10 Design Tips to Prevent Slips and Falls in the Bathroom

It makes sense to use tiles or other non-porous surfaces as bathroom flooring. You want something that is waterproof and moisture-resistant. The downside is that when these waterproofing materials do their job, water can build up and create a potential slip hazard.

However, with the right design approach, understanding the best flooring choices, and other design tips with safety in mind, you can create a safe bathroom environment.

1. Use a Low-Curb or Non-curb-Free Shower

If you’re designing or renovating your bathroom and you’re concerned about slipping and falling, opt for a low curb or no curb shower inlet. Doug Selby, Design-Build Specialist at Meadowlark Design + Build, said: “I think the vast majority of slips and falls happen when stepping on objects such as curbs or bathtub walls, and when stepping on surfaces that can slip when wet. “In this bathroom in San Diego, Jensen Landers, interior designer at Marrokal Design & Remodeling, designed a virtually curb-free wet area with minimal obstacles and freedom of movement.” A curb-free shower is one of the best features to prevent slipping, as it’s easier to walk into the shower normally than it is to step over a curb,” Landers said.

2. Built-In Bathtub

While freestanding bathtubs are a popular option these days, you may want to consider a built-in design with a sturdy deck that allows you to sit safely and rotate in and out of the tub.

Designed by Mid-Atlantic Custom Builders, this Washington, D.C.-based bathroom includes a great example of a bathtub deck that provides users with a place to rest.

3. Prepare the Handrails

Homeowners should consider grasping or assisting the bar diagonally, vertically, and horizontally to accommodate different levels of mobility and age.

Grab bars in the Reston, Virginia, bathroom designed by Synergy Design &; Construction provide protection on both sides of the shower without adding a sterile aesthetic. “When someone falls, the natural reaction is to grab something, but shower doors and tile surfaces usually don’t help,” Selby said. “Handrails, shower door bars – both inside and outside – and other items that can help people stay balanced when they lose their balance can be of great help.”

Many manufacturers now produce handrails that are more attractive than the traditional-looking handrails you see in hospitals. Some products hide the function of the towel rail, which has a dual function. Designer Kristen Stringer says her favorite is Delta’s 18-inch decorative armrest, which complies with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines.

4. Follow ADA Guidelines

When it comes to ADA, when in doubt, check out its guidelines whenever possible. “Following ADA shower guidelines, and even using aspects of design elements, can improve safety in bathrooms and showers,” says designer Katie Pennington.

For example, roll-in showers that provide wheelchair access, taller toilet seats that make it easy to sit and stand, wider doorways, smoother floor transitions between rooms, and foldable shower seats can all add to the safety of the bathroom.

Arise Art Group added curbless showers, grab bars, non-slip porcelain floors, and wooden stools to ensure this San Diego bathroom would support homeowners with Parkinson’s disease.

5. Bring a Bench

A bench or other seat in the shower allows you to sit down when you’re tired and take a break while sitting to wash or before leaving the shower, all of which help prevent slipping.

Yamini Designs has incorporated a bench into the design of a low roadside shower at this rustic bathroom in Lake Zurich, Illinois. Other non-slip examples discussed below are also employed in the bathroom, including textured tiles on the main floor and mosaic tiles with many grout lines in the shower.

6. Look for Polished and Matte Finishes

When using tiles on your bathroom floor, choose a polished or matte finish. Unlike polished surfaces, they have a good grip and can be applied to almost any clay, ceramic, or tile. This means that you can choose a tile of almost any color and style, knowing that it has a good grip under your feet.

“Polished tiles on the bathroom floor are generally a bad idea,” says Allison White, a homebuilder. “If the tiles are shiny, then they are likely to be slippery when wet.”

The owner of this bathroom in Burlingame, California, turned to Building Lab, a design-build firm, to renovate it. The exposed terracotta bricks in the shower room and on the main floor provide a good foundation. Low curb shower inlets and numerous grout lines also facilitate safe movement.

Even if you’re sure that the tile you choose is a good fit, be sure to test the sample. “I would test the surface by wetting it, pushing it down with my hand, and then trying to move my hand laterally,” says Doug Selby of Meadowlark. “If it’s easy to move, consider using another surface product.”

7. Make Mosaic Tiles with Many Grout Lines

Small tiles and mosaic tiles can become beautiful non-slip flooring materials in the bathroom, especially in the shower. They involve many textured grout lines, which means more grip and better control. “Small tiles may give the foot a better grip because there are more grout lines,” says designer Hideaki Kawado.

For this beach-style bathroom in Long Beach, California, builder White used Fireclay Mini Star & Cross tiles for a playful look. The grout lines and raised textures provide extra grip throughout the space.

8. Consider Other Textured Materials

If you’re not a fan of ceramics or tiles, there are plenty of other non-slip options you can consider.

Textured concrete is a stylish example. For the main floor of this industrial bathroom in Phoenix, designer Joel Contreras ground the concrete floor to expose the aggregate, then applied silica to help prevent slip before sealing.

The slatted wooden floor of the shower also provides a good grip. Sometimes, uneven floors can be a good thing. “The more uneven the texture, the better,” says architect Michael Clement. In a LEED Platinum bathroom remodeling in Ann Arbor, Michigan, he used uneven pebble tiles for good traction.

Some luxury vinyl sheets and luxury vinyl tile products also have non-slip properties. “But not all LVTs are created equal,” says designer Crickett Kinser. Kanazawa says that if you choose luxury vinyl tiles, it’s best to stick with tiles with grain or wood grain embossing for extra non-slip protection.

For this bathroom in Oxnard, California, Kinser used luxurious vinyl tiles with a wooden look that were easy to install and could handle high foot traffic. It provides a good grip outside the tub and has a sturdy tub deck for added safety.
Coats House

As mentioned earlier, slatted wood can be a good non-slip design option. “Slatted teak provides grip and water doesn’t accumulate on it,” says builder Ben Coats, who uses slatted teak flooring in the shower of a contemporary bathroom in Texas. He also added a large rug to the main concrete floor to provide extra grip when exiting the shower.

9. Add a Rug or Bath Mat

Carpets and bath mats can be easily added to bathrooms that require a non-slip surface. You just want to do some research first. You’ll want something low-key so you don’t trip over. If you’re using a rug, be sure to place a good non-slip mat underneath it.

10. Good Lighting

A well-lit bathroom can go a long way in preventing slips and falls. Design and retrofit professionals recommend a layered approach that includes overhead lighting, accent lighting, and especially night lights, allowing you to move carefully and confidently.