If your toilet seat is broken, or you’ve just decided it’s time for a change, then you’re probably thinking it’ll be easy to choose a replacement. But, there are a few things you need to take into consideration first to ensure you buy the correct one.

Choosing a new toilet seat can be confusing, as you’re often confronted with row after row of white, hinged plastic seats that are identical at first glance.

Here are a few things you should take into consideration when choosing a new toilet seat, and how they will help you get the look you’re after.

How to measure a toilet seat

The most crucial step in choosing a new toilet seat is ensuring that it will actually fit your toilet. To get the perfect fit, take the following measurements and find a toilet seat to match:

  • Fixing centre distance – this is the point between the two fixing holes of your toilet
  • Total depth – the distance your toilet pan sticks out from the wall or cistern
  • Width at the widest point – the width of your toilet pan at its widest point

When you have these measurements, you have a size guide for your toilet seat.

Toilet seat shapes and sizes

Toilets come in different shapes and sizes, and so do the seats that sit atop them.

Most commonly, toilet seats come in round or oval shapes – but square design toilet seats are also popular.

You should be able to tell what will fit your toilet simply by looking at the shape.

Some seats feature ‘wrap around’ designs, meaning the lip of the toilet seats fit down over the pan to create a smooth contemporary shape.

Toilet seat hinges

Hinges will help your seat to fit into your fixing centres. Toilet seat hinges come with two options, and not all hinges are suitable for all toilets.

Top and bottom fixing hinges

A top fixing hinge functions by feeding two bolts into the toilet pan. Bottom fixing hinges are more traditional, with two bolts that fit into your pan and are then tightened from underneath.

Top fixing hinges are used when there is no access to the bottom of the pan – such as in some back to wall toilets – or modern one-piece style toilets.

Quick release hinges

Quick release hinges that let you remove the seat and lid from the pan, making the job of cleaning the toilet much easier.

Soft close toilet seats

Soft close toilet seats feature hinges that release slowly, reducing any slamming noises or the chances that tiny fingers may become trapped (making them a good option for family bathrooms).

Materials and finishes

Toilet seats are another accessory in your bathroom that can tie the whole room together. Alongside bathroom wall panels and soft furnishings, a toilet seat can give you the opportunity to express yourself.

Antibacterial toilet seats

You can find antibacterial finishes to choose from if you want an extra hygienic boost – these are finished with a material that provides an added layer of protection and peace of mind. You can also find a variety of different colours; black and white are the most common but novelty and colourful options are available.

Wooden toilet seats

There are a number of special wood materials and finishes too, with these usually being used in more traditional bathrooms with a high-end look.  Deep mahogany fits the luxurious traditional look while beech brings the same quality but has a more versatile feel.

Pick something that will complement your existing bathroom features.