You don’t have to settle for the uncomfortable, low-quality seat that came with your toilet!
Toilet seats are easy to remove and install. Thanks to the wide range of materials and styles out there, you won’t be hard-pressed to find an option that works for you.
Whether you’re looking to upgrade your bathroom or need to replace your existing seat because it’s broken, use this guide to find the best toilet seat that money can buy.
What Types of Toilet Seats Are Available?
While they all serve the same purpose, not all toilet seats are made the same. Modern seats are designed with comfort and safety in mind. Some models even include additional features that add loads of functionality to your washroom. Here are the most common types of seats you’ll encounter on your search.
Rounded Seats
Rounded toilets are most prevalent in homes. As the name would suggest round are more circular than their elongated counterparts. Not only does this help with comfort, but it also cuts back on the required space. Most rounded toilet seats are a hair over 16 inches long. Round toilet seats will only work on round toilets, so make sure that your fixture can accommodate this seat before making a purchase.
Elongated Seats
In commercial bathrooms, elongated toilets are very common. However, residential models are also available. The biggest advantage of an elongated seat is that they offer more room for adults. They’re often the go-to for heavier individuals, as the design can adequately support one’s body weight.
Most elongated seats are about 18 and a half inches long. These seats usually take on a crescent shape as well, leaving the front portion open.
Bidet Seats
Bidets aren’t as common in the United States as they are in other European and Asian countries. However, that’s slowly beginning to change. More Americans are choosing to install bidet seats. These feature-rich seats offer the same benefits as a traditional bidet in a much smaller package.
You can easily find models to fit round or elongated toilets. When it comes to features, there’s a lot of variety on the market. In addition to a standard cleaning wand, you may see lights, built-in deodorizers, multiple cleaning settings, and other luxurious features.
Choosing the Right Toilet Seat Material
Once you’ve decided what type of seat you want, you need to choose a material. There are several options available. While porcelain is the material of choice for the body of the toilet, it’s not used on seats. Instead, you’ll find materials like molded wood or MDF.
Wooden-based seats are quite durable and are coated in a protective finish that matches the look of the porcelain. The downside of wood is that the material is susceptible to moisture damage if the coating is scratched off.
Another material option is plastic. Molded thermoplastic or resin offers significant longevity. With proper cleaning, these seats can last for decades. Plus, the manufacturing process allows the seats to be contoured for comfort.
Stainless steel seats are available. Though, they’re most common in commercial settings. The material offers good durability. It’s resistant to corrosion and easy to clean. However, the material is known for being quite uncomfortable.
Finally, there are padded toilet seats. These seats are some of the most comfortable around. They adjust to your body and provide warmth. Like the cushions on your dining chairs, these seats are filled with dense foam. It’s then covered in a moisture-proof material, such as vinyl.
The disadvantage of padded seats is that they can become damaged relatively easily. Cracks can form in the vinyl, which makes it easy for moisture to get into the padding.
Other Features to Look For
Soft-Close Feature
If you’re in a home full of seat slammers, you can benefit from a soft-close seat. At face value, these seats look like any other toilet seat. However, they are attached to your toilet using special hinges.
The hinges will “catch” a falling seat in its tracks to slow it down. This ensures that the seat will close softly and not make a ton of noise. Soft-close seats are very efficient and perform well regardless of how hard you try to slam it closed.
Durable Hardware
The quality of the seat’s hardware is often overlooked. It’s important to pay close attention to the hinges and bolts that are used to attach the seat to a toilet. Faulty hardware can lead to shifting and eventual injury.
Hardware quality ranges from brand to brand. On the lower end of the spectrum, you have plastic bolts and nuts. Plastic can serve you well for a bit. However, they’ll eventually crack and fall apart.
Your best bet would be to go with metal hardware. Metal hinges are very durable and can last for several decades with proper care. Also available are rod seats and pneumatic seats, which are great for those who need a bit more durability.
