Bathroom Seating

The bathroom presents more opportunities to lose balance than almost any other room in the house, and having somewhere safe to sit makes a significant difference. Our bathroom seating range covers shower chairs and stools, bath benches, perching stools for sitting at the basin, and wall-mounted fold-down seats. Browse our fixed and folding shower seats, bath benches and bath lifts alongside this range.

About Our Bath and Shower Seats

Our range covers shower stools, shower chairs with arms, bath benches that span across the tub, and wheeled or swivel models for more complex transfer needs. Most are height-adjustable, lightweight and fold flat for storage or travel. Aluminium frames will not rust, and drainage holes in the seat prevent water pooling.

Simon Bidle, our training coordinator, covers the differences between stools, benches and wall-mounted seats in detail in his guide to bath seats for the elderly, including what to look for in terms of stability, weight capacity and space requirements. Natasha, our occupational therapist, has also picked out her favourite bathroom aids from the CareCo range in her guide to bathroom aids, with practical advice on choosing equipment that suits your specific bathroom layout and level of mobility. As she puts it, the last thing you want is to buy a potentially expensive piece of equipment that does not work for you. Her guide to choosing the right bathroom seat goes into further detail on the decision-making process.

Bath and Shower Seat FAQs

  • What is the difference between a shower stool and a shower chair?

    A shower stool is a simple three or four-legged seat with no arms or back. It is lightweight, portable and takes up minimal space. A shower chair has a backrest and usually armrests, which gives more support for anyone who needs help with posture or pushing themselves up to standing. If you are fairly steady and just need to take the weight off your feet, a stool is often sufficient. If you need something to lean against or push up from, a chair is the safer choice.
  • What is a bath bench and when would I need one?

    A bath bench spans across the top of the bath, with two legs inside and two outside. You sit on the bench from outside the bath and slide across, then swing your legs over the edge and into the water. It removes the need to step in and lower yourself at the same time, which is one of the riskier movements in the bathroom. Simon Bidle covers bath benches alongside other seating options in his guide to bath seats.
  • How do I choose the right shower seat?

    Start with the weight capacity and make sure the seat comfortably exceeds your own weight. Then think about whether you need arms, a back, or neither. Check the height adjustment range against your own measurements, the seat should sit at roughly the same height as a dining chair for most people. Finally, check the dimensions against your shower space, including the door opening width if you have a cubicle. Natasha covers all of these considerations in her guide to choosing the right bathroom seat.
  • Can a shower chair be used in a bath as well?

    Many can, yes. A freestanding shower stool or chair with non-slip feet can sit inside a standard bath for use under an over-bath shower. Check that the legs fit within the bath width and that the non-slip feet grip the bath surface rather than sliding. A bath bench is designed specifically for spanning the bath edge, which is a different and often more practical approach if getting in and out of the bath is the main challenge.
  • How do I stop a shower chair getting mouldy?

    Rinse it after each use and allow it to dry between uses rather than leaving it sitting wet in the shower. Most plastic and aluminium models can be wiped down with a mild antibacterial spray. Check any rubber feet and fittings periodically, as mould tends to develop around joints and under feet first. A chair that dries quickly and has drainage holes in the seat is easier to maintain than a solid-seated model.
  • Are shower chairs suitable for travel?

    Folding bathroom chairs are the most practical for travel, as they pack down compactly and require no installation. Hotels and holiday accommodation rarely have adapted bathrooms, so bringing your own seat is sensible if you rely on one at home.

Content reviewed: July 2026