Bathroom falls are a primary cause of injury at home, especially among the elderly and those with mobility challenges. According to data from the Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC), over one in four older adults falls each year, and bathrooms present particular hazards due to their wet surfaces. 

For those with conditions such as arthritis, paraplegia, post-surgery recovery, or any mobility-limiting condition, the risk can be even higher. 

A bath chair, sometimes complemented by other aids like grab bars and suction cups, becomes an essential tool to ensure a safer bathing experience. Thus, knowing which bath chairs stand out in terms of safety, durability, and design is paramount. Let’s dive into our top picks.

Key Takeaways The primary purpose of shower chairs and benches is to enhance safety during bathing. Features like non-slip feet, rubber tips, and a sturdy build should be mandatory. The market offers various models for individual needs, from swivel seats and wall-mounted options to transfer benches and ADA-compliant models. Ensure the chosen chair or bench comfortably accommodates the user’s weight.

Our Top Picks

Image	Product Name	Best Of
	Drive Medical Premium Series Shower Chair with Back and Arms	Best Overall	↓ Jump to Review
	DMI Shower Chair Bath	Best Adjustable	↓ Jump to Review
	Medline Bariatric Bath Bench	Best Bariatric Chair	↓ Jump to Review
	Carex Swivel Shower Stool	Best Swivel Bath Chair	↓ Jump to Review
	TeakCraft Teak Shower Bench	Best Designed Chair	↓ Jump to Review
	Crosslinks ADA-Compliant Teak Wood Folding Shower Bench Seat	Best Wall-Mounted Chair	↓ Jump to Review
	Medline Combination Transfer Bench and Commode	Best Combination Chair	↓ Jump to Review

Bathing should be a relaxing and rejuvenating experience, but it can become daunting for some individuals, particularly those with mobility challenges. Given the increasing demand for bathroom safety aids, manufacturers have jumped in with their range of bath chairs, benches, and stools. 

Based on a detailed analysis of features, user reviews, and industry recommendations, we present the best bath chairs in the market.

1. Best overall: Drive Medical Premium Series Shower Chair With Back and Arms

The chair’s design showcases an enhanced comfort seat, suitable for all body shapes and sizes. This is further accentuated with adjustable legs, a supportive backrest, and armrests that elevate the bathing experience. The inclusion of armrests not only aids users during standing and sitting but also ensures ergonomic support throughout.

Assembly and disassembly are a breeze, thanks to the tool-free assembly approach, highlighting Drive Medical’s commitment to user-friendly designs. Despite its lightweight nature, there’s no compromising on sturdiness. Its stability is enhanced by its large legs, equipped with soft non-slip feet. This ensures the chair stays firmly in place, even on wet surfaces.

Packed in quality retail packaging and constructed using recycled materials, this medical-grade shower chair emphasizes both quality and eco-friendliness. While its features make it a standout product, buyers should ensure the chair’s size aligns with their shower space. Also, though functionally superior and medically sound, some might desire a design that leans more toward contemporary aesthetics. Nevertheless, the chair is a top contender in the market for those prioritizing a blend of safety, adjustability, and comfort.

2. Best value: DMI Shower Chair Bath

What makes this bath seat particularly commendable is its sturdy framework. Constructed from lightweight anodized aluminum, it assures users of its rust-resistant properties, ensuring longevity and durability. With its ability to accommodate up to 500 pounds, it confidently caters to a diverse range of users. The chair incorporates slip-resistant tips, guaranteeing firm footing on potentially wet surfaces, ensuring an even greater degree of bath safety. It significantly reduces the risk of unwanted accidents.

For those who value customization, the DMI shower chair doesn’t disappoint. It features adjustable legs, allowing users to modify the seat height anywhere from 18 to 23 inches in precise 1-inch increments. A notable feature that amplifies its safety quotient is the inclusion of drainage holes in the seat. These holes serve a dual purpose—preventing water build-up, which can lead to slipping hazards, and making cleaning and maintenance a breeze.

