Today, more Americans than ever before are choosing to age in the comfort of their own home. Furthermore, more new families are opting for smaller homes, increasing the number of occupants that use a single bathroom each day. Regardless of whether you have family members that are young or old, safety in the bathroom is an important consideration. There are several ways to plan for added safety in your bathroom during a remodeling project that won’t take away from the style of the space you want to create.
Slip-Resistant Flooring
Slips and falls are common in bathrooms, where wet floors are also a frequent occurrence. Investing in slip-resistant flooring allows you to walk more comfortably and confidently in this space, and there are many styles of slip-resistant flooring materials available. If you opt for tile floors, consider smaller tiles with more grout lines, which naturally increase traction underfoot. Pebbled flooring, unfinished natural stone, and textured vinyl are also great choices for stylish and slip-proof bathroom floors. If you’re installing a walk-in shower area, keep in mind that textured flooring in this space is also an important preventive tool against slips and falls for occupants of any age. Once you’ve finished your remodeling project, high-quality bath mats with slip-proof backing make great bathroom accessories that bring both style and safety to the room.
Curbless Shower Design
Curbless showers are one of the most popular design elements in modern bathrooms. These features can improve the look of your bathroom by creating a seamless transition between the main room and the bathing area, while also eliminating the tripping hazard posed by even a small shower curb. It’s important to consider the placement of your curbless shower when designing your bathroom layout, as splashes and excess water can pose a slipping hazard under certain circumstances. Placing your shower at the back of the bathroom or in a side alcove can help to minimize spillover; alternatively, using a glass partition or shower door will allow you to see directly into the shower space beyond, maintaining the curbless design while keeping water associated with bathing confined.
Rounded Features
Rounded bathroom features pose less of an injury risk than the sharp corners often incorporated in bathroom design. Especially in a smaller bathroom, round features eliminate the corners that can bump into shorter heads and older hips. There are many ways to round out the features of your bathroom, such as rounded vanities and cabinetry, which add softness and depth to your bathroom for a cozier and more inviting atmosphere. Using a rounded tub, particularly a freestanding tub, is another great way to soften your bathroom in terms of both stylistic design and physical features to minimize the risk of bumps or bruises associated with the sharp edges of a built-in tub deck.
If you’re planning a bathroom remodeling project near Pompano Beach, we can help you select the perfect products for both safety and style. We invite you to explore our inventory of tubs, faucets, sinks, toilets, and accessories on our website, or check out our blog for more design tips, information, and news.
ESO Decorative Plumbing 