Remodeling a bathroom for aging in place doesn’t mean giving up comfort or style. With the right updates, you can create a space that’s safe, functional, and still full of charm.
In this post, I’m sharing seven things to include in an aging in place bathroom remodel, inspired by two small-space projects. These ideas are practical, beautiful, and designed to make everyday routines easier now and in the future.
With over 25 years of interior design experience, I’ve helped many families update their homes; however, these two bathroom renovations were especially special. My sister wanted her spaces to feel light, bright, and timeless while being easier to use as the years go on.
Whether you're planning for a loved one or yourself, these aging-in-place bathroom design tips offer comfort and peace of mind without sacrificing beauty.
Aging in Place Bathroom Remodel Tips
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1. Install a Walk-In Shower
We replaced the bathtub at her coastal house renovation with a compact walk-in shower unit that has a low threshold. It includes a handheld shower head and fixed shower combo for flexibility.
While there wasn’t space for a built-in bench, there’s enough room for a small shower bench in the future.
Removing the tub opened up the bathroom layout, allowing for the addition of more storage. If you plan to use a wheelchair, opt for a larger shower with no threshold, which helps people using walkers or wheelchairs.
2. Add Secure Grab Bars That Blend In
In the hometown bathroom, we kept the tub, so adding a grab bar was essential. We chose a champagne bronze grab bar to match the light fixtures and other accessories, blending safety with style.
It’s a perfect example of how functional modifications like this can still look beautiful and support balance and stability.
3. Use Non-Slip Flooring
In the coastal bathroom, we used waterproof luxury vinyl planks. They're soft underfoot and naturally slip-resistant, reducing the risk of slipping.
In the hometown bathroom, we chose a matte-finish floor tile that’s ADA-friendly and offers better traction. The first option is easy to clean and comfortable underfoot, especially for homeowners with mobility concerns.
Here’s a designer tip: the more grout you have, the better the slip resistance. But the tradeoff? More grout also means more to clean, and it can get dirty fast. Just keeping it real!
4. Choose Comfort-Height Vanity and Toilets
Both bathrooms feature 36-inch-high vanities, which reduce the need to bend and are more comfortable to use daily.
While the current toilets are still standard toilets, you can easily replace them with taller toilets or ones with built-in bidets and accessible toilet seats later.
Adding extra height is one of those universal design principles that helps with overall ease and hygiene.
Note: most vanities you buy at hardware stores comes in 36″ now.
5. Incorporate Easy-to-Reach Storage
Accessible storage was key in both remodels. We used drawer-style vanities in both bathrooms.
Tall linen cabinets like the one in our coastal bathroom remodel.
We also used mirrored medicine cabinets, which we used in both bathrooms. In the coastal bathroom, we put an extra large one over the toilet. It not only provided more storage but also made the tiny niche look larger.
In town, we used two mirrored medicine cabinets on each side of a larger mirror in the middle. You may overlook it if you visit and think it is all one big mirror.
You can see here that there is a mirror medicine cabinet right next to a wall mirror. We later added a mirror to the side of the medicine cabinet for a seamless look.
There are two medicine cabinets. One on each side of the large wall mirror. This is a great way to add storage to your bathroom, where it is almost invisible.
Medicine cabinets are great for storing toiletries, shampoo, toilet paper, and medicine within easy reach.
This helps minimize bending and reaching while supporting independence and a senior-friendly bathroom layout.
6. Brighten Up the Bathroom with Light and Reflection
We layered lighting with vanity light fixtures, recessed ceiling lights, and overhead options, all controlled by separate switches for improved visibility and control.
The coastal house features a vanity with three lights, recessed over the shower, and a basket light to add a cozy coastal vibe. Bonus is the beautiful pattern it created on the ceiling.
In town, we installed a four-light fixture and recessed lights in the bathroom.
Alabaster White paint by Sherwin Williams, with its high Light Reflectance Value, helps reduce glare and bounce light throughout the room. We also used large mirrors to reflect light and open up the space.
Here is Alabaster at the coast.
And here it is in town.
In the coastal bathroom, a cordless Roman shade on the window allows for natural light during the day and privacy at night. It’s easy to open and close, even for seniors with limited mobility or arthritis.
7. Use Lever Handles and Easy-to-Grip Hardware
While we used glass and brass knobs in the coastal bathroom and pulls in the hometown one, I always recommend lever handles for doors and faucets when designing an accessible bathroom.
They’re much easier to operate for people with arthritis or other mobility issues. These small changes follow aging-in-place guidelines, making everyday tasks easier for everyone, including those with disabilities.
Note: Just a quick heads-up, while I studied design in college and learned a lot about accessibility, this post doesn’t cover the turning radius needed for a wheelchair. If you're planning a full wheelchair-accessible bathroom, you may want to consult other resources for those specific details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “aging in place” mean in a bathroom remodel?
It means designing the bathroom so that it remains safe, accessible, and easy to use as you age without compromising comfort or personal style. This often involves universal design, ADA considerations, and guidance from a certified aging-in-place specialist (CAPS).
Can a small bathroom support aging in place design?
Yes! These two makeovers demonstrate that even compact spaces can accommodate universal design and key modifications, such as grab bars, showers with grab bars instead of tub grab bars, and accessible bathroom features that enhance safety and comfort.
Do grab bars always look medical or industrial?
Not anymore. With finishes like champagne bronze, they can blend right in and look like part of your home’s original design. With beautiful grab bar designs, they are great for any age now.
Final Thoughts
These seven aging-in-place bathroom remodel ideas show you can plan for the future and enjoy a beautiful, welcoming space.
Whether working with a contractor or doing your renovation, small details like grout choice, threshold levels, and toilet-paper holder placement matter.
The Americans with Disabilities Act has inspired many design updates, but your bathroom doesn’t have to feel institutional. With the right products (Lowe's has a whole section here) and thoughtful design like those featured in AARP’s HomeFit Guide, your space can feel just like home.
Have you remodeled a senior friendly bathroom or are you planning one soon? I’d love to hear what features you found most helpful or what you're considering! Leave a comment below and join the conversation.
Do you know my sister has a blog, too?
She’s the one whose bathroom we just remodeled! Cindy writes beautifully over at Old Age is Not for Sissies, a heartfelt and honest look at growing older with strength, humor, and a little Southern charm. If you enjoyed this post, I think you’ll love her perspective too.
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Happy Decorating!
Thank you, Linda! I love my two new bathrooms!