Toilets

Buyers’ Guide to Toilets

How to choose your toilet

If you are replacing an old unit and are not intending to change toilet type or position then choosing a new toilet will only be a matter of ensuring a matching type and size. However, if you’re installing a different type of toilet or repositioning one then things will require a little more planning. Input from your plumber is always advisable.

When choosing the style of your toilet think about who the regular users will be: will it need to serve the whole family in a busy bathroom, or is it for a less frequented cloakroom or en suite? Modern style toilets are easier to clean and may be a good option for a busy family bathroom. Older people may benefit from a model that offers the toilet pan at a greater height.

Toilet Types

Hidden Cistern Toilets:

Wall Hung Toilets 

As wall hung toilets sit off the floor, they have three main benefits. There are no pipes and less edges to trap dirt, and since it's a simple matter to clean underneath, they are more hygienic. Having more floor area on view gives the illusion of space, so they can help make a small bathroom feel more open and clutter-free. Also, as a style statement they are modern, bold and different. 

Wall hung toilets will require a concealed cistern with a flush plate; the cistern can be hidden in a wall or purpose-made boxing. This continues the streamlined design and creates a void to hide the pipes. 

The frames, supplied with the cisterns, are easily installed and can take loads of over 400kg so are perfectly strong and safe. 

See our wall hung toilets page for product options. 

Floor Standing - Back to Wall Toilets 

The cistern is still concealed in the same manner as a wall hung toilet, but no mounting frame is required as the toilet is mounted on the bathroom floor; this is generally a more cost effective way to conceal the services whilst preserving the neat minimalist look. It can suit a more traditional bathroom when traditional style furniture is used. 

See our back to wall toilets page for product options. 

Exposed Cistern Toilets: 

Close Coupled Toilets 

This is the most common type in most households, and is considered a ‘standard’ toilet where the cistern sits on top of the pan, and the pan sits on the floor. The pipework is usually hidden, so it looks neat and tidy. They are available in a huge range of styles: vintage and classic, contemporary, curvy, futuristic and geometrical, as well as in ‘comfort’ mode which are built slightly higher to suit taller or less mobile users. 

See our close coupled toilets page for product options. 

High Level Toilets 

When toilets were new technology, cisterns were mounted high on the wall in order to let gravity assist the flush. Whilst this is no longer a practical necessity, high level toilets are still popular due to their classic presence in a traditional bathroom scheme. A wall of sufficient height is needed to achieve this look and fit the cistern, and they are operated by a chain pull. 

See our high level toilets page for product options. 

Low Level Toilets 

Low level toilets are similar to high level, but differ in that their cisterns are mounted at a lower wall level, but still show an exposed downpipe, and have a handle flush rather than a chain pull. These are more fitting when room height is lower but the traditional Edwardian or Victorian style is required. 

See our low level toilets page for product options. 

Popular Styles

Modern Contemporary Toilets

Developments in technology as well as design have revolutionised the look of toilets in the last few years. Wall hung toilets add an immediate modern look to any bathroom, and new shapes have emerged on the scene such as square geometrical forms. Cisterns can be hidden behind a wall to emphasize the streamlined look, and flush fitting push plates are replacing handles. If you’d like to go for the absolute maximum amount of modern consider a technologically advanced shower toilet, which combines the hygenic functions of a bidet and toilet together. Keep colours neutral and add colour with changeable accessories to prolong the life of a contemporary bathroom. Look at Laufen, Geberit, Crosswater, Grohe and Vitra to see some recommended modern contemporary toilets. 

Traditional Toilets

Classically styled toilets tend to have a little more shape and detail, drawn from examples of past models. In a period property, a traditional toilet can blend well with such features as wooden floors, walls, skirting boards or sash windows and this can be matched by using wooden toilets seats and flush handles, for example. A high level toilet with a wall hung cistern and pull chain is the ultimate in vintage style, if you have the room to accommodate the required height. The overall look is an elegant tasteful bathroom which will not go out of fashion. We highly recommend Perrin & Rowe, Burlington, Imperial, Roca and Ideal Standard for traditional toilets. 

See our traditional toilets page for product options. 

Small Toilets for Cloakrooms  

Toilets in a manner of types are available in smaller dimensions to suit cloakrooms or en suites, or small bathrooms. Customers can choose from wall hung, back to wall and close coupled types which are compact in size. They are usually a little narrower, or don’t project out as far from the wall, as a standard toilet. Corner toilets can be worth considering too, and corner sinks can be ordered to match.  

See our cloakroom toilets page for product options. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best flushing toilets?

Certainly the strongest flush are those with a high level cistern (i.e. traditional style) as the water is dropping from a greater height and so the gravity is greater. 

The volume of a flush used to be 6 litres but manufacturers are increasingly capping this at 4.5 litres to save water. To cater for this they redesign the internal rim to send water where it’s required for an efficient flush.

Are dual flush toilets worth it?

Very much so - by offering both a long and short flush function, a dual flush system can significantly save on your water usage. This is better for your household bills and for the environment. 

Which is better – round or elongated bowl?

The answer to this revolves around who will be using it. Round bowls can save a little space in the bathroom and are easier for smaller people, particularly children, to use. However, an adult only household may appreciate the extra room and comfort of an elongated model. 

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