In honour of World Toilet Day this week, November 19, this post is going to be all about toilets – arguably one of the most used fixtures in a home daily, yet almost never spoken about. Read on to learn more about the different types of toilet seats available. If you’re interested in updating your porcelain throne, get connected with a local, verified pro on HomeStars today.
Just because the toilet you liked came with a seat, does not mean that you have to keep that seat. While the overall aesthetic of the toilet is nice, is the most important part of what you want? It’s easy to swap out your toilet seat for a new one. With a variety of materials, colours, and functions there’s a perfect toilet seat waiting for you.
Style
Round
Round toilet seats are the most common type of toilet seat and are available in a variety of colours. Round seats are the most common as they are typically the cheapest option. With that being said, they are not the most comfortable option.
Oval
An oval seat, also known as elongated, offers a more modern look to the space. This seat will only fit on an elongated toilet, so make sure your toilet is the right style before making this purchase. Oval seats are known to be more comfortable than round seats, as they are bigger. Since they are larger, this style is not ideal for smaller spaces. Additionally, they are more expensive and less common than round seats.
Comfort
Comfort seats are just as they sound – comfortable! You’re probably thinking how could a toilet seat be comfortable? Well, comfort seats can be padded and even heated. Made from soft materials, this seat will be sure to make your stay comfortable. While these seats are comfortable, they can be difficult to clean due to the soft materials.
Raised
Raised toilet seats are designed to make sitting down and standing up easier. This style is perfect for anyone with mobility issues. They are commonly made from plastic or metal and usually are equipped with a comfortable seat. These can be difficult to install, so hiring a professional is a bright idea.
Material
Wood
Solid wood toilet seats are a classic choice. The stained wood finish, in any colour, suits a traditional style bathroom or home. Wooden seats are typically warmer than other materials. However, when it comes to sanitation, they are difficult to clean as wood is an absorbent material.
Plastic
Plastic seats are the most popular in homes. Plastic is a light and durable material, making this a great choice for homes with young children, especially due to the fact that it is easy to clean.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel toilet seats are more commonly found in public places, such as restaurants and airports, however, they can be used in homes as a stylish addition to the space. Stainless steel is easy to clean, which is why it is so commonly used in public places. However, as we have all experienced, stainless steel can become quite cold to sit on – which is why not many homeowners select this material.
Polyresin
Polyresin toilet seats are another less common material selected by homeowners. Polyresin is a durable and easy-to-clean material that can be transformed into almost any design you want! From transparent to colourful, to glitter-infused, or even mermaid-inspired sea shells, polyresin toilets are great for adding the extra flair of design or entertaining your kids’ wild imagination.
Function
Standard Close
Standard close toilet seats have simple hinges that allow you to easily open and close the toilet seat. This function is becoming less popular inside homes as there is nothing to slow the fall of the toilet seat. This can become a hazard for the toilet seat itself, especially with the heavy-material seats. As well, it can be dangerous for young children to get their fingers caught between the seat and the bowl. To help, you can buy rubber stoppers to prevent the loud noise and any chipping or cracking.
Soft Close
Soft closed toilet seats are very popular today. The hinges slow the fall of the seat, preventing any loud noise or injuries to the toilet itself or children’s hands.
Bidet
Bidets are used to upkeep your hygiene by cleaning your bottom after using the toilet. Standard bidets are usually a separate fixture next to the toilet, in which a stream of water cleans exactly where you need it. To remove the step of waddling over to the bidet, bidet toilet seats were created. These toilet seats are equipped with a bidet, so there’s no need for a second fixture in the room – saving some space and money. These seats are more expensive than others, but many say it’s worth it!
Your toilet is something that is used daily, so you may as well make it comfortable and the style you like! While we just scratched the surface here, there’s so much more to toilets than their exterior. Curious to know about the toilet installation process and associated costs? Check out this article to get some more info! And, if you’re looking for a reason to need to replace your old toilet, check out these signs that it’s time to get a new porcelain throne.
