Using Decorative Grab Bars and Towel Bars to Add Security and Style
Who really wants their shower or bathroom to look like a hospital room or somebody's grandmother lives there? There in lies the challenge with choosing a grab bar for a shower or bathroom project in a residential home.
The first places these types of safety handrails were used were in institutional settings (hospitals, schools etc.
) where function and security were all that mattered.
These original bars did not need to win any style points.
This situation no longer exists.
Fortunately people are living longer and they want to stay and enjoy their homes - but unfortunately most existing shower and bath spaces don't function well if a person's mobility is not what it used to be.
What can you do to have style, function and safety in your bathroom without breaking the bank or a hip? One solution can be choosing decorative grab bars or increased safety bathroom accessories.
Here's 5 steps to guide you through this process.
Step 1 - Identify the features and benefits you need - Since these bars and accessories come in many sizes, shapes and styles you'll want to identify what features and benefits are most important to you.
Some items to consider are:
When the project is in the rough framing stage add wood backing in places where you think you might need some type of support in the future.
This planning will allow you to add decorative safety rails down the road and will maximize the amount of support this bar will provide.
Step 3 - Consider the weight capacity required and where you'll want additional support- How much do the people weigh who will be using the bathroom/shower space? The weight capacities of these decorative units can range between 250 and 350 pounds.
In addition you'll want to consider where you'll want (either now or in the future) this additional support.
If you're looking inside a tub/shower area you can use bath accessories like soap dishes, corner shelves, around the bath/shower valves, and grab bars to add more support.
Outside the wet area you may also want more support from a towel bar holder or your toilet roll holder.
Step 4 - Determine what plumbing fixture finishes you'll be using - Decorative grab bars are available in many different finishes so you'll want to match them up with your other fixtures.
Finishes you can choose from include powdered coated white, polished brass, polished chrome, polished nickel, oil rubbed bronze, wrought iron, satin nickel to name just a few.
Step 5 - Get help with an eye on universal design expertise - Designing a safe and stylish bathroom is no small feat.
Don't just look for a handyman with a hammer - find the people with the highest level of design and construction expertise to help you.
Ask potential contractors if they have any universal design background.
Visit web sites like the Universal Design Living Laboratory to get more ideas on creating a safe, functional cool space for your bathroom project.
Now that you're equipped with these 5 steps you're ready to order the right decorative grab bar or bathroom accessory for your new home or remodeling project.
The first places these types of safety handrails were used were in institutional settings (hospitals, schools etc.
) where function and security were all that mattered.
These original bars did not need to win any style points.
This situation no longer exists.
Fortunately people are living longer and they want to stay and enjoy their homes - but unfortunately most existing shower and bath spaces don't function well if a person's mobility is not what it used to be.
What can you do to have style, function and safety in your bathroom without breaking the bank or a hip? One solution can be choosing decorative grab bars or increased safety bathroom accessories.
Here's 5 steps to guide you through this process.
Step 1 - Identify the features and benefits you need - Since these bars and accessories come in many sizes, shapes and styles you'll want to identify what features and benefits are most important to you.
Some items to consider are:
- Choosing an ergonomic universal design- curved and rounded designs are easier to grip than straight designs.
Also a research study done by the University of Buffalo determined a wave or curved designed bar was more ergonomic than a straight bar due to the angle of a bar when a person gripped the bar. - Determining if you need a smooth or textured grip
- Identifying the length of the bar - these units can vary in length from 24" to up to 54" long.
- Consider looks and style -function is important - a stylish design combined with function is even better.
- Determine if you would prefer a healthier product- Some bars are made with Saniguard to reduce the risk of bacteria, mold and mildew.
When the project is in the rough framing stage add wood backing in places where you think you might need some type of support in the future.
This planning will allow you to add decorative safety rails down the road and will maximize the amount of support this bar will provide.
Step 3 - Consider the weight capacity required and where you'll want additional support- How much do the people weigh who will be using the bathroom/shower space? The weight capacities of these decorative units can range between 250 and 350 pounds.
In addition you'll want to consider where you'll want (either now or in the future) this additional support.
If you're looking inside a tub/shower area you can use bath accessories like soap dishes, corner shelves, around the bath/shower valves, and grab bars to add more support.
Outside the wet area you may also want more support from a towel bar holder or your toilet roll holder.
Step 4 - Determine what plumbing fixture finishes you'll be using - Decorative grab bars are available in many different finishes so you'll want to match them up with your other fixtures.
Finishes you can choose from include powdered coated white, polished brass, polished chrome, polished nickel, oil rubbed bronze, wrought iron, satin nickel to name just a few.
Step 5 - Get help with an eye on universal design expertise - Designing a safe and stylish bathroom is no small feat.
Don't just look for a handyman with a hammer - find the people with the highest level of design and construction expertise to help you.
Ask potential contractors if they have any universal design background.
Visit web sites like the Universal Design Living Laboratory to get more ideas on creating a safe, functional cool space for your bathroom project.
Now that you're equipped with these 5 steps you're ready to order the right decorative grab bar or bathroom accessory for your new home or remodeling project.
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