Buyer's Guide & Information

Best Toilet Seats Reviewed

A quality toilet seat can make a world of difference. These brands will have you doing the business in comfort!

by Caitlin Shaffer

Toilet seats generally aren't something we think deeply about unless the time comes to buy a new one when our existing ones break, become old, or no longer suit our family's needs. If you've ever used a toilet seat which shifts, doesn't fit properly to the toilet bowl rim or is simply creaky and in danger of breaking... you'll know what a difference a correctly chosen and fitted toilet seat makes.

The right toilet seat will fit snugly onto the toilet, it won’t shift or slide, it will be made of sturdy, comfortable materials and it will cater to the health and physical issues of the user. The process is more complicated than merely nipping down to the home-ware store to pick up a toilet seat, and there are many factors to consider to find the best one to last.

Read on to find our guide for the types of toilet seats, features to consider, FAQs, and reviews of the 11 best toilet seats (without buying a whole new toilet) on the market...

Toto Toilet

Preview

Product

Shape

Closing Mechanism

Max Weight

Check Price

Round Toilet Seat BR620-00 White, Soft Close,...

Bath Royale BR620-01

Round And Elongated Options

Soft Close

Tested To 400lbs

TOTO SW2034#01 C100 Electronic Bidet Toilet...

TOTO

 C100 Washlet

Elongated

Soft Close

-

KOHLER K-4636-0 Cachet Quiet Close Toilet...

Kohler

Cachet

Elongated And Round Options

Soft Close

300 Lbs

Brondell L60-EB LumaWarm Heated Toilet Seat...

Brondell LumaWarm

Elongated And Round Options

Soft Close

325 Lbs

KOHLER 4648-96 Stonewood Toilet Seat...

Kohler K-4648-96 Stonewood

Elongated And Round Options

Regular

-

BEMIS 800EC 000 Plastic Toilet Seat with Easy...

Bemis

800EC 000

Round And Elongated Options

Regular

-

AquaSense 770-610 Portable Raised Toilet...

AquaSense

Portable

Round

N/A

400 Lbs

Bio Bidet by Bemis BB-1000W Supreme Warm...

Bio Bidet Supreme BB-1000

Elongated And Round Options

Soft Close

400 Lbs

BABYBJORN Toilet Trainer - White/Black,...

Baby Bjorn Toilet Trainer

Fits Elongated And Round

N/A

-

Mayfair 113EC 000 Soft Toilet Seat, 1 Pack...

Bemis

113EC 000

Elongated And Round Options

Elongated And Round Options

-

Big John Products 6W Big John 6-W Oversized...

Big John 6-W

Fits Elongated And Round

Regular

800 Lbs


Factors to Consider When Buying a Toilet Seat

Size & Shape

The most important factor to consider is the size and shape of your toilet, as this directly determines the toilet seat you choose. Determine if your bathroom toilet is elongated or round, then measure the dimensions. The seat should fit neatly on the bowl, covering it properly without exposing the rim of the bowl.

Here’s a handy diagram which shows how to measure your toilet. There are US standard sizes, but we will get into those further below, after the reviews.

Comfort & Utility

Comfort and ease of use are essential, especially if you have elderly family members or those who are recovering from surgery or childbirth. Older people can have trouble getting up and down and require an elevated seat or at least a toilet which accommodates an elevating seat.

Women who have just given birth can benefit from a bidet toilet seat as it helps with hemorrhoids and soothing stitches and wounds. If you are potty training little kids, you could consider a family toilet seat which has an extra seat in a small size to help the little ones stay on the toilet and not have to perch on the "adult seat."

Material & Durability

Material and durability will determine how long your toilet seat will last before it needs to be changed again. It will also help to assess comfort. Do you live in a super cold climate with icy winters? If so, you may want to go for a heated toilet seat or something like plastic or wood which is less chilly than ceramic or porcelain.

For durability and longevity, consider a high-quality plastic seat over a wooden seat as there's less chance of wearing down and splitting.

Finish, fit and style

Aesthetics does matter when buying a toilet seat, especially if your home decor is important to you. If you choose one which doesn't quite match, or it looks a little cheap against the rest of your bathroom, it's going to bug you every time you look at it, and you'll be more likely to throw in the towel and buy yet another one.

Consider: Do the colors, materials and shape complement the look and style of your bathroom? Will it sit sleekly and neatly on the toilet, avoiding awkward lines? Does it match the overall style I'm aiming for?

