There’s more to a toilet than just a functional object. While this is important, there is also design to consider; why should you trade function for form when you can have both?

Types of toilets

The first consideration is the types of toilets that are available. There are a range of types to suit any bathroom. There are two main categories, gravity-fed and pressure assisted. A gravity fed toilet is the norm, where water drops from the tank into the bowl and pushes waste down the drain. Pressure assisted toilets have the addition of compressed air in the tank that forcefully removes waste, such as an airplane toilet. 

Wall hung

You can choose from floor or wall mounted toilets. The floor mounted ones have an S or P trap, the wall mounted one only with a P trap. The wall hung toilet is good for smaller bathrooms, especially when combined with a fully or partially recessed tank. There is less space taken up and the ability to see the floor under the toilet gives the impression of extra space.

Concealed traps

Traps can be concealed, which makes the toilet easier to clean and less prone to dust collection in all the crevices. However, they are more expensive than visible trap toilets. 

One or two piece

There are all-in-one toilets, or the two-piece units where the toilet cistern and toilet bowl are separate. 

Dual-flush

This is the norm these days due to minimising water wastage. You get the option of a partial toilet flush for liquid waste, or total flush for solids. 

Bidet toilets

You can buy separate bidets or an all-in-one dual bidet and toilet. While this is not a must-have, bidets are increasingly becoming an environmentally friendly option to use of toilet paper. High-end bidets offer a range of water spray options, drying functions and some even play music.

Accessible toilets

For people with limited movement or who are disabled, there are extra requirements for toilets. Consider a taller toilet, and for over 60’s/ rest home toilets, you can get built in handles to help with sitting down and getting up. 

Remember to consider seat height when making a decision; tall toilets are easier to get on and off, but difficult for kids. Short toilets are under 40cm high, and the taller ones go up to 50cm high. While you’re thinking about comfort, consider that an elongated oval toilet takes up more room, but also has more seating area.

Styles of toilets

From modern to classic, there are a huge range of toilets. You can consider coloured porcelain toilets, although some colours date very quickly (think of the 1970’s peach and avocado colours). Of course you could simply choose a coloured toilet seat, which you can swap for white when you need to sell the house or when you want a change.

In terms of style, from Edwardian styles with a sculpted platform and a classic toilet bowl shape, through to ultra-modern square toilets, there is truly a style for every bathroom.