European Bathroom Design - Why Is it Becoming A Popular Choice

So, you got your eyes on those European bathroom designs and applications you see on the glossy papers of the magazines and papers? Thinking you cannot afford it? Now, it is not impossible at all. All you need to have is the right combinations of fine bathroom package and essentials. You can easily live in a house with a European influence by having your bathroom affixed with the right pieces of European-inspired furniture, equipments, devices, and storage cabinets.

To help you in conceptualizing European bathroom design, here are the following must-haves:

First, and the most popular choice, is having a frameless shower doors. This is typical in a European home. Frameless bathroom doors have in fact originated in Europe. These are great choice not only for aesthetical reasons but for safety as well. They emanate a grand, elegant effect because they make your bathroom look and feel so different.

Apart from that, a frameless bathroom shower door is easy to maintain. So, having one is also a way to keep your European bathroom spotless. It is usually constructed out of materials that have passed rigid safety tests. And this is the reason why frameless bathroom doors are sold widely in the US.

You can get a frameless bathroom shower door that come as package together with the new tub or shower unit. If you don’t want as complete package, you can have one that can be fitted over your standard tub.

When purchasing as a separate unit, it is important to consider mainly the sizing that matches your existing tub or shower unit. You don’t want the hassles of tripping back to the store where you purchased the wrong one to replace it, so make sure you have checked this issue.

Next must-have is a shower that has its nozzle stuck onto the wall. Floor drain is another vital European thing that must come with this shower concept.

Curtains are essential. While there are many kinds of curtains available, choose the right one. Curtains can actually pass as optional, but having those lovely designed curtains will surely push your new bathroom like it is into uniquely elegant place.

Half-tub and bidet are other must-haves. Half tub allows you to sit and not lie down. The bidet on the other hand is the kind that lets you clean some parts of your body that are not often tanned.

Having these essentials will make it easy to conceptualize your new European bathroom design. And since this is most likely new venture for you, always consult a professional.

By Anthony Lee

Handicap Shower Safety - 10 Money Saving Keys to Fall Proof Your Shower Area

Is your bathroom full of potential life threatening hazards? Consider the hard surfaces (toilet, bathtub, counter, towel racks) that can deliver swift blows on the way down from a fall. Or, the loose throw rugs that make that room so cozy…and so deadly when feet get tangled in them. Falls account for nearly 6,000 deaths each year and 5.1 million injuries. It takes a split second, a misjudged step, a few drops of water on the floor, or many other combination’s to set in motion this potentially life altering event.

Showers and the elderly or disabled can mean squeaky clean or surely injured if care is not taken to ensure safety. One fall can cause a downward spiral for quality of life and independence. To avoid becoming one of nearly 5.1 million who are injured in falls, take action on the following 10 safety tips. Everyone will benefit.

Safety Tip One

Water tends to stick around for a while even in dangerous places. You MUST have a bath mat outside your shower. Safety grid or rubber brush mats provide secure traction on wet surfaces, are stiffer than the pretty throw rug and safer with walker use.

Safety Tip Two

Glass can be just as deadly as water. Many bathtubs have sliding glass doors. Remove these (and the frame which can catch fragile toes) and replace them with a shower curtain rod and shower curtain. There are several reasons for this, most importantly, the danger of cuts, bleeding and potential death from falling into that glass.

Safety Tip Three

When balance and strength are an issue, a tub transfer bench eliminates stepping in and out and allows easy access from the seated position at all times. This will not work with glass doors or in a shower-only stall. Tub transfer benches are NOT shower or tub chairs, which fit entirely inside the tub or shower.

Safety Tip Four

Today’s economy is pressing money saving measures from every angle. Medical equipment does not have to be the exception. Your most basic shower bench or bathtub chair will be the cheapest. Prices climb, though, when you add a back, arm holds and other accessories. (Remember Medicare considers the entire set up a luxury — exception being a 3-in-one bedside commode.) Skip the entire cost by using a plastic patio chair! You likely have one, with a back and arms too!

Safety Tip Five

No matter what type of bench or chair you use, ALWAYS use a no-slip mat as well. This mat MUST contain each leg of your chair or bench (inside the tub) especially if you are using a plastic patio chair. Sitting height is not adjustable on a patio chair tending towards more pressure against the slippery floor to try and stand. Use caution and grab bars.

Safety Tip Six

Diagonal Grab Bar placement should be avoided. Rule of thumb follows that for pulling up from a seated position place the bar horizontally. For stepping in and out assistance place the bar vertically. Diagonal placements can allow frail hands to slip downward on the very aid that was designed to help. Smart placement is the key.

Safety Tip Seven

Built-in shower seats look good in a picture but can become a water slide in reality. Simply place a folded towel on this surface to provide more traction. Yes, the towel gets wet and yes, it pads a frail bottom and yes, your loved ones will thank you for that.

Safety Tip Eight

Suction Cup grab bars are great! BUT… if you need moderate assistance to get in and out of the tub, stick with an installed grab bar. Suction cup bars are not fail proof and can pull the tile off a wall given the proper load. However, no tools are necessary to set up, they are completely portable and boast flexible position changing as needed.

Safety Tip Nine

Do not trust your safety to the shower curtain rod, the towel rack or the washcloth rack in the shower. These were designed to hold a wet towel at the most… and every one needing grab bar assistance weighs more than a wet towel. Keep in mind, though, that when building or modifying for safety, installed grab bars make nice towel racks and can then double in purpose.

Safety Tip Ten

Consider the health giving effects of a shower, even sitting on a bench. Water of various temperatures on the body can be calming, soothing and healing far more than we realize. Your safety is number one. Protect your health as well. Be persistent in gaining the strength, balance and mobility needed to enjoy this health giving aspect of life.

More than 70% of all falls in a home happen in the bathroom making it one of the most feared rooms of the house. However, the necessity of the bathroom remains. Move forward with caution and confidence with these 10 Safety tips.

By Marcia Oliver