Bathroom Grab Rails Buying Guide | More Ability

Published: 17 July 2020 · Last Updated: 23 March 2023

What Are Bathroom Grab Rails For?

Grab rails and grab bars are a great fall prevention addition to any bath or shower room. Bathroom grab rails help enhance balance and act as a stability and reassurance aid in a wet and high-risk area of the home.

As well as providing reassurance when moving around, bathroom grab rails can assist with specific mobility issues such as needing help getting in and out of the bath or shower.

Types Of Bathroom Grab Rails

There are various Grab rails for bathrooms available depending on individual wants, needs, and requirements. Below we offer our expert opinion on the top four bathroom grab rail options.

Straight Horizontal Bathroom Grab Rails

Straight horizontal bathroom grab rails are installed where a push support is necessary typically in an area where seating and standing movement is required, like getting on (push support getting down) and off (push support getting up) the toilet.

Straight Vertical Bathroom Grab Rails

Secondly, you have straight vertical bathroom grab rails which are perfect where a pulling movement is required. Similar to the above, these can be installed in a location where you would prefer to pull yourself up rather than push, perhaps in an area where you need support getting up and out of a wheelchair or even entry/exit into the bathroom itself if you are confronted with a step.

Angled Bathroom Grab Rails

Angled bathroom grab rails which are also straight but installed on a slant and provide a combination of half vertical & half horizontal benefits as they can be used to aid with either a pushing or a pulling movement. These ideal for the bath, where you might require a few different grip options.

Folding Bathroom Grab Rails

If you have limited space, or require slide transfers to the toilet, then folding bathroom grab bars are ideal. This style of grab bar folds out when needed, and then folds flat against the wall when not in use, freeing up space in the room

Can Bathroom Grab Rails Still Look Stylish?

Absolutely. although this specific safety feature once screamed ‘institutional’ - the traditional and sterile public-restroom look is often the one reason that people resist installing them - recent innovations mean there’s now a large number of appealing options available.

For example, a minimally designed, wavy, chrome bathroom grab rail (as below) situated in a cream, grey and or beige suite would offer a stylish and more luxurious look and feel without compromising on safety.

There are various styles and features available ensure your suite remains both safe and easy on the eye.

Polished Chrome Bathroom Grab Rail

This is probably the most attractive bathroom grab rail option, but can be slippy when in use or wet. They also come in a wavey design for extra style.

Plastic Finish Bathroom Grab Rail

The traditional white plastic is more clinical looking solution, but is warm to the touch and hardwearing.

Slip Resistant Bathroom Grab Rail

Ultra safe thanks to a coated surface, but these bathroom grab rails may be uncomfortable when gripping if you have sensitive hands.

High contrast Bathroom Grab Rail

Bathroom grab rails with bright and fluorescent colours are perfect for those who suffer with a visual impairment or from conditions like dementia.

Of course, bathroom grab rails are just one option. If getting in and out of the bath safely is becoming more difficult, you could consider a walk in bath.

It’s important in the design and planning stage to establish where additional support is required so it can be planned into the design, ensuring everything within the installation fits perfectly and works in harmony. This will ensure a safe and practical solution that works for today, tomorrow and many years to come.

If you wish to find out more about the bathroom safety options available for you, call us to speak to one of our friendly design experts. Alternatively, you can book an online design appointment or visit one of our showrooms.

Bathroom Grab Rails For Elderly And Disabled

Throughout this article, we have broken down a range of bathroom grab rail options that come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, and styles.

Dependent on your needs it is advisable that when you are thinking of installing bathroom grab rails you seek advice from professionals to help you choose the most appropriate bathroom grab rail option that meets your individual requirements and needs.

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