Toilets

Whilst simple in purpose, toilets have been around for almost 500 hundred years and with all that time has come a significant amount of innovation. There are so many different types in today's market that it has become increasingly difficult to determine which type is best for you and your bathroom. 

To help you escape from the bog of jargon you might have found yourself in we’ve put together a small guide so that you can more easily determine which type is best for you and your bathroom. You can also check out our toilet buying guide to give you a further understanding of the different styles and designs of toilets to choose from but also some handy tips on fitting a toilet as well.

Modern Toilets 

Modern toilets is the catch-all term used to describe the products best suited for newer, trendier designs. These can include close coupled toilets, back-to-wall toilets, rimless and many others.

You should choose a modern style over the more traditional options when creating a space outside of what you would necessarily expect from a bathroom. Whilst popular, these contemporary designs can vary drastically from person to person and tend to provide DIYers with the opportunity to be more creative, often focusing on more angular shapes with clearly defined lines. 

On the other hand, modern toilets are sleeker and depending on their use can stand out a little bit more than the traditional alternatives. 

Traditional Toilets 

As opposed to modern toilets, those with traditionally designed toilets tend to lean towards bathrooms that focus on combining comfort with a classic appearance and modern amenities. 

Whilst there may be slightly less variety here, more ‘rules’ when designing so to speak, it is difficult to disagree that these designs are timeless. Harkening back to a time of cross-headed taps, basin pedestals and high levels of detailing. 

Close Coupled Toilets 

As the most common type of toilet in the UK, close coupled toilets are a safe bet for pretty much any bathroom design. They consist of a cistern which has been mounted on top of the pan and typically has a dual flush button or lever. 

Due to their popularity, there are many different shapes and styles of close coupled toilets, meaning that you will almost certainly find something to suit your bathroom. This popularity also makes them slightly more affordable than some other options. If you are unsure which type of toilet you need or have no particular requirements at all, a close coupled toilet will probably be for you. 

Back to Wall Toilets 

Best used to create contemporary designs for a minimalist look and feel, back-to-wall toilets have a cistern concealed in a wall or piece of furniture. This makes them especially ideal for use in cloakrooms or smaller en-suites. 

On the other hand, the clutter-free elements of this toilet can create a lot of empty space in larger rooms, making them less ideal for family bathrooms. 

Corner Toilets 

Best chosen when you are looking to either save some space in a cloakroom or simply have an empty corner you want to fill. They feature a triangular shaped cistern which fits nicely into the corner of any bathroom. 

Wall Hung / Concealed Toilets 

The main selling point of wall hung toilets is the increased floor space that they provide. Being fixed directly to a wall creates the illusion of a more open bathroom, this also makes cleaning the floor a lot easier. 

As with back-to-wall toilets, these have cisterns hidden in a wall making for a sleeker design more suitable in modern bathrooms. Another huge benefit of these toilets is that they can be installed at different heights depending on the height of the people using them – thus creating a more comfortable environment. 

Rimless Toilets 

A newer innovation in the world of toilets, rimless models lack the rim of conventical designs. Instead, water is pushed all the way around the pan, making for a cleaner flush. The two key benefits of rimless toilets are increased hygiene and water savings. 

When compared to older bathroom toilets, the rimless options have proven economic advantages, using less water overall leading to savings on your water bills. Lacking a rim also means that it is much more difficult for bacteria and limescale to take root as they are much easier to clean. 

Japanese Toilets 

Whilst Japanese toilets may look muted in design, they are actually full to bursting with high-tech additions – far more than you would expect possible for a toilet. These features can include an integrated bidet, automated and heated seats and even massage settings. 

These are generally seen as a higher-end, luxury option and as such can cost a bit more than some of the other toilets on this list. However, after using them many consider this extra cost well worth it. 

Comfort Height Toilets 

Comfort height toilets are designed to be roughly 4 or 5 cm taller than most regular toilets and they do what you would expect, they make using the toilet far more comfortable. This increases the ease of use and accessibility considerably, making them ideal for the elderly and those with mobility issues. 

Like others, comfort height toilets are available in a range of stylish options to suit different kinds of bathrooms. 

Bidets 

Despite massive popularity in Asia and some parts of Europe, the bidet has yet to take off in the UK. Whilst perhaps not a common sight in our bathrooms it does provide some serious benefits, chief of which is the increased hygiene. Other than this, bidets also significantly decrease toilet paper usage, limiting the chance of a clog whilst also saving quite a bit of money in the long run.  

Bidets are also a far better option for those who suffer from a disability or injury that can make it difficult to reach behind yourself to clean. They are also more soothing to rashes or otherwise damaged skin. So, whilst they may not be a necessity for everyone bidets certainly can benefit everyone, making them a great investment if they are within your budget.