Are you in the market for a new toilet seat? If so, you may be wondering what all of the different types of toilet seats are and which one would be the best for you. Would you believe it that there are a surprisingly vast amount of toilet seats to choose from?
In this article, we will go over the different types of toilet seats so that you can make an informed decision on which one is right for you.
Don’t be surprised if you learn something new!
What to Consider When Choosing a Toilet Seat
When you need a new toilet seat, you don’t want to just walk into the home improvement store and just pick any old toilet set off the shelf.
There are a few things you should take into account when shopping to make sure you get the right type of toilet seat for your needs, personality, and aesthetic.
Measurements
First, you will need to measure your toilet to make sure you get the right size. You don’t want a toilet set that is too big or too small for your bowl. The last thing you want is an ill-fitting seat that is constantly slipping off or one that is so tight you can’t even get it on.
To get an accurate measurement, use a tape measure to find out the length, width, and height of your toilet bowl. Make sure to write down the measurements or take a picture of them so you don’t forget when you go to the store!
Material and Color
You will also need to decide what material you want your toilet seat to be made of. The most common materials are wood, plastic, and bamboo, though they also come in other materials, as we will discuss later in the article.
You’ll also want to consider the material of the bolts and hinges. Stainless steel and zinc-plated are the most durable, while plastic is easier to clean and doesn’t rust.
The color you choose is entirely up to you, and there are a lot to choose from! You may want it to be a neutral white, black, or bisque. Or you may want to match the color scheme of your bathroom or pick a fun and funky color to make a statement.
Durability and Comfort
Durability and comfort are two more important factors to consider when choosing a toilet seat. You may want something that is going to be comfortable to sit on for extended periods of time whenever needed. And of course, if you have kids or high traffic, durability is something you want to keep in mind.
For example, a wooden toilet may be a good option if you want comfort that will stay warm. However, it is difficult to keep clean and may need to be sanded and refinished every few years to keep it looking its best. Plastic toilet seats, on the other hand, are colder and less comfortable but they are much easier to clean.
Special Considerations
Sometimes there are special considerations to keep in mind, such as if you or someone in your family has a disability that affects using the toilet, or if you have your own young kids or run a business out of your home that involves many children, such as a daycare.
For example, if you or someone has a disability that impacts bathroom use, you may want to consider a raised toilet seat or a bidet seat. A bidet seat attaches to your toilet and provides a stream of water for cleansing after using the restroom, and raised toilet seats are great for those who have trouble bending or sitting down low. They add a few inches of height to the seat, making it easier and more comfortable to use.
There are also seats available with built-in nightlights, which can be helpful if you need to use the restroom in the middle of the night and don’t want to turn on the bright bathroom light.
Some seats also come with a soft-closing toilet seat feature, which is great if you have small children or pets who like to play with the toilet seat. It prevents the lid from slamming down and hurting little fingers (or tails!).
Now that we’ve gone over some things to consider, let’s take a look at the different types of toilet seats available on the market
What Are The Different Types of Toilet Seats?
As I mentioned, there are a wide variety of toilet seats on the market. Toilet seats come in all different shapes, sizes, colors, and materials.
Types of toilet seats we include in this article are round, elongated, comfort, raised, bidet, and open front.
Here is a list of the different types of toilet seats in more detail:
1. Round Toilet Seats
Round toilet seats are the most common type of toilet seat and are, as you may have guessed, round in shape. They are typically made of plastic or wood and come in a variety of colors. Round toilet seats are usually the most affordable option.
One downside to round toilet seats is that they can be uncomfortable for people with certain disabilities. Another downside is that they may not fit well with certain types of toilets, such as elongated toilets.
2. Elongated Toilet Seats
Elongated toilet seats are oval in shape and are designed to fit elongated toilets. They are typically more comfortable than round toilet seats since they provide more surface area. Elongated toilet seats are usually made of the same materials as round toilet seats.
The difficulty with elongated toilet seats is that they can be difficult to find since they are not as common. They are also more expensive than round toilet seats.
3. Comfort Seats
Comfort seats are designed to be just that, comfortable! They are often padded and may even have a built-in heating element. Comfort seats are usually made of soft materials like foam or cloth.
