Accessible and family friendly bathrooms for Preston homes

Many Preston households include young children, teenagers and older family members under one roof, and plenty of homeowners plan to stay in their homes for decades. A bathroom that works for every age is easier to live with now and adds long term value. These ideas cover the main decisions. Our Reservoir showroom is about 5 to 10 minutes from Preston, and our Preston page has more local advice.

Step free showers

A shower without a hob is easier for everyone, from toddlers to people using a walking frame. It needs correct falls and a well placed drain, often a linear drain. Read floor wastes and linear drains. A wider entry and a fixed glass panel rather than a door gives more room to move.

Grab rails

Grab rails help with balance in the shower and beside the toilet. Our care and accessibility range includes Meir Mobility grab rails in several shapes and finishes, so they can match the rest of the bathroom rather than looking clinical. Plan solid backing in the walls during the renovation, even if you add rails later.

Showers that adjust

A rail shower lets each person set the height, and the hand shower is useful for bathing children, cleaning and seated showering. Position the mixer where it can be reached from inside and just outside the shower.

Easy to use tapware

• Lever handles are easier to grip than small pins or knobs.
• A basin mixer with a longer lever suits users with limited grip.
• Thermostatic or temperature limiting options reduce the risk of scalding. Ask your plumber about hot water temperature control.

Comfortable heights

A wall hung vanity can be mounted at a height that suits your household, and leaving space underneath helps someone seated. A comfortable height toilet can be easier for older users. See our toilet suites guide.

Slip resistance

Choose floor tiles with a slip rating suitable for wet areas. Matt finishes are more forgiving than polished. Smaller tiles in the shower add grout lines that improve grip. Our slip ratings guide explains the ratings.

Family friendly details

• A bath is still handy for young children, and a hand shower makes bath time easier.
• A wider vanity with two basins reduces morning queues.
• Rounded vanity edges and soft close drawers are kinder to small fingers.
• Mid tone tiles and grout hide everyday marks.
• Good lighting and a night light help with night visits.

Lighting and contrast

Good lighting helps everyone, especially older eyes. Even ceiling light, an LED mirror and contrast between the floor and walls make edges easier to see. A grab rail in a finish that contrasts with the wall tiles is easier to find.

Close to Thornbury, Preston and Northcote

Our Reservoir showroom is minutes from the inner north. See our local pages for bathroom tiles and tapware near Thornbury, bathroom renovations near Preston and the tile shop near Northcote, or browse all areas we serve.

Storage everyone can reach

Put everyday items within easy reach. Drawers in the vanity are easier to use than low cupboards, and a shaving cabinet with adjustable shelves keeps medicines out of reach of small children.

Plan with us

Book a free measure in Preston and talk to our team at Reservoir about products for every age. We can quote installation by our qualified trades, which is a paid service. For clinical or specialist requirements, please also seek advice from an occupational therapist.

Common questions

Do you sell grab rails?

Yes. Our care and accessibility range includes Meir Mobility grab rails in several shapes and finishes.

What makes a shower accessible?

A step free entry, a wide opening, an adjustable rail shower, grab rails and a slip resistant floor all help.

Can you measure my Preston bathroom?

Yes. We offer a free measure in Preston and can quote installation by our qualified trades as a paid service.

Is a step free shower more expensive?

It can involve extra work to form the falls and drain, so it is best planned at the start of a renovation. We can quote after a free measure.

Can grab rails look stylish?

Yes. Meir Mobility rails come in finishes that match modern tapware, so they blend with the rest of the bathroom.

Visit us or shop online

See the range in person at our showrooms: Geelong at 35A Ryrie St, Geelong VIC 3220, phone (03) 5223 2765, and Reservoir at 214 Broadway, Reservoir VIC 3073, phone (03) 9867 5051. Both are open Monday to Friday 9:30am to 5:00pm, Saturday 9:30am to 3:00pm, and Sunday by appointment only.

Planning a renovation? Request a quote and a free measure, and ask us to include installation by our qualified trades if you would like it quoted. Prefer to shop from home? Order online with Australia-wide delivery, or pick up from either showroom, usually ready in 2 to 4 days.