It’s Time to Upgrade the Women’s Bathroom Stall: Here’s How
The realities of inequitable bathroom design for females have been a long-standing problem for decades. It’s time for a big fix: new and improved women’s bathroom stalls. Here are some aspects of bathroom design that could use a refresh:
Privacy
The traditional way for bathrooms to cater for privacy is by using privacy walls on each stall, but this can make the bathroom feel more cramped and boxed-in, not to mention difficult to clean. Instead of walls, consider introducing privacy curtains or privacy dividers which offer more privacy while giving the room a more open and airy feel. Another alternative is to install door-style stalls, providing the user with more privacy and a barrier from the outside world.
Aesthetics
The appearance of a bathroom stall is an often overlooked factor, but it’s important to create an inviting atmosphere to reduce any feelings of discomfort. Colors, lighting, and materials all play a role in creating a pleasant environment. Consider introducing natural light by installing windows, add warmer colors to the walls rather than sticking to plain white, and using materials such as bamboo, wood, or ceramics for the floor.
Functionality
Functionality is key when designing a bathroom stall, as women’s needs are different from men’s. Here are some features to consider adding:
- A changing station for those with young children, which can easily be folded up and stored when not in use.
- An adjustable toilet seat which can be adjusted to different heights, allowing users to sit more comfortably.
- A pull-out shelf below the toilet seat for easier reach.
- A toilet paper holder which is at eye-level, as opposed to being mounted on the wall at an awkward height.
Upgrading the women’s bathroom stall is an essential step towards creating an equitable bathroom experience for everyone. With the right design, features, and materials, we can create a more comfortable and inviting atmosphere for women.
What materials should be used to upgrade women’s bathroom stalls?
1. High-quality privacy walls or partitions, preferably made of steel, aluminum, or other durable and low-maintenance materials.
2. Locking devices to ensure safety and privacy.
3. Self-closing or soft-close doors.
4. Proper ventilation or an exhaust fan to help keep the area dry.
5. Benches or stools with backrests and armrests for comfort and support.
6. Non-skid materials for the floors and walls.
7. Sanitary and user-friendly paper towel and/or hand-drying systems.
8. Sanitary trash receptacles and automatic openers.
9. Mirrors with adjustable height options.
10. Motion-activated lights for extra safety.
What standards for bathroom stall materials should be met for women’s rooms?
1.Bathroom stall materials should be durable, easy-to-clean, and low-maintenance.
2.The material of the bathroom stalls should be chosen with safety in mind. It should be non-porous and slip-resistant.
3.The material should be scratch-resistant and water-resistant.
4.The material should also be non-shedding.
5.In public restroom settings, it is also important to have materials that provide adequate privacy. Choosing materials that are non-transparent, like solid plastic or wood, is best.
6. It is also important to choose bathroom stall materials that are aesthetically pleasing. That could include designer hardware, such as stainless steel, chrome, brass, etc.
7. Finally, the material should be easy to install, as well as ADA compliant if needed.
What materials are best for creating bathroom stall walls in women’s restroom?
The best material for creating bathroom stall walls in a women’s restroom is a durable, waterproof, and easy-to-clean material such as stainless steel, fiberglass, plastic laminate, melamine, phenolic resin, or solid-surface materials. These materials are all modern, sleek, and hygienic, making them ideal for bathroom environment. Solid surface materials, such as Corian and Avonite, are particularly popular and provide a sleek, polished look. Additionally, these materials are often customizable, making it easy to customize the look of the stall walls to fit the décor of the space. Fiberglass stall walls can be designed with a custom coating designed to reduce odors and bacteria. Solid-surface materials, such as quartz and marble, can be used to create a luxurious look.