D-Shape, Square, or Oval? The Ultimate Guide to Toilet Seat Shapes for Importers (EU vs. US Markets)
One of the most expensive mistakes an importer can make is ordering the wrong shape.
Imagine this: You order a container of “Standard Universal” toilet seats, only to find out they hang over the edge of your customers’ toilet bowls or leave an ugly gap at the back.
The truth is, there is no such thing as a truly “Global Standard” toilet seat. The shape of sanitary ware varies drastically depending on whether you are selling in Hamburg, Germany or Houston, Texas.
As a manufacturer with over 50 different molds, Fujian Chuangshi Sanitary has mapped out the global landscape of toilet shapes. Here is your ultimate guide to choosing the right models for your target market.
1. The European Standard: Modern, Wall-Hung, & D-Shape
If your target market is Europe (especially Germany, UK, France, and Italy), you are dealing with a market that favors Wall-Hung Toilets and concealed cisterns.
The “D-Shape” (The King of Europe)
This is currently the most popular shape in modern European bathrooms.
Characteristics: It has a straight, flat edge at the back (near the hinges) and curves gently towards the front, resembling the letter “D”.
Why it’s popular: It fits perfectly flush against the wall or the cistern box, offering a clean, minimalist look.
Material: almost exclusively Urea (Duroplast). European buyers rarely accept D-Shape seats in cheap PP plastic.
The “Square” / Rectangular
Found in high-end, architectural bathrooms.
Characteristics: Sharp lines, angular corners.
Sourcing Tip: Square seats require very precise molds. If the ceramic and the seat don’t match perfectly, it looks terrible. Always ask us for the technical drawing (CAD) before ordering.
2. The North American Standard: Elongated & Round
If you are importing to the USA or Canada, forget about D-Shape. The market here is dominated by Floor-Mounted toilets with specific ANSI standard measurements.
The “Elongated” (Oval)
This is the standard for 90% of residential homes in North America.
Characteristics: A long, egg-like oval shape.
The Golden Measurement: It typically measures 18.5 inches (470mm) from the mounting holes to the front edge.
Import Tip: If you want to sell on Amazon US, this is your “bread and butter” SKU.
The “Round” (O-Shape)
Common in older houses or small powder rooms/apartments.
Characteristics: A shorter circle.
The Golden Measurement: It measures approx. 16.5 inches (420mm).
3. The “Universal” Fit: Fact or Fiction?
Many factories claim their seats are “Universal.” But how can one seat fit different ceramics?
The secret lies in the Hinge Adjustability.
At Chuangshi, we use 360° Rotary Hinges.
This allows the mounting pins to rotate, effectively changing the length and width of the fitting.
Benefit: This means our Model 801 (U-Shape/Oval) can fit a ceramic pan with hole spacing ranging from 135mm to 175mm.
For Importers: This reduces your inventory risk. One SKU can fit multiple toilet brands.
4. Top Fixing vs. Bottom Fixing: Don’t Forget the Hardware!
The shape isn’t the only variable. How the seat attaches is equally critical.
Top Fixing (Expansion Bolts):
Essential for: Wall-hung toilets (common in EU) where you cannot access the underside of the screw holes.
Mechanism: You insert a toggle into the hole from the top, and tighten it like a wall anchor.
Bottom Fixing (Nut & Bolt):
Essential for: Traditional floor toilets (common in US/Asia) where you can reach underneath to screw on the nut.
Factory Recommendation: To maximize your sales potential, we recommend ordering our “2-in-1 Fixing Kit”. We include both top and bottom hardware in the box, so your customer can install it on any toilet.
5. Chuangshi’s Mold Library
We don’t just guess; we engineer.
Existing Molds: We have dedicated molds for US Elongated, EU D-Shape, and specialized Square models.
Replacement Series: We produce compatible replacements for major brands like Duravit (Starck series), Roca, and Kohler.
Conclusion
Choosing the right shape is the difference between a best-seller and dead stock.
Selling to US/Canada? Stock up on Elongated (Urea or PP).
Selling to Europe? Focus on D-Shape (Urea only) and Square designs.
Not sure which mold fits your market request?
Send us a picture or a drawing of the ceramic bowl. Our engineering team will match it with the perfect seat from our catalog within 24 hours.
👉 [Browse Our Catalog by Shape] | 👉 [Contact Our Engineering Team]