Mounting Options

There are a few different mounting options, mostly involving a nut-and-bolt configuration. There are metal options and plastic options, with plastic options generally more comfortable to work with. Plastic parts won’t corrode or become stiff and stuck (most modern toilet seats use plastic parts).

You must always measure the mounting holes on your toilet so you can match them up to your toilet seat for even and accurate mounting. There are top-fixing options and bottom-fixing options which is to do with where the nuts are placed and accessed during removal and installation of the seat.

This is a great video which shows a detailed demonstration of the toilet seat installation process, showing the nuts, bolts, and pieces up close.

Features

Aside from materials, size, shape, comfort and mounting options, there are extra features you can consider when choosing a toilet seat.

  • Soft-close: closes softly and quietly on its own without slamming
  • Quick-release: toilet seat releases easily from the bowl for thorough cleaning
  • Heated: a heating mechanism to keep the seat warm, with a control pad with various temperature options. Great for cold climates
  • Lighted: a built-in nightlight which allows nighttime usage without having to turn on the bathroom light
  • Bidet: has a plumbing system which shoots water onto the private areas for cleaning and freshness, also often has a warm drying function. Great for women post birth

11 Best Toilet Seats Reviewed

1. Bath Royale BR620-01 

Our Top Pick

Size/Dimensions

(Inches)

18.6 x 14.25  (cover)
18.5 x 13.6 

(outer ring)

Shape

Round and elongated options

Material

Polypropylene

Closing Mechanism

Soft close

Max Weight Capacity

Tested to 400lbs

Extra Features

3 color options

First on our list is a sleek, simple, soft-close toilet seat made from polypropylene (plastic). This seat + cover can be installed quickly, and the simple style adapts to most bathrooms with ease. We love the bath Royale as it comes in three colors (white, almond/bone, biscuit/linen) so you can get the right match for your bathroom.

This seat comes in both elongated and round styles to fit any toilet. It’s designed to fit almost all toilet brands, even those who don’t have a standard mounting hole spacing. The polypropylene construction would be great for homes in cold climates, as it remains reasonably warm to the touch.

This is a durable toilet seat which is easy to clean thanks to the smooth, non-porous material. What’s even cooler is that it has a quick-release feature which allows you to remove the seat easily so you can clean under and around every little nook.

There’s no risk of noisy slamming, as the seat and cover have a soft-close design, requiring no more than a gentle tap before closing on its own. If you’ve got adults and older kids at home, without any need for specialized seating, this is an affordable and sleek-looking choice.

An eBay customer writes, "Excellent product, solidly built parts. Once installed it does not move or become loose. Solid product, highly recommended."

Pros
  • Elongated and round option
  • 3 color choices
  • Soft-close seat/lid
  • Fits all toilet brands/models
  • Durable polypropylene
Cons
  • Resistance when opening seat
  • Risk of a wobbly seat after time

2. TOTO C100 Washlet 

Best bidet toilet seat

Size/Dimensions

(Inches)

23.5 x 20.5 x 9 

Shape

Elongated

Material

Plastic

Closing Mechanism

Soft close

Max Weight Capacity

-

Extra Features

Heated, air deodorizer

As far as fancy toilet seats go, this one from TOTO is pretty darn cool. The C100 fits any toilet and was designed to improve your comfort and hygiene. This is a very sophisticated, high-tech bidet toilet seat for elongated toilets.

There are a few sizing requirements to make sure it fits your toilet, for example, the gap between the back of the tank and the mounting holes must be 2 inches. The bidet sprays a gentle yet cleansing spray of water, which can be therapeutic and helpful for women post-birth or post-surgery.

The features are pretty impressive, such as soft-close seat, heated seat, air deodorizer, warm air dryer, pre-mist to keep the bowl clean. There's a control panel tucked to the side of the seat which allows you to customize the experience. The seat itself is a sturdy plastic (easy to clean and very durable), and it comes in either white or beige.

The installation process is easy and quick (no nuts and bolts required). If you've got a large budget and you want a super sophisticated, cleansing toilet experience, then this could be ideal for you.

