How Do You Choose the Right Toilet?
The right toilet type can differ for each person depending on personal needs and comfort, therefore choosing the right toilet comes down to more than just finding a style you like. There are multiple things you need to consider, ranging from the space you have available, the type of toilet including its height, flush system, installation requirements and other features. By taking time to think about your preferences, you'll find an option that suits both your bathroom and your daily needs.
One of the first things to get right is finding a toilet that fits the space available. Start by measuring the area you want your toilet to go and compare that to the toilets width, height and projection. If you have a smaller bathroom, a short-projection, back-to-wall or wall-hung toilet could help maximise floor space.
Another thing to bear in mind are all the different types of toilets available on the market, such as close-coupled, back-to-wall, wall-hung designs and smart toilets, as well as flush types such as dual flush and rimless technology. Features including soft-close seats, quick-release mechanisms and comfort-heigh designs can make your toilet more convenient to use.
Finally, check that the toilet is compatible with your existing waste outlet, plumbing and installation requirements before purchasing. Although there is sometimes some wiggle room available, it is best to check with your plumber before purchasing if you're unsure. By considering these factors alongside your preferred style and budget, you can choose a toilet that looks great and works well in your bathroom.
What Types of Toilets Are There?
Toilets are available in a range of styles and designs, making it easy for you to find an option that suits your bathroom layout, style and practical requirements. The main types of toilets include close-coupled, back-to-wall, wall-hung, high-level and low-level toilets.
Each type has it's own pros and cons, from space-saving designs for small bathrooms to traditional styles that create a more classic look.
Close-Coupled Toilets
Close-coupled toilets are one of the most popular choices for UK bathrooms. The cistern sits directly on top of the toilet pan, creating a compact, self-contained design.
Pros:
- Available in a huge range of styles, shapes and finishes
- Generally straightforward to install and maintain
- Easy access to the cistern for maintenance
- Often more affordable than concealed or wall-hung designs
- Suitable for both modern and traditional bathrooms
Cons:
- The cistern is fully visible, which may not suit a minimalist bathroom
- Can take up more visual space than wall-hung or back-to-wall designs
- Cleaning can be more difficult behind the toilet
Back-to-Wall Toilets
Back-to-wall toilets are designed to sit directly against the wall, with the cistern concealed inside a furniture unit, wall or false wall. This create a streamlined appearance with fewer visible components.
Pros:
- Creates a clean, contemporary look
- Conceals the cistern and pipework
- Easier to clean around than a close-coupled toilet
- Can work well in smaller bathrooms
- Can be paired with bathroom furniture for additional storage
Cons:
- Installation can be more difficult because the cistern is concealed
- Access to the concealed components may be more difficult
- May require a false wall or furniture unit, reducing available space
- Usually more expensive to install than a basic close-coupled toilet
Wall-Hung Toilets
Wall-hung toilets are attached to a concealed frame within the wall, leaving the pan suspended above the floor. They're particularly popular in modern and minimalist bathrooms.
Pros:
- Creates a contemporary appearance
- Clear floor underneath makes cleaning easier
- Can make a small bathroom feel more spacious
- The installation heigh can often be adjusted to suit the user
- Conceals the cistern and pipework
Cons:
- Requires a suitable concealed frame and cistern
- Installation is generally more complex
- Can cost more than a standard close-coupled toilet
- Repairs may be more complicated if concealed components need attention
- The wall and frame need to be suitable for supporting the installation
High-Level Toilets
High-level toilets have a cistern mounted high on the wall, connected to the pan using a flush pipe and operated by a traditional pull chain or lever. They're particularly suited to period-inspired bathrooms.
Pros:
- Excellent choice for traditional or period-style bathrooms
- Creates a distinctive focal point
- Exposed pipework adds to the traditional aesthetic
- Available with traditional detailing and finishes
Cons:
- Takes up more vertical space
- Not usually suitable for contemporary or minimalist bathrooms
- Can be more difficult to clean around the exposed pipework
- The high-level cistern requires sufficient wall space
- Generally less discreet than modern concealed designs
Low-Level Toilets
Low-level toilets offer a traditional alternative to close-coupled designs, with the cistern positioned separately above the pan but lower on the wall than a high-level toilet.
Pros:
- Combines traditional styling with a less imposing design
- Ideal for classic and period-style bathrooms
- Exposed flush pipe creates an authentic traditional appearance
- More compact vertically than a high-level toilet
- Can create a strong feature in a traditional bathroom
Cons:
- Exposed pipework can require more cleaning
- Takes up more wall space than a close-coupled toilet
- Not ideal if you want a minimalist appearance
- Traditional styling may not suit every bathroom
- Installation can be more involved than a standard close-coupled toilet
Smart Toilets
Smart toilets combine the functionality of a traditional toilet with modern technology to provide a more comfortable and convenient bathroom experience. Depending on the model, features can include heated seats, built-in bidet functions, warm-water washing, adjustable water pressure and temperature and automatic flushing.
Pros:
- Offers enhanced comfort and convenience
- Built-in bidet and washing functions can improve personal hygiene
- Heated seats provide extra comfort
- Some models offer hands-free automatic flushing
- May combine several functions into one integrated design
Cons:
- Generally more expensive than standard toilets
- Requires access to an electrical supply for many models
- More technology means there are more components that could potentially require maintenance
- Installation can be more complex than a conventional toilet
- Not every feature will be necessary for every household
Which Toilet Style Is Best for Your Bathroom?
The best toilet style for your bathroom will heavily depend on the size and layout of your bathroom, your preferred aesthetic, available installation space and budget. While appearance is important, practical considerations such as toilet projection, access to plumbing and ease of cleaning should also influence your decision.
