Luxury Housing Trends & Home Improvement Ideas

When most people think about grab bars they envision those heavy-duty, metal units that you see in hospitals and nursing care facilities. That view is outdated!

Grab bars do not have to be unattractive. Remodeling your bathroom for accessibility isn’t all about style but you want a place that doesn’t scream utilitarian either. Accessories that promote both luxury and safety are becoming very popular whether you are talking about towel warmers or decorative grab bars.

Grab bars were once seen solely as devices for the elderly or infirmed, but today we are seeing a demand for bath safety products for all ages, as people become more safety conscious. The idea of Universal Design is being viewed by the Baby Boomer generation as a way to increase both comfort and safety, and look good while doing it. A variety of grab bar colors, shapes, sizes and textures are available to complement any bathroom decor.

When shopping for grab bars and rails look for units that have secure mounting hardware. Your primary concern should be in selecting something that is durable, strong, and non-slip. Your grab bars should also be fire- and electricity-safe.

Grab Bars for the Bathtub and Shower Before you start looking into color, shape, size and textures, think about what kind of grab bar meets your personal needs. These needs should be determined by the type and level of disability of the individual user. If you are at risk for falling while stepping over the rim of the bathtub you will want to install a vertical grab bar to provide a stable hand hold. Wheelchair users will need bars on all three of the enclosing walls to make transfers as safe as possible.

Walking people may choose to sit while showering. Some people like a vertical grab bar under the control panel to serve as a balance point while leaning forward from the shower chair, as well as a gripping surface when entering or exiting the stall. It would also be helpful for standing people to help them maintain their balance.

A roll-in shower calls for three horizontal bars on all three walls. Some people also like vertical bars on the side walls or next to the controls for maintaining balance.

Grab Bars for the Toilet Grab bars for the toilet are another recommended safety feature. People who walk with difficulty and have trouble getting up and down will find grab bars very helpful.

Two grab bars are recommended in the toilet area. One grab bar should be installed on the wall beside the toilet and the other on the wall behind it, for transferring on and off the toilet and for maintaining balance while seated. Seat mounted grab bars go one step further, if an arm-rest on both sides of the seat is required. Choose a bar style with 1 1/4 to 1