Find the ideal material for your toilet seat and cover

A toilet seat is an absolute essential in any bathroom or toilet. The material and shape will help to determine the level of comfort we experience. In this guide, we present the different materials in detail along with their advantages and drawbacks.

General requirements for any toilet seat

A toilet seat is generally a ring-shaped folding seat with a matching lid. Its main function is to enhance comfort by avoiding direct contact between the skin and the ceramic of the toilet. The toilet seat also allows people of different heights and builds to easily use the toilet.

Modern bathroom with a Universo TwistFlush toilet, a wooden washstand with an orange Artis washbasin and patterned floor tiles

Hygienic standards

As well as the comfort aspect, hygiene is another important requirement for a toilet seat. The surface needs to be as smooth as possible to provide the least favourable living environment for germs and allow easy cleaning. If you have very high hygiene requirements for your home or want to reduce cleaning time for your toilet, you should consider the attachment system as well as the material of the toilet seat. Modern systems with quick-release hinges, such as the QuickRelease technology, allow you to remove the seat in a single movement and replace it just as quickly. You can then clean the toilet and seat separately and reach even difficult to access areas behind the toilet.

A little guide to toilet seat materials

Below we present five common materials for toilet lids and seats:

Finion toilet and bidet in white by Villeroy & Boch with stool and slippers.

Duroplast – antibacterial and very easy to care for

Duroplast materials are plastics that can’t be deformed by heat or other influences once they have hardened. This makes a Duroplast toilet seat very resistant, and it also has a higher quality feel in comparison with a Thermoplast model. The smooth, non-porous surface allows easy cleaning and therefore improved hygiene.

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A white ceramic toilet with a dark wood seat and lid standing in front of a white tiled wall on a floor with wood and white tile patterns. A toilet roll holder is attached to the right-hand side wall.

Wood – natural look and individual design

For anyone looking for a toilet seat with a natural look, wood is an attractive alternative. The characteristic wood grain gives every toilet seat an individual touch. Sealing with clear lacquer brings out the structure particularly well, while the smooth surface is easy to clean. Depending on the model, various types of wood are available to choose from. This makes every wooden toilet seat an individual design element in the bathroom. Wood has special material properties, but requires somewhat more attention when it comes to cleaning and care than other materials. When choosing a wooden toilet seat, factors such as the desired durability, care requirements and the individual needs of the bathroom are just as important as the design.

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Other materials for toilet seats

Wood – natural look and individual design

Polyresin – One-offs in cast stone

MDF – an alternative to wooden toilet seats

Different colours and shapes of toilet seats

The toilet seat and toilet need to match as closely as possible. To avoid any wobbles when the toilet is used, the best possible fit between seat and ceramic is essential. This applies to colour as well as shape. Classic toilet seats come in shades of white and cream, for example, Light Stone White or muted Star White, to match the ceramic. These shades harmonise with a wide range of styles in the bathroom without being overwhelming. For anyone looking for a brighter or trendier look, a brightly coloured MDF or plastic toilet seat will add a highlight to the bathroom. This look appeals in particular to children and versions with smaller toilet seats can also be found in bright child-friendly colours.

A modern accessible bathroom with a toilet and washbasin from the ViCare collection by Villeroy & Boch.

A Villeroy & Boch toilet from the Antao collection in green with a white control panel on a natural-coloured wall.

Minimalist bathroom design with a wall-mounted toilet in black matt and shelf decor under a sloping ceiling

Oval toilet seats

The oval shape is an absolute classic for toilet seats and combines understated aesthetics with great flexibility. The curving lines coordinate harmoniously in any bathroom, large or small.

D-shaped toilet seats

Rather than an oval shape, these toilet seats are designed in a D-shape with a straight back and gently curving edges at the front. Their trendy look makes them an ideal choice for modern bathrooms with contemporary sanitary fittings.

Square toilet seats

Square-shaped toilet seats are a stylish break from convention and create a fresh look in the bathroom. They coordinate particularly well in modern bathrooms where their clear lines add an attractive accent.

A modern bathroom with a wall-mounted toilet and coordinating white accessories, including a toilet brush holder and a small waste bin, all against a background of light-blue tiled walls and floors

A modern wall-mounted white Architectura toilet with a rectangular flush button above, in front of a beige wall with black slatted panelling. The floor is made of grey concrete.

A modern bathroom with a Venticello toilet, hexagonal green tiles, colourful floor tiles, a wooden shelf and a toilet roll holder on the wall.

A wall-mounted toilet with an open lid in various stages of closure in front of a plain grey background.

Soft-closing toilet seats

A soft-closing mechanism in the toilet seat stops it slamming shut with a bang. Simply press gently and the lid glides back down, slowly and almost silently. SoftClosing (or Soft Close) toilet seats also protect the material of your toilet fitting. Seats with a soft-closing mechanism are particularly important in households with small children as they avoid trapped fingers when using the toilet.

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