"The entry-level WASHLET C100 features a streamlined design with a convenient side remote control panel. It also ensures a hygienic and refreshing experience with an automatic deodorizer and a Premist™ that helps to keep your toilet bowl clean." - Toto

Pros
  • Easy to install
  • Heated seat
  • Deodorizer
  • Warm air dryer
  • Soft-close lid
Cons
  • Expensive

3. Kohler Cachet 

Best elongated toilet seat

Size/Dimensions

(Inches)

18.1 x 14.1 x 1.15

Shape

Elongated and round options

Material

Plastic

Closing Mechanism

Soft close

Max Weight Capacity

300 lbs

Extra Features

Quick-Attach hardware, Grip-Tight Bumpers

This is an affordable option for elongated toilets and those who prefer a plastic construction with a soft-close lid. We like that this toilet seat is designed to be very easy to install without the use of any tools.

Other users found this too, “Love it. Worked perfectly with my toilet. Was very easy to install.” It’s also super quick and easy to remove so you can clean every little corner. The plastic construction is smooth, non-porous and therefore very easy to clean, and won’t get super chilly in Winter. There are lots of color options available, from white to black with greys and beige tones in between.

The Kohler Grip-Tight bumpers help to keep the seat snug on the toilet bowl without shifting and slipping around. This is great for safety and stability. Kohler seats are ideal for low-medium budgets and families who don’t require special seats for children, elderly or those with medical issues.

A simple, sleek and easy-to-use plastic elongated toilet seat.

We review even more Kohler products here. 

Pros
  • Affordable
  • Easy to install
  • Soft-close
  • Easy to remove for cleaning
  • Grips to bowl for slip prevention
Cons
  • Not comfortable for the elderly or injured

4. Brondell LumaWarm 

Best heated toilet seat

Size/Dimensions

(Inches)

20 x 14 x 2

Shape

Elongated and Round options

Material

Plastic

Closing Mechanism

Soft close

Max Weight Capacity

325 lbs

Extra Features

Heated, lighted

Now we have one for those of you who are searching for a lighted toilet seat and/or a heated toilet seat, as this one covers both bases. The Brondell LumaWarm heated toilet seat looks like a regular plastic toilet seat, but it has a discreet control pad at the back to adjust the three heat options and turn the light off and on.

A significant positive of this toilet seat is that it is super easy to install. Also, heating remains on until you switch it off at the wall or change the setting on the control pad. This is ideal for people living in icy climates, older adults with cold sensitivity, or anyone who prefers not to turn on the blaring bathroom light in the wee hours.

There are options for both round and elongated toilets, and two colors (white and biscuit). Blondell gives a detailed diagram of dimensions so you can measure your toilet to make sure you get the right shape, and if it will fit comfortably.

It’s a stylish-looking toilet seat (classy but straightforward), and the plastic construction is easy to clean and will last a long time. The price is excellent for what you get with purchasers describing it as ‘inexpensive’ and ‘value for money.’

"We added one of these to our hall bath three years ago.  We have been so spoiled that it is a rude awakening when we travel and are forced to use a toilet without a Heated Seat. We highly recommend. It is easy to install and we did not notice any addition to our electric bill." - Brondell customer RayJ

Pros
  • Heated
  • Lighted
  • Soft-close toilet seat
  • 3 temperature options
  • Easy to install
Cons
  • Light isn’t motion activated

5. Kohler K-4648-96 Stonewood 

best round toilet seat

Size/Dimensions

(Inches)

14.8 x 19.4 x 3 

Shape

Elongated and Round options

Material

Wood

Closing Mechanism

Regular

Max Weight Capacity

-

Extra Features

Painted wood, 3 color choices

Here we have a simple round toilet seat made from molded wood which has been painted for a smooth, sleek finish. This is a simple design, with a regular close (not soft or quite close) and plastic hinges which match the seat color.

Because the wood is painted, there is the risk of peeling and wearing down faster than plastic or ceramic seat. This would be a good choice for students or those on a budget as it's very affordable. It would suit a household with fit adults without any medical or physical issues or needs, as it's not padded, heated or soft-closing.

There are three color choices: white, almond and biscuit. It's designed to fit most toilets and is pretty easy to install, with two nuts and bolts (included).

