Shower Stool & Shower Chair Buying Guide

A shower stool is a bathroom mobility aid designed to provide a stable, comfortable place to sit whilst showering. They are ideal for people who find standing for extended periods difficult due to reduced mobility, balance issues, arthritis, fatigue or recovery from surgery.

By allowing users to sit whilst showering, shower stools help reduce strain on the joints and muscles whilst lowering the risk of slips and falls. Shower aids are widely used in homes, care homes and healthcare settings to support safer, more independent showering and bathing.

Most portable shower stools are lightweight, height adjustable and fitted with non-slip rubber feet to provide stability on wet surfaces. The self-draining seats help prevent water from pooling, whilst some models include padded seats for enhanced comfort. Shower stools are available in a range of designs to suit different mobility needs, bathroom layouts and levels of support required.

What is a Shower Chair? 

The terms shower chair, shower seat and shower stool are often used interchangeably, although shower chairs usually provide additional support through a backrest and armrests. 

The backrest helps users maintain a comfortable seated position whilst showering, making shower chairs an excellent choice for those with reduced balance, limited core strength, fatigue or conditions that make standing or sitting unsupported difficult. Models with armrests provide additional support when lowering yourself onto the chair or standing back up, making them particularly beneficial for those with arthritis, joint pain or reduced mobility.

Due to their larger design, shower chairs generally require more space than shower stools. However, for many users, the additional support and comfort they provide make them the preferred option for maintaining independence and confidence whilst showering.

Choosing the right bathroom mobility aid depends on your mobility, the level of support you need and the space available within your bathroom or shower. Whilst both provide a safe place to sit whilst showering, shower stools are generally best suited to users who require basic support, whereas shower chairs offer additional comfort and stability for those with greater mobility needs. It is important you also consider the features of the stool or chair you are viewing, such as whether you need a rotating design to prevent the need to overreach or whether you require handles to support you when sitting down or standing up. 

Shower Stools generally provide a more compact solution and so are more suited to smaller bathrooms and wet rooms. Shower Chairs are generally considered more comfortable and more supportive for users. 

If you wish to use the shower stool in the bath tub, it is important to check the useable width of the bath to ensure the stool or chair will sit flush on the ground during use.

If you are unsure on the most suitable shower aid for your abilities, speak to our team or contact your GP or Occupational Therapist. 

Looking for a shower stool or shower chair for an elderly user? Our guide to the Best Shower Chairs and Shower Stools for Elderly Users can help you choose the right solution. 

• Folding Shower Stools - Feature a compact design that allows them to be folded and leant against a wall when not in use. Folding shower stools are ideal for shared bathrooms, smaller shower spaces, those requiring occasional support or users who need a portable solution that can be easily stored or transported.
• Swivel Shower Stools / Rotating Shower Stools - Swivel shower stools feature a rotating seat that allows users to turn whilst seated. This reduces the need to twist, stretch or overreach when getting into position or washing, making them particularly beneficial for users recovering from surgery, those with reduced mobility or anyone who experiences pain when moving or reaching.
• Shower Stools with Arms - Shower stools with arms/handles provide additional support when sitting down and standing up. The armrests give users something stable to hold onto, making them a suitable choice for those who experience joint stiffness, reduced balance, those with conditions such as Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), which can cause tachycardia when standing up, or difficulty lowering themselves onto and rising from a seat. 
• Bariatric Shower Stools - Bariatric shower stools, such as those with 200kg capacity, are designed with higher weight capacities, wider seats and reinforced frames to provide additional strength and comfort. They are suitable for larger users who require a more supportive shower seating solution.
• Corner Shower Stools - Corner shower stools feature a triangular seat design that allows them to fit neatly into the corner of a shower or wet room, making them a space-saving option.