Design and Style
When it comes to design, the best toilet seat for you will come down to personal preference. You can find standard white seats, models that take on a wood finish, and even colored options. The possibilities are just as endless as the paint on your walls. People spend upwards of 60 minutes a day in the bathroom, so why not choose a toilet seat that complements your decor?
Convenience Features
If you’re looking to invest in a luxury toilet seat, there’s no shortage of options for you. Bidet seats, in particular, are equipped with some great features that can change the way you use the bathroom.
Cleaning functionality can cut back your reliance on toilet paper. Some models even have special cleaning modes that are designed to provide you with health benefits.
Looking to add some comfort to your morning routine? Try getting a toilet seat with built-in heating elements. These toilet seats can relieve muscle aches, alleviate arthritis pain, and help you warm up during the winter months.
Last, but not least, you can get a light. Hidden LED lights are great for those late-night bathroom breaks. Instead of having to turn on the ceiling lights, you can find your way with a soft light emanating from the toilet. Oftentimes, these lights are connected to sensors to save power. They’ll turn on and off automatically for your convenience.
Maintenance Requirements
No one likes having to clean the toilet. However, it’s a necessary task. Some seats make things easier than others. The material of the seat affects the maintenance requirements.
For example, you can use just about any cleaning solution on plastic seats. This makes it much easier for you to sanitize the area effectively. On the other hand, seats with exposed wood or foam may have special requirements. Some cleaners are known to cause long-term damage to those materials.
Bidet seats may also have some unique cleaning demands. Not only that, but the various components can make it difficult to provide a thorough clean without taking the entire thing off. Luckily, some manufacturers implement a snap-off hinge. With a press of a button, you can remove the seat entirely for easy cleaning.
5 Best Toilet Seats
1. Bath Royale BR620-00 Premium Round Toilet Seat
This toilet seat from Bath Royale is a nice universal option that will serve the needs of most. It’s available in both round and elongated shapes. Plus, you can get it in three neutral shades.
The entire unit is made out of stain-resistant plastic. This material is a great alternative to wood. The only caveat is the thickness. Because the plastic is strong enough on its own, the seat is relatively thin. Ridges on the underside of the seat add more structural support. Unfortunately, those ridges can be a pain to clean.
Thankfully, Bath Royale thought of that issue ahead of time! The company includes quick-release hinges that are made out of stainless steel. The hardware is incredibly tough. While it uses an unconventional installation method, it doesn’t take much to get on. Once you have the seat installed, you can remove it by simply pivoting the seat to the side.
As if the high-quality hinge wasn’t enough, the toilet also has a soft-close function. The hinge catches falling lids to eliminate loud noises and accidental cracks.
Pros:
- Soft-close hinge
- Quick-release
- Made of stain-resistant polypropylene plastic
- Supports up to 400 pounds
Cons:
- Difficult to clean
- Feels thin and flimsy
- Easy to scratch
2. Timber’s Home Bidet
Looking to pamper yourself in the washroom? Consider this bidet attachment from Tibbers. This bidet does not include the seat itself, so you’ll need to purchase that element separately. The device is designed to take advantage of your existing seat’s hardware to stay put on the toilet.
The attachment system is very simple. Sliding bold holes ensure that the system fits most toilets. After you have the bidet attached, it’s just a matter of connecting the diverter valve and braided metal hose to your water supply.
The nozzle of the bidet is quite discrete. However, you can’t miss the intuitive knob that juts out next to your toilet seat. To start the cleaning process, all you have to do is turn the knob. The water pressure is adjustable for your convenience.
When it comes to cleaning, this bidet attachment couldn’t be easier to maintain. There’s a built-in cleaning function. With a turn of the knob, water will spray out of the nozzle to get rid of any messes. The unit is made of tough plastic as well, so you can use standard bathroom cleaners without any issues.
Pros:
- Adjutable water pressure
- Self-cleaning nozzle
- Doesn’t use any electricity
- Very easy to use
Cons:
- Prone to leaking
- Doesn’t include the actual seat
3. MAYFAIR Toilet Seat
The slow-close seat from Mayfair is very basic. However, it does its job quite well. The simplicity of the seat starts with the installation process.
