There are many reasons why you’d consider buying and installing a shower seat. Not only does it make your bathroom more accessible, and shower seats are useful for the elderly/those with disabilities, but there are many more reasons! Maybe you’re not as steady on your feet as you used to be, or you want to relax while showering but there’s no place to sit, or perhaps you just want the experience of shaving your legs to be kinder to your back, there’s no judgement here! We’re here to help you decide whether a shower seat might be right for you, and to explain the different types of shower seats and how to pick your ideal seat. Ready? Read on…
What are the different types?
Shower seats come in a variety of styles and sizes, and are typically built for a specific weight capacity. Shower chairs can be padded or unpadded, wall-mounted or free-standing, and can be a simple bench seat or a chair complete with a backrest, armrests, and footrests.
Wall-mounted shower seats
The appeal of a wall-mounted shower seat is that it can be folded against the wall when not in use for quick and convenient storage. There are many different types of folding shower seats available on the market, so it’s important to choose one that will suit your needs. You should consider the size of the seat, the weight capacity, and the height. Most seats are made from a material that’s easy to clean and maintain, and you can pick the best design to suit your style. It’s also a great way to save space by folding the chair away in the shower if not everyone in the household needs it.
Freestanding seats
Many free-standing shower seats are mounted on casters with wheels for ease of transfer. Having a shower seat on wheels can also make it easier to move the seat about when it is not in use. Some free-standing shower chairs include a tilt function to assist with washing of the face and hair, as well as the ability to shorten and extend the chair legs to suit different heights and needs. It’s important to note that a free-standing stool or seat can be hard to move around in a small space. As shower trays (or shower floors) have a slope on them so that the water can drain away, a seat or stool on casters could roll down the slope. The older designs of shower trays often have mouldings in the bottom to make the floor less slippy. If you have one of these trays, it will stop a chair on casters moving and potentially stop the chair being level on the floor.
Rolling shower chairs
A rolling shower chair is a great addition to any bathroom. It provides a safe and convenient way to take a shower without having to worry about slipping or getting in and out of the shower. It also allows you to move easily around the bathroom without having to worry about wet floors. These chairs are made of durable materials that can withstand heavy use, some even being equipped with a seat belt to ensure your safety while using them. With a high weight limit, the rolling shower chair is a great way to make your bathroom more accessible and safe for everyone. a seat or stool on
How to choose the right shower seat
In the end, your reason for deciding on a shower seat is personal to you. It needs to match your requirements based on the size and capacity of the seat that you want, the size of the area where it will be used, and your personal preferences. A good-quality shower seat will have a strong, rust-proof aluminium frame, a waterproof vinyl or moulded plastic seat for easy cleaning, and rubber feet or braking casters (if it’s mounted on wheels) to prevent it from slipping on wet surfaces.
It’s important to always check the maximum weight capacity before buying a shower seat. This is usually specified by the manufacturer and should be adhered to for safety reasons. Extra-wide chairs are available for larger users, and if buying a shower seat with armrests, larger users may find that butterfly armrests, which are angled to provide extra seating space, or removable armrests are more suitable.
Ready to find your ideal shower seat to make your life more comfortable? Contact us today