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28 March 2024

Perfect toilet? Check what is best for you…

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Published
By Staff

Everybody might be able to recall a dreadful bathroom experience, where nothing was in place, the most essential bathroom items out of reach or the space altogether too small to comfortably get the job done.

However, there are occasions in life when the bathroom experience can be surprisingly pleasant, only because that little extra attention was offered to the space that we, after all, visit at regular times every day.

A soothing scent, comfortable seating, practical organisation of space or a creative design can all help to make a person skip to the loo with ease.

The perfect bathroom is not the same for everybody, argues the Association of the German Sanitation Industry (VDS).

Rather, different stages in life shape the specific bathroom needs of an individual or family.

In an effort to guide the public on how to create that perfect bathroom atmosphere, it developed four concept bathrooms in which the user needs determine the design.

A common for all designs is ‘Freibad’ concept, with greater barrier-free bathroom space:

The individualist

When it comes to the individual, the bathroom can be designed according to that person’s specific needs.

Men and women want different things, and a youngster will look for different bathroom features than an older person.

“What younger singles want in terms of flexibility, older ones demand in terms of comfort and convenience,” said the VDS.

“For most people who live alone, the bathroom is a place to dream, to get ready to go out and to wind down afterwards. People need space for that individual touch.

“The toilet should be created a private spa that unites body and spirit through personal rituals and a sophisticated aesthetic,” it added.

When having children

As much as we like to have our bathroom our way, when kids are welcomed into the family this focus usually changes in an effort to create a children-friendly environment.

“Children need space and security. But, they also want access to things outside their reach,” explained the association, adding: “To give them a feeling of belonging, they need furnishings and fixtures appropriate to their size.

“If that’s not possible, they need aids to raise them to the right level. Integrating this in the planning phase requires just a little empathy and, naturally, somewhat more space.”

The busy family

As kids grow up, the once quiet and peaceful life begins to make place for the busy and bustling family, where practicality is essential.

The association further states: “In busy families, the kitchen and the bathroom are often the last free spaces for communal rituals.”

It adds: “In a busy bathroom, the sanitary fittings and furnishings must offer room for improvisation.

“And it is vital that the bathroom and users tolerate the inevitable chaos. Multi-functional features such as walk-in showers and double washbasins are helpful in bringing order into chaos.

“If possible, it is best to plan separate zones for the different things that need to be done concurrently.”

The less mobile

“People with mobility restrictions, whether physical or age-related, know how important an accessible, safe and easy-to-use bathroom is for independence, fitness and well-being,” pointed the VDS.

Be it a disability or just immobility growing with age, comfort will be the basic need.

The association tips: “They value the positive impact of water on body and soul, the convenience of a shower-toilet and the secure feeling afforded by firmly fixed, support-giving furnishings, seats and handholds, and, if possible, sensor-controlled lighting systems.”