Reduced grip strength, decreased reach, and even lower vision. Injury, illness, and the simple passage of time can change the way we interact with our surroundings. Everyone still deserves maximum access and comfort in their own homes. 

Smart technology has made everything from locking doors to shutting off appliances nearly effortless. But what about the small stuff that makes a huge difference? Removing pans from a cabinet or washing a glass in the sink can feel more comfortable with the right hardware and fixtures. 

Remodeling or constructing assisted living quarters? Consult the ADA.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) sets standards for accessible design. If you are building or altering a space for someone with a disability, you should defer to their guidance. 

What type of hardware should I avoid?

Before we share some ideas that make life more convenient, let’s break down what type of hardware you might want to replace or avoid:

  • Knobs, especially small ones. Round doorknobs and cabinet pulls can be difficult to grip with fingers.

  • Intricate pulls and other handles that have a complex design.

  • Unnecessary latches, particularly those that require the user to line up two parts of the mechanism.

  • Old, worn hinges that make opening a cabinet or door less smooth or predictable, as well as requiring more effort.

  • Old drawer slides and pull-out systems on tracks or rollers that skip or stutter. Also, those that forcefully slide all the way out with little effort. 

  • Faucets with knobs, two handles, or cross-shaped handles. These can be a challenge for people with low grip strength or decreased dexterity. 

Helpful home hardware ideas for mobility and dexterity

Low thresholds, pull bars, and other alterations make living spaces safe and navigable for people of all abilities. Outside of doctor-recommended assistive tech and federal regulations, the following ideas can support accessible designs. 

Lever-style door handles

The grip-and-turn of a smooth knob is less than ideal. Swap out knobs for simple pull-down levers. They don’t require much grip strength or dexterity.

Unfolding or pull-out storage 

Reaching into the depths of a cabinet isn’t optimal for all shoulders. Custom storage with pull-out shelving and other alterations keeps it all safely within reach.

Increasing drawers

Cupboards in general can be challenging when mobility, dexterity, and sharp vision are needed to sort through their contents. Dedicating more space in your custom cabinetry to drawers is a better solution for some users.

Cup pull cabinet hardware

Cup or half-moon handles don’t require refined movement or precise gripping. Consider adding these in addition to also-accessible D-pull handles. 

Easier-to-operate faucets

Faucets with pull-down sprayers can mean less movement and handling of items as we wash them. A single simple lever is also preferable to hardware that has to be gripped and twisted.

High-contrast hardware

Finally, incorporate some vision-friendly elements into your design. Stylish hardware that provides a sharp contrast from the cabinetry behind is a stand-out to users with low vision.

Custom hardware, cabinets, and storage by The Designery

Don’t let stock solutions to accessibility challenges hold you back. The Designery can design and fabricate custom cabinetry in the dimensions and configurations most suited to your lifestyle–with all of the aesthetic options you expect. 

What’s inside? You custom storage, of course. We can create slide-out racks and shelving to keep everything within easy reach behind soft-close doors and drawers. Finish it off with custom hardware tailored to your unique needs.

Schedule your free consultation today.