Shower seats, chairs, stools, and benches come in many different shapes and sizes with a wide range of features.  Three key features to consider when purchasing a shower seat include:

• Seat shape, dimensions, and capacity
• Seat height and legs
• Seat backrests and armrests

Seat shape, dimensions, and capacity

Shower seats, chairs, and stools come in two shapes: flat and curved.  Shower benches are usually only flat.

The flat seat, as its name says, is the same height from side to side. The curved (also called dish- or saucer-shaped) seat has slightly raised sides and curves in the middle. This type chair tries to match the shape of the seat to your bottom.

Flat seats may have a horseshoe-shaped cut-out at the front to allow easier personal cleaning.

Both shapes usually have holes in the shower seat to let the water drain through.

You will also see shower chairs with padded seats, which can add more comfort when you’re sitting. The padding provides a softer surface that allows you to sit longer.  It’s also good for sensitive skin.

The padding is usually made of foam so that it can dry more easily.  You may read about cushions made of “closed cell foam.”  Closed cell foams are generally denser, helping to prevent the seat from absorbing water.  Another feature of a padded seat is the amount of padding.  This is usually measured in inches.

Seat dimensions are an important consideration when you are buying a shower seat.  It can be tricky, but use a flexible tape measure to take a measurement of your bottom when sitting in a chair.  Then check this measurement against the seat width and depth (W and D) of the shower seat you want to buy.  If the seat is not large enough for your bottom, your shower seat may tip over.

Another important consideration is the weight capacity of the seat.  Different seats can hold different weights, depending on the strength of the seat and legs.  Be sure that the maximum weight capacity of the chair you choose can hold you.  Be aware that heavy duty models are available should you need it.

 
Seat height and legs

Since you do not wear shoes in the shower, the height of shower seats is usually lower than the typical chair you sit in.  So be sure, when you are considering a shower seat, that you will be able to sit comfortably with your feet on the shower floor supporting you.  If your feet are not solidly on the shower floor when you are sitting, you will be less stable and can slide out of your chair.  And remember to consider the additional height that a padded seat can add.

For this reason, many shower seats come with adjustable legs.  These are usually aluminum legs with holes in them that let you adjust the seat up or down.  The holes can be at different increments such as ½ inch or 1 inch.  Allowing different increments means the shower seat can be used by different family members.  If each of the legs is adjustable, you can get the right seat height, even on showers that have an irregular surface, such as one that slopes down toward the drain.

Shower seat legs will typically have rubber, or suction type devices on each of the feet. This helps prevent the shower seat from slipping or sliding around once in place.

Make sure that the height of the shower chair allows you to reach the shower controls without having to stand up.

You should also consider height when a shower bench is being attached to the shower wall.  Don’t measure from where the holes go in the wall to hold the bench – instead measure the distance from the top of the bench to the shower floor.

Seat backrests and armrests

Some shower seats offer backrests and armrests that are either fixed in position or are removable.

Backrests provided added comfort as they support your lower back. Some chairs use padding, a non-slip textured finish, and/or a curved or contoured shape to ensure you can relax while taking your shower.  These features also contribute to your safety by helping to keep you in place in the seat.

Like backrests, armrests can also be padded, contoured, or textured. Armrests help make it easier to sit down or get up because you have something to hold on to.  On some shower seats the armrests swivel back independently, enabling easier side transfers for people who need help getting in and out of their shower seat.

Keeping these key features in mind when purchasing a shower seat will ensure that you get a seat that fits you just right!

A shower seat allows you to sit while you take a shower.  Although we normally think of standing to take a shower, sitting during your shower offers a completely different experience.

Shower seats are also called shower chairs, shower stools, and shower benches, which are seats built into the shower.  Shower seats offer many benefits.

1.  Stability.  A shower seat can provide support if you have a permanent disability that requires lower extremity support when bathing.  Or, if your legs are weak because of a temporary injury, a shower seat will allow you to maintain balance and feel secure when taking a shower.

2.  Safety.  When leaving a bathtub you have to raise yourself up and step over the bathtub edge.  Because some bathtub edges are high and/or deep, there is the danger of slipping when trying to climb over the edge.  Standing up from a shower chair and walking out of a shower is often easier, and thus safer.  Additionally, some people get dizzy or weak when they have to stand for some time in a shower.  Sitting in a shower chair also helps these people.

3.  Caregiver aid.  If a caregiver must help someone bathe in the shower, it is often easier to reach them if they are seated.  Chairs for children with special needs are also available.  These are often adjustable to make the child more comfortable and make it easier for the caregiver.  Shower stools that rotate also allow a caregiver to more easily maneuver the bather’s body. Keep in mind, though, that stools usually do not have back support.  This could be a safety hazard for someone who has trouble maintaining their balance.

4.  Relaxation.  If you find yourself tired or stressed out at the end of the day, why wait for the tub to fill?  Turn on the shower, sit down, and allow the warm water to beat down on you.  You’ll be amazed at how it can calm you down.

5.  Luxury.  Showers in newer homes are often larger and have glass enclosures.  A shower bench adds the impression of depth to the shower and provides additional visual interest. Teak shower seats, with their rich dark brown wood tones can also add a sense of elegance to your shower.

6.  Storage.  Some shower chairs have a top that lifts up.  The space underneath can be used to store shampoo, sponges, razors, and even kids’ toys.  Shower benches also offer a place to gather these items.

7.  Footrest.  Ladies, why should you have to bend all the way over if you want to reach your legs?  A shower seat is a great place to rest your foot when you want to shave your legs. 

All these benefits should give you some reasons to consider buying a shower seat.