Accessible bathrooms
Shower seats: fold-down, fixed and free-standing
The short answer
The seat choice depends on who else uses the shower and how much support the user needs while seated.
What makes it usable
- 1
Fold-down wall seats need substantial fixing into structure and a planned height suited to the user's sit-to-stand ability.
- 2
Free-standing stools cost less and suit shared bathrooms, but they move on a wet floor and need a stable slip-resistant floor finish.
Where this fits with our work
Your questions answered
What height should a shower seat be?
Similar to the user's chair or bed height where possible, so transfers are level.
Do seats need arm supports?
If the user pushes up to stand, yes, either on the seat or as a wall rail on the strong side.
Not sure which option suits your property?
Most of these decisions come down to what is behind the wall and under the floor. A site visit settles it quickly.