Perching stools: what they are and how to choose one
Last checked November 2026. Offers and rules change: confirm with the provider before you rely on them.
A perching stool is a tall stool with a seat that slopes gently forward, so you can half-sit, half-stand while you cook, wash up, iron or wash at the basin. It takes the weight off your legs without the effort of getting right down into a chair and up again.
Who they suit
Perching stools help people who cannot stand for long because of pain, breathlessness, tiredness or poor balance, but who can still get on and off a high seat safely. They are often recommended after hip or knee surgery and for conditions that make standing tiring.
They are not ideal if you are very unsteady, cannot keep your feet firmly on the floor, or tend to slide forward when seated. In those cases ask an occupational therapist what would be safer.
How a perching stool differs from an ordinary stool
- The seat slopes forward slightly, so your hips stay higher than your knees and standing up takes less effort.
- The legs splay outwards and end in rubber feet (ferrules) for grip. The back legs are usually set a little longer, which is what creates the slope.
- The height adjusts on each leg, normally with a spring clip and a row of holes.
The main types
| Type | Good for | Think about |
|---|---|---|
| Plain stool, no arms or back | Small kitchens and bathrooms; easy to tuck away | Least support; nothing to push up on |
| With armrests | Pushing up to stand | Arms can get in the way at a worktop |
| With a backrest | Longer tasks, such as ironing or preparing vegetables | Takes more room |
| With arms and back | Most support and the usual choice from equipment services | Bulkiest and heaviest to move |
| Bathroom or shower version | Washing at the basin; rust-resistant frame and a seat that drains or wipes dry | Check it is sold as suitable for wet areas |
What to look for
- Height range. Check the lowest and highest seat settings against the measurement below.
- Maximum user weight. Heavy-duty versions are available.
- A padded, wipe-clean seat. Padded vinyl is kinder for long tasks; moulded plastic is better in the bathroom.
- Seat width between the arms, if it has them.
- Sound ferrules. The rubber feet should be thick, unworn and firmly on. They are cheap to replace when they wear.
- The footprint. Splayed legs take more floor space than you expect, and can be a trip hazard in a narrow galley kitchen. Measure the space.
- Weight of the stool. Can you move it from the cooker to the sink yourself?
Setting the height
- Stand next to the stool in the shoes or slippers you normally wear indoors.
- Adjust it so that when you perch on the front of the seat, both feet are flat on the floor and your knees are only slightly bent. You should feel that you are propped, not seated.
- Make sure all four legs are set to the correct holes and every clip has clicked fully out. The two back legs should match each other, and the two front legs should match each other.
- Check the working height. Your worktop or basin should be comfortable to reach without hunching or lifting your shoulders.
If the stool was supplied by an equipment service, the therapist or technician will normally set it up for you. Do not alter it for another person and forget to change it back.
Using one safely
- Place the stool on a level, dry floor, never on a loose mat.
- Back up until you feel it against your legs, reach for the arms or seat, and lower yourself gently. Do not drop onto it.
- Keep both feet on the floor. A perching stool is not for lifting your feet off the ground or reaching for high cupboards.
- Never stand on it.
Rough price guide
As a rough guide only, perching stools usually cost from around £30 to £80 depending on whether they have arms, a back and padding. Heavy-duty models cost more.
Getting one free or cheaper
- Council or hospital. Perching stools are among the items equipment services commonly lend. Ask for a needs assessment from adult social care, or ask the hospital team if you are having an operation. In England and Wales you can apply on GOV.UK.
- VAT relief. If you have a long-term illness or disability, equipment designed for disabled people can be bought free of VAT. See VAT relief on mobility aids.
- Second-hand. A simple metal stool is a reasonable used buy if the frame is straight, the clips work and you fit new ferrules. See buying second-hand mobility equipment.
Where to try before you buy
Mobility shops normally have perching stools on display. Perch on one at a counter of roughly worktop height, and try getting on and off several times. Notice whether you want arms.
Mistakes to avoid
- Setting it too low, so it becomes an ordinary stool that is hard to rise from.
- Putting the longer legs at the front, which tips you backwards.
- Using a kitchen model in the shower.
- Buying a bar stool instead. Bar stools have no forward slope, often swivel, and usually leave your feet off the floor.
- Buying from a caller at the door. See doorstep selling rights.
Common questions
Why does the seat slope?
The slope keeps your hips higher than your knees, which makes it easier to stand and keeps some weight through your feet.
Do I need arms on a perching stool?
Arms help if you push up with your hands to stand. If you mostly want to slide on and off at the worktop, a model without arms is less bulky.
Can I use a perching stool in the shower?
Only one sold for wet areas. For sitting right under the water, a proper shower seat is better; see bath lifts and shower seats.
How often should I check it?
Glance at the clips and rubber feet every week or two, and replace worn feet promptly.