How to choose a shower chair

Start with the problem, not the product

People usually look for a shower chair for one of three reasons: standing for the whole shower has become tiring, balance feels unreliable on a wet floor, or getting in and out of the shower has become the difficult part.

Those are different problems. Tiredness often points to a simple stool or chair. Poor balance while seated points to a chair with a backrest and arms. Difficulty getting in and out may point to a transfer bench or a wall-mounted seat instead.

Measure before you buy

Most returns happen because of space, not quality. Two measurements matter most.

• The internal width and depth of the shower area, including any lip or tray edge.
• The distance from the back of the person's knee to the floor while they are wearing normal footwear. This tells you the seat height you need.
• Doorway width, if the chair needs to be wheeled in and out.

Seat height matters more than people expect

A seat that is too low is much harder to stand up from, and a seat that is too high leaves feet dangling, which reduces stability. Almost all good shower chairs adjust in height, so check the range covers the measurement you took.

Backrest, arms, or neither?

A stool has the smallest footprint and suits someone who can sit unsupported and wash themselves. A backrest helps someone who leans back or tires. Arms give something firm to push up from and can be reassuring, but they take up more width.

Weight capacity and frame

Always check maximum user weight, which is usually given in kilograms and stone. If the person is close to the limit, choose a model with a higher capacity rather than one at the margin. Look for anodised aluminium or plastic-coated frames for wet use, and non-slip ferrules on every leg.

When to get advice first

If the person has fallen in the bathroom, cannot sit unsupported, or needs help to transfer, it is worth speaking to an occupational therapist before buying. A free assessment through the local council can sometimes provide equipment and, more importantly, confirm what is actually safe.