The term “grab bar” may conjure up a hospital accessory, but let’s be honest – a handle while getting in and out of the shower, scrubbing our feet or shaving our legs is very handy – no matter our age or ability! There are many functions and designs of shower grab bars nowadays, and including one in your bathroom remodel can be a simple addition that has many benefits.

“The designs available now are more decorative, and having one in the shower can serve many purposes from holding your towel, wash cloth or wet swimsuit – to just being an extra support on a slippery surface,” says Normandy Designer Liz Marusin. “And if aging-in-place is something that’s on your mind, you can get ahead of that during your remodel and incorporate it into your design so it’s looking good.”

To incorporate a shower grab bar into your bathroom design, Liz recommends using a design detail to help frame or visually anchor the bar.

“For example, when you can blend the bar into the shower’s tile pattern or have it accent a shower niche, then it becomes a cohesive design detail,” Liz says. “No matter what its function, you can shift the focus to make it more about the overall aesthetic.”

This new wave of grab bars come in sophisticated finishes that can match the rest of your fixtures, with styling options that can pair with virtually any bathroom design, from contemporary to traditional. Grab bars also come in various shapes and lengths and can be mounted vertical or horizontally depending on your preference and where they will be integrated into the overall look. There are even unique hybrid designs available that feature both a grab bar and small towel holder, or even a toilet paper holder with an integrated grab bar, which are multi-functional options if installed with proper mounting/backing.

Whether you’re thinking about a full primary suite remodel, or perhaps your primary bathroom and kitchen could use some love, give Liz a call to discuss your vision. You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and LinkedIn for design ideas or stay in touch by subscribing to our newsletter.