Need a new toilet seat for your en-suite or family bathroom?
Toilet seats often suffer wear and tear from being lifted up and down several times a day.
Loose and wobbly seats can pose a serious health and safety risk, too – and we’ll bet you don’t want to be constantly tightening them up.
A stained or discoloured toilet seat is usually the result of bacterial build-up and, sometimes, overexposure to harsh cleaning chemicals. Replacing it will not only make your bathroom more hygienic but will also improve the look and feel of your space.
There are infinite options when it comes to toilet seats, but deciding on the perfect one for your bathroom can be tricky.
To help, we’ve compiled a list of the most important factors you’ll need to consider.
Type
Would you like a soft-close or standard-close toilet seat?
Soft-close seats tend to be the go-to choice for busy family bathrooms. This is because they have slow-closing hinges which help to avoid little fingers getting trapped – and they don’t make a loud noise when you close them.
Whilst slow-closing hinges prevent the lid from banging – minimising wear and tear on both the pan and seat – they can take a while to close.
For times when you’re in a rush, a standard-close seat can be preferable. This will close as soon as you put the lid down, meaning no waiting around to flush the toilet and wash your hands.
Material
Toilet seats are usually made from plastic or wood.
Wood provides a classic feel in traditional bathrooms. It’s a material that can bring warmth to your décor whilst offering a timeless look.
Plastic toilet seats are increasing in popularity, and it’s not surprising given that it’s a material that’s affordable, easy to clean and can be moulded into various shapes.
Some plastic toilet seats are made from thermoplastic, a synthetic resin (grains) which is lightweight and offers extra durability, helping it to withstand day-to-day use in a busy household.
Others are made from polypropylene. This material is equally as hardwearing and resistant to corrosion – making it a durable choice for your bathroom.
Keep an eye out for toilet seats that provide special anti-bacterial properties. These help to protect you and your family against germs.
If your bathroom has windows, it’s worth looking out for toilet seats that feature UV protection, too. These will prevent discolouration over time.
Shape
Toilet seats are available in all shapes and sizes.
For example, round toilet seats form a classic curved finish from the seat’s fixings.
D-shaped toilet seats, on the other hand, are ideal if you’re looking for something a little different from a traditional round seat. They’re designed to fit toilets with rounded lines and make a versatile addition to almost any space.
Square toilet seats are becoming more popular. Guaranteed to provide an eye-catching feature, these are perfect for adding a touch of style to your modern or contemporary bathroom.
Fixings
Cleaning the loo isn’t the most glamorous job in the world, but it’s something that has to be done to keep your bathroom hygienic.
A quick-release toilet seat will make it easier for you to complete your daily or weekly toilet cleaning as it’s quick and easy to fix and remove.
Taking only a few seconds to remove, top-fix toilet seats are very similar to quick-release seats. Two bolts are fed into the pan and make it easier to clean when the bottom of the pan is inaccessible (i.e. in back-to-wall or wall-hung toilets).
Bottom-fix seats provide a more permanent solution. Secured with bolts that are tightened from underneath, they prevent any unnecessary movement and wobbling, making it safer for everyone who uses your toilet.
Hinge
Toilet seats come with a variety of hinge options – one of the most common being plastic.
Plastic hinges are typically used on soft-close plastic seats. As well as matching the colour and material of the seat, they’re also inexpensive and easily wiped clean.
If you’re looking for a sturdier hinge for your plastic or wooden toilet seat, consider one that’s made from a more robust material. Stainless steel, brass and zinc hinges are likely to last longer than plastic ones.
Colour
White toilet seats are typically the most popular in homes, blending nicely with the basin and bathtub.
However, black toilet seats are also a great option for modern and traditional bathrooms – suiting black and white colour schemes perfectly.
Alternatively, if you’re looking to give your space a warm and welcoming look, why not opt for a coloured toilet seat or one with a wood finish? You could match your toilet seat with the rest of your bathroom furniture and décor or choose a colour that will stand out as soon as you walk through the door.
Ready to purchase a new toilet seat?
Keeping the above factors in mind when shopping for toilet seats will help you to narrow your options down and choose the perfect one for your space.
Although a new toilet seat won’t break the bank, it’s a sensible idea to set yourself a realistic budget and go to a reputable company, like The Plumbline.
They’ll have an extensive range of products available for you to choose from and can assure you that their toilet seats are manufactured from top-quality materials. They’ll also provide competitive prices.
