How to Design a Disability Inclusive Bathroom

Creating a luxury bathroom space that’s also accommodating to people with disabilities is an exciting challenge that will give you a beautiful space that’s also accessible. Adapting certain aspects of bathroom design to maximise the independence of all users does not have to mean compromising on style—in fact, the practical choices you make could end up having some aesthetic advantages, certainly in terms of the individuality of your space.

So let’s take a look at how to design an accessible bathroom for people with disability.

Make a feature of your grab rails

For wheelchair users or people who have difficulty walking, grab rails provide an essential support in the bathroom. And, in recent years, discerning product designers have realised just how ugly many of them were—basic, white, plastic, hospital-looking things—so have graced disabled people with the degree of style they deserve.

From chromed, curved grab rails with soap stands to funky floral patterned grab rails and carved wooden grab rails, the choices available today mean that people with disabilities have the support they need but also the high-end options they want. In many cases, a beautifully designed towel rail can function as a grip rail for disabled people.

Buy a wall-hung washbasin for adjustable height

Pedestal washbasins can pose a problem for some disabled people, simply because they’re at a fixed height. The advantage of a wall-mounted washbasin is not only that it’s a beautiful, contemporary, stylish option, but it’s also incredibly practical, because you can mount it at whatever height you choose.

The vast majority of Riluxa washbasins, in fact, are wall-hung—simply because that’s the style. And, because Riluxa is dedicated to customising for its customer, you could even request the option of handrails to improve disabled access.

Make your shower accessible for anyone

It’s somewhat serendipitous that today’s most stylish showers just happen to have disabled access as part of their stunning overall design. Whether it’s a luxury wall-to-wall doored shower with a seating area or an open shower with a simple glass partition between the shower area and the rest of the bathroom, ease of access and use is a large part of contemporary bathroom design.

It's important to ensure that your shower space is wide enough—and sturdy enough—to accommodate people with mobility challenges. You should also make sure there are well-placed grip rails in the shower to maintain maximum safety. If you really want to push the boat out, you could even invest in a Bluetooth shower that allows you to control the shower from an app on your phone, which could prove much more straightforward than messing around with taps.

Bring your whole self to your bathroom design

Finally, it must be said that people with disabilities often find themselves having to compromise their dignity based on their personal needs. That does not have to be the case. Remodelling a bathroom—like any other aspect of building a life—is about expressing every aspect of who you are. Not just physical needs, but your personal sense of taste and style.

It's important that, if you or someone in your home has a disability, that there’s a sense of inclusion at every level—both in terms of having disability needs met, but also feeling that things like taking a shower are the pampering, luxurious, relaxing experiences that they’re meant to be. So, adapt your space with gusto and a sense of pride. Good luck with your remodel.

Looking for something else to read? Check out our guide to Budgeting for a Custom Bathroom.