An updated bathroom adds value to a home, matching design preferences and household needs. Toilets can play a significant role in enhancing the aesthetics of bath and vanity areas. A flimsy or cracked toilet seat—usually a poor-quality product—is an eyesore that can make a bathroom look unclean.
The best toilet seats are made with superior materials that can support significant weight, are easy to clean, and bring comfort to a place of privacy. This guide discusses what to look for when buying a toilet seat and reviews some of the top-rated options on the market.
- BEST OVERALL: Kohler K-4639-58 Cachet Quiet-Close Toilet Seat
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Bemis 1500EC 000 Toilet Seat
- UPGRADE PICK: Bio Bidet Supreme BB-1000W Elongated Toilet Seat
- BEST WOODEN: Mayfair 841EC 047 Enameled Wood Toilet Seat
- BEST PLASTIC: Mayfair 887SLOW 000 Affinity Slow Close Toilet Seat
- BEST ELONGATED: Centoco 1600-001 Elongated Plastic Toilet Seat
- BEST ROUND: Mayfair 826MBSL 000 Benton Toilet Seat
- BEST WEIGHT CAPACITY: Bemis 1000CPT Paramount Elongated Plastic Toilet Seat
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Toilet Seat
Any purchase should involve a certain level of research and knowledge about the product before buying. Whether it’s a simple question about available colors or a detailed inquiry about the specific weight restrictions on an item, this information is essential. Here are some factors shoppers should consider when they’re trying to find the best toilet seat for their homes.
Shape
A toilet bowl’s design determines its seat shape: either elongated or round. Finding the right seat type involves measuring the length of the toilet bowl. To do this, find the center between the seat bolts, and measure to the outside edge of the front of the toilet bowl. An elongated bowl will measure between 18 and 18.5 inches in length, while a round bowl will measure about 16.5 inches in length.
Before purchasing a new toilet, the following factors should be considered:
- Elongated toilets tend to be more comfortable for adults and are easier to stand up from for those with mobility issues. They take up more room, however, and are a bit restrictive in small bathrooms.
- Round toilets are better for smaller adults and could be an ideal solution for a child’s bathroom. They are less robust than elongated toilet seats but also have a lower price tag.
Material
Toilet seats are typically made of plastic or wood. Plastic seats naturally resist moisture and are easy to clean. They’re also more durable over time because plastic doesn’t absorb moisture. By contrast, wood can begin to crack and warp. Wooden seats are generally better for secondary bathrooms, as their aesthetic appeal can outweigh long-term functionality issues.
Other materials to consider are the hinges and bolts. The hinge material selection should focus on durability, with stainless steel and zinc-plated options being the most durable and plastic being the least durable. If the toilet seat is in the home’s main bathroom, consider high-end materials.
Bolts are available in metal or plastic. Metal bolts offer strength and stability, with little flex to cause seats to twist, but are more susceptible to a bathroom’s humidity and moisture. Plastic bolts don’t rust, so they’re easier to remove for cleaning, but they lack the strength of metal bolts.
Color
A toilet seat’s color helps a toilet bowl match the aesthetic of a designer bathroom or highlight a neutral scheme with a burst of brightness. Most often, choosing a toilet seat color comes down to the number of options a specific brand offers and how any of these options pair with the current bathroom design.
Ultimately, color is an individual preference, but popular toilet seat brands usually offer several neutral color options. Many shoppers often prefer one brand name over another and usually lean toward those that offer a wide selection of colors. Having a wide selection to choose from typically helps narrow down the best choice for a bathroom.
Installation
Installing and tightening a toilet seat is usually an easy project anyone can complete in a few minutes. The type of bolts for the new toilet seat won’t affect the installation, but the condition of the bolts on the existing toilet seat might create difficulty. Rusted metal bolts can quickly complicate this task. Liquid lubricating oil can loosen up the bolts, or, in extreme cases, a hacksaw can cut through them.
Some toilet seat manufacturers offer hardware that can be easier to install or replace, with specialty wing nuts that lock into place, so installing the top of the bolt requires only a screwdriver.
Other options to consider for installation are quick-release toilet seats that easily detach from the bolts for easy cleaning. Being able to remove the entire seat without wrestling with bolts means it can be sanitized more frequently, increasing the bathroom’s overall cleanliness.
Additional Features
Among the features discussed above, several additional elements can quickly enhance a toilet seat’s functionality. Quiet-closing toilet seats feature controlled hinges that gently bring the seat down to rest on the bowl. Bumpers sit on the bottom of the toilet seat, protecting the porcelain and gripping the bowl to prevent the seat from shifting when someone is sitting on it.
High-end models feature heated seats, massage streams, and built-in bidet systems, bringing a luxury experience to any bathroom. Advanced nozzle placement, drying features, and water-temperature control are just a few of the available features for those willing to spend the money.
Our Top Picks
The following selections have been chosen based on the considerations outlined above, the toilet seat efficacy, and the overall reputation of the manufacturer. Read on to learn more about some of the best toilet seats on the market today.
