How to Design a Bathroom That Works for Every Age

A well-designed bathroom isn’t just about what looks good today it’s about creating a space that continues to work for you and your family over time. Whether you have young children, ageing parents, or are planning for the future, designing a bathroom that works for every age is a smart, long-lasting investment.

At Bathing Machine, we’ve been helping Surrey families plan bathrooms for real life for over 30 years. Here are our top tips for designing a bathroom that’s safe, stylish and suitable for everyone.

You don’t need to sacrifice style for accessibility. Planning for movement, reach and ease of use early on can save time and costly changes later. Think wide doorways, walk-in showers without thresholds, and lever taps that are easier to operate than traditional twist models.

Top tip: Consider future-proofing with a level-access shower tray or wet room layout even if you don’t need it right now, it’s a smart move for later years.

For children, older adults and everyone in between, safe flooring is essential. Look for tiles with a slip rating suitable for wet areas. These come in all styles, from stone-effect to sleek modern finishes, so there’s no need to compromise on design.

Look for: R-rated or textured porcelain tiles for better grip underfoot.

Bathroom clutter can be both frustrating and hazardous. Aim for a mix of low, mid and high-level storage to keep essentials within easy reach for everyone.

• Low drawers for children’s bath toys
• Mid-height cupboards for everyday toiletries
• High shelving for less-used items or breakables

Clever idea: Vanity units with deep drawers are ideal for shared spaces and can reduce bending down.

Whether it’s a toddler learning to wash their hands or an adult with limited mobility, comfort and stability matter. You might want to include:

• Grab bars in key locations (there are sleek, modern designs now available)
• Soft-close toilet seats
• Adjustable-height shower heads
• Temperature-controlled taps to reduce the risk of scalding

A bathroom designed with safety in mind will feel more relaxing for everyone who uses it.

Good lighting is crucial especially as we age. Use layered lighting: overhead lights for general brightness, task lighting near mirrors, and soft ambient lighting for night-time use.

Pro tip: Install dimmable options or motion-sensor lights for greater flexibility.

Invest in quality. Your basin, bath and fittings should be built to last, not just in durability, but in timeless design. Avoid overly trendy choices that might date quickly, and instead opt for classic finishes with long-term appeal.

A family bathroom gets a lot of use so make cleaning as easy as possible. Wall-hung furniture and rimless toilets reduce hard-to-reach areas, while large-format tiles minimise grout lines.

Designing a bathroom that truly works for all ages can feel like a balancing act but that’s exactly where our expertise comes in. At Bathing Machine, we offer thoughtful, tailored bathroom design services to help you make the right decisions from the very beginning.

We can help you visualise your space, choose the right products, and offer trusted advice whether you’re planning for young children, accessibility, or future-proofing for years to come.