Small shower chair: finding a seat that fits a tight space
We research products from makers' specs and health sources; we do not run hands-on tests. Links to Amazon may earn us a commission at no cost to you. How this works.
- Compact folding shower chair with backrest. Best for: Small walk-in showers shared with others. See options on Amazon
- Armless narrow shower chair. Best for: Narrow bathtubs. See options on Amazon
- Shower chair with folding back and armrests. Best for: Walk-in showers where you want arms to push up from. See options on Amazon
- Handheld shower head. Best for: Rinsing while seated. See options on Amazon
Measure before you shop
- Floor width: in a tub, measure the flat part of the tub floor, not the top rim, so all four feet can rest flat.
- Floor depth: measure front to back where the chair will sit, leaving space for your feet in front of it.
- Doorway or curtain gap: a folding chair is easier to get through a narrow shower door.
- Your seat height: sit on a kitchen chair you can stand from easily and measure from floor to seat.
Then compare with the chair's seat size. As examples from one maker, Drive Medical lists its folding shower chair with seat sizes of 19.75 by 12 inches and 18 by 11 inches, and its shower chair with folding back at 21.5 by 13.125 inches. Legs often splay wider than the seat, so check the footprint too.
Chair features that matter in a small space
| Feature | Why it helps | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Backrest | Support while washing, and a place to rest if you tire | Takes depth; a folding back saves space when stored |
| No arms | MedlinePlus advises a seat without arms if it is placed in a bathtub | Less to push on when standing; add a grab bar |
| Arms | Something to push up from in a walk-in shower | Adds width |
| Folding frame | Clears the floor for others who share the bathroom | Check the locks before each use |
| Drainage holes | Drive notes seat drainage holes reduce slipping | Keep them clear of soap buildup |
| Rubber or non-slip feet | Grip on a wet floor; MedlinePlus advises rubber tips | Replace worn or cracked tips |
If space is so tight that a chair with a back will not fit, see our small shower stool guide. If you cannot step over the tub wall at all, a transfer bench is the better tool.
Weight rating and stability
Drive rates both the folding shower chair and the shower chair with folding back to 300 lb. Pick a rating above the user's weight. A lightweight chair (Drive lists 4.5 to 8 lb across these models) is easy to move but should still feel solid: press down on each corner before sitting and check that no foot rocks. Drive describes angled legs on its folding chair for added stability.
Using it safely
- Sit down and stand up slowly, holding a grab bar. MedlinePlus advises grab bars mounted vertically or horizontally, not diagonally, and warns that towel racks cannot hold your weight.
- Put non-slip mats or decals on the tub floor and a non-skid mat outside it.
- Keep soap and shampoo where you can reach them without twisting or standing.
- Set the water heater to no more than 120 F to avoid burns.
- A handheld shower head lets you rinse while seated.
MedlinePlus also suggests asking your provider for a referral to an occupational or physical therapist, who can visit your bathroom and recommend changes.
What to look for when you buy
Compact folding shower chair with backrest
Best for: Small walk-in showers shared with others
A folding frame clears the floor when not in use, and a back supports you while washing. Drive's folding shower chair comes with or without a back and folds flat.
Watch out: Confirm the folding locks are fully engaged before each use.
See options on AmazonArmless narrow shower chair
Best for: Narrow bathtubs
MedlinePlus advises buying a seat without arms if it is placed in a bathtub.
Watch out: Without arms, you need a grab bar to push up from.
See options on AmazonShower chair with folding back and armrests
Best for: Walk-in showers where you want arms to push up from
Drive lists its shower chair with a folding back, armrests, removable legs and non-slip feet, with a 21.5 by 13.125 inch seat.
Watch out: Arms add width; measure the stall first.
See options on AmazonHandheld shower head
Best for: Rinsing while seated
Bringing the water to you means less twisting and reaching from the chair.
Watch out: Keep the hose off the floor when you stand to avoid tripping.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- What size shower chair fits a small shower?
- Measure the flat floor area and compare it with the chair's seat and leg footprint. Drive's compact folding chair, for example, comes with seats 18 or 19.75 inches wide.
- Should a shower chair in a tub have arms?
- MedlinePlus advises an armless shower chair if it is used in a tub.
- Is a shower chair or stool better for a small shower?
- A chair with a back gives more support; a stool takes less space. Choose the chair if you tire or have poor trunk balance.
- How much weight can a shower chair hold?
- It depends on the model. Drive's standard folding chairs are rated to 300 lb, and heavier-duty chairs exist.
- Should a shower chair have drainage holes?
- They help. Drive notes the drainage holes in its folding chair seat reduce slipping.
- Do I need grab bars with a shower chair?
- Ideally, yes. MedlinePlus advises grab bars mounted vertically or horizontally, and warns that towel racks cannot hold your weight.
Sources
- Shower Chair with Folding Back (shop.drivemedical.com), Drive Medical (maker)
- Folding Shower Chair (shop.drivemedical.com), Drive Medical (maker)
- Getting your home ready: knee or hip surgery (medlineplus.gov), MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Bathroom safety for adults (medlineplus.gov), MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine