Even when you are fit as a fiddle, it’s a good idea to provide as many safety features as you can on your toilet. However, does a toilet that incorporates safety into the design need to look like it belongs at a hospital?
Absolutely not! Fixture manufacturers are currently offering attractive designs that combine into your décor. Whether you love sleek, minimal design or are hooked on traditional, you are able to provide safety without sacrificing fashion.
Katherine Kawaguchi
Grab bars are among those safety characteristics that have traditionally screamed”institutional.” That sterile public-restroom look is 1 reason people resist installing them. However, take a look at these: The shape as well as the oil-rubbed bronze shade provide a warm, traditional appearance.
V & Company
This sleek bath sports a grab bar that’s every bit as minimal in its own design. The Kohler Purist collection could be a great selection for a contemporary shower or bath.
Jeff Luth – Soldano Luth Architects
And who says grab rails need to be metal? It’s certainly the best way to go inside the shower or bath, but you are able to provide additional stability with grab rails in other parts of the bathroom too. This gorgeous maple wood rail adds warmth and style along with security.
Hint : Although ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) guidelines are not required for residences, they’re useful for making sure your grab railings provide the safety you are searching for. Ensure that your rail can support the force of 250 lbs. Mount it 33 to 36 inches from the ground and permit a minimum of 11/2 inches between the wall and the pub.
Kanner Architects – CLOSED
The angle pub over this tub seems more like a sculptural component, but it’s perfect for assisting bathers increase or reduce themselves into or outside of the tub.
HighCraft Builders
Secure seating inside the shower is just another wonderful safety feature. A generously proportioned built-in bench is much prettier than the plastic one. This grab bar is just another illustration of an attractive modern design.
BY DESIGN Builders
If a built in bench would take up too much room, consider a teak backsplash seat. A plastic bench says”hospital,” while teak states”spa.”
Hint : When buying fold-up bench, be sure to check the dimensions and the maximum weight capacity. Benches vary from 18 to 24 inches wide with a seat depth of 13 to 16 inches. Weight capacities vary from 220 to 500 lbs.
BY DESIGN Builders
Falls are not the only safety issue in a toilet. Common hand towels may spread germs, which can be serious for someone with a weak immune system. The aerodynamic design of this Dyson Airblade hand dryer makes it an attractive alternative.
Well,”attractive” is subjective here. It’s a pretty space-age appearance. (One review stated the shape looks like”a science fiction robot’s underwear.”) However, it sure looks better to me than the gas station bathroom’s dryers. And I think that it looks a lot better than a stack of paper towels. I absolutely love how fast it works, too.
Jamie Gold, CKD, CAPS
Moen Kingsley Grab Bar – $81.20
If you are out searching for grab bars and need traditional, the Moen Kingsley line may be exactly what you’re searching for.
Hint : The slanted pub position shown in this photo is sometimes more comfortable when folks use it to help themselves get up. Nonetheless, it is not in keeping with ADA guidelines and might not help if you collapse as your hand can slip.
Abbie Joan Fine Living
Fantastic Grabz 24″ Horizon Bar – $275
Another trendy grab bar, this time from Great Grabz. It’s a nice contemporary feel and would work with many distinct trends of décor.
Pangaea Interior Design, Portland, OR
Kohler K-11892 18″ Grab Bar in the Purist Series – $114.24
The Kohler Purist is my personal favorite. I love a sleek and minimal appearance and want my grab bars to be understated.
Hint: Your grab bars may double as towel holders should you like. But don’t use a towel holder in lieu of a grab bar, since it will not maintain the weight.
Your turn: Please share your photos of safety features you’ve added that show some flair in the Comments section below.
More:
Aging-in-Place Resolutions for the New Year
The Case for a Curbless Shower