The best shower seat for most seniors is the one that fits both the person and the bathroom: a shower chair with a back for people who tire easily or need support while sitting, a backless stool or bench for small showers, and a tub transfer bench for anyone who has trouble stepping over the side of a bathtub. Before you buy, take three measurements: the inside width of your tub or shower, the height of the tub wall, and the seat height that lets the user sit with feet flat on the floor. You can browse every option in our Bath Benches & Stools collection.
Shower chair, bath bench, stool or transfer bench: what's the difference?
These names get used loosely, so here is how we use them:
- Bath stool: a small seat, often round, with no back. It takes up the least space and works well in narrow tubs and stand-up showers.
- Bath bench (no back): a wider, usually rectangular seat. More room to sit than a stool, still easy to step around.
- Shower chair with back: a bench or seat with a backrest, and sometimes arms. Good for people who want something to lean against and push up from.
- Tub transfer bench: a long bench with two legs inside the tub and two legs outside. The user sits down outside the tub, slides across, and lifts their legs over the wall, so there is no need to step over it.
Quick comparison
| Type | Best for | Space needed | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bath stool | Small showers, narrow tubs, users who sit steadily on their own | Least | No back or arms to hold |
| Bench without back | Users who want a wider seat and can sit upright | Moderate | No back support |
| Shower chair with back (and arms) | Users who tire easily or need help standing up | Moderate | Arms can make side transfers harder; on some models they remove |
| Tub transfer bench | Anyone who struggles to step over a tub wall | Most (extends outside the tub) | Needs a shower curtain, not a glass door, in most setups |
| Bariatric chair or bench | Users who need a higher weight capacity or a wider seat | Moderate to most | Check tub width; heavy-duty frames can be wider |
How to measure your tub or shower
Grab a tape measure and write these down before you shop:
- Inside width of the tub floor. Measure across the bottom of the tub, not the rim. Tubs curve inward at the bottom, so the floor is narrower than the top. The legs of the chair or bench must fit flat on the tub floor.
- Tub wall height. Measure from the bathroom floor to the top of the tub wall. For a transfer bench, the seat needs to sit above the wall, and the outside legs need to reach the bathroom floor.
- Shower stall size. For a walk-in shower, measure the floor width and depth and check there is room to sit and still reach the controls.
- The user's seat height. Have the person sit on a kitchen chair and measure from the floor to the back of the knee. A seat near this height usually lets them sit with feet flat on the floor and thighs level. Most shower chairs adjust in 1-inch steps, so you only need a rough number.
- Door or curtain. Transfer benches stick out over the tub wall. A curtain can tuck around them; a sliding glass door usually cannot close.
- Weight. Note the user's weight and choose a seat rated comfortably above it.
Picks from our collection
For small spaces: Drive Round Bath Stool
The Drive Bath Stool Round White is built for narrow tubs and showers. Per the manufacturer, the height adjusts from 15" to 20" in 1" steps, the flared aluminum legs have slip-resistant rubber tips, and it holds up to 300 lbs. It has no back, so it's best for users who sit steadily on their own.
For back and arm support: Drive Premium Series Shower Chair
The Drive Medical Premium Series Shower Chair with Back and Arms has a contoured seat, a removable backrest and detachable arms, plus tool-free height adjustment and non-slip feet. It's rated to 350 lbs. The arms give the user something to push on when standing, and you can take them off if they get in the way.
For stepping over a tub wall: McKesson Bath Transfer Bench
The McKesson Bath Transfer Bench has an aluminum A-frame rated to 400 lbs and a seat that adjusts from 17-1/2" to 22-1/2". The backrest is reversible for left- or right-hand entry, and the arm rail can be removed.
For bariatric users: Dynarex Bari+Max Shower Chair with Back
The Dynarex Bari+Max Bariatric Shower Chair with Back supports up to 500 lbs. The manufacturer lists the seat height as adjustable from 16" to 20" in 1-inch steps, overall dimensions of 20" L x 18.5" W x 30" H, a corrosion-proof aluminum frame, drainage holes in the seat, built-in hand grips and a removable back. Compare its 18.5" width to your tub floor measurement before ordering. For larger users and heavier-duty needs, see our guide to choosing bariatric equipment.
Safety checklist before the first shower
- Check that every leg sits flat on the floor and the seat does not rock.
- Set all legs to the same height (or, for a transfer bench, set the inside and outside legs so the seat is level) and make sure the push-pins click fully into place.
- Do a dry run with the water off so the user can practice sitting, turning and standing.
- Keep soap, shampoo and a towel within reach of the seat.
- A handheld shower head makes seated bathing much easier.
- Inspect the rubber tips regularly and replace them if they are cracked or worn.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a shower chair with a back?
If the user gets tired sitting upright, leans to one side, or needs something to steady themselves, a back is a good idea. If they sit steadily and space is tight, a backless stool or bench gives more room to move.
Will a shower chair fit in a bathtub?
Usually, yes, but measure the inside width of the tub floor first. The chair's legs need to sit flat on the bottom of the tub, which is narrower than the rim.
What height should a shower chair be?
A good starting point is the distance from the floor to the back of the user's knee while seated. Adjust from there so their feet rest flat on the floor. For a transfer bench, the seat also needs to sit above the tub wall.
Can a transfer bench be used on either side of the tub?
Many can. Look for a reversible backrest, like on the McKesson bench above, which lets you set it up for left- or right-hand entry.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. Ask your doctor or therapist which equipment is right for you.