As we get older, the bathroom can become one of the most important rooms in the home to get right. Features that were once taken for granted, such as stepping into a bath, standing in the shower or reaching into a low cupboard, can become more difficult over time. The good news is that creating a safer and more accessible bathroom in Wolverhampton doesn’t mean compromising on style.
At Aqua Baths Ltd, we can design and install accessible bathrooms in Wolverhampton and the surrounding area, combining practical features with modern bathroom design. From walk-in showers and shower seats to grab rails, easy-clean surfaces, non-slip flooring and accessible storage, there are many ways to make a bathroom easier and more comfortable to use.
What is an accessible bathroom?
An accessible bathroom is designed around the needs of the person using it. For older adults, this might mean making the shower easier to access, reducing slip risks, providing additional support or ensuring everyday toiletries are within easy reach.
Depending on your requirements, an accessible bathroom could include:
- Walk-in or easy-access showers.
- Shower seats.
- Strategically positioned grab rails.
- Easy-access toilets.
- Non-slip LVT flooring.
- Easy-clean shower glass.
- Low-maintenance wall panels.
- Easy-access bathroom storage.
- Comfortable-height bathroom furniture.
- Improved lighting and clear floor space.
The important thing is that these features can be incorporated into the overall design, rather than looking like separate adaptations.
Walk-in and easy-access showers
For many older people, getting in and out of a traditional bath can become increasingly difficult.
Replacing a bath with a walk-in shower or easy-access shower can make the bathroom much easier to use. A spacious shower area with a low-level or easy-access entry can reduce the need to step over a high bath or shower tray.
A large glass screen, modern shower fittings and attractive wall panels can also create a spacious and contemporary finish.
Shower seats for comfort and independence
A shower seat can be a valuable addition for anyone who finds standing for long periods uncomfortable. Wall-mounted or built-in seating provides somewhere secure to sit while showering and can be incorporated into the design from the beginning.
Combined with a modern shower, stylish wall finish and good lighting, a shower seat can be both practical and attractive.
Grab rails that look part of the design
Grab rails can provide additional support around the shower, toilet and other areas where extra stability may be useful.
They don’t have to make a bathroom look clinical. Modern grab rails are available in a range of styles and finishes, allowing them to complement your taps, shower fittings and bathroom furniture.
Their position is also important. Planning where rails will be most useful during the design stage allows them to become part of the bathroom rather than an afterthought.
Easy-access toilets
The right toilet can make everyday bathroom use more comfortable.
A raised-height or comfort-height toilet can make sitting down and standing up easier for some people, while grab rails positioned nearby can provide additional support where required.
There are plenty of contemporary toilet designs available, so choosing an accessible option doesn’t mean sacrificing style.
Non-slip LVT bathroom flooring
Bathroom flooring is another important consideration when creating a safer bathroom.
LVT flooring, or Luxury Vinyl Tile, is available in a wide variety of colours, patterns and finishes. It can replicate the appearance of wood, stone or tiles while providing a practical and easy-to-maintain surface.
Choosing a suitable non-slip flooring option can provide greater confidence when moving around the bathroom, particularly where water may be present.
Easy-clean glass and wall panels
If easy maintenance is important, consider choosing materials that reduce the amount of cleaning required.
Easy-clean shower glass can help reduce the build-up of water marks and limescale, making the shower enclosure easier to keep looking its best.
Bathroom wall panels are another option worth considering. With fewer grout lines than traditional tiles, they can make shower areas easier to clean while providing plenty of design choices.
You can read more about the differences in our blog which outlines bathroom wall panels vs tiles.
Easy-access bathroom storage
Storage is often overlooked when designing an accessible bathroom.
Everyday toiletries should ideally be easy to reach without excessive stretching, bending or searching through deep cupboards.
Consider drawers, pull-out storage and vanity units that place frequently used items at a comfortable height.
Good storage also helps keep the bathroom clear and uncluttered, making it easier to move around the room.
And with modern bathroom furniture available in so many colours, styles and finishes, practical storage can still look fantastic.
An accessible bathroom can still be stylish
One of the biggest misconceptions about accessible bathrooms is that they have to look clinical.
They don’t. Modern bathroom design makes it possible to combine walk-in showers, shower seats, grab rails, easy-access toilets and non-slip flooring with attractive furniture, contemporary brassware, stylish wall panels and quality glass.
Neutral colours, natural finishes and well-planned lighting can create a warm and relaxing space while still providing the practical features needed for everyday use.
For more ideas, explore the Aqua Baths Inspiration Board for bathroom styles, colours and design ideas.
Planning a bathroom for the future
When investing in a new bathroom, it can be worth considering how your needs may change over the coming years.
You may not need every accessibility feature today, but planning for the future can help avoid having to redesign the bathroom later.
A spacious shower, non-slip flooring, accessible storage and provision for grab rails can all help make the room more adaptable.
The aim is to create a bathroom that works for you today while allowing for changing needs in the future.
Create Your Ideal Accessible Bathroom with Aqua Baths
If you’re considering a bathroom renovation for yourself, a parent or an older relative, our team can help you plan a space around your requirements. From easy-access showers and shower seating to bathroom furniture, sanitaryware, flooring, wall finishes and storage, we can help bring the different elements together as part of a complete bathroom project.
You can also browse our completed bathroom and kitchen projects to see examples of our work, or find out more about our bathroom design and fitting services.
If you’re ready to discuss your ideas, contact Aqua Baths Ltd to speak to our team and arrange your free quote.
Why not visit out showroom at: Unit 1, Clothier St, Willenhall, WV13 1BE or alternatively call us on: 01902 637836.
Have a question or want to discuss your bathroom project? You can also contact us directly via our dedicated email: aquabaths@outlook.com
Whether you’re looking to improve accessibility, make your bathroom easier to maintain or simply create a more comfortable space, we can help you design a bathroom that is safe, practical and stylish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best bathroom for an older person?
Every person has different requirements, but features such as a walk-in shower, shower seat, grab rails, non-slip flooring, accessible storage and an easy-access toilet can make a bathroom more comfortable and easier to use.
Is a walk-in shower better than a bath for older people?
A walk-in or easy-access shower can make getting into and out of the shower area easier than stepping over the side of a traditional bath. A suitable shower seat, grab rails and non-slip flooring can provide additional support.
Can an accessible bathroom still look modern?
Yes. Accessible features can be incorporated into a contemporary bathroom design using modern furniture, attractive wall panels, stylish brassware, glass shower screens and carefully selected flooring.
What flooring is best for an accessible bathroom?
A suitable non-slip bathroom flooring option can help provide greater confidence when moving around the room. LVT is one option because it is available in a wide range of designs and is practical and easy to maintain.
Can Aqua Baths design and install an accessible bathroom?
Yes. Aqua Baths provides bathroom design, supply and fitting, helping customers create bathrooms that are practical, comfortable and stylish.