Finding the Absolute Best Toilet Seat
If you’re planning a bathroom makeover without the hassle and expense of a complete remodel, one of the simplest ways to give it a fresh new look is to replace accessories and fixtures that are worn or have seen heavy use. And along with items such as your faucets, shower head and towel rail, one item that can help transform the appearance of your bathroom or powder room is a new toilet seat.
The best toilet seat for your bathroom is likely to be one which matches existing color schemes and decor as well the model of toilet you have. While visiting an online catalog or local showroom will give you plenty of design ideas, here are some tips to help you make a choice that’s practical as well as pleasing.
Round or oval? A quick look at your toilet bowl should be enough to tell you whether your toilet is round or elongated — but if you want to check, get a steel rule or measuring tape and measure the distance from the front of the bowl to the the seat hinges or the holes for them. An oval toilet will be about 18 1/2 inches long, and a round toilet about 16 1/2 inches. Manufacturers usually make seats that will suit one type or the other.
Wood or plastic? Many people like the warm, luxurious look of a wooden toilet seat, and there are several different woods or finishes to complement a range of different decorating styles. But plastic is also a practical and good-looking alternative. Here are some issues to consider:
Cost: although toilet seats of both varieties may come with optional features that cost a little more, wooden seats tend to be more expensive.
Comfort: a wooden seat may feel warmer to sit on than a plastic one, and some people prefer its texture against the skin.
Durability: most modern toilet seats are manufactured to withstand regular use and weight, although cracking is possible in both kinds. Many wooden seats are formed from molded wood for greater strength, and you can also find premium plastic styles for extra toughness.
Ease of cleaning: some users reckon that plastic seats can be scratched more easily over time, but modern seats of both kinds usually offer resistant finishes. Look for optional features such as a mechanism for quick seat removal, allowing you to clean around the hinge area more easily.
Custom hinges or closing features? If you like the look of polished chrome, brass or other metallic finishes, you can find a range of different hinge styles on wooden toilet seats. Plastic seats tend to have plastic hinges, but may also incorporate features such as a slow closing mechanism that’s designed to stop the seat slamming shut.
If you have other particular needs or preferences, you may be able to find other options such as padded or heated toilet seats, or models with arms, an open front or a built-in potty for toddler training.
