Toilet seats: types and choices

The toilet is considered a special room in the house; all family members spend a lot of time here. To make the time in the bathroom comfortable, it is important to think over not only the nuances of the room layout, but also to worry about choosing the right toilet seat. This accessory is available on the market in a huge range of sizes, shapes and designs.

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

• Be comfortable. If, when visiting the toilet, there is a feeling of irritation and discomfort, this indicates that the seat was produced by the manufacturer without taking into account the peculiarities of the anatomical structure of the human body. So, for example, right now rectangular toilets are in fashion, in which the lid is a continuation of the design. They look stylish in modern design, but during operation they do not bring the desired comfort.
• To be durable and reliable in operation. The quality of the material from which the seat is made plays a huge role, since it is subjected to high loads on a daily basis and can break. Experts recommend purchasing products from material resistant to mechanical and force effects.
• Meet hygiene standards. Since there are always a lot of germs in the bathroom, it is important that the toilet and toilet seat are made of materials that are resistant to the chemical attack of detergents. This is due to the fact that the toilet seat and 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 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 cover are presented on the market in many models that allow you to comfortably spend time in the toilet. The most common types of seats include:

• disposable;
• hard plastic products;
• soft structures;
• family seat with microlift 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 performance characteristics. As a rule, in public institutions, toilet bowls are installed in toilets. with disposable toilet seats... Their main advantage is operational safety and hygiene, therefore such structures completely exclude infection with infectious and bacterial diseases, which can often be "picked up" in such places. In addition, this seat is removable.

Chairs made made of hard plastic, represent the simplest and most affordable option that can last more than one year. Its service life usually depends on the thickness of the material, therefore if you plan to buy a seat for 3-5 years, then 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 original shapes, most often they are produced in a classic form (oval shape). It should be noted, however, that the absence of decor and unnecessary details on them significantly increases the ease of use of these models.

Deserve special attention and soft toilet seats, which have both disadvantages and a number of advantages. They are affordable because they are made from cheap polyethylene, and they do not last long, because they quickly wear out and tear. The maximum such models can last no more than one year.

Equally popular are family appliances with a built-in bidet (2 in 1). They differ in that they are equipped with a built-in fountain, which allows you to maintain intimate hygiene. Some types are also equipped with 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 unusual seating designs that are suitable for people who forget to lower the lid. These are toilet seats with microlift, in which the lid closes automatically. Despite the convenience of the products, not everyone can afford to purchase them, since their price is high. When installing a microlift seat in restaurants, cafes and hotels, you need to know that they do not support anti-vandal functions and can quickly break down under force.

The list of popular models also includes thermal seats, which are made of reliable and high quality plastic. It is difficult to break them, but in the event of a breakdown, repairs can be easily done by hand. The heating system expands the functionality of the product, but such an upgrade significantly affects the price. An unusual decision of manufacturers was also an 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 little 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 made of several materials (usually made of MDF for adults, and plastic for children). The two components of the structure are superimposed on each other, which makes them easy to use. Such products can be installed both in houses, apartments, and in kindergartens, where a throne toilet seat is often placed.

For the elderly and sick people acquire special toilet seats 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 road toilet seats, designed for long trips. They are easy to install in public washrooms. These modifications can be of different sizes, diameters and designs.

Various materials are used during the manufacture of toilet seats, 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. The plastic and foam seat combines low cost and durability. In addition, the products are easy to clean and comfortable. The only drawback of these toilet seats is that the plastic surface quickly cracks and scratches. Also, such models cannot please with their appearance, since they are produced in a standard form and in gray shades.

• Duroplast. This material ranks second in popularity in the production of toilet seats. In terms of its characteristics, it is largely similar to ceramics: it does not absorb moisture and odors, it is resistant to ultraviolet radiation and weak acids. In addition, in the manufacture of this material, manufacturers add a special component to the composition that prevents the appearance and growth of bacteria. This makes the seat safe and hygienic.

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

• Wood. Wooden seats and covers are attractive and luxurious. Such models are rarely found on sale, so they are more appreciated. As for performance, wood is in no way inferior to plastic. The wooden seat is an excellent accessory for modern interiors, which gives the toilet design an unusual and very aesthetic look. The toilet bowl in this design looks stylish and natural.

• Textile. Typically, textiles are used as decorative material. It is pleasant to the touch, soft and attractive in appearance. The fabric fits harmoniously into 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. Toilet chairs are usually made from this material, intended for use in summer cottages and in public places. Styrofoam products are cheap and have a pleasant texture.

• Plastic wrap or paper... It is used for the manufacture of disposable toilet seats, which are installed in public toilets. There are also paper hygienic seats on sale in the form of a lining. They are most often purchased for hotels and business centers.

