It’s not until you start shopping for a new toilet that you realise just how many different options there are. Bowls and cisterns come in all shapes and sizes, making it difficult to know which is the best choice for your bathroom, en suite or cloakroom. So, let’s take a look at the different designs and features, so you can pick out a new toilet that’s not bog standard.
Choosing a toilet design
Toilet come in high-level, close-coupled and back-to-wall designs amongst others. So, what are the benefits of choosing one over another?
High-level toilets are synonymous with Victorian and period interiors and are designed so the cistern sits high up on the wall. They can be quite ornate with mounting brackets, pull chains and seats all styled to give you an elegant yet traditional look. Paired with panelling, glossy subway tiles or William Morris wallpaper, it’s a great way to create a talking-point cloakroom in older homes.
If you need to fit a toilet underneath a window, there are similar low-level toilet designs but a classic close-coupled toilet works even better. Close-coupled toilets come with the cistern mounted onto the back of the bowl. This means they take up less space. But if space is an issue, it’s worth checking bowl depths too. Compact bowls won’t reach out so far into the bathroom, maximising your floorspace. There are compact versions of back-to-wall and wall-hung toilets too, so you’re not limited to close-coupled designs.
Consider comfort and clutter
However, space isn’t the only consideration when you’re selecting a toilet bowl shape. Elongated bowls are typically the comfiest for adults to sit on but smaller, more rounded designs tend to be the safest and easiest for small children to use. Toilet bowls vary in height too. So, if mobility is an issue, a taller bowl might be preferable. These are known as comfort height toilets. It’s also worth checking that there are plenty of seat options available for the bowl size and shape you choose. As there’s no standard sizing in the UK, you may find some designs are harder to find replacement seats for.
For more contemporary bathrooms, back-to-wall toilets tend to work better than close-coupled and high-level toilets. As the cistern is hidden behind a wall or panel they reduce clutter – enabling you to achieve a more luxurious or minimalist look. And wall-hung versions can help to make the floorspace look bigger, so they’re a good option for compact spaces including cloakrooms and en suites.
Cistern and flush options
Although concealed cisterns have their advantages, it’s worth understanding that this style of toilet takes a bit more work to install and you need to check products and dimensions carefully, to make sure everything fits together. Buying a complete kit that includes the bowl, cistern, framework and plumbing should make this easier but it’s best to get a bathroom fitter or plumber involved too.
Choosing a small frame will help you fit your cistern underneath a window. But it’s worth considering the flush mechanism too. Some concealed cisterns come with fixed flush plates while others have a button or plate that’s attached by a cable to give you more installation flexibility. This can be handy for custom builds and when you need to position the flush where it’s easy to reach.
There are different flush plate designs, including plates, buttons and handles, to help you coordinate your toilet with the rest of your bathroom. There are black and brass options as well as chrome, enabling you to coordinate the flush with your taps and accessories.
Time-saving features
Hidden cisterns and wall-hung bowls can not only save space but they can also make cleaning much quicker and easier. For busy family homes, this is something that’s particularly important to think about.
Another feature to look out for is a rimless design. This makes toilets easier to clean and more hygienic. But that’s not the only nifty feature that modern toilets come with. Some seats come feature quick release hinges to simplify cleaning and maintenance.
Water-saving designs
If you’re on a water meter, don’t overlook the importance of water-saving designs. Most toilets come with a dual flush, which does help to reduce water consumption. However, you need to make sure everyone uses it. So, it needs to be easy to operate. For instance, it should it be obvious which is the half flush and which is the full flush. Typically, the half flush has a smaller button but this needs to be easy to depress without accidentally activating the full flush. Therefore, you might find a large push plate is the best option.
Cistern sizes do vary, as do the number of litres that a full flush uses. So, it’s worth comparing different products carefully. Some innovative bowl designs can help you reduce your water consumption too. Those shaped to aid flushing, can save you around 1.5 litres of water per flush compared to conventional toilets.
Finally, when you’re buying a new toilet, it can be prudent to look for the WRAS-approved logo. Toilets don’t need to have this approval, but if they do, it means they’re designed and tested to meet certain water safety standards and regulations. So, it can be an indicator of quality and that your plumbing will perform well.
