Practical design ideas for accessible bathrooms across Australia

Across Australia, approximately 5.5 million people live with a disability, which is around 21.4%, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Designing an accessible bathroom is no longer just a box to tick for compliance, it’s a chance to create spaces that feel safe, dignified and welcoming for everyone.  When it comes to designing a home, it’s essential to place a strong focus on universal design, ensuring bathrooms can support people with mobility challenges, ageing in place or recovering from injury.  With the right approach, accessible bathrooms can still feel stylish and cohesive with the rest of the home’s aesthetics. Here are some key areas to focus on when it comes to designing an accessible bathroom in Australia.

Designing Specifically for Australian Standards

In Australia, bathroom accessibility is predominantly guided by AS 1428.1:2021 Design for Access and Mobility for general access and mobility. This standard is mandatory for public and commercial buildings, not the residential side of things, but many of its principles are seen as best practice for residential projects too.
The aim of AS 1428.1 is simple: Ensure people with mobility aids (wheelchairs, walkers and frames) can safely move within and use their entire space. For the purposes of this article, that’s everything to do with the bathroom.
This often comes down to clearances, circulation spaces, heights and hardware selection. Incorporating these requirements early in the design stage ensures the room layout remains functional, intuitive and easy to navigate.

Accessible Showers: Safe, Modern and Easy to Use

The accessible shower is often the hero of an accessible bathroom design. Unlike older accessible designs that sometimes come off as clinical and cold, there is a range on the market today that is sleek, sophisticated and fits within any bathroom’s vibe.
A compliant accessible shower should ideally have level-entry with no step or hob. This allows smooth wheelchair access and reduces tripping hazards for anyone with limited mobility.
Shower dimensions typically allow for at least 1,600mm by 1,600mm of clear space in public or commercial settings, as per AS 1428.1. It makes for a solid starting point on the residential side. It’s also essential to include a wide opening, non-slip flooring and sufficient space to move a shower wheelchair.
Hardware also matters. Handheld shower wands are essential because they allow the user to bathe while seated. Pairing these with a strong vertical grab rails provides dual functionality, both as a support feature and as height-adjustable shower hardware.

Grab Rails That Fit It and Don’t Have to Stand Out

And speaking of, grab rails are fundamental safety devices, offering stability and confidence in key areas such as the shower, next to the toilet and beside the bath (if necessary). 
The misconception that grab rails must look medical and cold is long gone. Manufacturers can offer designs in matte black, brushed nickel, polished chrome and warm metallics, making them easier to integrate into a home’s aesthetic or feel.
When installing and designing, the placement of the grab rail is critical. Horizontal rails are commonly installed between 800-810mm from the floor. In showers, a combination of horizontal and vertical rails is preferred, providing support for people in both standing and seated positions.
When designing grab rails, it’s important to remember that structural support is non-negotiable. Rails must be installed into reinforced walls or use appropriate mounting systems. Planning for this early in the new build or renovation ensures walls can be properly braced without compromising anything later down the line.

Choosing the Right Toilet for the Job

Selecting compliant toilets for disabled people is another key aspect of an accessible bathroom.
These toilets are typically set at a higher pan height to make transferring from a wheelchair or walker easier. The recommended height for accessible toilets in public settings is between 450-480mm from the finished floor to the top of the seat via AS 1428.1.
For multi-user households or visitor bathrooms, an ambulant toilet may be more appropriate. An ambulant toilet caters to people who don’t use a wheelchair but still need extra support. This could include individuals with temporary injuries, balance challenges or reduced mobility. 

Accessible Tapware That Doesn’t Distract From the Room’s Aesthetic

Accessible tapware may seem like a small detail in the bathroom, but it’s one of the biggest elements of an accessible space. There have been too many horror stories where a person living in a space didn’t have accessible tapware and wasn’t able to turn the water off or down to a desired temperature.
Lever-style handles are widely considered best practice because they’re easy to operate and can be easily used by people with arthritis, wrist issues and/or motor impairments.
In accessible showers, mixer taps should be positioned to allow someone seated to reach them easily without stretching or twisting. This improves usability and reduces the risk of slips. 
Temperature-limiting devices or thermostatic mixing values are also a smart addition, preventing accidental scalding and creating a safer environment for vulnerable users.
For basins, designers/installers should consider installing accessible tapware on the side rather than the back of the sink, especially if it’s designed for wheelchair access. Wall-mounted tapware can also be effective, offering a more streamlined design and safer reach zones.

So, How Do You Create an Accessible Bathroom That Doesn’t Change Your Home’s Aesthetics?

One of the biggest concerns homeowners, designers and renovators may have when planning an accessible bathroom is the fear that it will look clinical. But modern accessible design blends seamlessly with the aesthetics of contemporary Australian homes.
Neutral colour palettes, soft lighting, textured tiles and elegant fixtures, all key elements of modern home designs, can work together to create spaces that feel warm and inviting while also hitting accessibility goals.
When it comes to grab rails, pairing them with matching towel rails or tapware is one of the simplest ways to create cohesion in an accessible bathroom. When these elements share the same finish, they appear intentional rather than clinical. Instead of worrying if the rails will fit in, design the bathroom around the grab rail colours and finishes available.
Using large-format tiles is another effective strategy. Fewer grout lines create a smoother, more streamlined surface, making the bathroom feel more open and uncluttered, a common concern when needing to introduce new elements. 
For people with mobility challenges, this also reduces distractions in the visual field and makes cleaning significantly easier. This is an important factor when designing a space for someone living with dementia, where the colour choice is critical.
When it comes to bathrooms, incorporating timber or timber-look finishes can add warmth without compromising hygiene or durability. There’s no reason why this same effect can’t apply to accessible-friendly bathrooms, too. These materials soften the harder surfaces commonly found in accessible bathrooms, making the space feel more inviting.
Choosing matte finishes is also worth considering, particularly for people with low vision. Glossy tiles and glossy tapware can create glare, which makes navigation and depth perception more difficult. Matte surfaces diffuse light rather than reflecting it, resulting in a softer, safer visual experience.
Creating an accessible bathroom that meets Australian standards doesn’t mean compromising on style or comfort. With thoughtful planning, the right materials and a clear understanding of mobility needs, it’s entirely possible to design a space that feels modern, functional and genuinely supportive for every user.