Photo: amazon.com
Designed for optimization, the Kohler Cachet quiet-close toilet seat is available in elongated and round versions. Both styles come in 10 color options that match just about any bathroom design. Quiet-close functionality means there’s no concern about slamming it on the bowl or a hand, and the solid plastic cover resists staining, fading, chipping, and peeling for a great look over time.
With Kohler’s quick-attach hardware, installing this seat couldn’t be easier. After installation, quick-release plastic hinges allow the seat to easily be removed from the bolts for regular cleaning, making the bathroom smell and look better. Comfort, selection, and functionality combine to make this the best overall toilet seat on the list.
Product Specs
- Shape: Round or elongated
- Material: Plastic
- Size: 16 inches long by 14 inches wide
- Ease of installation: Easy
Pros
- Quiet- and soft-close toilet seat
- 10 color options
- Resists staining, fading, chipping, and peeling
- Quick-release hinges
Cons
- Some users report poor-quality materials
Get the Kohler toilet seat at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Kohler.
Photo: amazon.com
Elongated and round toilet seats don’t have to be expensive, especially if they are going into a guest bathroom or seasonal home. The Bemis 1500EC toilet seat doesn’t hurt the wallet and comes in both elongated and round styles. A top installation system is easy to complete and doesn’t require getting down on one’s hands and knees thanks to the included locking wing nuts.
Four bumpers on the bottom of the seat hold it in place during use and prevent unwanted shifting that could damage the hinges. This enameled, wood toilet seat is easy to clean, and it features a water-resistant coating to help prevent the wood from absorbing moisture over time. There isn’t a better toilet seat on this list for the price.
Product Specs
- Shape: Round or elongated
- Material: Enameled wood
- Size: 18.8 inches long by 14.1 inches wide
- Ease of installation: Easy
Pros
- Low price
- Elongated and round versions available
- Wooden material with water-resistant coating
- Bumpers under seat prevent shifting
Cons
- Must use mild soap to clean it
Get the Bemis 1500EC toilet seat at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Wayfair.
Photo: amazon.com
The Bio Bidet Supreme Elongated Toilet Seat is likely never going into a guest bathroom, with a price tag well above that of an average toilet seat. However, for luxury consumers or those looking to spoil themselves, the three-in-one adjustable nozzle for advanced aim and pressure will introduce them to a whole new experience.
The heated seat solves the issue of sitting down on cold plastic in the middle of the night and comes in elongated or round options. Water-temperature control on the sprayer keeps users warm during cleaning, and a built-in dryer removes the need for excess toilet paper. However, the installation will be more complicated than the usual two bolts because of the inclusion of a water tank.
Product Specs
- Shape: Round or elongated
- Material: Plastic
- Size: 20.6 inches long by 19.4 inches wide
- Ease of installation: Difficult
Pros
- Heated seat
- 3-in-1 adjustable bidet nozzle
- Water-temperature control
- Slow-closing lid
Cons
- More expensive than others
- Installation is more complicated
Get the Bio Bidet toilet seat at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Bio Bidet by Bemis.
Photo: amazon.com
Wood toilet seats add a certain aesthetic appeal to a bathroom that plastic options can’t match. The dark finish of the Mayfair enameled wood toilet seat looks stunning but should be cleaned using only mild soap and water. Like most enameled wooden toilet seats, this pick uses a fastening system that resists movement and twisting at the hinges.
The bolts are wrapped in a hard plastic that prevents slipping into the porcelain holes. Additionally, the bolts are designed to prevent additional torque from the wrench after the nuts have reached optimal tightness. A quick-release system allows for simple seat removal and makes cleaning easy for a neat and hygienic bathroom.
Product Specs
- Shape: Round
- Material: Wooden
- Size: 16.8 inches long by 14.3 inches wide
- Ease of installation: Easy
Pros
- Quick-release system allows easier cleaning
- Hardware prevents loose bolts
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Use only mild soap to clean it
Get the Mayfair 841EC 047 toilet seat at Amazon, Bemis, or Sears.
Photo: amazon.com
The Mayfair Affinity slow-close toilet seat is made with a round shape that fits most common toilets produced by Kohler, American Standard, Toto, and many more, so users won’t have to be overly selective when choosing a toilet seat for their home. It has reinforced nylon bolts and fasteners to help prevent rusting and corrosion that can be a problem with metal fasteners. The durable plastic construction is both flexible and strong, allowing the seat to resist cracking, chips, and stains.
This toilet seat also features a slow-close system to prevent it from slamming shut in the middle of the night and waking up the whole house. The quick-release hinges are easy to install, and they make it possible to quickly remove the toilet seat for a thorough cleaning without having to remove the bolts.
Product Specs
- Shape: Round or elongated
- Material: Plastic
- Size: 16.5 inches long by 14.3 inches wide
- Ease of installation: Easy
Pros
- Fits most toilet brands
- Reinforced nylon bolts
- Durable construction; resists cracking, stains, and chips
- Slow-close system
- Quick-release hinges
Cons
- May not be as comfortable as alternative options
Get the Mayfair 887SLOW 000 toilet seat on Amazon or at Bemis.
