Toilet Seats: Types and Choices

The toilet is considered a special room in the house, all family members spend a large amount of time here. In order for the pastime in the bathroom to become comfortable, it is important to consider not only the nuances of the layout of the room, but also worry about the correct choice of toilet seat. This accessory is marketed in a huge assortment of sizes, shapes and designs.

The toilet seat is not only an important design that complements the plumbing, but also an original interior detail. Despite the fact that such products may differ in appearance and price, all must meet the following basic requirements.

• Be comfortable. If there is a feeling of irritation and discomfort when visiting the toilet, this indicates that the seat was released by the manufacturer without taking into account the particular anatomical structure of the human body. So, for example, rectangular toilets, in which the lid is a continuation of the design, are now in fashion. They look stylish in modern design, but during operation they do not bring the desired comfort.
• Be strong and reliable. A huge role is played by the quality of the material from which the seat is made, since it is subjected to high loads daily and can break. Experts recommend purchasing products from materials that are resistant to mechanical and force impacts.
• Meet hygiene standards. Since there are always a lot of germs in the bathroom, it is important that the toilet and its seating are made of materials that are resistant to the chemical effects of detergents. This is due to the fact that the toilet seat and the toilet lid have to be cleaned most often with preparations containing chlorine, acids and other active substances. In addition, it should have a simple shape, because the presence of internal cavities and corners will lead to rapid contamination and the accumulation of microorganisms.
• Harmoniously combined with the overall design of the room. The seat should fit into the overall interior, being its decoration, and also look good against the background of decoration and other plumbing.

To date, the toilet seat and its lid are presented on the market by many models that allow you to comfortably spend time in the toilet. The most common types of seats include:

• disposable;
• hard plastic products;
• soft designs;
• family seat with lift and built-in bidet;
• heated toilet seat (thermal seat);
• products equipped with an electronic cover;
• double child seat.

Each of the above types has its pros and cons, and also differs in design features and operational characteristics. As a rule, in public institutions toilets are installed in toilets with disposable chairs. Their main advantage is the safety of operation and hygiene, because such designs completely exclude infection with infectious and bacterial diseases, which can often be "picked up" in such places. In addition, this seat is removable.

Stools made made of hard plastic represent the simplest and most affordable option that can last more than one year. Its life usually depends on the thickness of the material, therefore if you plan to buy a seat for 3-5 years, it is better to give preference to those models that are made of high quality plastic. As for the design, such products do not differ in their original forms, most often they are produced in a classic form (oval shape). It should be noted that the absence of decor and unnecessary details on them significantly increases the usability of these models.

Special attention also deserves soft chairs, which have both disadvantages and a number of advantages. They are affordable, because they are made from cheap polyethylene, and do not last long, because they quickly wear out and tear. The most similar models can last no more than one year.

No less popular are family appliances with a built-in bidet (2 in 1). They differ in that they are equipped with a built-in fountain that allows you to maintain intimate hygiene. Some species also feature a water heating function. Such toilet seats significantly save not only space in the toilet, but also money. They are especially suitable for small apartments.

There are also seats of unusual design, which is suitable for people who forget to lower the lid. These are toilet seats with a lift, in which the lid closes automatically. Despite the convenience of products, not everyone can afford to purchase them, since their price is high. When installing a seat with a lift in restaurants, cafes and hotels, you need to know that they do not support anti-vandal functions and can quickly fail under the influence of force.

The list of popular models includes thermal seats, which are made from reliable and high-quality plastic. It is difficult to break them, in case of a breakdown, repairs can be easily done with your own hands. The heating system expands the functionality of the product, but such an upgrade significantly affects the price. An unusual decision by manufacturers was electronic seat that connects to the smart home system. Such models are ideal for lovers of comfort and modern technology.

Manufacturers have not forgotten about very small toilet users. For them they created universal models of toilet seats that are comfortable to use for adults. They are a folding double seat with a step, released from several materials (for adults they are usually made of MDF, and for children - made of plastic). The two components of the structure are superimposed on each other, which makes them convenient to operate. Similar products can be installed both in houses, apartments, and in kindergartens, where the throne-chair is often placed.

For the elderly and sick people acquire special chairs with handrails, the height of which is easily adjustable. Such models make it easier for people with disabilities to go to the toilet. Their base is made of durable plastic, and the handrails are made of metal.

