Perching Stool Buying Guide

Perching stools are height‑adjustable seats built at a slant. They are designed to allow users to safely perch on the stool, in turn reducing pressure and strain on the legs, back, and joints.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know before buying a perching stool. We’ll look at how perching stools are beneficial, who can benefit from one, where they can be used, and the types available. We will also look at where to buy a perching stool and the financial support available.

Perching Stool Perching Stool

Product Questions

What is a Perching Stool?
A perching stool is a type of mobility aid. It is similar to a chair, but the seat is built at a slant. They are generally height adjustable with many models offering backrests and armrests.
Who are perching stools designed for?
Perching stools are commonly used by the elderly, disabled, those with limited mobility and those recovering from surgery. They can be especially beneficial for those struggle with chronic pain, recovering from surgery, those with limited strength and those who suffer from fatigue. 
What is the benefit of using a perching stool?
The slant on the perching stool allows you to maintain an upright posture whilst undertaking daily tasks in the home. The stools are designed to make it easier for users to stand up or sit down on the stool, especially beneficial for those who struggle to stand after sitting down for periods of time. By perching on a stool, it reduces the pressure placed on users' legs, back and joints.
Where can a perching stool be used?
A perching stool is commonly used around the home when undertaking daily tasks. For example, they are often used in the kitchen to allow users to prepare food, wash dishes or when ironing. There are waterproof perching stools designed for use in the bathroom.
Who should not use a perching stool?
A perching stool should not be used by individuals with poor balance or control of the upper body when sitting. They are also not designed for individuals who cannot put any weight on one or both legs. If you are unsure whether a perching stool is suitable for you we would recommend contacting your doctor or Occupational Therapist for advice.

Key Perching Stool Features 

1. Sloped seat

A sloped or slanted seat allows users to perch on the stool and maintain good posture.

2. Adjustable Height

Perching stools are height‑adjustable, allowing you to perch comfortably.

3. Splayed Legs

The chairs have splayed or angled legs, which angle outwards for additional stability.

Things to consider

Height Adjustable Range

Check that the height range is suitable to allow you to obtain a comfortable seating position.


Your Floor

For stability, perching stools can only be used on level ground. Check that your flooring is level.

Space Available

Check the size of the stool and ensure you have enough space available to prevent it from becoming a trip hazard.


Do You Require Armrests?

Armrests are generally recommended to provide support when standing up from or sitting down on the stool.

Stool Weight

If you wish to move the stool around the home, check that the product weight is suitable for you.


Do You Require a Backrest?

Backrests can help enhance comfort and stability when using the stool.

There is an extensive range of aluminium and steel perching stools on the market, available in a variety of designs including height‑adjustable models, folding perching stools, options with or without backrests, modular stools, bariatric perching stools, and bathroom stools. Perching stools come in a range of colours and styles to fit perfectly within your home.

At The Ramp People, we offer a selection of mobility aids, including perching stools. All of our stools are UKCA and CE marked for your peace of mind.

Perching Stools 

  • Armrests and backrest for additional comfort and support
  • Seat height-adjustable between 545mm - 685mm
  • Lightweight and portable, only 4.9kg
  • Durable design, 165kg capacity
  • UKCA & CE marked
White adjustable perching stoolWhite adjustable perching stool
  • Armrests and backrest for additional comfort and support
  • Seat height-adjustable between 535mm - 680mm
  • Lightweight and portable, only 5.4kg
  • Durable design, 165kg capacity
  • UKCA & CE marked
Black adjustable perching stoolBlack adjustable perching stool
  • Armrests and backrest for additional comfort and support
  • Seat height-adjustable between 545mm - 685mm
  • Lightweight and portable, only 6kg
  • Durable design, 160kg capacity
  • UKCA & CE marked
Lightweight perching stool Lightweight perching stool
  • Standard design, no armrests or backrest
  • Seat height-adjustable between 545mm - 685mm
  • Lightweight and portable, only 3.8kg
  • Durable design, 165kg capacity
  • UKCA & CE marked
2 channel rubber cable protector 2 channel rubber cable protector

White Perching Stool

  • Armrests and backrest for additional comfort and support
  • Seat height-adjustable between 545mm - 685mm
  • Lightweight and portable, only 4.9kg
  • Durable design, 165kg capacity
  • UKCA & CE marked
White adjustable perching stoolWhite adjustable perching stool

Black Perching Stool

  • Armrests and backrest for additional comfort and support
  • Seat height-adjustable between 535mm - 680mm
  • Lightweight and portable, only 5.4kg
  • Durable design, 165kg capacity
  • UKCA & CE marked
Black adjustable perching stoolBlack adjustable perching stool

Portable Perching Stool

  • Armrests and backrest for additional comfort and support
  • Seat height-adjustable between 545mm - 685mm
  • Lightweight and portable, only 6kg
  • Durable design, 160kg capacity
  • UKCA & CE marked
Perching stool Perching stool

Basic Perching Stool

  • Standard design, no armrests or backrest
  • Seat height-adjustable between 545mm - 685mm
  • Lightweight and portable, only 3.8kg
  • Durable design, 165kg capacity
  • UKCA & CE marked
Perch stoolPerch stool

How to Use a Perching Stool Safely

  • You should always read the manufacturers recommendations prior to using the perching stool, below covers general advice for using a stool safely. Perching stools should be UKCA or CE marked, always purchase from a reputable supplier.
  • Always discuss with your GP, Occupational Therapist, or Physiotherapist whether a stool is beneficial for you.
  • Ensure the stool purchased in suitable for the area you wish to use it in and check the stool capacity meets your needs. For example, for bathrooms generally a specialist stool is required which is water-resistant.
  • Only use the stool on flat ground. Ensure the legs are all set to the same height to ensure it is stable on the ground.
  • Where armrests are provided, use both armrests to support you when sitting down or standing up from the stool to prevent it from tipping.
  • Do not lean over the side or reach down towards the floor when on the stool.

Assembling Perching Stools 

  • In most instances, perching stools are delivered unassembled. If you are provided the stool by the NHS, your Occupational Therapist may set this up for you.
  • Read your stool’s assembly guide for full instructions. In most cases, perching stools are easy to assemble and simply require you to attach the backrest, armrests, and legs to the chair. You will need to adjust the legs of the chair to suit your needs.
  • The majority of chairs are adjustable using an “E‑clip.” Simply extend the legs to your required height and place the E‑clip through the relevant hole.

Cleaning Perching Stools 

  • Most safety stools are designed to be easy to clean, please read the manufacturers guidance for how to clean your specific chair.
  • In most instances the stools can be cleaned using a non-abrasive soft cloth with a mild detergent.

VAT Relief & Financial Support

  • VAT Relief - As a mobility aid, those in the UK with disabilities and long-term conditions do not need to pay VAT on mobility aids, including perching stools. When purchasing from The Ramp People simply provide your details in the VAT exemption box when you add the item to your basket, the VAT will then be removed.
  • Perching Stools from the NHS - The NHS loan a range of perching stools for eligible individuals. If you require a stool we recommend speaking to your GP or Occupational Therapist. You can also apply for a needs assessment by social services who can recommend and supply various mobility aids to you. In some instances there are waiting lists for these so some users opt to purchase them privately.
  • Financial Support - The government also provide a range of benefits for those with disabilities including Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Attendance Allowance.

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