One downside to comfort seats is that they are not as durable as other types of toilet seats. They also may not be as easy to clean since they have more nooks and crannies for dirt and bacteria to hide in.
4. Raised Toilet Seats
Raised toilet seats are designed for people with mobility issues. They raise the height of the toilet seat, making it easier for people to sit down and stand up.
Raised toilet seats are usually made of plastic or metal. They are also usually padded for comfort.
The downside to raised toilet seats is that they can be difficult to install. They also may not fit all types of toilets.
5. Bidet Seats
Bidet seats are a type of toilet seat that comes with a built-in bidet. Bidets are devices that spray water to clean your bottom after you use the toilet.
Bidet seats are usually more expensive than other types of toilet seats. They are also not as common, so they can be difficult to find.
6. Open Front Seats
Open front toilet seats are the U-shaped seats you find in virtually all public bathrooms. The reason you find these in public places is because it’s required by the IAPMO (International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials). According to the 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code 411.3, all public toilets should have open front toilet seats or an automatic seat cover dispenser.
The reason for these U-shaped seats is sanitation. When children use the toilet, someone doesn’t lift the seat, or someone squats instead of sits in a public bathroom, urine often drips on the front portion of the seat and down the front of the bowl. Eliminating that portion of the seat keeps those germs from spreading as much.
Open front seats are usually made of plastic or metal and typically not used in residential bathrooms.
What Are The Different Toilet Seat Materials?
Now that we’ve gone over the different types of toilet seats, let’s talk about the different materials toilet seats can be made of.
The most common toilet seat materials are porcelain, plastic, and wood. However, they are also occasionally made of metal and specialty materials, such as resin, polyresin, and acrylic.
7. Porcelain Toilet Seats
Porcelain toilet seats are a very common type of toilet seat. Conveniently, they are made of the same material as the rest of the toilet, making sanitizing a much easier task, since you can use the same cleaner across both surfaces and not worry about damaging one or the other.
8. Plastic Toilet Seats
Plastic toilet seats are a very popular type of toilet seat and great for homes with young children! They are usually made of a hard plastic called Polypropylene. Polypropylene is a light, durable material that is easy to clean, hard to stain, and pretty inexpensive. Plastic toilet seats can also be made of thermoset or thermoplastic, which have scratch-resistant qualities.
One downside to plastic seats is that some cleaners can remove the paint and cause wear. Another downside is that they may not be as comfortable as other materials, such as being cold in the wintertime.
9. Wood Toilet Seats
Wood toilet seats are exactly what they sound like–toilet seats made of wood. They come in a variety of colors and finishes and can add a touch of luxury to your bathroom.
Wood seats are warmer in all seasons and usually more expensive than other types of toilet seats. They are not as easy to clean, however, since wood is a porous material.
10. Bamboo Toilet Seats
Bamboo toilet seats are another type of wooden toilet seat. However, bamboo is a more sustainable option than other types of wood. Bamboo grows quickly and easily thrives.
The downside is that Bamboo toilet seats are usually more expensive than other types of toilet seats. They are also not as easy to clean since bamboo is a porous material.
11. Metal Toilet Seats
Metal toilet seats are not as common as other types of toilet seats and seem to be used most often in public restrooms. They are usually made of stainless steel, which is a durable and easy-to-clean material.
The downside to metal toilet seats is that they are unconventional and can be very cold. They may also rust over time if they are not properly cared for.
12. Specialty Materials
As we mentioned, there are also other materials available, such as resin, polyresin, and acrylic.
Designed to be durable and easy to clean, these materials also add an extra creative flair to toilets and can be an interesting part of your bathroom decoration. The fun part of resin, polyresin, and acrylic toilet seats is that they can be infused when just about anything the mind can imagine, from glitter to even sea shells!
Conclusion to Types of Toilet Seats
All in all, there are many different types of toilet seats to choose from. There is sure to be a type of seat that will suit your needs and your budget.
Take your time when shopping for toilet seats and be sure to measure your toilet before you buy. This will ensure that you get the right size seat. And of course, keep toilet seat material and color in mind, too!
And if you’re totally confused and have any questions, be sure to ask a salesperson. There are a lot of options to choose from, and they will be able to help you find the perfect seat for your needs.
What is your favorite type of toilet seat? Please let us know in the comments below. Happy shopping!