• Shower Chair with Backrest - Shower chairs with backrests provide additional support when seated, helping users maintain a comfortable position whilst showering. They are particularly beneficial for those who experience fatigue, reduced balance or difficulty sitting unsupported. The chair has no armrests to allow for side transfers. 
• Shower Chairs with Backrest & Armrests - Features backrest and armrests to support users when sitting down or standing up from the chair, which can benefit users with limited strength in their lower body and those with conditions such as Orthostatic intolerance (OI) who often feel dizzy or fatigued when standing up. 
• Shower Commode Chairs - Available in transit and self-propelled versions, designed for use as a supportive shower chair and toilet aid. 
• Wall-mounted Shower Chairs - Available in folding and non-folding designs, folding showering seats are secured to the wall in the bathroom. Due to the folding design they can be used in smaller bathrooms and wet rooms. As a fixed option they are generally used for those who require long-term support. 

Check the space available in your shower, wet room or the width of the bath tub to ensure your stool or chair will fit.

When seated on a shower stool, your feet should be flush on the ground. To check the seat height you need sit on a firm chair and measure the vertical height from the ground to the back of your knee.

Portable stools are available in capacities up to 200kg. Check the stool or chair is suitable for you.

Backrests provide support to users and are especially beneficial for those with limited mobility, balance issues and reduced core strength. Backrests may not be preferable where washing assistance is required. Bathroom aids with backrests generally take up more space so are not preferable for use in smaller bathrooms.

Supportive arms are beneficial to assist users when sitting down or standing up from the chair. They are especially beneficial for those who struggle with stiff joints after being seated. If side transfers are required, for example from the chair to a wheelchair, arm are generally not recommended.

Solutions include flat seats, curved seats which enhance posture and comfort and options with EVA cushions for added comfort. Often EVA cushions are provided in the box with the item so that you can choose whether you wish to add this or not.

Portable shower stools and chairs are a popular choice as they provide a flexible showering solution without requiring permanent changes to the bathroom. 

Benefits of Portable Shower Seats: 

• Lightweight and easy to move – Portable shower seats can be easily lifted and repositioned when needed, making them ideal for shared bathrooms or users who need to store the seat away after use.
• No installation required – Simply assemble the shower stool or chair, adjust the height to suit your needs and it is ready to use.
• Available at a range of prices – Portable shower seats are available in a variety of designs and price points, providing solutions to suit different budgets.
• Quick availability – As they are off-the-shelf solutions, portable shower stools and chairs can usually be delivered quickly without waiting for installation.

Disadvantages of Portable Shower Seats: 

• Can take up more space – As portable shower stools and chairs sit within the shower area, they can take up more space compared to fixed fold-down shower seats.

Benefits of Fixed Shower Seats: 

• Permanent solution for long-term use – Fixed shower seats are always available when required and do not need to be positioned or stored before use.
• Space-saving designs available – Many fixed shower seats can fold against the wall when not in use, making them a good option for bathrooms where space is limited

Disadvantages of Fixed Shower Seats: 

• Installation required – Fixed shower seats require installation, which can involve additional costs, time and bathroom modifications.
• Cannot be easily moved – Unlike portable shower stools and chairs, fixed shower seats cannot simply be lifted and repositioned if your needs or bathroom layout changes.
• Permission may be required – If you rent your home, you may need to seek permission from your landlord or housing provider before installing a fixed shower seat.

Shower stools and shower chairs are suitable for many users; however, as with all mobility aids, it is important to consider which solution best meets your individual needs. For those with long-term conditions, a shower stool or chair may be used as a temporary solution while waiting for funding for a wet room installation or while permanent bathroom adaptations are completed.

For others, a shower stool or shower seat can provide a safe, comfortable and supportive solution that allows them to continue showering independently for many years.

Not everyone requires a shower stool or shower chair. Depending on your bathroom layout, mobility needs and level of support required, alternatives include:

• Shower Benches - A built-in or installed seat within the shower area that provides a stable place to sit whilst showering. They are generally suitable for users who require additional support but can still transfer onto the seat independently.
• Grab Rails - Secured to the wall, grab rails can provide users support when standing or moving. They are generally designed for users who required limited support or they are used in conjunction with another bathroom aid.
• Transfer Benches - A portable bathroom aid designed to help users safely access a bath. One side of the bench sits inside the bath while the other remains outside, allowing users to sit down before sliding across into the bath rather than stepping over the side.
• Bath Boards - Designed for users who find stepping into and out of a bath difficult. The board rests securely across the bath, providing a stable platform to sit on whilst showering.
• Bath Hoists - A supportive bathroom aid that safely lowers and raises users into and out of the bath. They are generally designed for individuals who are unable to access the bath independently and require additional assistance.
• Walk-in Bathtubs / Accessible Bathtubs - Feature a low-entry design with a watertight door, allowing users to walk into the bath without having to lift their leg over a traditional bath side.
• Accessible Wet Rooms - A permanent bathroom adaptation featuring a level-access shower area designed to improve accessibility. Wet rooms often include features such as grab rails, wheelchair turning space and fold-down shower seats.