For Small Bathrooms
If space is limited, look for a toilet with a short projection to maximise the available floor space. Back-to-wall and wall-hung toilets can also create a more streamlined appearance by concealing the cistern and pipework.
A wall-hung toilet can be particularly effective in a compact bathroom because the clear floor underneath can make the room feel more open and makes cleaning easier.
For Modern Bathrooms
For a contemporary bathroom, wall-hung, back-to-wall and modern close-coupled toilets can all work well. Look for clean lines, minimalist shapes and concealed pipework to complement a modern bathroom design.
Rimless toilets can also be a good choice if you're looking for a toilet with easier cleaning and modern flushing technology.
For Traditional Bathrooms
If you're creating a traditional or period-style bathroom, high-level and low-level toilets can help establish an authentic classic look. Their exposed flush pipes, cisterns and traditional detailing can become a feature of the room.
A traditional close-coupled toilet can also work well if you want the appearance of a classic bathroom without the larger proportions of a high-level design.
For an Ensuite
In an ensuite, where space can often be limited, consider a short-projection, back-to-wall or wall-hung toilet. These styles can help create a cleaner, less cluttered appearance while making better use of the available space.
For a Luxury Bathroom
For a luxury bathroom, consider a toilet that complements the room's high-end design while providing a sophisticated finish. Wall-hung and smart toilets can work particularly well, creating a contemporary look with clean lines and minimal visible pipework.
If you're aiming for a more traditional luxury bathroom, a high-level or low-level toilet can add character and make a stylish statement.
What Toilet Flush Types Are Available?
The type of flush your toilet uses can affect water consumption, cleaning and everyday performance, so it's worth considering alongside the toilet's design. From traditional single flush systems to modern rimless technology, there are several options available.
Dual Flush Toilets
Dual flush toilets provide two flush options, typically a smaller flush for liquid waste and larger flush for solid waste. This allows you to use only the amount of water needed for each flush.
Pros:
- Can help reduce water consumption
- Gives you greater control over water usage
- Widely available across different toilet styles
- A practical choice for busy households
Cons:
- Can be slightly more complicated than a single flush system
- The flush buttons can sometimes be less intuitive to use
- Actual water saving depends on how the toilet is used
Single Flush Toilets
Single flush toilets use one flush volume each time the toilet is flushed. They have a straightforward design and can be easy to use, but they offer less control over how much water is used compared with dual flush systems.
Pros:
- Simple and easy to operate
- Straightforward mechanism
- Can provide powerful, consistent flush
- Often available at a lower price
Cons:
- Uses the same amount of water for every flush
- Can use more water than a dual flush toilet
- Less control over water consumption
Rimless Toilets
Rimless toilets are designed without the traditional rim around the inside of the toilet pan. Instead, water is directed around the bowl during flushing to help clean the surface effectively.
One of the biggest benefits of a rimless toilet is ease of cleaning. Without the concealed rim, there are fewer difficult-to-reach areas where dirt and bacteria can build up.
Pros:
- Easier to clean
- More hygienic design
- Fewer hard-to-reach areas
- Modern appearance
- Can provide an efficient and powerful flush
Cons:
- Often more expensive than standard toilets
- Flush performance can vary between models
- Some designs may produce more visible water movement or splashing
What Toilet Features Should You Look For?
Once you've decided what toilet style and flush type you would prefer, it's worth considering any additional features on offer that can make your toilet more comfortable, convenient and easier to maintain. The best features for you will depend on your budget and how the toilet will be used.
Soft-Close Toilet Seats
A soft-close toilet seat closes gently and quietly rather than slamming against the pan. This is a particularly useful feature in family bathrooms, helping to reduce noise and prevent unnecessary wear to the seat.
Quick-Release Toilet Seats
Quick-release seats can be removed easily, making it easier to clean around the hinges and hard-to-reach areas of the toilet. They're a practical choice if easy bathroom maintenance is a priority for you.
Comfort Height Toilets
Comfort-height toilets are designed to sit higher than standard toilets, making them easier to sit down on and stand up from. They can be particularly useful for taller users or anyone who finds a lower toilet uncomfortable.
Water-Saving Toilet Features
If reducing water usage is important, look for toilets with efficient dual flush systems. These allow you to select a smaller or larger flush depending on the type of waste, helping to avoid using more water than necessary.
Conclusion
Choosing a new toilet might seem like a straightforward decision, but with so many styles, flush types, sizes and features available, it's worth taking time to find the right one for your bathroom. The best option isn't necessarily the most expensive or feature-packed options - it's the one that works well with your space and suits the way you use your bathroom.
Start by thinking about the layout and dimensions of your bathroom. A short-projection or wall-hung toilet could be ideal where floor space is limited, while a close-coupled toilet offers a versatile option for many bathroom designs. If you're creating a traditional bathroom, a high-level or low-level toilet can add character, whereas back-to-wall and wall-hung designs can create a cleaner finish.
It's also important to consider what you want from your toilet on a day-to-day basis. A dual flush system can help you manage water consumption, while rimless technology can make cleaning easier. Features such as soft-close seats, quick-release mechanisms and comfort-height designs can add convenience without changing the overall look of your bathroom.
Before you buy, don't forget the practical details. Check the toilet's dimensions, projection, waste outlet, plumbing connections and installation requirements to make sure it will work in your space. If you're replacing an existing toilet, checking these details beforehand can help avoid costly surprises during installation.
Ultimately, the perfect toilet should combine good design with practical functionality. By considering your bathrooms style, available space, budget and the features that genuinely mater to you, you can choose a toilet that not only looks right but feels right to use everyday.