"I'd tried a couple of other brands, but they didn't fit properly. This Kohler seat fits perfectly. It is made of durable material and looks good. An excellent value at a very good price." - A shopper from Faucet.com

Pros
  • Affordable
  • 3 color choices
  • Easy to install
Cons
  • Not soft or quiet close
  • bolts prone to loosening

6. Bemis 800EC 000 

Best easy clean toilet seat

Size/Dimensions

(Inches)

17.25 x 14.25 x 2.1

Shape

Round and elongated options

Material

Plastic

Closing Mechanism

Regular

Max Weight Capacity

-

Extra Features

Multi-coat enamel finish, 3 color choices

This is a very affordable round toilet seat made from plastic and coated with an enamel finish. The coating means that you need to use gentle cleaning products and tools; otherwise, it can peel, corrode or buckle.

Speaking of cleaning, this toilet seat is designed to be easy to detach from the bowl so you can clean the entire thing thoroughly before simply reattaching. If you require a soft or quiet-close toilet seat, this isn’t the one for you as it has a regular closing style.

The Bemis suits those with a low budget who require a simple toilet seat which can be detached for cleaning. There are 3 color choices: biscuit, white, bone. The fitting covers the toilet completely, and is very easy to install and clean. 

Pros
  • Easy to install
  • Seat removes easily for cleaning
  • Fits all round toilet seats
  • Affordable
  • Bumpers to prevent slippage
Cons
  • Not soft or quiet close
  • Requires specific cleaning tools/products

7. AquaSense Portable

Best raised toilet seat

Size/Dimensions

(Inches)

15 x 15 x 4 

Shape

Round

Material

Plastic

Closing Mechanism

N/A

Max Weight Capacity

400 lb

Extra Features

Good for Portable Use

Aquasense has manufactured a very affordable raised toilet set which sits neatly and securely onto the bowl of round toilets. It is 4 inches taller than an average toilet seat which makes getting on and off the toilet far easier. This is great especially for the elderly who have trouble bending the knees past a wide angle.

It is portable so you can easily switch it between bathrooms in your house, or even take to holiday accommodations. It's super easy to clean thanks to the smooth, durable plastic and no small fiddly bits to clean around. The only thing you need to consider is the fact that the toilet lid cannot close when this raised toilet seat is installed, but that shouldn't be an issue for most people.

Ideal for the elderly or people with knee injuries or surgeries who need to reduce the amount of knee bending required. Some forums and reviewers have found the AquaSense Portable Raised Toilet Seat to be both affordable and functional, “for an amazing price, you can get a seat raiser that features a seamless design that is easy to clean.”

Pros
  • Portable
  • Affordable
  • Easy to clean
Cons
  • Small opening
  • Not for elongated toilets

8. Bio Bidet Supreme BB-1000 

Best automatic toilet seat

Size/Dimensions

(Inches)

20.8 x 15.6 x 6 

Shape

Elongated and round options

Material

Plastic

Closing Mechanism

Soft close

Max Weight Capacity

400 lbs

Extra Features

Heated, self-clean, remote control

The Bio Supreme is an incredibly sophisticated, fancy toilet seat with everything. It is a bidet toilet seat which has a heated seat, deodorizer, warm air dry, wireless remote control, self-clean, and a smooth release so you can take the seat off for a thorough manual clean.

You can adjust the nozzle position, adjust the seat and water temperature, and even use the "massage" function, all from the remote control. You can change the water pressure, with posterior, feminine and enema settings.

This is a sleek, attractive toilet seat which is easy to install and offers a wide range of functions for cleanliness, comfort and even therapeutic or medical benefit (i.e., cleaning stitches or surgical wounds from birth).

"The modest use of power has been praised, “even though the BB-1000 does not use much power, Bio Bidet still offers additional power saving features on the bidet seat to assist in additional power saving while in standby mode, and while in use”. 

This would suit anyone with a large enough budget and the desire for an exceptional toilet experience. It might be difficult for very old or sight-challenged people to use.

Pros
  • Heated seat
  • Adjustable water temp.
  • Adjustable water pressure
  • Adjustable nozzle position
  • Easy to remove for cleaning
Cons
  • Expensive

9. Baby Bjorn Toilet Trainer

Best toilet training seat

Size/Dimensions

(Inches)

11.5 x 14 x 3.5 

Shape

Fits Elongated and Round

Material

Plastic

Closing Mechanism

N/A

Max Weight Capacity

-

Extra Features

Adjusts to all toilets

Baby Bjorn is a fantastic child toilet seat for little kids who are just starting to potty train. It's especially great for girls, as some parents do find that it's a bit messier with boys. It's made from safe, durable, BPA-free plastic which makes it easy to clean and smooth against a small child's delicate skin.

