A Complete Buyers Guide for Shower Seats, Shower Chairs & Benches

If you, or someone you care for is unable to stand in a shower for long periods of time, a shower seat can be an invaluable addition to your shower room. But with various options available, how do you know which of these bathroom aids is right for you?

In this buying guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about shower seats. From the different types to consider, to important factors like installation and maintenance. If you’d like to learn more about adapting your shower room to make it more accessible, please review our walk-in showers page.

What is a Shower Seat?

A shower seat is a stool, chair, or bench that provides a secure and comfortable place to sit while showering. These seats help individuals to shower independently whilst preventing slips and falls. Available in various styles, from fold-up stools to chairs with back supports and arms, shower seats cater to various mobility needs.

How Do Shower Seats Help?

Shower chairs are useful for those with restricted mobility, as well as those who might feel unsafe or uncomfortable standing for an extended period of time in the shower enclosure. Shower seats can help people experiencing:

• Pain or weakness in their legs: as a result of illnesses such as sciatica, arthritis, or obesity
• Breathlessness: caused by lung disease or heart conditions
• Back pain: which maybe a result of a disability, an accident, or other health conditions.
• Balance problems or dizziness: stemming from conditions like multiple sclerosis (MS)

Types of Shower Seats Explained

1. Fold-Up Shower Seats

Folding shower chairs provide a sturdy and safe place to sit while showering, reducing the risk of falls and accidents. The fold-up feature allows the seat to be easily stored and out of the way when not in use, making it ideal for smaller shower rooms. With a fold-up shower seat, individuals can enjoy a comfortable and secure showering experience without compromising on style or functionality.

The Onyx folding shower chair is one example of this product type. Developed in collaboration with occupational therapists and bathroom installers, the Onyx shower seat merges minimalist elegance with practicality.

2. Horseshoe Shower Seats

Horseshoe shower seats are named as a result of their shape. They have an open front, making personal hygiene tasks easier to complete for either the bather or their carer. What’s more they provide a comfortable and supportive seating option while showering. They are particularly beneficial for individuals with mobility issues or those who require extra support while bathing.

3. Freestanding Mobile Shower Chairs

Freestanding shower seats are a more discrete shower seat, which can be conveniently moved out of the shower space when not in use. This versatility makes freestanding shower chairs ideal for shared bathrooms or homes with multiple users. They’re also great for temporary needs, like post-surgery recovery, avoiding the need to drill holes and permanently change the look of the shower cubicle.
There are also a range of styles available, some offering a more minimalistic design.

The Etac Swift is an award-winning series of shower stools/chairs designed with functionality and simplicity in mind. The basic freestanding shower stool can easily be transformed to a complete shower chair, by adding arms and back supports. Etac Swift has a unique design that adapts to uneven floors thanks to the flexible seat. The soft, high-quality rubber feet also known a ferrules adapt to the floor and ensure grip and stability.

4. Wheeled Shower Seats

Wheeled shower chairs come in various different designs, with some looking more like self-propelled wheelchairs, whilst others are designed to be pushed by a caregiver and have smaller wheels. These products have similar advantages to freestanding shower seats, yet also include additional features like a commode pan or a horseshoe-shaped cut out so they can also be rolled over a conventional toilet.

More complex in their design, these chairs account for personal hygiene tasks, so have to be constructed with no welded seams or holes, which significantly reduces the risk of corrosion, extends the chair’s life, and aids in infection control by making cleaning the chair far easier. The Etac Clean Bathing Commode Chair comes with four high-quality, lockable castor wheels, which provide excellent control and manoeuvrability, while strong polypropylene arm supports assist the user with sitting and standing. The footrest can slide under the seat when not in use.

5. Wall-Mounted Shower Seats

A wall-mounted shower seat provides mamixum security, without the risk of the chair sliding out or around beneath individuals using it. Expert fitters can securely fasten these seats to your bathroom wall, so that you can have peace of mind when showering. Wall-mounted shower seats are available in various forms, with or without backrests and armrests and in various seating materials and styles.

Types of Shower Stools and Benches

1. Shower Stools

A shower stool is a simple, backless and armless seat designed specifically for use in the shower. Compact and lightweight, it provides a place to sit while showering, making it ideal for individuals who need minimal support but prefer not to stand. Shower stools are typically made from waterproof, non-slip materials like plastic or aluminium to ensure safety in wet environments. Their small size makes them perfect for smaller shower spaces or for those who want a portable, easy-to-move seating option which can be useful in shared bathroom environments. Some shower stools offer height-adjustable legs and rubber feet for extra stability and customisation.

