Accessibility concerns are becoming more prevalent in the design world in recent years, with over 70 million Americans reporting having a disability in 2024. As a staggering amount of the nation continues to feel the effects of a woefully inadequate health system, comprehensive preventative care has become a luxury, available only to those that fit within the margins of societal constraints. Implements and treatments that provide relief, comfort, or social interaction are essential, contributing not only to the quality of life of the individual, but their family and caretakers as well. IKEA presents the 6-piece BÄSINGEN accessibility collection, providing consistent support throughout the home, promoting the idea that accessible design is best for us all.
Shower Shelf, Shower Chair, and Towel Rail
The BÄSINGEN collection features many differing purposes through the accessible design space, including a Shower Chair ($38.99), Toilet Roll Holder ($11.99), Shower Shelf ($11.99), Towel Rail ($19.99), Step Stool with Rail ($29.99), and a 2-Step Stool with Rail ($31.99). These products consider weight, proportion, and scale, for children’s use as well as adults, and come in a dark, anthracite color. Lightweight, unobtrusive, yet remarkably helpful, this collection fields a considerable amount of pain points in the kitchen and bathroom, and offers a fresh take on accessible design at IKEA’s affordable price point. According to the National Disability Institute, research has shown that those living with disabilities incure exorbitant out-of-pocket costs for care, requiring 28 percent more income (or an additional $17,690 a year for a household at the median income level) to maintain a similar quality of life to a household without a disability.
Shower Shelf
Shower Shelf
Thoughtfully considered features include non-slip feet for stability, drainage holes to keep surfaces dry, and thicker diameters for easy grip. “BÄSINGEN is designed to help customers create a comfortable experience. The products were created to bring great functionality together with a beautiful design, as they have a minimalistic expression that is rooted in our Scandinavian design tradition. BÄSINGEN should blend in regardless of your style and shouldn’t be something you need to put away or hide,” shares Sarah Fager, designer of the new IKEA collection.
Towel Rail
Towel Rail
Step Stool with Rail, Shower Shelf, and Towel Rail
“BÄSINGEN series is inspired by and created for people in all life stages whose needs at home are changing. All products are designed to make everyday tasks in bathroom and kitchen environments easier. The clean, simple design in dark gray stands out in the surrounding environment when you need a helping hand. I hope these functional and durable products bring a feeling of self-worth and independence at home,” says Fager.
Toilet Roll Holder
Toilet Roll Holder
2-Step Stool with Rail and Step Stool with Rail
2-Step Stool with Rail
2-Step Stool with Rail
IKEA has continued to push the boundaries of democratic design since the 1950s, boldly offering flat-packed furniture that didn’t need to be crated up and hauled to its final destination in one piece. The price point can’t be beat, and the collaborations between designers and departments are inspired, creating streamlined components that can be manufactured at a global scale. Ingvar Kamprad founded IKEA in 1943, offering affordability without compromising on quality that made the brand a household name.
Step Stool with Rail
To learn more about the BÄSINGEN series, please visit IKEA’s website at ikea.com.
Photography courtesy of IKEA.