This toilet training seat sits directly onto the existing adult toilet seat and fits all shapes (round and elongated). It has a handily adjustable fitting which retracts and widens to fit onto all toilet seats securely. This is a safe toddler toilet seat because it stays tight and secure, with no risk of your child slipping or falling.

It's effortless to remove and install, so you can give it a thorough clean whenever you need to, and use the handy hook to hang it up to dry or store. This is a fantastic seat for all parents who are embarking on the toilet training journey with their little ones.

Our full guide to potty training toilets can be found here.

Moms who have used this seat for their kid's training have had great results: “My 2.5-year-old loves this seat which makes toilet training easier. It's comfy, sturdy, stable, fits over our existing toilet seat easily (has a little wheel at the back to adjust fit/size). Looks nice too. Easy to put on and take off, easy to clean. Couldn't recommend highly enough".

Pros
  • Affordable
  • Adjustable to fit all toilets
  • Comfortable
  • Safe and secure
  • Hang-up hook
Cons
  • Not as suitable for boys

10. Bemis 113EC 000

Best soft toilet seat

Size/Dimensions

(Inches)

3.31 x 17 x 14.75

Shape

Elongated and Round options

Material

Wood, cushioned vinyl

Closing Mechanism

Regular

Max Weight Capacity

-

Extra Features

6 color options

Here we have a padded toilet seat from Bemis, with a wooden core and a cushioned vinyl top. This product is excellent for people who require something a little more gentle than hardwood, plastic or ceramic.

Women dealing with birth wounds or hemorrhoids can benefit from a soft toilet seat, as can seniors or those living in cold climates who prefer not to sit on chilly, hard seats. The hinges are designed for easy seat removal so you can give it a thorough clean whenever you need to.

Due to the nature of soft toilet seats, it’s not as durable as plastic or ceramic, as the vinyl is more likely to rip over time. This is very affordable, so it would be ideal for people who need a padded toilet seat temporarily before changing to something more sturdy if need be. Easy to install, easy to clean, easy on the body, and great looking. It comes in 6 cool colors, including green, pink and blue.

Pros
  • Removes easily for cleaning
  • Strong wood core
  • Fits all toilets
  • Affordable
Cons
  • No soft or quiet close
  • Less durable than plastic seats

11. Big John 6-W 

Best oversized toilet seat

Size/Dimensions

(Inches)

19 x 19 x 2.2 

Shape

Fits Elongated and Round

Material

Plastic

Closing Mechanism

Regular

Max Weight Capacity

800 lbs

Extra Features

High impact hinges

The last on our list is the largest toilet seat on the market, made to fit all toilet bowls, both round and elongated. It's made from very durable, sturdy plastic which can take a heavyweight (800lbs).

The hinges are designed to withstand high impact, with stabilizing bumpers to ensure the seat stays put without shifting and sliding. This is a great medical toilet seat for healthcare facilities or plus-sized people in need of a safe and accommodating toilet seat. It has also been highlighted as a great choice for arthritis sufferers who need a little more stability and surface area for safety, “people with arthritis who need more stability for toilet transfers will find the Big John Standard Toilet Seat helpful.”

This toilet seat is very easy to install, safe and secure. The plastic is chemical and stain-resistant which makes deep-cleaning super easy.

Pros
  • Extra large to accommodate all plus sizes
  • Strong, durable plastic
  • Impact-resistant hinges
  • Easy to install and clean
  • Fits all toilets
Cons
  • Small opening

Toilet Seat Types & Variations

Elongated vs Round

There are two key differences to be aware of when shopping for a new toilet seat: round shaped and elongated shape. This comes down to the shape of your toilet. Elongated toilets have an oval shape which extends further out from the wall than round toilets which are smaller and more compact.

Elongated toilets are more modern and often more expensive, with many adults and larger people finding them to be more comfortable to use. They’re a little tougher for young kids to use, as they have to perch on the edge of the seat rather than sitting right back on the seat as they can with round toilets.

Round toilets are smaller and best for little spaces. Be sure about the shape of your toilet before you purchase a new seat. This is a great cheat sheet for figuring out round versus elongated toilets.

Wood vs Plastic

Another crucial aspect is the material of your toilet seat. Two of the most popular and debated materials are plastic and wood, both with pros and cons.