2. Shower Benches

Shower benches provide an extra wide seating area for additional comfort and space. They are a sturdy option for heavier users with reduced leg strength, low stamina and/or unstable balance. Certain designs are fitted with an extra wide and extra deep seat area made from soft and comfortable polyurethane (PUR). The material is anti-slip and it often features openings for good water drainage, normally it can be removed to facilitate cleaning.

Supportive Shower Chairs

Shower Chairs with Back Support and Arms

Shower seats with back support and arms are essential for individuals who require additional stability and assistance while bathing. These seats provide a comfortable and secure place to sit, allowing users to shower independently and with confidence. The back support and sometimes padded armrests make it easier for the bather or their carer to move in and out of the seated position and reduce the risk of slips and falls. Whether someone has limited mobility, is recovering from surgery, or simply desires extra support in the shower, a shower seat with back support and arms is a practical and valuable addition to any bathroom.

Shower Benches Vs. Showers Stools Vs. Shower Chairs – What’s the best option?

While each shower seat has its own pros, cons, and use cases, we’ve broken out the key features, support level, and usability considerations. Whether you’re prioritising comfort, mobility, or space-saving, this quick guide will help you narrow down the best option for your needs.

Shower Benches

• Features: Bench-style seating with a wide surface, often wall-mounted.
• Support Level: Medium support. May lack backrest or armrests.
• Pros: More spacious, suitable for heavier users.
• Cons: Can take up too much space in shared bathrooms.

Shower Stools

• Features: Simple seat design without a backrest or armrests.
• Support Level: Basic support, suitable for users with good balance.
• Pros: Lightweight, compact, and easy to move.
• Cons: Not ideal for people who need high levels of support and stability.

Shower Chairs

• Features: Include a backrest and often armrests.
• Support Level: High support, ideal for those needing extra stability.
• Pros: Can often be folded away against the wall.
• Cons: Takes up more space due to armrests and backrest.

What Materials are Showers Seats Made From?

Shower seats are typically made from waterproof materials and are specially designed to be sturdy and not move. It is really important that you don’t use a seat which is designed for another purpose, such as a plastic garden chair. These chairs are not designed to be used in shower enclosures – they often become slippery when wet, and do not have nonslip grips on the legs to keep them stable. They can also tip over potentially causing personal injury and damage to your shower trayshower tray(shou-er tray)The base of a shower that holds the water..

What is the Best Shower Seat? How to Select the Right Shower Seat For You

Choosing the perfect shower seat is all about finding what makes you feel safest, most comfortable, and confident in your daily routine. Everyone’s needs are unique – whether you’re looking for extra stability, support for limited mobility, or simply a more relaxing experience. Here are some questions to ask yourself when choosing the right shower seat for your needs:

• Is the height, size and maximum carrying capacity of the shower seat suitable for your needs? Is it and adjustable chair?
• Are the materials of the shower chair easy to maintain and keep clean?
• Will it stay wet or will water quickly drain away thanks to drainage holes or a slatted seat?
• Does it come with armrests and headrests which offer increased levels of support?
• If freestanding, does it offer anti-slip feet and other features?
• How comfortable is it to sit in, can you test it in a showroom?
• If the chair has wheels, does it have easy to use reliable brakes?
• Is it possible to complete a DIY install, or does it require a professional service like Absolute Mobility to install?

Think about your space, how much support you need, and which design fits your lifestyle and bathroom preferences. From sturdy chairs with backrests to sleek fold-up benches, there’s a solution designed to empower you and make each shower easy, comfortable and stress-free.

Conclusion

A shower seat can provide support and assistance for individuals with restricted mobility, pain, balance issues, or other health conditions. As we have seen, there are various types of specialist shower chair available designed for specific user circumstances and needs, these may be significantly more expensive than using a general chair but will be far safer and more comfortable to use. If you or somebody you care for is supported by an occupational therapistoccupational therapist(ok-yoo-PAY-shun-ul THER-uh-pist)A professional who helps people change their homes to meet their physical needs. we would recommend discussing your requirements with them. Our friendly and knowledgeable team is also available to answer any questions you might have and to recommend the most suitable shower chairs and stools to meet your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions