Creating an accessible bathroom is about more than just safety — it’s about comfort, dignity, and making daily life easier. Whether you’re adapting your home for an elderly relative, recovering from surgery, or planning to age in place, the right features can transform your bathroom into a secure, stylish, and easy-to-use space.
At Showering Easy, we specialise in accessible bathroom installations across Hertfordshire and North London, helping clients choose practical and attractive solutions tailored to their needs. In this post, we’ll outline the must-have features for an accessible bathroom — and how to create a space that works for the long term.
1. Level-Access or Walk-In Shower
The cornerstone of any accessible bathroom is a shower that’s easy to enter and exit. You have two main options:
✅ Walk-in Shower
Features a low-profile tray and a glass screen, offering a safer alternative to climbing over a bath.
✅ Level-access shower or wet room
Has no step at all, making it ideal for wheelchair users or those using walking aids.
Learn more: Can I Install a Level Access Shower in Place of a Bath?
2. Non-Slip Flooring
Slips and falls are the most common bathroom hazards, especially for people with limited mobility or poor balance. We recommend:
Non-slip safety vinyl
Textured floor tiles
Waterproof slip-resistant coatings
These options reduce fall risk while still looking clean and contemporary.
Also read: How to Make Your Bathroom Safer for Elderly Relatives
3. Grab Rails and Support Bars
Well-placed grab rails can make all the difference when it comes to safety and confidence. We typically install them near:
The shower entrance or seat
Beside the toilet
At entry points to provide balance
Rails come in a range of finishes — including chrome, white, or matte black — so they integrate seamlessly into your design.
4. Fold-Down Shower Seat
A secure shower seat makes it possible to wash comfortably while seated — perfect for those with fatigue, joint pain, or balance issues.
Choose from:
Wall-mounted, fold-down seats
Freestanding or mobile options
Padded versions for added comfort
See related: What Features Make a Shower Accessible?
5. Thermostatic or Easy-Use Controls
Standard taps and shower controls can be fiddly and inconsistent — which is why we recommend:
Thermostatic mixers that maintain safe, steady water temperature
Lever-operated taps that are easier to grip
Large, clearly labelled dials or push-button controls
These minimise the risk of scalding and allow users with limited hand strength to shower safely and independently.
6. Accessible Toilet and Basin
Standard toilets and basins may be too low, too cramped, or difficult to access. We can fit:
Raised-height toilets for easier sitting and standing
Wall-hung or pedestal basins with clearance underneath for wheelchairs
Single-lever basin taps for easier control
For those who require carer support, we can also install half-height doors in wet rooms for assisted bathing.
7. Good Lighting and Visibility
Poor lighting can lead to accidents and disorientation. An accessible bathroom should include:
Bright overhead LED lighting
Task lights over mirrors
Night lights or motion-sensor LEDs for nighttime use
Colour contrast between fixtures and walls for visual clarity
This is especially important for people with visual impairments or early dementia.
8. Safe Storage and Clear Floor Space
Accessible bathrooms should be free of trip hazards, so it’s important to:
Mount shelves and storage units at reachable heights
Avoid clutter on the floor
Use recessed storage wherever possible to save space
A clean layout not only enhances safety but makes the bathroom easier to navigate.
9. Full Waterproofing (Optional Wet Room)
For users with high care needs or wheelchair use, a fully waterproofed wet room is often the best option. This allows water to run directly to a built-in floor drain with no risk of leakage, and no need to contain water within a tray or screen.
Read more: Walk-In Shower vs Wet Room: Which Is Best for Your Home?
How Much Does an Accessible Bathroom Cost?
Prices vary depending on your space, needs, and materials — but here’s a rough guide:
Basic adaptations: from £2,500
Walk-in shower + safety features: £3,000–£5,000
Full disabled wet room installation: £6,000–£9,000+
We offer fixed-price quotes and free home surveys so you’ll know exactly what’s involved before committing.
Need Help with Funding?
If the bathroom is being adapted for medical or mobility reasons, you may qualify for a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) through your local council. We can help you prepare a quotation and advise on how to apply.
Ready to Build a Safer, More Comfortable Bathroom?
At Showering Easy, we’re experts in accessible bathroom design and installation. Whether you’re adapting for a relative, planning ahead, or responding to a recent change in needs, we can help you choose the right features for your space, lifestyle, and budget.
We work across Hertfordshire and North London, providing:
Free home surveys and honest advice
Tailored designs for every ability level
Fixed-price, high-quality installations
Book your free quote today and let’s talk about making your bathroom safer, more comfortable, and future-ready.