Different Types of Toilet Seats Explained
In this article we explain the different types of toilet seats you can buy for your bathroom so you can choose the toilet seat that’s right for both you and your bathroom.
Introduction to the World of Toilet Seats
In the grand scheme of bathroom fixtures, the humble toilet seat often doesn't get the recognition it deserves. It's a vital component of our daily lives, yet it's frequently overlooked in discussions about home decor and comfort.
However, anyone who has ever experienced the discomfort of a poorly designed or mismatched toilet seat knows that not all thrones are created equal!
In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the diverse world of toilet seats, exploring the various types of toilet seats available and their unique features.
Standard Toilet Seats
Let's begin with the basics. Standard toilet seats are the most common type found in homes and public restrooms worldwide. They are typically made of either plastic or wood and come in a variety of shapes, including round and elongated. These seats are straightforward in design, affordable, and easy to install. However, they may lack some of the features and comforts found in more specialised options.
Soft-Close Toilet Seats
Tired of the loud bang that accompanies the closing of a toilet seat? Enter the soft-close toilet seat. These innovative seats feature hinges with built-in dampers that slow down the closing action, preventing noise and reducing the risk of pinched fingers. Soft-close seats add a touch of luxury to any bathroom and are especially popular in households with young children or light sleepers.
Heated Toilet Seats
Imagine stepping into a warm embrace every time you use the restroom. That's the experience offered by heated toilet seats. These seats come equipped with heating elements that warm the surface, providing added comfort during chilly mornings or late-night visits. Some models even allow users to adjust the temperature to their liking, ensuring a cosy experience year-round.
Bidet Toilet Seats
In recent years, bidet toilet seats have gained popularity for their hygienic benefits and eco-friendly nature. These seats feature built-in bidet functionality, allowing users to cleanse themselves with a gentle stream of water after using the toilet. Bidet seats often come with adjustable water pressure, temperature settings, and additional features like oscillation and pulsation for a customised cleansing experience.
Raised Toilet Seats
For individuals with mobility issues or disabilities, raised toilet seats can make a world of difference. These seats add height to the toilet, making it easier for users to sit down and stand up without straining their joints or muscles. Raised toilet seats come in various heights and are often equipped with armrests for added support and stability.
Decorative Toilet Seats
Who says toilet seats can't be a form of artistic expression? Decorative toilet seats come in a wide range of designs, from whimsical patterns and colourful prints to sleek metallic finishes and even custom images. Whether you're looking to add a pop of personality to your bathroom or match your seat to a specific theme, decorative options abound.
Self-Cleaning Toilet Seats
Cleaning the toilet is nobody's favourite chore, but self-cleaning toilet seats aim to make the task a thing of the past. These innovative seats feature antimicrobial materials and built-in cleaning mechanisms that automatically sanitise the surface after each use. Some models even incorporate UV light technology to kill bacteria and eliminate odours, ensuring a fresh and hygienic toilet seat every time.
Eco-Friendly Toilet Seats
Concerned about your environmental footprint? Eco-friendly toilet seats offer sustainable alternatives to traditional options. These seats are made from recycled materials, such as reclaimed wood or recycled plastic, and are designed to minimise water usage and energy consumption. Some eco-friendly seats even feature composting capabilities, allowing organic waste to be safely converted into nutrient-rich compost.
Smart Toilet Seats
Welcome to the future of bathroom technology. Smart toilet seats integrate advanced features like motion sensors, Bluetooth connectivity, and app-controlled settings to enhance the user experience. From automatic flushing and personalised bidet settings to built-in speakers and LED lighting, these high-tech seats take bathroom comfort to a whole new level.
The Different Shapes of Toilet Seat Explained
Toilet seats come in various shapes to accommodate different toilet bowl designs and user preferences. The two primary shapes are round and elongated, but there are also some less common shapes tailored for specific purposes. Let's explore each shape in more detail:
Round Toilet Seats
Round toilet seats are the most common and traditional shape. They have a circular design that fits well on compact toilets with smaller bowls. Round seats are often preferred for bathrooms with limited space, such as in small apartments or cloakrooms. They provide a classic look.
Elongated Toilet Seats
Elongated toilet seats feature an oval or egg-shaped design that provides more surface area and a larger seating area compared to round seats. They are typically found on modern toilets and are favoured for their enhanced comfort and hygiene. Elongated seats offer better support for larger individuals and can be more comfortable for extended periods of sitting. They also tend to have a sleeker and more contemporary appearance.
D-Shaped Toilet Seats
D-shaped toilet seats combine elements of both round and elongated designs. They feature a rounded front edge similar to round seats but extend back further like elongated seats. This shape provides a compromise between space-saving and comfort, making it suitable for toilets with limited space that still require a larger seating area for comfort.
Square Toilet Seats
Square toilet seats have a distinct square shape that offers a modern and minimalist aesthetic. While less common than round or elongated seats, square seats can add a unique touch to contemporary bathrooms with geometric design elements. They may not be as widely available as other shapes and are often considered more of a niche option for those seeking a distinctive look.
Open-Front Toilet Seats
Open-front toilet seats feature a gap or opening in the front of the seat, rather than being fully enclosed like traditional seats. These seats are commonly found in commercial settings, such as public restrooms, and are preferred for their hygienic benefits. The open-front design allows for easier cleaning and makes it less likely for users to come into contact with the seat itself, reducing the spread of germs and bacteria.
Raised Toilet Seats
While not a distinct shape in itself, raised toilet seats deserve mention for their specialised design. These seats are elevated above the toilet bowl to provide additional height, making it easier for individuals with mobility issues or disabilities to sit down and stand up. Raised seats are available in both round and elongated configurations to accommodate different toilet bowl shapes.
Each of these toilet seat shapes serves a specific purpose and offers unique advantages in terms of comfort, aesthetics, and functionality. When selecting a toilet seat, it's essential to consider the shape of your toilet bowl, the dimensions of your bathroom, and your personal preferences to choose the option that best suits your needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the world of toilet seats is far more diverse and intriguing than one might initially assume. Whether you're seeking added comfort, improved hygiene, or eco-friendly options, there's a toilet seat out there to suit your needs and preferences.
By exploring the various types available, you can transform your bathroom experience from mundane to magnificent, one seat at a time. So, the next time you find yourself in need of a throne upgrade, consider all the possibilities and choose the seat that reigns supreme in both form and function.
