Before deciding on a toilet seat for your bathroom, it is important to consider several factors, including the type of seat, the material it's made out of, and any number of additional features.

Shape

The two standard toilet cover shapes are round and square, and the option you choose should match the toilet you are installing. If the wrong shape of cover is installed, this will leave parts of the toilet exposed and there is a risk of the cover cracking over a period of use.

Round toilet seats usually have a slightly wider design, so they may be a better choice for people with larger bodies. Elongated toilets offer a longer base and may be more comfortable for smaller people. That said, both options are suitable for all body types - just try one of each to find your preference.

Materials

While toilet lids are available in a variety of materials, including stainless steel and synthetic resin, the two most popular choices are wood and plastic. Wood is sturdier and won't hold onto heat or cold for chilly mornings, but the porous material can pick up moisture and bacteria over time, so if you're a germaphobe who cleans frequently, this may not be the best choice. That said, wooden toilet covers are less likely to break and they are heavy, so they’re a great choice for cabins or outbuildings.

The injection moulded covers are more water resistant and will still stand up well to frequent use over time. These toilets are super easy to clean with any cleaning solution that makes you happy, but they are more prone to breakage than wooden toilets. Some covers are made of porcelain, which is the most common material used for the toilet itself as it is easy to clean and disinfect, but this material is generally noisy, cold and breaks easily. Porcelain toilet covers are fine to use, but we mostly recommend plastic and wooden options for upgrading the seat that comes with the toilet.

Additional features

There are many additional features available for toilet seats, including cushioned seats, bidet attachments, heated seats, quick release attachments and silent hinges, among many others.