However, every product has room for improvement. Considering its dimensions, measuring 21 x 20, and weighing in at 13 pounds, it might be slightly bulky for extremely compact bathrooms. While the design is meant to blend with bathroom decor, personal aesthetic preferences can vary. Some might opt for a more contemporary look.

3. Best bariatric chair: Medline Heavy Duty Shower Chair

It has been designed with the understanding that many users may face difficulties in maintaining their footing while standing in a shower. Hence, its backrest is a thoughtful addition, offering much-needed support and comfort.

Adjustability is another key aspect of this chair. With its adjustable legs, users can customize the height to their preference, ensuring a comfortable and proper fit for their specific needs. The non-slip feature further guarantees stability, ensuring the chair remains steadfast, even on slick, wet surfaces, significantly enhancing the safety quotient.

However, no product is without its potential downsides. One point is that the Medline Bariatric Shower Chair does not come in retail packaging. This might not affect its functionality. However, it may be a slight disappointment for those gifting it or seeking a more premium unboxing experience.

4. Best swivel bath chair: Carex Swivel Shower Stool

A vital aspect of any shower stool is its adaptability, and Carex has got this covered. It caters to a diverse user base with an adjustable height of 14.5 to 21 inches. Adding to its array of ergonomic features is the padded seat. It’s a thoughtful inclusion that underscores the brand’s focus on combining bath safety with genuine comfort. This padded attribute makes the stool especially suitable for prolonged usage, qualifying it as an ideal shower stool for elderly individuals.

With its ability to support up to 300 lbs, this stool establishes itself as dependable and durable. The non-slip suction feet further accentuate its commitment to shower safety, ensuring stability even on wet surfaces.

Yet, while there’s much to laud about the Carex Swivel Stool, potential users should weigh its 300 lbs weight capacity against their needs. Furthermore, while the swivel feature is advantageous, users must ensure they lock or stabilize the stool as needed for safety.

In the assembly department, Carex shines bright. Its quick, easy, tool-free assembly approach is user-friendly and can be accomplished in minutes. Given its lightweight build, this stool also doubles as a handy travel companion for those on the move.

5.  Best design: TeakCraft Teak Shower Bench

A standout feature is its non-slip and adjustable design. The rubber foot pads ensure a secure surface, safeguarding against unfortunate slips. The foot leveler pads also cater to minor adjustments, accommodating slight inclines in shower floors. This functionality makes it apt for older people and people with disabilities, emphasizing safety alongside comfort.

With dimensions of 21w x 14d x 18.125h inches, the bench provides ample seating space. It’s large and robust enough to be both functional and comfortable. The bench also houses a storage design, which adds to its deluxe aesthetic.

Furthermore, the bench arrives fully assembled, eliminating hassle for the end user and showcasing TeakCraft’s commitment to convenience.

6. Best wall-mounted chair: Crosslinks ADA-compliant Wall Mounted Shower Seat

Being an ADA-compliant chair, it ensures that individuals with disabilities can enjoy a comfortable shower experience. The sturdy construction of this wall-mounted seat supports up to 400 lbs. However, it can only be realized when the seat is professionally installed directly into wall beams. Prospective buyers should, therefore, be prudent and seek consultation with their contractors before purchasing.

The seat’s quality and durability are a cut above the rest. Teak is renowned for its moisture resistance, making it a perfect fit for bathroom environments. The stainless steel fixtures in a polished chrome color finish add to the seat’s aesthetic appeal and ensure it remains rust-free. The clear coat on the teak wood is a thoughtful touch. It enhances its smooth surface and provides an extra layer of protection for increased longevity.

Its design stands out in terms of elegance and utility, especially for people with limited mobility. The large seating area, measuring 35.5″ X 15.75″, guarantees comfort. When not in use, the seat can be folded, showcasing a neat dimension of 35.5″ W x 26.5″ H x 3″ D. This feature ensures it doesn’t encroach on the shower tub space, making it an ideal fit for compact bathroom showers.

