Toilet Seat Styles
There are two toilet seat styles to choose from; the first is a standard close seat. Standard close seats are easy to fit and come in a variety of shapes and materials. These toilet seats often work best when complementing traditional or contemporary bathroom styles.
The second option is a soft close toilet seat, which as the name suggests, has a gentle closing mechanism for both the seat and the toilet lid. Not only can this exude an element of luxury in your bathroom, but it may also be safer for family bathrooms, as it prevents fingers from getting trapped. These seats are also easy to fit and are often favoured by families.
Toilet Seat Features
There are also a variety of toilet seat features to choose from. From bidet seats to practical 2-in-1 family toilet seats, you’ll find a feature that is right for your home.
Bidet - For many family bathrooms, installing a bidet can be expensive and take up valuable room, but there are also bidet toilet seats which offer a cheaper and less space-consuming way to clean bottoms.
2-in-1 - Toilet seat trainers need to be removed after each use, and potties need to be emptied and cleaned, but with a 2-in-1 toilet seat, you can train your little one to use the toilet without all the hassle. These seats have a regular-sized seat and smaller drop-down seat, which makes them ideal for families.
Smart seats – And if you want something a little more from your toilet seat, you can always choose a smart seat, which often includes a bidet, an adjustable seat temperature, a drying system, and even LED lights. However, you will pay extra for features like these, with smart seats costing upwards of £200.
What is the strongest toilet seat material?
Most toilet seats are made from either plastic or wood, and both materials have pros and cons. Solid wood toilet seats are often stronger and more durable. But plastic toilet seats are often cheaper.
Plastic toilet seats often use Thermoplastic, Thermoset or plastic resin, and are ideal for complementing contemporary bathrooms. They’re also easier to clean, cheaper, and often more scratch and mark resistant than wooden seats. But they might not be as durable as wooden toilet seats and are colder to sit on in the winter months.
Wooden toilet seats often use engineered, moulded or solid wood, and best suit the aesthetics of traditional bathrooms. These seats have strong durability, are very sturdy and offer a warmer toilet experience in winter. But depending on the type of wood, they may be easier to scratch or mark and as a result, more difficult to clean.
How do I choose the best toilet seat?
When it comes to choosing the best toilet seat, first and foremost, you need to measure the size of your bowl and decide which shape is right for your toilet. Then you might want to consider the style, features, material, hinges and colour.
Style – As mentioned there are two options of style – the standard close and the soft close. Households with small children may decide that a soft close toilet seat is safer and easier. Soft close toilet seats are also quieter and will help prevent your toilet seat from banging, thus ensuring longevity and durability. While bathrooms with a traditional aesthetic may prefer the standard close toilet seats.
Features – Think about what features you and your family need from your toilet seat. You can find toilet seats that are budget-friendly, family 2-in-1 toilet seats, soft close, or smart seats.
Materials – You can choose from plastic or wooden toilet seats, both of which have advantages and disadvantages. A plastic toilet seat will be lighter, scratch-resistant, cheaper, and perfectly complement a contemporary bathroom. While a wooden toilet seat will be heavier, more durable and sturdier, and suit a traditional bathroom.
Hinges – The types of hinges may also impact your decision on which toilet seat to buy, as not all are suitable for every toilet. There are top fixing and bottom fixing seats. The top fixing toilet seat uses two bolts to fit the seat into the toilet pan. The bottom fixing toilet seat uses two bolts that are tightened underneath the pan (so you need to make sure you can access underneath your toilet).You can also find quick-release toilet seats, which are ideal for easy cleaning as all you need to do is press a button to remove them. On a quick-release toilet seat, the hinges are attached on top of the toilet bowl and have two discs with sticks where you insert the seat.
Colours – Toilet seats come in a variety of colours and finishes. Black and white are the most popular colours to choose from, as these often complement most bathrooms. But you can also find a variety of wooden seats, including oak, mahogany and walnut, and even colourful patterned toilet seats.