Toilets are a primary feature of all bathrooms, and with so many different designs, shapes and sizes to choose from, they are a statement of style as well as practicality. From conventional close coupled designs to modern wall-mounted versions, there’s a toilet to suit any bathroom décor and suite.
To help you choose the perfect toilet for your needs and bathroom design ideas, we have put together an in-depth guide on everything you need to know about bathroom toilets.
Picking the Best Bathroom Toilet Type
The three main types of bathroom toilets installed in homes today are:
Close-Coupled Toilets
These are the most traditional toilets, consisting of two separate ceramic pieces – a floor standing unit and a visible cistern mounted on top of the pan and positioned behind the seat. Available in a wide range of styles and shapes, close-coupled toilets can look good in both modern and contemporary style bathrooms.
The term ‘close-coupled’ describes the way in which the bowl and the cistern are closely coupled together. This is very different to old fashioned toilets where the cistern was set high above the toilet and a drop chain was included. Flush mechanisms on close-couple toilets vary. More modern designs feature a dual flush bottom on top of the cistern, but lever flush handles are still used.
Back to Wall Toilets
Back to wall toilets are more modern in design and a popular choice for contemporary style bathrooms. They share the same unit as close-coupled toilets, but the cistern is installed within the wall or in a unit. This is a great space-saving option, which makes back to wall toilets particularly beneficial for smaller bathrooms and ensuites.
If you choose a back to wall toilet with a unit, you can choose from a range of finishes so it matches the overall look and feel of your bathroom suite. Having the cistern hidden in the wall is the best option if you’re trying to achieve a clean and minimalistic look in your bathroom.
Wall-Mounted Toilets
Also known as ‘wall hung toilets’, these designs are mounted onto the wall or a furniture unit and have a concealed cistern and pedestal. Instead of a standard flush, a chrome flush plate is used, which provides access to the cistern. Although they may look less sturdy, high quality mounted toilets can usually support 200kg of weight when installed correctly.
Wall mounted toilets can add a wow factor to any bathroom, but are typically best suited to modern bathroom suites. They are beneficial for small bathrooms and ensuites as they take up very little room.
Choosing a Toilet Seat
Most toilets include seats, but you may want to choose a specific type of seat that can be customised to meet your needs and design ideas. Many seats include specific design features, such as soft closing mechanisms, which help reduce wear and tear and the possibility of banging. There is also the option to have your seat made in materials such as thermoplastic or deluxe polymer. These are high quality, durable materials designed to provide longevity.
There is also the option to choose a specific finish for your toilet seat. If you are leaning towards a traditional style bathroom, a standard white seat may not have the right look or feel. Choosing a solid oak seat with a walnut effect will be far more effective.
Bathroom Toilet FAQs
Q: Can I put a toilet in the corner?
A: If your bathroom has a distinctive shape or is very small, you can have a corner toilet installed to maximise space as much as possible. At KNB we’re specialists in delivering bespoke bathroom solutions to our customers, so get in touch if you have any specific bathroom requirements you’d like us to take care of.
Q: Can I have a toilet installed with a small toilet bowl?
A: Yes, there are toilets designed with a reduced projection, which means the toilet bowl will be smaller than the standard size and won’t stick out so much at the front. Petite toilet ranges tend to have a projection of around 65cm. These are ideal for maximising space in small bathrooms and ensuites.
Q: Can I have a water-saving toilet installed?
A: Yes! At KNB we offer a wide selection of water-saving toilets, designed with a dual flush system so you can decide whether to use a full flush or a reduced flush. The latter only uses 3 litres of water, which is half that of a full flush.
To find out more about our design and installation services, and how we can help you to pick the perfect bathroom, please see our Fitted Bathrooms page.