Photo: amazon.com
Elongated toilets must use elongated toilet seats; otherwise, the seat won’t sit properly on the toilet’s edges, causing it to slide, twist, and eventually break. The Centoco elongated plastic toilet seat is ideal for pairing with an elongated toilet bowl, giving users more space and making it easier for individuals with mobility issues to stand up from the toilet.
This plastic toilet seat is resistant to staining, cracking, or chipping, and it also features impact-absorbing hinges to help reduce the strain on the toilet seat when a person sits down, stands up, or shifts their bottom. It comes in four neutral colors—white, crane white, bone, and biscuit—and includes color-matched bumpers to protect the toilet if the seat is slammed closed.
Product Specs
- Shape: Elongated
- Material: Plastic
- Size: 18.5 inches long by 14 inches wide
- Ease of installation: Easy
Pros
- Durable construction
- Impact-absorbing hinges
- Comes in 4 neutral color options
- Affordable
Cons
- Lid may not stay up by itself
Get the Centoco toilet seat on Amazon or Wayfair.
Photo: amazon.com
Round toilet seats are made to be installed on round toilets. This Mayfair toilet seat is well suited for a child’s bathroom or a bathroom that doesn’t have a lot of space.
The chrome and nickel toilet seat is durable and resistant to stains, cracks, chips, and warping, and comes with the option of brushed gold, brushed nickel, chrome, and matte black hinges to match any bathroom’s fixtures. It also features a slow-close system to prevent seat slamming and a STA-TITE fastening system to make installation quick and painless. It fits most manufacturers’ round toilets and is made with eco-friendly materials.
Product Specs
- Shape: Round or elongated
- Material: Wood, chrome, and nickel
- Size: 16.5 inches long by 14.3 inches wide
- Ease of installation: Easy
Pros
- Durable; resists stains, cracks, chips, and warping
- Comes in multiple colorways
- Slow-close system
- STA-TITE fastening system
Cons
- Should not be cleaned with harsh substances
Get the Mayfair 826MBSL toilet seat on Amazon or at Bemis.
Photo: amazon.com
Capable of supporting up to 1,000 pounds, the Bemis 1000CPT Paramount elongated plastic toilet seat is designed for the larger individual. This seat is suitable for both round and elongated toilets from popular manufacturers such as Kohler, American Standard, Toto, Delta, and more. The stainless steel hinges can take a lot of torque from a twisting seat before they would bend or break.
Additionally, the STA-TITE commercial fastening system provides easy installation and ensures the seat will never wiggle or come loose. The seat’s strong, durable ABS plastic makes the seat easy to clean and resistant to chips and stains.
Product Specs
- Shape: Round or elongated
- Material: Plastic
- Size: 18.8 inches long by 16.5 inches wide
- Ease of installation: Easy
Pros
- 1,000-pound weight capacity
- Sitting surface is 19 inches wide
- Stainless steel hinges
- ABS plastic resists chips and stains
Cons
- Plastic may not be as comfortable as other materials
Get the Bemis 1000CPT toilet seat at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Bemis.
Our Verdict
The Kohler toilet seat is the best option for most toilets, not least because of its quiet-close lid. For those looking for a toilet seat with extra features such as a bidet, heated seat, and water temperature control, the Bio Bidet toilet seat is an excellent pick.
How We Chose the Best Toilet Seats
Our recommendations for the best toilet seats include a variety of options that meet a range of needs required by typical users who need a toilet seat for elongated or round toilets.
When evaluating the available products, we looked for toilet seats that are made well and can withstand regular use. Other important factors included ease of cleaning, comfort, ease of installation, color options, and additional features such as heated seats, massage streams, drying features, water-temperature control, a quiet-closing feature, and built-in bidet systems.
Our favorite models include both wood and plastic seats that are easy to install and resist staining. Some offer the helpful feature of a quick-release seat, which makes cleaning much easier. Both low-tech affordable toilet seats and a high-tech bidet toilet seat option with advanced features ranked high on the list. Although most models are standard sizes, one of our favorites is made for higher weight capacities.
FAQs
There’s nothing worse than purchasing a product online despite having a ton of questions about the item and whether it’s the right choice. This is a dilemma many shoppers face. Here are answers to some of the most common questions shoppers usually have about the best toilet seats for their bathrooms.
Q. What is the maximum weight that a standard toilet seat can hold?
The weight limit of a standard toilet seat ranges by manufacturer, but the average maximum weight is between 300 and 500 pounds.
Q. How can I find the right size toilet seat for my toilet?
Measure the toilet bowl’s length and width, and the distance between the bolts.
Q. How do you replace the toilet seat?
Remove the old bolts from the existing seat with a screwdriver and a socket wrench, then install the new seat with a set of new bolts.
Q. What size are toilet seat bolts?
The average bolt size is ⅜ by 2½ inches, though other sizes are available for industrial toilets, heavy-duty toilet seats, and specialty toilets.