  • Wood
    Wood looks great and adds more character and traditional style to your bathroom. The colors are natural, and the actual seat is warmer during Winter too. However, wood does wear down over time and can be harder to clean. Some people find wood to be more comfortable to sit on as the shaped, contoured wood has a smooth-yet-sturdy feel. The thing with wood is that you want to get a high-quality, well made wooden toilet seat and not a cheap, flimsy one which will be far more likely to break.
  • Plastic:
    Plastic toilet seats (Thermoset and Thermoplastic are the main types) are easier to clean, won't expand or wear down, and are very durable. They're lighter than most wooden toilet seats and are easier and more cost effective to replace. Polypropylene toilet seats are generally warmer than other toilet seat materials, as it holds onto heat.
Other Materials
  • Ceramic:
    Ceramic and porcelain toilet seats are hard, shiny, non-porous and a little more sophisticated-looking than plastic. They’re easy to clean due to the surfaces being so hard and smooth without chance of scratching or peeling. They can be a little cold in Winter months.
  • Vinyl:
    Vinyl is often used for soft toilet seats. The vinyl is used as a cover over top of a foamy layer. Soft, vinyl toilet seats are commonly used by the elderly or those with injuries or medical issues such as hemorrhoids.

Other Toilet Seat Features to Consider

Soft Close
Toilet Seat Hinge Bemis

Regular toilet seat hinges open and closes according to gravity without any resistance. This means they can slam shut if they’re not manually placed down. Soft-close toilet seats and lids close gently and quietly on their own, with a little nudge by the user.

This is great for older adults who struggle to bend down to put the seat all the way to the bowl. It’s also great for nighttime as it doesn’t make a bang in the middle of the night.

Ease of Installation & Cleaning

Some toilet seats require tools to install, whereas others are simple and need nothing more than a quick twist and tighten with the hand. Some toilet seats have a mechanism which allows the seat to be removed easily so the entire thing can be cleaned, including around the hinges.

Cleansing/Bidet options

Bidet toilets shoot a stream of water onto the body for extra cleansing after using the toilet. These are popular for general cleanliness and comfort, but they’re also handy for people who are experiencing stitches and pain after intimate surgeries. They are more expensive and require a bit of plumbing work to install.

Deodorizing

Some toilet seats have a mechanism which sucks air and odor into a fan through an activated carbon filter, and releasing fresh, odor-free air back into the bathroom. Some have a scented air freshener feature too, leaving the bathroom sweet-smelling.

Soft Padding/Cushioned

Elderly people or those suffering from hemorrhoids can find that a padded or cushioned toilet seat is gentler on the body and more comfortable to use. Padded toilet seats are less durable and long-wearing than plastic and ceramic toilet seats due to the softness of the materials and more “parts” involved (i.e., padding and cover).

Lighted and/or Heated

Heated toilet seats are plugged into the house power supply and remain heated unless the settings are changed or the seat is switched off. They’re best suited to freezing climates where a cold toilet seat is very unappealing, or solely for people who prefer ultimate toilet comfort.

Toilet seats with a built-in light or glow-in-the-dark technology are great for saving power as you don’t need to turn the light on for night time toilet trips. They’re great for preserving sleepiness and not waking sleeping partners (en suite toilets especially).


How to Measure The Correct Size Toilet Seat

Measuring your toilet to get the right dimensions to match to your new toilet seat is important, but it’s really easy too. Here’s a quick step-by-step:

  • 1
    Measure the space between two holes where the toilet seat is mounted. These are at the back of the bowl close to the tank. Measure from the center of one hole to the center of the other hole
  • 2
    Use your measuring tape to measure the widest part of the toilet bowl width. Measure from the outside rims, and from the inside rims too (remember to write them down!)
  • 3
    Measure the length/depth of the bowl by taking your measuring tape from the outside rim of the front of the bowl to the space between the two mounting holes (this measurement will be a standard US measurement for round or elongated toilets, standard sizes below)
Standard (US) size for toilet bowls:
  • Elongated: 18-18.5 inches (from between the mounting holes to the outside edge of the front of the seat)
  • Round: 16.5 inches (from between the mounting holes to the outside edge of the front of the seat)
  • Space between mounting holes: 5.5 inches

Installing and Replacing a Toilet Seat

Replacing and installing a toilet seat is pretty easy, but it does depend on the type of toilet set you've chosen and the kind you are replacing. Some have top fixings, and some have bottom fixings.

