Wall Mounted Shower Seats

A seat which folds down when in use and flips back against the wall afterwards, keeping it out of the way.

Seats like this are often fitted within shower cubicles or wet-rooms.

This type of seat is typically used by someone who can’t stand up for the length of their shower.

This might be because of a disability, an illness, injury or one of the many conditions which leads to a loss of mobility, balance or strength in old age.

They are economical in terms of saving space so are ideal for smaller shower cubicles which may be too small for a free-standng shower stool or chair.

Folding shower seats are also of benefit if the shower is used regularly by other people who may not require it.

Unlike a freestanding seat, they don’t get in the way or take up any room in the bathroom.

It’s important to read the product details before choosing, but standard weight tolerance ranges from around 16 stone up to 30 stone.

Some of the more robust models with dropdown legs have the most strength, some ‘bariatric’ seats having a user weight limit of 40 stone (255kg).

This makes them suitable for very heavy individuals.

Each model varies, so the clearance to the wall is different in each case, depending on the specific design.

Usually the depth to the wall folded is around 5-6 inches, but check the specific product details before making your choice.

Many seats come with legs.

Typically, they are attached by hinges to the base of the seat, and drop down as the seat is unfolded away from the wall.

The length of the legs can be adjusted with pin clips, so it can be adapted to the height you wish to achieve.

Drop-down legs considerably increase the weight bearing capacity of shower seats.

It’s important to consider the desired height before the folding seat is installed.

They range from about £50 to over £400 for the most robust, bariatric models.

Almost all kinds of shower seats have drainage holes, preventing the build up of standing water.

Flip-away seats are no exception, and all designs have slots or holes to drain water.

This makes it less likely that the user will slip.

Armrests are a feature of some models, with the arms set on hinges, deploying as the seat is folded down from the wall.

Bathroom mobility aids like grab rails which fit either to the wall inside the shower cubicle or elsewhere in the bathroom are typically used alongside flip-up shower seats.

People with compromised balance or other physical conditions which may impact the elderly often find the two work well together.

Fold-up shower seats for shower cubicles are available at Welcome Mobility.