However, potential buyers should take note of the product’s recommendation for residential or household use only. This limitation implies that it might not be suitable for commercial or public settings.

7. Best combination chair: Medline Combination Transfer Bench and Commode

It offers flexibility, allowing users to modify the seat height between 18″ to 22″ to achieve a comfortable and secure position. This adjustability, coupled with the bench’s depth of 16″, ensures that users of various sizes can benefit from its use. 

Since it’s a combination chair, it comes with a pail, lid, and splash guard, making personal hygiene tasks easier and more dignified.

Safety has been meticulously addressed with the addition of suction cup feet, ensuring the bench remains securely in place during transfers. The armrests further enhance stability, allowing users to have a firm grip while moving on or off the bench. Additionally, drainage holes are present to prevent water build-up.

However, potential buyers should be aware of a couple of considerations. The product is non-returnable. Potential users should ensure its specifications meet their needs before making a purchase.

Buying Guide for Bath Chairs for Shower

Bathing should be a relaxing, rejuvenating experience. But for many, especially the elderly or those with mobility issues, the bathroom can present various challenges. Enter bath chairs for the shower, designed to offer comfort and safety. 

Yet, with many options on the market, what should one look for to ensure they’re getting the right chair for their needs? Let’s dive into the key factors one should consider before buying.

Weight capacity

Purchasing a bath chair without considering weight capacity is a grave oversight. While it might seem like a mere technical specification, it is pivotal in ensuring user safety. Going beyond a chair’s recommended weight limit can strain the chair, risking unexpected breaks. Remember, it’s not just about durability but also about preventing accidents and injuries in the vulnerable bathroom environment.

Adjustability

For those with disabilities, a one-size-fits-all bath chair may not suffice. Adjustability in height and positioning can make a world of difference. By accommodating different user heights and shower dimensions, an adjustable chair ensures a snug fit, essential for comfort and safety. Moreover, in shared spaces, where multiple household members might need the chair, this feature becomes even more invaluable.

Material

The bathroom’s humid atmosphere can be unforgiving on poorly chosen materials. Opt for bath chairs crafted from rust-resistant metals or plastics to ensure longevity. These materials won’t succumb to the moisture-laden environment, ensuring you’re not constantly replacing corroded or mold-infested chairs. Plus, let’s be honest. No one wants to sit on a chair with mold or mildew. Prioritizing these materials keeps the chair both functional and fresh for longer.

Safety features

The bathroom, despite its mundane nature, can be a danger zone, with wet, slippery surfaces increasing the risk of accidents. A good bath chair, therefore, should boast a range of safety features. Look for non-slip feet or rubber tips to ensure the chair remains steadfast during use. 

Additionally, adequate drainage holes are paramount to prevent water build-up, further reducing slip hazards. Investing in these safety attributes can be a lifesaver.

Comfort

While the primary focus might be safety and functionality, let’s not forget the comfort aspect. After all, bathing should be a pleasant experience. Features like padded seats, back support, and armrests can elevate the bathing experience from merely functional to genuinely enjoyable. 

While comfort can be subjective, these features generally ensure users can relax without discomfort during their showers.

Upgrade Your Bathroom Safety and Experience

Often seen as mere functional spaces, bathrooms hold a significant place in our daily routines. Yet, they can be fraught with challenges, especially for older people and individuals with mobility issues. Always prioritize safety and comfort. Thoughtfully chosen fixtures, like a well-selected bath chair, elevate our day-to-day experiences and create a sanctuary of safety for ourselves and our loved ones.

Disabled due to an injury?

Accidents and unforeseen events can lead to disabilities, requiring adjustments in various facets of life. If you are in this situation, arm yourself with accurate information and resources to navigate these changes effectively.

At The Personal Injury Center, we can provide a thorough knowledge base and guidance about disabilities due to accidents or other causes. We can help connect you with a personal injury attorney for a free case evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions on Bath Chair for Shower