At least 66% of accidental injuries happen in the bathroom, specifically in the tub or shower.

It's particularly dangerous for those over age 65 who are more prone to falls. Between sudsy soap and slick tubs, it's no surprise why bathrooms can be a big hazard in homes.

If you're investing in a bathroom remodel, it's in your best interest to think about safety, no matter your age. But, you might think that safety would come at the expense of style.

The good news is, you can have both. Read on for some bathroom remodeling tips that will help you turn your space into a relaxing and safe oasis.

Add a Built-In Shower Seat

One of the best ways to make your shower safer is to add a seat. Many older people would benefit from a shower seat long before they decide to buy one. If you're already investing in a luxury tile shower, it's easy to add in a built-in shower seat.

To make it more stylish, try a fun tile pattern to turn it into a focal point. You could also opt for a treated wood seat to add a trendy natural element. Natural wood can help soften dramatic tile or visually break up a lot of white subway tile.

Even if you don't have mobility issues, a shower seat can double as a storage shelf or even a handy step to use to shave your legs.

Install Grab Bars That Double as Towel Bars

Towel bars and safety grab bars are both items that can improve your bathroom. Towel bars make your towels dry faster while grab bars keep you from losing your balance.

Luckily, you can combine the two uses while avoiding the institutional look of grab bars. You can choose grab bars in a stylish finish like oil rubbed bronze or matte black to make it fit with your style. You can also install grab bars horizontally so you can use them as towel bars.

Not only will this give you more shower storage, but you'll also have a sturdy thing to hold onto if you need extra stability. You can even use extra shower curtain hooks and hanging baskets to make a DIY horizontal shower caddy.

Choose a Vanity with Rounded Edges

Sleek vanities with sharp edges might be eye-catching, but the novelty wears off the first time you bump your hip on the corner.

A great way to lower the risk of bruises is to simply opt for a vanity with rounded edges instead. It's also much safer for children. Plus, if you ever need to lean on the vanity, a rounded edge will be much more comfortable.

Whether you want a double vanity or a simple pedestal sink, there are lots of rounded options to choose from. Once you've chosen a style like traditional, modern, or farmhouse, find a vanity in that style that has rounded edges.

Install Luxury Vinyl Tile Flooring

While design trends may be pointing you towards ceramic or porcelain tile, those aren't the safest choice. Both ceramic and porcelain tile get slippery when wet. Plus, they're very unforgiving hard surfaces so falling on them can lead to injuries.

A better alternative is luxury vinyl tile flooring. Vinyl planks are very easy to install, are affordable, and come in a massive range of colors and patterns. You can even find vinyl flooring that mimics wood or tile so you won't have to sacrifice style.

They're also a safe option. Thanks to their surface texture, they're also much less slippery when they're wet. Plus, they're made with several flexible layers of plastic, which means they have more cushioning than ceramic tile.

Choose a Low-Threshold Walk-In Shower

Walk-in showers with glass doors have been a major design trend for nearly a decade. They look sleek and modern and they're a great opportunity to show off beautiful tile work.

They're also a very convenient option for those with accessibility issues.

When you're designing your bathroom, make sure to choose a shower design that has a threshold that's as low as possible. After all, stepping over a curb can be almost as dangerous as climbing into a tub. Work with your contractor to decide how low of a threshold you can have without running into drainage issues.

If you'd still like to incorporate a bathtub in your space, you can opt for a curbless shower that also has a soaking tub. The contractor can angle the floor so water drains to a central spot, preventing a need for a threshold. The tub will have its own drain.

Install Plenty of Lighting

Another great way to boost safety and add style to your bathroom remodeling project is to install plenty of lighting. The more lighting there is, the less chance you have of stumbling in the dark or tripping on a rug you can't see.

Consider adding canned lighting as well as stylish sconces. This will give you a great amount of light while still adding your own style with a fun light fixture. You can even consider a lighted mirror, which is ideal for applying makeup or shaving.

A well-lit space will make even a small bathroom remodel look larger than it is. It can also highlight the beautiful tile work, the hardware, and drawer pulls you chose.

Start Designing Your Dream Bathroom Remodel Today

If you're planning a bathroom remodel, you don't have to choose between style and safety. With a few subtle changes, you can easily design a bathroom that's as safe as it is beautiful.

Consider adding a built-in shower seat, lots of lighting, and vinyl tile flooring so your bathroom works for people of all ages.

If you're in need of some design guidance, we can help. At Cabinet Wholesalers, we offer everything from cabinet installation to custom designs and expert contractors.

Contact us today to learn more about our remodeling and cabinet services.