ADA-Compliant Bathroom Furniture You Need to Know About

When outfitting your restroom, you need to ensure it is accessible and functional for all who may use it. A key component is having ADA-compliant bathroom furniture that allows for ample clearance and easy access regardless of one's mobility. As you shop for essential pieces, keep ADA guidelines in mind so all your guests feel comfortable.

Choosing a Spacious Vanity

As you look for a vanity, pay special attention to the clearance underneath. According to Family Handyman, vanities should be 34 inches or higher to be ADA-compliant. This allows space for a wheelchair to maneuver. Also, consider the depth; try to allow for a close frontal approach with ample knee clearance. Wall-mounted sinks allow for more flexibility than vanities with below-counter storage. However, there are some ADA-friendly vanities available with reduced toe-kick or detachable cabinet doors to accommodate wheelchairs. Measure the space in your space and look for bathroom furniture like vanities labeled as ADA-compliant.

Picking Open, Accessible Shelving

When adding shelves or cabinets for storage, you'll want to opt for open or glass-front designs per ADA guidelines. Enclosed cabinets with doors and drawers are tricky for some users to access. ADA standards don't allow cabinets to impede on the minimum clear floor space for a wheelchair-turning radius. Focus instead on open or glass-front bathroom furniture pieces placed higher up on the wall, leaving ample space underneath. Floating wall-mounted shelves are great for neatly storing folded towels and toiletries, or consider glass-front cabinets to clearly display items while keeping shelves within easy reach.

Finding ADA-Compliant Seating

Seating in the restroom provides an important place to rest or change clothes for those with disabilities. As you shop for bathroom furniture like stools or benches, look for seat heights ranging between 17 and 19 inches per ADA regulations. Seats shouldn't be sprung to inadvertently bounce someone off while sitting down or getting back up. If you have the space, benches and stools with arm supports also assist with transfers and positional changes. Seats with non-slip rubber feet allow bench seating to be moved wherever needed; just be sure they don't present a tripping hazard. Freestanding stools tuck beside vanities, while corner benches maximize unused space.

As you design and furnish your dream restroom, consider solutions like vanities with removable cabinet doors, wall-mounted sinks, glass-front cabinetry, and open shelving. Coupled with proper ADA-compliant seating, you can create a comfortable, functional, and accessible bath for all your guests. If you're looking for ADA-compliant bathroom furniture, visit us to find the best products for your space.

Tags: bathroom furniture