It is also worth highlighting travel chairs designed for long trips. They are easy to install in public toilets. These modifications may be of different sizes, diameters and designs.

During the manufacture of toilet seats, various materials are used, but most often manufacturers prefer high-quality plastic, plywood sheets, wood, duroplast and fabrics. To find out which material is better, you should have information about its performance.

• Plastic. This type of material includes polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene and polypropylene. Plastic and foam seat combines low cost and durability. In addition, the products are easy to wash and convenient. The only drawback of such toilet seats is that the plastic surface quickly cracks and scratches. Also, such models can not please the appearance, since they are available in a standard form and in gray shades.

• Duroplast. This material takes the second place in popularity in the production of toilet seats. In its characteristics, it has many similarities with ceramics: it does not absorb moisture and odors, and is resistant to ultraviolet radiation and weak acids. In addition, in the manufacture of this material, manufacturers add a special component to the composition, which prevents the emergence and reproduction of bacteria. Thanks to this, the seat is safe and hygienic.

• Plywood. Belongs to not the best materials that can be used for the production of toilet seats. Its only advantage is low cost, but plywood products look simple and ugly.

• Wood. The wooden seats and covers are attractive and luxurious. On sale, such models are rare, so they are more appreciated. As for the performance, the tree is in no way inferior to plastic. A wooden seat is an excellent accessory for a modern interior, which gives the toilet design an unusual and very aesthetic appearance. The toilet in this design looks stylish and natural.

• The cloth. Typically, textiles are used as decorative material. It is pleasant to the touch, soft and characterized by an attractive appearance. The fabric blends harmoniously with any toilet design, the only thing is that the service life of this material is no more than one year. If you want to have a soft seat, then you need to choose products from a more durable fabric.

• Styrofoam. Such material is usually used to make chairs intended for use in summer cottages and in public places. Styrofoam products are cheap and have a nice texture.

• Plastic film or paper. It is used for the manufacture of disposable toilet seats that are installed in public toilets. Also found on sale are hygienic paper seats in the form of an overlay. They are most often purchased for hotels and business centers.

• MDF. It features an attractive view and rich design. It fits perfectly into any interior of the toilet, but has a lot of weight and can close the surface of the toilet when closing the lid.

Previously, additional toilet equipment performed only one single function - hygienic, at the same time, the toilet seat and the cover have various additional features.

• Heating. Such designs provide not only comfort, but also warmth. An increase in surface temperature occurs in that part of the toilet seat that is in contact with human skin. Heated products are usually equipped with expensive covers. It is recommended to purchase a warm seat both for apartments and for private houses, cottages.

• Automatic opening and closing of the lid. A very convenient function that allows you to control the process of lowering the lid, but the toilet seat with it usually lasts no more than 5 years. Some modern seat models have the ability to disable the micro-lift, which allows to extend the life of the product.

• Highlighting and heated hairdryer. Such new items appeared on the market recently, but received a lot of positive reviews.

• Automatic air deodorization and cleaning of plumbing equipment. Provides hygiene in the toilet. On the toilet seat there are sensory sensors that are triggered after rising from the seat.

• Hydromassage. The “smart” product (toilet seat) is equipped with a remote control, with which you can select the desired functions. The program panel is located on the side of the toilet. Such devices are considered beneficial for the elderly and disabled.

Despite the fact that there are certain standards in the manufacture of toilets, many manufacturers do not adhere to them. Therefore, often on sale you can find ceramic products of unusual dimensions and shapes, under which it is very difficult to pick up classic seats with a cover. To solve this problem, many companies began to produce toilet seats with a unique design that differ from the standard in both size and shape.

To choose the right seat dimensions, you need to take cardboard, attach it to the toilet and draw a outline. At the same time, do not forget about the places of fastening the cover, they are also noted on the sketch. After that, you can go to buy a toilet seat. It is best to give preference to those models that in a circle do not exceed the size of the toilet by 1 cm. The high and elongated seat, which is usually equipped with a semi-oval cover, is very popular.

For lovers of unusual design, you can choose not only the classic semicircular toilet seats, but also products of a different configuration. For example, rectangular seats look elegantly in the form of a heart, musical instruments, ducks and frogs. It is recommended to purchase products with rounded corners, this will ensure their safe operation.