• MDF. It features an attractive look and rich design. It fits perfectly into any toilet interior, but it is heavy and can damage the surface of the toilet when you close the lid.

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

• Heating. Such designs provide not only comfort, but also warmth. An increase in surface temperature occurs in the part of the toilet seat that comes into contact with human skin. Heated products are usually equipped with expensive lids. It is recommended to purchase a warm seat for both apartments and private houses, summer 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 usually serves with it for no more than 5 years. Some modern seat models have the ability to turn off the microlift, which allows you to extend the life of the product.

• Illumination and heating with a hairdryer. Such new items appeared on the market quite recently, but received a lot of positive feedback.

• Automatic air deodorization and sanitary equipment cleaning... Provides hygiene in the toilet. The toilet seat has sensor sensors that are triggered after getting up 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 adaptations 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, you can often find on sale ceramic products of unusual dimensions and shapes, for which it is very difficult to choose 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 size for the seat, you need to take cardboard, attach it to the toilet and circle the outline. At the same time, do not forget about the attachment points of the lid, they are also noted on the sketch. After that, you can go shopping for a toilet seat. It is best to give preference to those models that in a circle do not exceed the size of the toilet bowl 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 classic semicircular toilet seats, but also products of a different configuration. For example, seats of a rectangular shape, in the form of a heart, musical instruments, a duck and a frog, look gorgeous. It is recommended to purchase products with rounded corners, this will ensure their safe operation.

The main rule in toilet design is considered a harmonious combination of all pieces of furniture, plumbing and decor. Therefore, if the room is made in some special style, then you need to purchase the appropriate toilet seat for it. If the family has children, then a seat with a colorful cover on which animals, heroes of fairy tales can be depicted, would be an excellent choice.

In the event that a budget repair has been made in the toilet and it is not chic, you can install neutral 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 unusual colors. So, for example, a black or bright red seat is well suited for the Art Nouveau style, snow-white for the classics, and in pastel colors for minimalism.

In order for the toilet seat to serve for a long time, while being practical and comfortable, it is necessary to pay attention to the performance characteristics when choosing it. So, for example, semi-rigid products are convenient to use, but they quickly sag, crack and fail. The same goes for soft models that provide maximum comfort, are pleasant to the touch, but are short-lived. To make the right choice, you should select 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, splinters or influxes of plastic, then the purchase must be abandoned. Equally important are the dimensions of the seat, which must match the dimensions of the toilet.... Since there are plumbing fixtures of an unusual design on sale, in order to choose a suitable toilet seat with a lid for it, you should correctly measure the dimensions, and taking these parameters into account, choose a product from the catalog.

When taking measurements be sure to take into account the width, 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 at the widest point, the second across the center of the holes. Of course, it will not be possible to calculate everything with an accuracy of a millimeter, but you can get data on 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 their unusual design, safety and environmental friendliness. These seats look beautiful in any design, filling the interior of the room with coziness. In addition, unlike other materials, wood serves for a long time and reliably.

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

For families with small children, it is necessary to select more original models that are decorated with drawings. They will appeal to both kids and their parents. In this case, 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 the aggressive composition of detergents.This will keep the toilet hygienic and make cleaning easier.

In addition, before buying, you should decide on the amount that you are willing to pay for the product. For this it is important to decide in advance what kind of seat model you need and what functions it can be supplemented with. If you need a toilet seat for a summer residence, then you can choose simple models, they are inexpensive and last a long time. Modern toilets with smart systems will need more modernized models to match the overall design. So, for example, seats with a microlift, lighting and hydromassage will be an excellent choice, and for small toilets, 2-in-1 models, which are equipped with a bidet, will be indispensable.

After the question 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 easy, any person can cope with this task. Modern plumbing has a simple design that makes it possible to simplify the installation of a toilet seat with a lid as much as possible, without requiring the use of special tools. When installing the seat for the first time, it is important to follow the instructions below.

• First of all, you need to remove the old toilet seat, for which it is enough to unscrew the nuts strung on the long bolts. If they cannot be dismantled, then you need to use pliers or a wrench.
• The next step is to thoroughly clean the place of fixation. It also does not hurt to completely wash the toilet and additionally check the reliability of the fastening of the tank and the drain mechanism. This will help to avoid smudges in the future.
• After that, you should carefully unpack the purchased kit, consisting of a seat and a cover. To fix the bolts, manufacturers usually complete the structures with special grooves that simplify the process of adjusting their location.
• The 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 precautions and correctly calculate the force, otherwise plastic products may burst. If the structure was purchased with a microlift, then before installing it, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the operating instructions that come with the kit.

For how to install the toilet seat, see the next video.