HEWI MAG / knowledge

Modern bathrooms with showers: 8 tips for planning

Level-access showers are indispensable in the modern bathroom – they offer elegant accessibility and more freedom of movement. But for true accessibility and comfort, additional solutions are essential. Here, we will introduce you to the most important 8 of these.

After all, it’s not all about design – functionality and accessibility are decisive. When planning modern, barrier-free bathrooms, it is especially important to find solutions that are both aesthetically attractive and safe and comfortable for every user. A modern bathroom should therefore include the following elements:

1. Floor-level showers for easy access
2. Comfortable seating such as shower seats and stools
3. Hand rails for additional safety
4. Individually adjustable shower-head holding systems
5. Flexible shower curtains for more freedom of movement
6. Practical shower shelves and boxes for storage space
7. Handy hooks for utensils
8. Safety thermostats to prevent scalding

This equipment guarantees accessibility as well as comfort and safety in the bathroom.

THE CHALLENGE OF AN ACCESSIBLE SHOWER

Floor-level showers are popular, as they are aesthetically attractive and also offer users easy access. They make independent showering possible for wheelchair users. But a level-access shower alone isn’t enough. Shower stools, support rails and other products play a crucial role in accessibility. HEWI offers a wide range of products that meet the individual needs of users and make showering as comfortable as possible.

1.     SHOWER STOOLS – COMFORT AND SAFETY IN THE BATHROOM

High-quality shower stools offer a variety of seating and storage options that increase comfort and safety. HEWI shower stools can bear weights of up to 150kg, are hygienic and slip-resistant. Various sizes and shapes mean that there is a shower stool to fit every shower.

Permanently installed shower stools have a hinged seat that allows for more space when needed. They can be equipped with a backrest. As well as the permanently installed or height-adjustable shower stools, the HEWI range also includes mobile models.

You can find more information about our shower stool range  here.

2.     STOOLS – MOBILE SEATING FOR THE MODERN BATHROOM

Stools help people to sit safely in the bathroom and shower. They can be used flexibly and in a number of places. HEWI stools are available with integrated moulded grips and support rails to facilitate standing up and sitting down.

For patients with obesity, HEWI has developed special solutions that promote mobility and independence. The HEWI shower bench can support up to 300 kg and provides safe seating in the shower. Handles on the side offer additional grip.  

3.     SUPPORT RAILS – SAFETY IN THE MODERN BATHROOM WITH SHOWER

Support rails offer safety and assistance in the bathroom by helping users to stand safely. Non-slip surfaces and specially adapted profiles allow dynamic grip and an effective transfer of force. HEWI support rails are multipurpose in use and are available in a range of materials.

The HEWI sealing element ensures a reliable seal. This sealing element can be used with the fixing roses of the HEWI support rails and the System 900 rail systems. The products are designed so that water does not collect on the surfaces and is able to run off. Support rails that can also be used as shower head rails are particularly convenient.

4.     SHOWER-HEAD HOLDER SYSTEMS – CUSTOM DESIGN

Shower sets and shower-head rails are indispensable in every shower. The HEWI system design enables you to create a consistent design throughout the bathroom, starting at the door. HEWI shower-head rails are available in various designs and materials.

The HEWI WARM TOUCH shower-head rails combine the optical qualities of chrome surfaces with the feel of polyamide and are pleasantly warm to the touch. Especially innovative are systems in which the shower rail can also be used as a holding and support rail. The HEWI shower-head rail can be supplemented by shower grab rails :

the new magnetic shower-head holder from HEWI increases the feeling of comfort in the accessible shower. The magnetic function makes adjusting the height very easy, intuitively with one hand and without requiring any strength. The magnetic shower-head holder in available in stainless steel, chrome and powder coated in white, black and grey, and harmonises perfectly with the other HEWI ranges.

5.     SHOWER CURTAINS – SPACE FOR UNRESTRICTED MOVEMENT

Floor-level showers offer more freedom of movement in the sanitary room. Shower screens that can be folded back or shower curtains add to this. Curtains can be pulled to the side when the shower is not in use and offer more room to move, especially in small bathrooms. HEWI shower curtains are available in a wide range of designs, some of which are special coatings to prevent the build-up of mould and mildew, are washable or are flame-resistant in accordance with DIN 4102/B1. The HEWI range also includes various models of curtain rail.

6.     SHOWER SHELVES AND BOXES – PERSONALISED PLACEMENT

Shelves create space in the bathroom. A wide range of shower shelves is available to complement the HEWI sanitary systems. The various sizes ensure that these can be added flexibly at any height. The shelves themselves can be removed from the mounts for easy cleaning. Attachable storage boxes by HEWI are compatible with the rail systemsand don’t require extra drilling.

7.     HOOKS – EVERYDAY LITTLE HELPERS

Hooks allow washing utensils and clothes to be hung up at arms reach to the shower. They are especially practical in small bathrooms, where bulky towel holders would take up too much room. HEWI hooks are available in single or double variants. The chrome look gives the hooks a particularly elegant appearance.

8.     THERMOSTATS – SAFETY IN THE SHOWER

When showering, it is easy for users to touch the hot tap fitting and get scalded. HEWI SAFE TOUCH shower thermostat protects against this hazard. This technology cools the body of the taps from the inside and prevents the surface from heating up. The thermostat also has a hot water lock that prevents scalding and therefore promotes safety in the shower.

Bath and shower: tips for combining the two

The combination of bath tub and shower in a modern bathroom offers both comfort and functionality. Here are a few bath/shower tips to ensure that these are implemented to be accessible and user friendly:

1. slip-resistant surfaces: Non-slip materials in the bath tub and shower area prevent falls and increase safety and comfort.
2. Install support rails: support rails at the bath and in the shower provide additional grip and support.
3. Shower screen or curtain: A shower screen or curtain stops water splashing out of the shower and demarcates the shower area. This helps to keep the bathroom dry and safe.
4. Step: A step or a stool can make it easier to get in and out of the bath, especially for older persons or those with restricted mobility.

INNOVATIVE ACCESSIBLE SANITARY SOLUTIONS FOR THE SHOWER

With shower seats, stools, support rails, hooks or shower holder systems, thermostats, shower curtains and shower shelves, you can design accessible showers and provide your customers with a comfortable showering experience.

Stay informed

We regularly introduce innovative, accessible bathroom solutions for sanitary facilities. Stay up to date and subscribe to our newsletter.

More topics