Measure the flat floor of the tub or shower first. Then choose a stool for small spaces, a chair with a back for leaning, a folding wall seat to save room, or a transfer bench if stepping over a tub wall is the hard part.
What types of shower seats are there?
There are four common types. A shower stool is a small, backless seat that fits tight spaces and is easy to move. A shower chair adds a backrest, and sometimes arms, for people who like to lean while they wash. A folding wall-mounted seat screws to the wall and folds flat when not in use, which keeps a shared shower clear. A tub transfer bench straddles the tub wall, so you sit down outside the tub and slide across instead of stepping over the ledge.
How do I measure the space?
Measure the flat floor where the seat's feet will stand. In a tub, measure wall to wall at the bottom, because tubs curve inward at the base and the flat area is narrower than the rim. In a shower, measure the tray width and depth. Then measure the door or opening. Leave room for knees in front of the seat and space to turn. Compare these numbers with the size listed on each product page.
What seat height is right?
When seated, feet should rest flat on the floor with knees roughly level with the hips. A simple way to find this is to sit the person in a kitchen chair that feels comfortable and measure from the floor to the back of the knee. Many seats have legs that adjust in steps, so you can match that height. In a tub, remember to measure from the tub floor.
Back, arms or neither?
A backrest helps if the person likes to lean or tires while washing. Arms give something to push against when standing up, but they take up width, so check the space. A stool suits someone who mainly wants a place to rest for a moment and fits the smallest showers. If getting into the tub is the main difficulty, a transfer bench usually helps more than any chair.
What about weight rating and materials?
Every seat has a weight rating set by its maker. Check the figure listed on the product page and in the instructions, and choose a seat rated comfortably above the user's weight. Look for rubber feet that grip a wet floor, a seat with drainage holes so water does not pool, and leg locks that click firmly into place.
How do I keep a shower seat in good shape?
Rinse the seat after each use and let it dry. Wipe it with a mild cleaner once a week. Every so often, check the rubber feet for wear and test each leg lock. Before sitting, make sure all four feet sit flat on the floor. Pairing a seat with a grab bar at the entry and a non-slip mat on the tub floor makes the whole routine simpler.