As an Amazon Associate, Steady Home Advice earns from qualifying purchases. This article contains affiliate links; buying through them costs you nothing extra. Read our affiliate disclosure.
For some people, a simple shower stool is not enough. If sitting upright for ten minutes is tiring, if balance while seated is uncertain, or if standing up needs a push from both hands, a shower chair with a backrest and armrests gives much more support. Arms also make sitting down more controlled. This guide covers who benefits, how to size the chair, and what to look for in the arms and frame.
Who benefits from a back and arms
- People who tire sitting upright and need to lean back while washing.
- Anyone who pushes up from armrests to stand from a chair at home.
- Users with one-sided weakness who need a firm side to lean on.
- People who feel unsteady when turning or reaching while seated.
If the user only needs a place to rest for a moment, a backless bench is lighter and smaller. See our guide to shower chairs for small stalls for compact options.
Measuring
A chair with arms is wider than a stool. Measure:
- The inside width of the tub or shower floor where the chair will stand.
- The depth from the back wall to the front edge, or to the tub wall.
- The user's hip width; the seat between the arms should be wider with a little space each side.
- Seat height with feet flat and thighs level.
In a bathtub, check that all four legs sit on the flat tub floor, not up the curved sides. Many tubs narrow at the bottom.
Arm styles
Fixed arms
Fixed arms are simple and sturdy. They are good for people who sit down and stand up facing forward.
Removable or flip-up arms
If the user slides sideways onto the seat, or a carer needs to help from the side, arms that come off or flip up help. Check how they lock and that they cannot come loose when pushed down on.
Padded arms
Padding is warmer and kinder to skin than bare plastic or metal. It needs to be wiped and dried to stay clean.
Chairs to consider
The Drive Medical Premium Shower Chair is a widely sold design with a contoured backrest, padded arms, rubber feet, drainage holes and adjustable height, according to its listing.
Drive Medical Premium Shower Chair with Back and Padded Arms
Shower chair with contoured backrest and padded armrests; rubber feet; drainage holes; adjustable height
Pros
- Back and arms for people who need support while seated
- Height adjustment
Cons
- Wider than a stool, so measure a small stall
- Arms can get in the way of side transfers
If the bathtub entry itself is the problem, a transfer bench with a backrest lets the user sit outside the tub and slide in. The Drive transfer bench has a reversible backrest.
Drive Medical Tub Transfer Bench with Backrest (12011KD-1)
Aluminum frame; sits half inside, half outside the tub for a sit-and-slide entry; height-adjustable legs in 0.5 in. steps; reversible backrest; suction-style feet; drainage holes; 350 lb capacity
Pros
- No need to step over the tub wall
- Backrest can be switched to either side
- Wide seat with drainage holes
Cons
- Bulky in small bathrooms
- Water can run down the outside leg without a tucked curtain
For a lighter chair in a tub, the Moen Glacier adjustable chair is aluminum with non-slip feet; check the listing for the backrest version and its 250 lb capacity.
Moen Glacier Home Care Adjustable Tub and Shower Chair (DN7060)
Aluminum tub and shower chair; height adjustable; non-slip feet; listing states 250 lb capacity
Pros
- Lighter-weight option
- Fits inside many tubs
Cons
- Lower stated capacity than some chairs
- Check the backrest version on the listing
| Product | Key specs | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Medical Premium Shower Chair with Back and Padded Arms | Shower chair with contoured backrest and padded armrests; rubber feet; drainage holes; adjustable height | Check price on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| Drive Medical Tub Transfer Bench with Backrest (12011KD-1) | Aluminum frame; sits half inside, half outside the tub for a sit-and-slide entry; height-adjustable legs in 0.5 in. steps; reversible backrest; suction-style feet; drainage holes; 350 lb capacity | Check price on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| Moen Glacier Home Care Adjustable Tub and Shower Chair (DN7060) | Aluminum tub and shower chair; height adjustable; non-slip feet; listing states 250 lb capacity | Check price on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Specs are from manufacturer and retailer listings and can change between versions; check the listing before you buy. We don't show prices because they change often; the button shows the current price on Amazon.
Setting up the chair
- Adjust all four legs to the same height first, then fine-tune for the floor slope.
- Check every height pin clicks through.
- Place the chair so the user can reach the hand shower and controls.
- Put the back toward the wall the user would naturally lean on.
- Test by sitting and standing with someone nearby.
Pair the chair with a hand shower and a bar
Seated showering works best with a handheld shower on a long hose, so the user can wash without reaching overhead. A grab bar on the wall beside the chair helps with sitting down and standing up. See our grab bar placement guide.
Cleaning and lifespan
Chairs with backs and arms have more joints where water and soap collect. Rinse after every use, wipe the padding, and let it dry. Every month, check the feet, pins and any screws. Owners of some chairs report bending legs over time, so inspect the frame regularly, especially if the user is near the weight limit.
Seat shape and drainage
Look for a seat with drainage holes so water does not pool, and a slightly contoured surface so the user does not slide forward. A U-shaped cutout at the front, offered on some chairs, makes washing easier while seated. Avoid very slick plastic seats; textured surfaces are safer when wet.
Chair, bench or seat: a quick comparison
It helps to see where a chair with a back and arms sits among the other options. A stool or backless bench is the smallest and lightest; it suits people who only need a rest and can sit upright unaided. A chair with back and arms adds support on three sides and help with standing, at the cost of width and weight. A transfer bench straddles the tub wall so the user sits outside and slides in, which removes the step over the tub edge. A wall-mounted fold-down seat frees the floor but is fixed in place.
If stepping over the tub wall is the hardest part of bathing, a chair inside the tub does not solve that problem; a transfer bench does. If the user showers in a stall with no step, a chair with arms is usually the most supportive freestanding choice.
Questions to ask before buying
- Does the user push up from armrests on their chair at home? If so, arms are likely needed.
- Will they sit for the whole shower, or only part of it?
- Is a carer helping, and from which side?
- Will the chair stay in the shower, or be put away each time? Heavier chairs are harder to move.
- Is there a hand shower, or does one need adding?
Answering these honestly often makes the choice obvious. When in doubt, an occupational therapist can watch the user bathe and recommend a setup.
FAQ
Do I need a shower chair with arms?
If the user pushes up with their hands to stand, or feels unsteady sitting, arms help. If not, a backless bench may be enough.
Will a shower chair with arms fit in a bathtub?
Often yes, but measure the flat part of the tub floor. All four legs must sit flat.
What weight capacity should I look for?
Choose a chair rated comfortably above the user's weight. Listings state capacities; standard chairs are often 250 to 350 lb.
Are removable arms worth it?
Yes if the user slides onto the seat sideways or a carer helps from the side. Otherwise fixed arms are fine.
How do I keep the chair from slipping?
Use rubber feet in good condition, a clean floor, and level legs. A non-slip mat that does not block the feet can help on slick tubs.