Furniture Design Ideas

Responsive lighting concepts for nocturnal visits to the bathroom include motion-sensor lighting and night lighting that fades on and off. In addition, recognize that task lighting appropriate to the activities of the user must be planned. For example, if this is to be a reading station, plan the lighting for it. Ventilation and lighting controls […]

Controls in the Toileting Center Toilets with the push lever centered on the top of the tank are a great universal concept in that they are easy to use with equal access from either side, however, the unique location my confuse some people with cognitive or visual impairments. Standard flushing levers should be on the […]

Grab bars should be planned at the toilet area. Grab bars can be used to assist with balance and limited strength when sitting down and standing up; and aid in transferring onto the toilet from a wheelchair. Attention should be given to visual cueing in the selection of grab bars. For example, white grab bars […]

There are great advances in the design of toilets, allowing for specification of a fixture that better supports transfer and ease of use. The complexities of transfer onto and off of the toilet make this a space where each situation may have a different "best practice." Transfer from a wheelchair to a toilet seat relies […]

Clear Floor Space in the Toileting Center Clear floor space around the toilet is a changing need at all ages. Learning to use the toilet is a major development in early childhood. Often temporary solutions are found to make a standard toilet the appropriate size for young children. The clear floor space that is used […]

The NKBA Guidelines and Access Standards that relate to the bathing and shower center are: 3, 4, 9, 10, 1 1, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, and 36. Responsive Design Summary: The Bathing and Shower Center • Sensory • Universal design recommendations • Specify control valves with […]

Use slip-resistant flooring inside and outside a bathing area to reduce falls. While no floor is slip-free when wet, some texture, whether inherent or applied to the floor surface can reduce the risk. In addition, the judicious use of contrast and texture can indicate wet versus dry areas, the edge or borders of the shower […]

As eyes age, it becomes difficult to differentiate colors with minimal contrast, such as navy, black, brown, or pastels. Colors and patterns should be chosen with consideration of the total room in terms of contrast and light. Use matte or low-sheen surfaces that reduce glare. Contrast created by placing light objects against darker backgrounds, or […]

Plan for the option of sitting in the shower and when entering and/or bathing in the tub. This can be done with an integrated design or as an added product, and there are guidelines for the plan­ning and specification of the seat or surface. Whether in a shower or tub, the recommended depth of the […]

When choosing towel bars, soap holders, and even the bar on which a handheld spray slides, keep in mind that for a person who needs a support, anything within reach will be used, and consider specifying only those accessories that will hold the weight and function as grab bars if called on to do so. […]