Installing a bathtub bench is often a good safety measure, as it can keep you from slipping whether you are elderly, disabled, or just want to be particularly careful in the bath. Before you buy, you should determine whether a transfer bench would be useful, as this can prevent you from slipping when entering and exiting the bathtub. You should also consider the amount of room you have, as some tubs only have enough space for a small bench. Finally, think about choosing a bench that has space to put the necessities, such as a shower head and soap.
One of the most popular types of bathtub benches is the transfer kind, which is meant to be placed over the side of the tub. This allows you to sit down on the part of the bench that is outside the tub, swing your legs over the tub's wall, and then scoot over slightly so that you are positioned just under the shower head. Such a bathtub bench can reduce the chance of you slipping or tripping over the tub wall. It is typically suctioned to the floor so that it does not move easily, and usually features handles to grab for support as you are getting in and out of the tub. If you are worried about slipping when entering and exiting the shower, and your tub can accommodate this type of bathtub bench, consider buying it.
Whether or not the bathtub bench you choose is the transfer kind, you should shop for one that features space for bath necessities. For example, some benches have a tray attached so that you can keep soap and shampoo nearby, enabling you to get clean without having to stand up and move around the bathtub. Some also feature a notch where you can hang a handheld shower head, which is another tool that can make it easy to clean yourself without standing up and possibly slipping.
Another detail to consider is the amount of space you have in your bathtub, which will likely dictate the size and shape of your bench. While a small tub may require that you buy a small shower chair, you may choose instead to take advantage of the different shapes of benches on the market. For instance, a triangular bench is often perfect for fitting into the corner of a small tub, making the most of the available space. Of course, a large tub can usually accommodate a longer, rectangular bathtub bench, so you might consider this shape, especially if you think you will use the extra bench space as you shower.