How to build an ergonomic bathroom

1. If you don’t have young children who need to reach them, and you and your family are all blessed with height, consider raising the height of your vanity (if it holds a recessed sink) to reduce unnecessary bending or slouching over the sink.

2. Think about where you put bath and shower taps. Don’t put a shower tap directly under the head, as you’ll be splashed with cold water the moment you turn it on. Similarly, you want to avoid having to awkwardly reach around fixed shower screens to reach a tap. Rather, put taps on the wall off to the side or opposite the shower head. This is even more important when it comes to showers that are over tubs, as having to reach around screens or to taps can result in awkward leaving over the tub.

3. Leave room between your sink rim and the tap. No one enjoys knocking their forehead on the tap when they go to wash their face. Avoid teaming a long tap with a short sink and aim to have at least one head-length between the rim of your sink and the spout of your tap. This will also reduce splash back.

4. Swap deep cupboards for drawers. Not only will this remove the need for digging into the depths of a cupboard in order to retrieve a product or hair appliance, but it will mean everything in your drawer will be on display and easy to access the moment you pull it out. No more bending, reaching or kneeling to get into cupboards.

5. Put towel rails in a convenient location, close to the bath or shower. No one wants to run halfway across the bathroom while dripping wet to get to a cosy towel. This will also reduce slippage due to walking on surfaces such as tiles which are prone to being slippery when wet.

6. Place the toilet-paper holder close to the toilet, and within easy reach so as not to cause undue twisting or reaching.

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