider the location of the key features (toilet, shower and basin) to maintain independence for as long as possible. For example, positioning the toilet in a corner next to an unobstructed wall, rather than centred on a wall with nothing either side of it, makes it easier to install a grab rail beside it.
“There are also more and more accessible products on the market that discreetly offer support,” Becky continues, “and including some of these is a great way to make adaptations to your bathroom ahead of needing them.”
It also makes good sense to consider future plumbing additions and have pipework in place, even if it’s out of sight. And if you have the chance to install a bathroom on the ground floor, she says, take it.