Some (older ones) have metal nuts and bolts requiring a screwdriver to remove, while others have plastic parts which can be twisted with your hand. The best way to go is to read the manual or instructions provided with your new toilet seat. The general process is:

  • Unscrew the bolt on the existing toilet and lift the whole thing out of the mounting holes
  • Clean the old toilet seat and the toilet bowl
  • Unwrap the new toilet seat and make sure all of the parts are there
  • Remove the nuts from the bolts if they are already attached (i.e for safekeeping during transport and storage)
  • Slip the bolts into the mounting holes and make sure the toilet seat is straight and even on the toilet bowl
  • Screw the bolts on, tightly
  • If there are extra parts such as covers for the hinges, slip those on too

People Also Ask (FAQs)

How do you use a bidet toilet seat?

First, you use the toilet to get rid of waste as you would a "regular" toilet. When you're done, you use the remote control or control pad to activate the wash function. Some bidets have temperature and pressure controls which you can adjust.

When you're done washing your private areas, you can use the air dry function on the control pad to dry off. You don't need to get up off the toilet seat to use the bidet function, but you might need to slightly adjust your position to make sure the water hits where you need it to.

How do you replace a toilet seat quickly and efficiently?

First, be sure of the measurements of your toilet bowl and existing seat. Remove the old toilet seat and thoroughly deep-clean the entire toilet, especially around the mounting holes.

Make sure to measure the distance between the mounting holes to match up with your new toilet seat to ensure the mounting bolts and hinges will match up. Make sure you've got all required parts and tools ready and waiting, then follow the installation instructions on the manual of the new toilet seat, and you're done.

What are toilet seats made of? How often should you replace your seat?

There are different toilet seat materials, with the most popular being wood, plastic (often polypropylene) and ceramic. You can also find toilet seats made of soft padding with vinyl layered over the top. The choice comes down to comfort, medical needs, durability, and aesthetics.

Your toilet seat needs replacing only if it's broken, peeling, wobbly, stained or generally "past it" in your opinion. As long as you regularly clean your toilet seat and it's functioning well and serves the needs of your family, it's okay.

How should you keep a toilet seat clean?

A toilet seat requires regular cleaning to stay clean and sanitary. But the process needn’t be complicated. All you need is an antibacterial cleaner and a disposable cloth.

Make sure to clean under the seat, behind the seat and around the mounting hinges. Use paper towels or biodegradable wipes to wipe down the entirety of the toilet seat every few days (for one or two people) or more (for large families).

Can I use any toilet seat on any toilet?

No, it must be the correct size and shape and have matching mounting bolts to fit the mounting holes on your toilet. You need to use a round toilet seat for a round toilet and an elongated one for an elongated toilet (unless using a specialized seat such as a plus-size seat).

There are a few American standard toilet bowl sizes (see above), and some toilet seats are designed to be compatible with all toilets. Specialized toilets such as bidets can have more bulk and must be measured thoroughly to make sure they fit snugly on your toilet.

The best thing to do is to be sure of your toilet's shape and measurements before you start shopping, so you can match it up to new toilet seat options.


Conclusion

We reached the end! 11 of the best toilet seats on the market, most of which are very affordable, and some a little pricey but with some stellar features.

As we've now learned, the crucial aspects to consider are size, shape, material, and user-appropriateness. As long as you have the measurements and shape of your toilet bowl confirmed, you can easily find the right toilet seat the first time around. By finding the perfect toilet seat for your home, with the features you require to fit into your cleaning, medical and family needs, you won't have to replace your toilet seat again for a long time to come.

We think the best toilet seat from our list is the Bath Royale BR620-01 Premium Round Toilet Seat with Cover. We've chosen this one because it is affordable, sturdy, attractive and sleek, easy to clean, easy to install and has a quiet/soft close. But if you want something a little fancier, you could always check out the Bidet toilet seats from Bio Bidet, TOTO, and Brondell.

Good luck with your new toilet seat selection and installation!

Caitlin Shaffer has been traveling & working as a content writer & SCUBA dive instructor since 2014. Having lived in Central & South America, Southeast Asia, India, & Australia, Caitlin has had many years of experience with a variety of kitchen, bathroom, plumbing systems & common household products. Other than writing about her plumbing experiences & knowledge, her main passions are yoga, ocean conservation, & sustainable development.

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