While most seats are installed from below the bowl of the toilet, that’s not the case with this option. The fastening system is attached from above. So, there’s no need to get on your hands and knees to get this thing on your toilet.
A soft-close hinge is used. It’s very efficient, especially when you consider that this seat is heavier than plastic options.
The seat is made out of wood. However, it’s covered in a smooth enamel coating. The enamel covers every inch of the seat to seal the wood completely. It’s also very smooth to the touch, which makes cleanup a breeze. Just use a mild soap and you’re good to go.
The high-gloss finish is resistant to staining and scratching. However, we recommend keeping the cleaning solution light. Heavier products could affect the smooth surface of the enamel, making the wood underneath susceptible to moisture damage.
Pros:
- Soft-close hinge
- Resistant to scratches
- Easy to clean with mild soap
- Installs from above
Cons:
- Hinge is prone to breaking
- Curves of seat can be uncomfortable for some
4. Delta Faucet Morgan Toilet Seat
Delta is one of the most popular fixture brands in the world. They’re known for producing equipment that looks as good as it performs. The Morgan toilet seat is no different. Available in both round and elongated designs, the seat will fit on most toilets.
The thing we like most about this seat is the durable build. It’s made out of thick plastic instead of wood. The plastic retains its finish for years, as it’s resistant to many forms of damage.
Below the seat, you’ll find four bumpers. The bumpers are made out of non-slip material. This ensures that the seat stays put when you’re on it. The only caveat with these bumpers is that they can be a bit tricky to clean. They’re not smooth like the rest of the seat. Thus, they can hold onto grime a bit more.
Overall, the seat is more cumbersome to clean. In addition to the rubberized bumpers, there’s a deep crevice that runs along the perimeter of the seat. Moisture and crime can get stuck in the crevice and require more elbow grease to get rid of.
Pros:
- Doesn’t slide on bowl
- Slow-close hinge
- Made of sturdy plastic
- Resistant to stains, chips, and scratches
Cons:
- Uses cheap nylon bolts
- Can be hard to clean
5. Brondell L60-EB LumaWarm Heated Nightlight Elongated Toilet Seat
This product from Brondell is great for the elderly, children, and anyone else who wants to avoid the jarring feeling of a cold toilet seat! It features a heating system built right in.
The controls for the heater are built into the back of the seat. A single button is used to turn the heating elements on and adjust their temperature. There are three settings in total, allowing you to get the warmth you’re after.
There’s also an LED light for better visibility at night. The simple light uses the shape of your toilet bowl and the reflective properties of the water to produce a soft glow. The light is blue and shines down into the toilet. Thus, it’s easy on the eyes.
Apart from the great extra features, the toilet seat has a lot to offer. It’s made of durable plastic and is quite easy to clean. Installation is also a breeze. Brondell gives you a few different ways to install the seat. You can attach it from below like normal seats. Or, you can use it on top-mount toilets with the included adapter. Before you tighten the hardware, you’re also able to adjust the depth of the seat to get the perfect fit.
Pros:
- Three temperature settings
- Built-in LED light
- Soft-close hinge
- Flexible installation options
Cons:
- Must be connected to a power outlet
- Thin and flimsy lid
Conclusion
Most people don’t give their toilet seat a second thought. However, after switching to one of these seats, you’ll quickly realize that the quality and design of the seat plays a big role in your overall comfort.
All of the seats we recommended are great. However, the model from Brondell is the clear winner. It’s the only option on our list that has a heating system and light. While these features may not seem like a must-have now, you won’t be able to live without them once you give the seat a shot.
When compared to the seat from Delta, Mayfair, and Bath Royale, the Brondell model is also better designed. The fact that you can install it on a wider range of toilets and adjust the depth of the seat makes it a cut above the rest in terms of installation.
Overall, Brondell’s seat checks off all the boxes. It’s durable, easy to clean, and has some great extras that will make your washroom a comfortable place to be.