Don't underestimate the impact of your toilet seat shape on your everyday activities. It determines your comfort, convenience, and space visuals. Elongated toilet seats are the most common. Despite that, several models have unique advantages; it's critical to choose the best one for your needs.
In this guide, determine what to prioritize when buying one. More importantly, discover a list of your top options for a quicker shopping journey. Use this to make an informed purchase decision for your toilet!
Elongated vs. Round Toilet Seats
Toilet seats come in two primary varieties. An elongated seat is more oval in shape and longer than a round one. Many people prefer it because it provides more surface for comfort, but it can be more expensive than a round seat. Meanwhile, a round seat is shorter and more common in smaller bathrooms. It’s easy to distinguish the two, but most toilet seats come in both varieties, so paying attention when buying is vital.
5 Factors to Consider When Choosing an Elongated Toilet Seat
To ensure you pick the right seat for your existing toilet, pay particular attention to these things:
Size
The most important thing to consider is what size your toilet seat should actually be. Elongated seats have a standard length of 18 inches—use this as a basis. If you’re unsure whether your toilet needs an elongated one, measure the length of your current toilet bowl. Here’s how:
Get a tape measure or a long wooden ruler of at least 20 inches.
Locate the mounting holes for the toilet seat on the toilet.
From these holes, measure the length directly down to the front of the bowl’s edge.
Note the shape of your toilet bowl. Does it look elongated?
Do this to determine if you really need an elongated seat. If it’s closer to 16.5 inches, a round toilet seat would be a better choice.
Material
The material of the toilet seat influences how comfortable it is to sit on. It also dictates how durable the seat will be and how long you can use it. There are two common materials used with toilet seats:
Plastic Seats
These are the most common, often polypropylene or thermoplastic. It’s resistant to wear, fading, and chipping. They’re also affordable, light, and easy to clean and care for. Plus, you can get them in a variety of colors and with extra features.
Wooden Seats
These can be made from solid wood or wood with a protective finish. Because wood doesn’t chill quickly, these seats are cozier in the winter season. Still, they cost more than the plastic alternatives.
There are also other material options: ceramic, porcelain, and even metal. Decide what you like most and that matches your bathroom’s style. What do you think would look good on your toilet?
Features
There are plain, standard seats you can get. But you can also choose to get elongated seats with modern features. They’re often referred to as smart or modern toilet seats. If you want improved comfort and convenience, consider what features you want your seat to have. Here are some key features you want your ideal toilet seat to have:
Slow Closing or Automatic Closing Lid
The slamming of the lid can damage the seat and is a very disruptive noise to hear, especially at night. So, you want a seat with a slow closing or automatic closing feature to prevent these. Aside from the noise and damage reduction, this feature is also child-friendly since there’s less chance of their hands getting smashed.
Bidet Function
Many smart toilet seats are bidet toilet seats. They offer bidet functionality with different wash options and adjustable water settings. They also come with air-drying functions after cleansing. This feature can provide you with a hands-free experience in the toilet—no more toilet paper wiping. It’s also a great feature if you live with elderly people, people with disabilities, or those with mobility problems.
Quick Release Mechanism
This is helpful when cleaning the toilet. It’s a feature that will release the seat easily from the hinges so you can clean the whole toilet.
Heated Seat
This is for added comfort during colder seasons. You can even often control the temperature to your preferred warmth level. This feature can make using the toilet more pleasant, especially on cold nights.
Night Light
This is useful during your nighttime bathroom visits while still groggy. It gives off a gentle light that can lead you to the restroom without activating the main bathroom lights. Certain seats also feature adjustable light settings or colors for added personalization.
Installation and Compatibility
Check how easy it would be to install your preferred toilet seat. See what its installation requirements are and if you can do it yourself in less than an hour. At the same time, ensure that the seat is compatible with your toilet. It should fit properly, not just in size but in general.
Cost
Lastly, consider the cost of your options. If you don’t want to overspend, set a budget beforehand. Use that price or range to narrow down your options. But remember to consider the quality as well—cheaper ones tend to have poorer quality.
3 Best Elongated Toilet Seats for Maximum Comfort
Get a head start on your shopping with our best picks:
This is a bidet seat with multiple smart features that you can operate with a remote control. Its bidet offers different wash options that you can choose from based on your needs. The seat is also heated for extra comfort and has soft-closing lids to prevent slamming. Plus, it has a night light and child settings, making it suitable for users of all ages.
This toilet seat is packed with many bidet and modern features. Its bidet has customizable water temperature and pressure. The seat also features an LED night light and an ergonomic, heated seat for added convenience and comfort. You can even adjust the bidet’s nozzle position to ensure thorough cleaning of your intimate areas after every toilet use.
This seat has a slim profile, making it a sleek toilet seat that suits a modern bathroom aesthetic. You can control its usual modern and bidet seat features with its stainless steel remote control. It’s also made of durable polypropylene materials, which are one of the strongest seat materials used in the industry. Its bidet’s sterilization systems ensure that the nozzle is always sanitary, keeping the toilet and bathroom hygienic. Plus, it offers an enema wash option to help alleviate constipation issues.
Get a Toilet Seat Upgrade!
Elongated toilet seats offer a comfortable surface to sit on. More than that, they come with different smart features that make using the toilet easier for everyone. Just remember to consider the right factors when choosing to ensure you’re buying the right seat for your toilet and needs.
Want more options? You can check out our toilet seat collection. We offer a wide range of products at competitive prices!
