Back in October i was asked by a young designer which is the one object I’d want to be redesigned as a daily living aid – my response was the shower chair. They are utilitarian and all the same. The Local Authority supplied look like this,
But how things have changed as here are some great examples of stylish shower chairs and stools. Not all are adaptable e.g.in height or arm adjust, but they do look good.
The number one for style is from Remsen in the US and not exported yet. Gwyneth Paltro’s Goop supplies their silver Pill box and they are in the process of supplying internationally so maybe the chair will be next.
The Pressalit shower seat is electrically height adjustable and the arms fold for easy transfer. The HEWI chair is for minimalist and eco style as it’s ‘made from post-industrial recyclate’; Croydex has a luxury padded, height adjustable chair (£115 at B&Q) that has the look of a 50’s cafe. A new addition to inclusive design is IKEA’s Bäsingen chair and at £29 is a stylish steal. As far as stools are concerned there are many options but we like the Refine Stools from SolutionBased in the USA and they do ship internationally but with tax and import charges. However they can be found at some UK retailers such Insignia for £199. We also like Dorica stool (€149) based on universal design from byAcre (the suppliers of the Ferrarri rollators). It models as a shower stool, foot rest or step ladder and is ‘creating design that belongs to everyone’ so it has no label of mobility/disability. The final seat we looked at comes from Living House and is for 2 people! Supplied to order and costs £2,980 – very much a luxury for 2 disabled people.
If you know of something that needs a re-design let us know and. we’ll get working on it or enter an idea and you might get nominated for a 2026 Blue Badge Access Award Design Prize.