Your bathroom should be a space where you can relax, unwind and feel completely comfortable, whatever your age.
As we get older, our needs naturally change, but that doesn't mean our homes have to lose their style or character.
Age UK's 2025 research found that 59% of people aged 75 and over never expect to move home again, highlighting the value of creating spaces that continue to work for us over time.
This is where bathroom design for elderly people can make everyday routines easier without compromising on style.
So, how can you make a bathroom more elderly-friendly?
The key is to focus on features that make everyday routines easier, including accessible showers, slip-resistant flooring, practical storage, good lighting and supportive fixtures.
Whether you're planning for your future or creating a more comfortable space for an older family member, we've put together some ideas to help you design a bathroom that's beautiful, accessible and built around your needs.
1. Choose a Walk-In Shower or Low-Threshold Shower
Stepping over the edge of a traditional bathtub can become more difficult as we get older, especially for those with reduced mobility or balance.
One way to make your bathroom more accessible is to replace your bath with a spacious walk-in shower or low-threshold shower tray.
Age UK recommends wet-room-style showers as an option for making bathing easier, as they allow you to walk straight into the shower without climbing over the side of a bath.
For added comfort, consider incorporating a built-in shower seat, handheld showerhead and easy-to-reach controls.
These practical features can blend seamlessly into a modern bathroom, creating a space that feels both stylish and comfortable to use.
For inspiration, take a look at our Camille bathroom project, which features a contemporary walk-in shower.
One way to make your bathroom more accessible is to replace your bath with a spacious walk-in shower or low-threshold shower tray.
2. Improve Lighting and Visibility
Did you know that by the age of 60, we're likely to need three times more light than we did at 20? That's why good lighting is an important part of bathroom design for elderly people.
Illuminated mirrors can be particularly useful for everyday tasks like shaving or brushing your teeth, while well-positioned lighting around the shower and vanity unit can help improve visibility.
Layered lighting can also make a beautiful design feature, as you can see in our Parc Carreg bathroom project, where illuminated mirrors and carefully positioned lighting help create a warm, welcoming space.
Colour contrast is another useful design consideration, particularly for older people with reduced vision.
For example, choosing a toilet seat or grab rail in a contrasting colour to the surrounding fixtures can make these features easier to identify.
And don't forget about those late-night bathroom visits! Soft, motion-activated lighting can help illuminate the way without the need to search for a light switch.
Illuminated mirrors and carefully positioned lighting help create a welcoming space, all while increasing visibility within the bathroom.
3. Opt for Slip-Resistant Flooring
Bathroom floors can become slippery when wet, so choosing the right flooring is an important part of creating a safer space.
Slip-resistant tiles or textured flooring can provide better grip underfoot, helping to reduce the risk of slipping when stepping out of the shower or moving around the bathroom.
Look for flooring with a suitable slip-resistant rating, particularly in areas that are regularly exposed to water. Matt finishes can also help reduce glare from reflected light, making the space more comfortable for those with visual impairments.
Fortunately, you don't have to sacrifice style for practicality. Brands like Ca' Pietra offer a beautiful range of contemporary bathroom tiles, including stone and wood-effect designs with slip-resistant options.
4. Accessible Storage and Easy-to-Use Fixtures
Reduced mobility can make everyday tasks like bending down or reaching into awkward cupboards more challenging, so it's worth thinking carefully about where everything goes in your bathroom.
Keeping everyday essentials within easy reach can make a big difference. Wall-mounted cabinets, pull-out drawers and open shelving at comfortable heights can help older people access their toiletries without unnecessary bending or stretching.
Small details can make a big difference, too. Lever-operated taps can be easier to use for those with reduced hand strength, particularly older adults with arthritis, which can make bathing more comfortable and manageable.
Thoughtfully designed bathroom furniture and fixtures can help older people maintain their independence while creating a space that's practical, comfortable and easy to use.
Lever-operated taps can be easier to use for those with reduced hand strength, particularly older adults with arthritis.
5. Incorporate Supportive Features
Sometimes, it's the smaller details that make the biggest difference to how comfortable and accessible a bathroom feels.
Grab rails are a great example. Installing them beside the toilet or inside the shower can provide extra support when sitting, standing or moving around, particularly for older people who may struggle with balance or mobility.
And they can make a real difference! One study found that people with access to a grab rail were 75.8% more likely to recover their balance when stepping out of a bathtub during a simulated loss of balance.
Make sure any grab rails are securely fitted and positioned to suit the person using them, so they can provide reliable support when needed.
You might also want to consider a comfort-height toilet, which sits slightly higher than a standard toilet and can make sitting down and standing up easier for some people.
How Can We Help?
If you’re wondering how to make a bathroom more elderly friendly, Cwtch Haus's bespoke bathroom design service can help bring your ideas to life.
With over 15 years of industry experience, we understand how to combine stylish design with practical features, helping you create a bathroom that supports comfort, accessibility and independence as you get older.
Our free, no-obligation home measure and design service gives you the opportunity to explore different layouts, finishes and design ideas tailored to your needs.
Get in touch with us at info@cwtchhaus.co.uk and see how we can help you create your dream bathroom.
