What is a Bucket Chair?

A bucket chair (also known as a tub chair) is a classic seating option recognised for its curved back and enclosed sides, popular in homes, hotels, and reception areas.

In this guide, we explain what a bucket chair is, what its pros and cons are, and whether it’s suitable for long-term seating.

Jump straight to…

• • • What is a bucket chair?
    • What is the difference between a tub chair and a bucket chair?
    • What are the disadvantages of bucket chairs?
    • Why do people want bucket chairs?
    • Which chair is best for long sitting hours?
    • Conclusion
    • FAQs

What is a bucket chair?

There are two types of bucket chairs out there. The first and more healthcare-focused option is the wheeled mobile chair with a carriage-style shape. The patient lies in a recumbent position which is good for people with muscular problems. The lambswool lining is excellent for pressure relief and provides high levels of comfort.

The classic bucket chair (or tub chair) is a common item of furniture that has been around for a long time. It first originated in 18^th century France in the court of King Louis XV, and has become a standard fixture in hotel lobbies, waiting rooms and gentlemen’s clubs ever since.

The style is very recognisable, with the enclosed back and sides which curve around behind the sitter in a semicircular fashion. As well as having a modern, stylish look, they ‘hug’ the person from behind, helping support an upright posture.

What is the difference between a tub chair and a bucket chair?

Bucket chairs and tub chairs are just different names for the same thing. The name tub chair is more commonly used in Britain, whereas bucket chair is the American English version. The name comes from the distinctive curved backrest style, like the end of a bathtub.

Are bucket chairs comfortable?

Bucket chairs are comfortable for shorter periods, but not for sitting in all the time, due to their fixed, upright positioning without any postural adjustments such as seat tilt or backrest recline.

Are bucket chairs good for your back?

Bucket chairs provide good lateral support, ‘hugging’ you and supporting you in an upright position, but they don’t necessarily provide good back support, due to their fixed upright position and lack of lumbar support.

The spine is shaped in a natural ‘S’ curve, so although a bucket seat keeps a good vertical midline position when viewed from the front, it doesn’t support the spine’s natural curve when viewed from the side profile.

Having a protruding lumbar support section in the lower back supports the lumber region, taking pressure off the spine.

What are the disadvantages of bucket chairs?

Despite being supportive, comfortable and fashionable, bucket chairs do have their drawbacks.

Disadvantages of wheeled mobile chairs

The mobile bucket chair is in a permanently fixed position, so the angle of tilt or positioning can’t be changed to redistribute pressure. The chair is technically tilt-in-space, but the inability to adjust the position of the seat limits the chair and makes it harder to get in and out, unless using a hoist.

The best solution for patient care environments is to use a care chair, which can be tilted backwards from an upright position, to vary the angle of tilt-in-space. This is the most effective method of tilt-in-space, and can be combined with breathable, waterproof upholstery which meets infection control requirements, rather than lambswool which harbours bacteria.

Disadvantages of classic bucket chairs

Firstly, the seat itself is completely flat (i.e. horizontal) with no rake (backward slope). This can put pressure on the buttocks and upper thighs due to the leg being wider at the top than at the knee.

Then there is the shape of the seat itself, which is sometimes more designed for interior effect than comfort or human ergonomics! Hard leather, high armrests and rigid upright backrests can all cause discomfort when sitting for extended periods of time.

Why do people want bucket chairs?

People generally buy bucket chairs to enhance interior design and add a luxury, quality feel to their environment, whether this is in someone’s home or a hospitality venue like a bar or restaurant. Velvet or leather upholstery with deep cushioning creates a sumptuous feel, adding to the quality experience in customer service environments.

Which chair is best for long sitting hours?

If you need a chair that provides postural support for longer periods of time, you need to be looking at a riser recliner chair or care chair, that has built-in positioning adjustment like manual or electric tilt-in-space.

Static chairs are OK for mobile individuals who are able to adjust their posture and shift body weight. In fact, for able-bodied individuals this happens without really noticing, as they automatically shift and adjust their posture to prevent too much pressure building up in one area.

For less mobile individuals however, they find it difficult to change their position in the chair independently. Sitting in a chair like a bucket chair could lead to muscles aches, cramps and even pressure sores for these people. Therefore, positioning adjustments like backrest recline and tilt in space are needed to adjust posture and increase sitting comfort over longer periods of time.

The Lento Mobile can be ordered in wipe-clean upholstery such as dartex for clinical settings, with faux leather exterior in a range of colours. The Levitex foam seat cushion is engineered to mould to your body shape for improved comfort, reducing interface pressure across contact surfaces.

Lento Mobile Riser Recliner

Rise recline sofas are ideal for home and communal settings. The tilt in space can be activated on both sides, either manually (with a lever) or electrically with a handset at the side of the chair. This raises the legs and tilts the seat angle back to redistribute pressure more evenly across the body.

Care chairs are the ultimate in terms of comfort for longer sitting, and catering for higher posture and pressure relief needs. The postural options available in the Lento Cove Care Chair are far greater and able to cater to almost any postural deformity, with the SpineSupporter backrest system that can be configured to the unique requirements of each patient.

Lento Cove Care Chair

Conclusion

Bucket chairs are a stylish and space-efficient seating choice, ideal for lounges, reception areas, and hospitality settings. Their curved design offers short-term comfort and visual appeal, making them a popular interior design feature.

However, for long sitting periods, bucket chairs can be inadequate due to their fixed position, lack of lumbar support, and limited adjustability. For better posture and all-day comfort, an adjustable chair such as a riser recliner is a more suitable option.