If you are unsure which bathroom aid is right for you, an Occupational Therapist can assess your needs and recommend suitable equipment or adaptations.

For those seeking to use a Shower Stool in the bath tub, you may wish to also consider a bath step. Bath steps are designed for those who find it difficult getting in and out of the bath. A bath step can provide a lower step-up height and help make bath access easier. Adjustable bath steps can be configured to a height and layout that suits the user's needs and typically feature non-slip surfaces and rubber feet for stability.

Explore our range of Bath Steps to learn more.

• Designed for use in bathrooms and wet rooms, the adjustable shower stools and chairs offer a waterproof and corrosion-resistant construction. They are manufactured from plastic and aluminium with various options offering a EVA seat cushion. They are quick and easy to clean, simply wipe down with a cloth, warm water and a mild soap or commercial disinfectant.
• It is important to regularly check your stool or chair for signs and damage and wear. Always check the fixings continue to remain secure and tighten when needed.
• Do not continue to use bathroom aids or mobility aids if they are damaged, instead contact the manufacturer.

• All of our Shower Stools and Shower Chairs are designed to be quick and easy to assemble in under 10 minutes by one person, no tools are required.
• The height of the stool or chair can be adjusted to your preferred setting using the push pin button. When your sat on the chair or stool your feet should be flat on the floor and your knees should be level or slightly below the hips.

VAT relief is available across all of our mobility aids including bathroom aids and shower stools. In the UK, people with long-term disabilities, such as those living with M.S., arthritis, cancer, COPD, do not have to pay VAT on mobility aids. Registered charities also do not have to pay VAT on these items. When you add the item to your basket simply complete your VAT exemption details in the VAT relief box to purchase the bathroom aid without the VAT. It is a self-declaration, we simply require the user's full name and disability. You do not need to send over any paperwork as evidence, nor do you need to be registered as disabled or claim benefits.

In the UK many are entitled to bathroom aids, including shower stools, through local authority grants and the NHS. It is recommended you speak to the adult social services department at your local council to arrange a home assessment. A professional will contact you to discuss your needs and may arrange a home visit to assess your requirements. It generally takes 4 - 6 weeks for an assessment to take place however this can vary depending on availability.

In the UK councils can also loan mobility aids, such a grab rails, shower stools and other bathroom aids, through the Community Equipment Service (CES). You will need to speak to an Occupational Therapist, nurse, social care worker, GP or other NHS worker to arrange ordering equipment for you.

Various UK charities also offer free or discounted mobility aids to buy or rent including the British Red Cross (for periods up to 20 weeks).

At The Ramp People, we have been supplying mobility aids designed to improve independence, safety and accessibility for customers across the UK since 2006. Our range of shower stools and shower chairs has been selected to provide reliable solutions for users with different mobility needs, from those requiring occasional support to those needing a more supportive bathroom aid.

• Trusted mobility specialist - We are members of the British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA), demonstrating our commitment to quality, customer service and responsible trading within the healthcare sector.
• Quality assured products - Our business operates under an ISO 9001 quality management system, helping ensure consistent standards across our products and services.
• Safety tested bathroom aids - Our shower stools and shower chairs are CE and UKCA marked where applicable, confirming they meet relevant product safety requirements.
• Rated excellent by customers - We are rated excellent on Trustpilot with over 11,000 customer reviews from individuals and companies who have purchased our products.
• Long-lasting support - Many of our shower stools and chairs include a 2-year warranty, providing customers with confidence in their purchase.

Still need assistance? Our team is available throughout the week to help via phone, email, live chat or WhatsApp. If you’d rather we call you, you can easily request a callback here.