The main rule in the design of the toilet is considered a harmonious combination of all furniture, plumbing and decor. Therefore, if the room is made in what a special style, then for it you need to purchase the appropriate chair. If there are children in the family, then a seat with a colorful cover, on which animals and heroes of fairy tales can be represented, will be a great choice.

In the event that a budget repair is made in the toilet and it does not differ in style, you can install neutral color toilet seat. A model with imitation of wood texture will also look good. For rooms that are decorated in a modern design, it is best to give preference to products with an unusual color. So, for example, a black or bright red seat is well suited for the Art Nouveau style, snow-white for the classics, and pastel colors for minimalism.

In order for the toilet seat to last a long time, while being practical and comfortable, it is necessary to pay attention to operational characteristics when choosing it. So, for example, semi-rigid products are convenient to use, but they quickly bend, crack and fail. The same applies to soft models that provide maximum comfort, pleasant to the touch, but short-lived. To make the right choice, you should choose seats that meet the following characteristics:

• high quality;
• durability;
• security;
• convenience;
• attractive design;
• multifunctionality.

If on the surface of the product there are cracks, chips, splintering or sagging plastic, then the purchase must be abandoned. No less important are the dimensions of the seat, which must correspond to the dimensions of the toilet. Since plumbing of an unusual design is found on sale, in order to choose a suitable toilet seat with a lid for it, you should correctly take the dimensions, and taking these parameters into account, choose a product from the catalog.

When taking sizes it is necessary to take into account the width, the distance from the straight line passing through the center of the mounting holes and from the edge of the cover, the distance between the mounting holes.

The first measurement should be taken in the widest part, the second - through the center of the holes. Of course, you won’t be able to calculate everything with an accuracy of millimeter, but you can get information about the dimensions.

An important role is played by the material from which the toilet seat is made. Wood products have proven themselves well; they are distinguished by unusual design, safety and environmental friendliness. These seats look beautiful in any design, filling the interior of the room with cosiness. In addition, unlike other materials, wood serves long and reliably.

For maximum convenience, experts recommend buying universal heated models, which, if desired, can be equipped with soft rims. Such models are suitable for both private homes and apartments. They fit well into any design of the toilet, as the rims are made of soft fabric of various textures and colors.

For families with small children, it is necessary to choose more original models that are decorated with drawings. Both kids and their parents will like them. It is important to pay attention not only to the appearance of the structure, but also to its practicality - the material must be resistant to mechanical damage and aggressive composition of detergents.This will ensure the hygiene of the toilet and facilitate the cleaning process in it.

In addition, before buying, you should decide on the amount that you are ready to pay for the product. For this It is important to determine in advance which model of the seat you need and what functions it can be supplemented with. If you need a toilet seat, you can choose simple models, they are inexpensive and last a long time. For toilets decorated in a modern style and equipped with a “smart system”, more modernized models that would fit the overall design will be needed. So, for example, seats with a micro-lift, lighting and hydromassage will be a great choice, and 2-in-1 models that are equipped with a bidet will be indispensable for small toilets.

After the issue of choosing and buying a toilet seat has been resolved, the most crucial moment will remain - its installation. Replacing the old seat with a new one is absolutely uncomplicated, any person can cope with this task. Modern plumbing has a simple design, which makes it possible to simplify the installation of a toilet seat with a cover, without requiring the use of special tools. If you are installing the seat for the first time, it is important to follow the following instructions.

• First of all, it is necessary to remove the old toilet seat, for which it is enough to unscrew the nuts strung on long bolts. If they cannot be dismantled, then use pliers or a wrench.
• The next step will be a thorough cleaning of the fixation site. It also does not hurt to completely wash the toilet and additionally check the reliability of fastening the tank, the drain mechanism. This will further avoid smudges.
• After that, carefully unpack the purchased kit, which consists of a seat and a cover. To fix the bolts, manufacturers usually complete structures with special grooves that simplify the process of adjusting their location.
• Installation is completed by installing bolts in the holes of the toilet bowl and tightening the nuts. At this stage, it is important to observe safety precautions and correctly calculate the force, otherwise plastic products may burst. If the design was purchased with a lift, then before installing it, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the operating instructions that are included with the kit.

See how to install a toilet seat in the next video.