Debunking the Diagonal: What Grab Bars Can Teach Us About Good Bathroom Design
At some point, the angled grab bar became the gold standard in accessible bathroom design. Maybe it was Pinterest. It may be a popular blog post that went viral. Either way, the diagonal grab bar is now practically gospel—popping up in bathrooms across Toronto, no questions asked.
Why Grab Bar Placement Matters More Than the Angle
But here's the twist: according to the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), the angle isn't the key factor. Their guidelines don’t recommend diagonal installation at all. Not one NKBA example features a grab bar on a slant. So what matters? Placement and height. Function, not form, drives true accessibility.
So why the sudden deep dive into grab bar protocol?
Designing for Accessibility in a Toronto Townhome
We’re currently working on a multi-phase townhome renovation in Toronto, and one of the recent asks from our client was to add grab bars in the main family bathroom. Her husband uses that bathroom daily, and when her elderly parents visit, it needs to accommodate their needs as well. Naturally, accessibility was a non-negotiable. However, maintaining the elevated, cohesive design concept we’d been building from the start was also crucial.
As an interior design studio that leans heavily into function-forward aesthetics, we knew the solution had to tick more than just the safety box. We reviewed several NKBA standards, measured clearances, evaluated wall support conditions, and spoke with our suppliers about contemporary grab bar options. Ultimately, we sourced bars that felt architectural, not institutional. And yes—we installed them horizontally at the correct height, with no angle in sight.
The Result?
A safe, stylish modern bathroom with grab bars renovation that works for all family members and aligns with the vision we created during the design-build process.
The purposeful placement of grab bars is what thoughtful renovations look like, especially in a city like Toronto, where families often share multi-generational spaces and where accessibility needs are becoming more top of mind. It's not just about what looks good—it’s about making informed, intentional choices that elevate how people live.
And that’s the lesson here: sometimes it's the smallest detail—a grab bar, a towel hook, the swing of a door—that challenges your assumptions and pushes the design further. When we slow down and do the research, we make better decisions—more purposeful ones.
Design integrity saved. Accessibility ensured.
It’s been a good couple of weeks.
Curious how we balance beauty and function in real homes? Explore this project in our portfolio. Additional images and the completed bathroom are coming soon.
Looking to renovate with accessibility in mind—but don’t want to sacrifice your aesthetic? Let’s chat. Whether you're planning a full-home update or just a bathroom renovation in Toronto, our design build approach ensures no detail is overlooked.