January 2008
FORM AND FUNCTION Grab bars can meld seamlessly and stylishly, as shown above.
Universal design can be accessible and stylish
While it takes its cues from the Americans With Disabilities Act, universal design helps make any space work for everyone.
Tips from Mary Jo Peterson, a universal-design expert in Brookfield, Conn.:
Doors
Simple solutions. Switch a doorknob to a lever and remove or countersink the door sill between rooms. Wheelchairs typically require a doorway 34 to 36 inches wide. Open-out doors or fold-flat hinges may suffice.
Stylish options. Use twin, 18-inch pocket doors, which slide into the wall on each side.
Support grips
Simple solutions. Use grab bars in the toilet and bath areas. Anchor them in 3/4-inch-thick plywood behind the sheetrock.
Stylish options. Hafele, a German brand, offers grab bars in a range of colors. The bars are nonslip nylon, preferred over metal.
Toilets
Simple solutions. Taller, comfort-height toilets are a plus for those with bad backs and weak leg muscles. Elongated bowls are more versatile than round ones. Wheelchairs require a space at least 30 inches wide by 48 inches deep in front of the toilet.
Stylish options. Wall-mounted toilets can be installed at any height and are available from American Standard’s Porcher line. Open-ended toilet-paper holders are simpler to use than spring-loaded holders.
Tubs
Simple solutions. Build tubs into a “deck” you can sit on before getting into the water. Put controls and faucets on the sides. Put a hand-held showerhead on the wall or deck.
Stylish options. Ease entry with grab bars and an undermount tub.
Shower stalls
Simple solutions. Use a curtain for stand-alone showers. Angle the floor to direct water toward the drain. Put controls near the entryway so they’re reachable from outside. Use textured tiles, grab bars, and a seat.
Stylish options. A built-in seating platform adds security and a spalike feel.
Sinks
Simple solutions. With two sinks, consider one that’s taller to reduce bending. Sinks should be at least 29 inches high by 30 inches wide to allow adequate knee space beneath.
Stylish options. Four-legged consoles, including recessed or countertop bowls, are a trendy alternative to vanities. Wide consoles can accommodate wheelchairs, as can wall-mounted sinks and sink counters that leave space below them.
Faucets
Simple solutions. Avoid rounded, smooth faucet controls that can be difficult to grip. Look for antiscald features.
Stylish options. Faucets with wide levers or a spout with a single-handle control are both stylish and easiest to use.
Doors
Simple solutions. Switch a doorknob to a lever and remove or countersink the door sill between rooms. Wheelchairs typically require a doorway 34 to 36 inches wide. Open-out doors or fold-flat hinges may suffice.
Stylish options. Use twin, 18-inch pocket doors, which slide into the wall on each side.
Support grips
Simple solutions. Use grab bars in the toilet and bath areas. Anchor them in 3/4-inch-thick plywood behind the sheetrock.
Stylish options. Hafele, a German brand, offers grab bars in a range of colors. The bars are nonslip nylon, preferred over metal.
Toilets
Simple solutions. Taller, comfort-height toilets are a plus for those with bad backs and weak leg muscles. Elongated bowls are more versatile than round ones. Wheelchairs require a space at least 30 inches wide by 48 inches deep in front of the toilet.
Stylish options. Wall-mounted toilets can be installed at any height and are available from American Standard’s Porcher line. Open-ended toilet-paper holders are simpler to use than spring-loaded holders.
Tubs
Simple solutions. Build tubs into a “deck” you can sit on before getting into the water. Put controls and faucets on the sides. Put a hand-held showerhead on the wall or deck.
Stylish options. Ease entry with grab bars and an undermount tub.
Shower stalls
Simple solutions. Use a curtain for stand-alone showers. Angle the floor to direct water toward the drain. Put controls near the entryway so they’re reachable from outside. Use textured tiles, grab bars, and a seat.
Stylish options. A built-in seating platform adds security and a spalike feel.
Sinks
Simple solutions. With two sinks, consider one that’s taller to reduce bending. Sinks should be at least 29 inches high by 30 inches wide to allow adequate knee space beneath.
Stylish options. Four-legged consoles, including recessed or countertop bowls, are a trendy alternative to vanities. Wide consoles can accommodate wheelchairs, as can wall-mounted sinks and sink counters that leave space below them.
Faucets
Simple solutions. Avoid rounded, smooth faucet controls that can be difficult to grip. Look for antiscald features.
Stylish options. Faucets with wide levers or a spout with a single-handle control are both stylish and easiest to use.
