If your mom is planning on aging in place or currently has any mobility issues I would consider a seat that is moveable. There are many very attractive teak or plastic benches that would satisfy the natural look, space issue and provide a way for the seat to be adjusted to be in or out of the flow of the water. Remember that replacing the fold up seat may not be simple and may not be in production several years later.

Thanks. My mom did mention possibly one of those white plastic chairs but not only are they unattractive (which they needn't be...someone just needs to care enough to design them nicer) but...then there's the issue of where to PUT the chair when she's not using it in the shower.

However, it so happens we were also talking about potentially getting a teak/bamboo bench that's not too 'deep', to potentially put against the currently open side of the bathroom wall. This way folks can sit on the bench while drying if they want, and then the bench could possibly have a lower shelf too, on which to store things. So in this vein, it did occur to me that maybe we could get ONE bench that serves both purposes....goes in the shower when someone wants to sit, and then is put back outside the shower, and against the wall, when done. The only caveat however is...how manageable will it be getting the bench in and out of the shower... fitting through the door angle...and the weight of the bench...

It sounds like your mom may need a bench if she is talking about the medical white seats. If there is room to put in a built in bench, isn't there room to leave a small attractive seat. When not in use it sits in the corner and can hold shampoo or be a place to rest your leg while you shave.

There are many beautiful benches in plastic and wood. Do a search and you will find many.

Plantation Teak Deluxe Corner Shower Bench With Shelf · More Info

This is just one of hundreds of examples you can find.

If you plan to take it in and out of the shower remember that what you can move and lift may not be what your mom can move.

As someone who is facing mobility issues I know that what you need changes and a built in bench would work for me now but not in a couple of years.

My guest room shower has a folding teak bench attached to the back wall. It has been very nice to have and still looks nice after 5+ years.

On my new shower I'm looking at doing this again. I rarely use the bench in my own shower but do appreciate it on those rare occasions I do.

Personally I'd prefer a non permanent bench. Something I could change out if I want to have a different design. My issue is that I'm planning on a river rock floor in my shower so a bench may not sit flat.

You don't go into a shower to sit. Ladies may need a toe hold for leg shaving but that's about it.

Oh but Jospeh I love to place my rump on my stump while holding my high water pressure hand wand and clean my feet at the end of the day before bed! Also, my stump works well for a leg up while shaving too.

If you are talking mobility issues, install backing for grab bars while you have the opportunity. If there is a movable bench involved, you also need a nonmovable support bar. With a movable chair or bench, I would be concerned that someone might accidentally knock it out of position with a slip or trip and not be able to steady himself.

Thanks everyone. And love the 'stump' idea. Certainly adds that 'nature' element!

I converted a tub area to a shower for my mom and did a corner tile bench. Shower has a handheld shower head on a flexible/ expandable hose. Bench is in corner along long wall on opposite wall from shower head

Make sure to make the shower curbless.