IKEA’s shower chair
Move over, Swedish meatballs and lingonberry jam. IKEA, the Netherlands-based manufacturer of affordable home furnishings has entered the accessibility market.
In an April 2 news announcement, IKEA introduced its BÄSINGEN line, “an inclusive design for the many, consisting of six products designed for convenient support in the bathroom and throughout the rest of the house.”
At its launch, the BÄSINGEN line included two step stools with rails, a shower chair, a toilet paper holder, a towel rail, and a shower shelf. The toilet paper holder, towel rail, and shower shelf also are engineered to act as hand holds.
“It is designed for young and old, and everyone in between, who has or encounters challenges at home,” the announcement said. “This can be both situational and temporary changes. The aim of BÄSINGEN is to be a helping hand to support people with their independence at home.”
IKEA noted that the new product line is built to be sturdy, with “non-slippery feet and holes for drainage” for safe use in bathrooms. “The soft edges and the diameter of the tubes are thick enough for a comfortable grip, allowing customers to support themselves while moving around.”
IKEA’s shower shelf
The anthracite color was chosen to contrast with the products’ surroundings to enhance their visibility, IKEA added.
“I started this project by wanting to learn more about the needs and wishes of people with physical limitations,” said Sarah Fager, senior designer, IKEA of Sweden AB. “It was one of my most challenging design projects because it was about meeting needs that were new to me. But this also made it one of my most enlightening projects. I hope people will enjoy BÄSINGEN products throughout different stages of life.”
The BÄSINGEN line will be sold at IKEA’s brick-and-mortar locations worldwide, as well as globally through the company’s online store. In the United States, BÄSINGEN product prices range from $11.99 for the toilet paper holder or shower shelf, to $38.99 for the shower chair.
