Design An Accessible Bedroom By Choosing The Right Furniture
Having an accessible bedroom can be so helpful as you get older. Not only can more open space reduce the chance of a fall, it can also be helpful in the chance that you ever need to use a wheelchair or walker.
If you're interested in purchasing bedroom furniture that's designed to last, there are several things to consider to ensure that the bedroom remains accessible for many years.
Measure Everything
As you prepare to visit a furniture store, it's best to take careful measurements of the room and every piece of furniture you're interested in. Having plenty of space between furniture pieces is crucial since you don't want to be bumping into anything.
Too large of furniture can also make the bedroom feel crowded, making it less appealing. Along with the size of most furniture, you'll also need to consider the height of the bed frame. Since you'll want the option to transport from a wheelchair to the bed comfortably, you don't want the frame to be too high.
Maintain Open Spaces
Even with smaller furniture pieces, you need to avoid making your bedroom feel closed-in. Having plenty of open space between the furniture is essential if you need a wheelchair. The ADA recommends a 60-inch minimum square for any point in the bedroom. Keeping this size in mind can ensure the bedroom feels spacious and avoid issues where a wheelchair cannot maneuver the room.
Consider Timeless Styles
With the goal to buy furniture that lasts, you need to stay away from furniture that is too bold in appearance. This means sticking with wood and neutral colors that you'll enjoy for a long time.
Changing the appearance of the room can mean choosing a new bedspread or curtains while keeping the same furniture the whole time.
Visiting a furniture store with this goal will avoid an issue where you overspend on bedroom furniture only to want it replaced after five or ten years. Since the bedroom is furnished with accessibility for your age in mind, you'll enjoy having the space look timeless well into the future.
Shopping for bedroom furniture can be an overwhelming task, especially when you're considering the future. Instead of designing the bedroom only for right now, you can make a better investment by considering how your mobility could change as you get older.
With the above tips for picking out furniture, you can ensure that the bedroom is accessible regardless of your mobility and enjoy the way the furniture looks. Contact a local furniture store to learn more.
