How to select the right toilet for your bathroom

So which toilet do you choose?

There are many different types of toilet (or WC) available to buy but choosing the right one isn’t always easy. Here you will find a handy list of terms you will hear when shopping around with some useful advice on what you should consider when choosing the right toilet for your bathroom or ensuite.

Close Coupled Toilet

A close coupled toilet is what most people would have in mind when thinking about toilets in general. They fit nicely in every type of bathroom, ensuite or cloakroom; so if in doubt this is almost always a safe option. That said, when it comes to close coupled toilets, you do need to bear in mind what kind of waste your bathroom has and where it is located. Where this is will often answer your next question, do you need an open or closed back?

Close Coupled Closed Back Toilet

If the waste from your toilet runs straight out of the wall behind it or into the floor underneath it, you should comfortably be able to fit a closed back toilet. These are a very popular choice for customers looking for sleek lines and slick finish. They are also much easier to maintain and keep clean. The lack of a gap behind the toilet means you will not have to keep cleaning away dust and moisture on a regular basis.

Close Coupled Open Back Toilet

If the waste pipe coming from your toilet does not go directly out of the wall behind it or into the floor underneath it, it is highly likely you will need an open back toilet. These have a small gap (usually about 13cm) at the back of the toilet to allow the waste to run away. There are a few ways you can hide this waste if you do need to have an open back toilet. The usual way to hide it is with a furniture run; bathroom furniture has a gap built into the back of the units for this very reason. Alternatively, you could box it in and cover it with wall panels or tiles so that it blends in with the rest of the room.

Back to Wall Toilet

Back to Wall toilet Pans are exactly that.  They are simply the pan section of the toilet without the ceramic cistern. They are almost always used with furniture (which hides the cistern). Like closed back close coupled toilets, they do not have an open section behind them for the waste (the furniture does the job of hiding the waste) making them an excellent choice for customers who are looking for a low maintenance item. They can also be used with in wall systems to hide them inside a wall or custom built boxed in area for anyone wanting a minimalist look to their bathroom or ensuite.

Wall Hung Toilet

Wall hung pans are prime choice for anyone trying to create the illusion of space. They are almost identical in appearance to back to wall pans but are designed to be hung from a frame which is usually hidden within a furniture run or behind a wall. The choice of back to wall pan vs wall hung pan is really one of style. In terms of usage and practicality there is almost no difference. The choice is really one of style and depends on the overall look you are trying to achieve. These pans are often used in small rooms to create the impression that the room is larger than it is or to give a more up-market appearance, which is why they are often found in the bathrooms of higher end hotels. 

Comfort Height Pan

Comfort heigh pans are fantastic option for taller users or users with mobility or health issues. These pans are usually around 5cm taller than the standard close coupled or back to wall pans, and although 5cm doesn't sound like a lot, it can feel like a very different experience sitting on one. Anyone considering a comfort height pan, should ideally pop into their local showroom and try sitting on one before making a decision. Some manufacturers such as RAK offer a medium height pan for customers who are shorter in stature and find comfort height pans a little to high, but struggle to get up from a standard height pan. Comfort height pans are typically around 450mm in height, with standard height pans being approximately 400mm to 425mm.

Rimless Toilet

Rimless toilets are a relatively new invention.  They are very popular among customers wanting a low maintenance bathroom or ensuite. Along with quick release toilet seats, rimless pans reduce the amount of cleaning required to keep the toilet in pristine condition, as there is nowhere for the moisture and grime to gather. Most modern ranges (and one or two traditional ones) will have at least one rimless version of their most popular toilet available.

Traditional Toilets

There are a wide variety of traditional toilets available. They can be quite complex to put together and the choice of components can sometimes be overwhelming. The component parts are often very decorative with many choices for accessorising and customising the toilet. You will often see floral patterns on the pan and ceramic cisterns. The aluminium and chrome cisterns often include embossed copperplate and are usually mounted with ornate traditional brackets. 

For anyone wanting a traditional toilet, the first choice to make is whether or not to install a high level or low-level toilet. High level toilets are a mainstay in traditional Victorian or Edwardian style bathrooms but are often too large or too tall to fit nicely in the room. In this case a low-level toilet, which is simply a scaled down version, would fit perfectly, and is usually available in the same range of colours and styles.

High Level Toilets

High level toilets are often used in bathrooms with a very traditional theme due to their Victorian appearance.  They are often quite decorative, with floral patterns on the pan and embossed copperplate on the cistern, which is usually mounted with ornate traditional brackets. High level toilets are often confused with comfort height toilets by customers looking for a raised height pan. High level toilets get their name from the fact the cistern is located higher up the wall than a standard toilet. High level toilets can be used with raised height pans for anyone wanting to use one.

Low Level Toilets

There are quite a few manufacturers now offering medium level traditional toilets. As with the low and high level toilets, their name is due to the height of the cistern from the floor. They are slightly higher than low level WCs but and are a great option for anyone wanting a the more traditional appearence of a high level toilet but are struggling for space when it comes to room height.

Smart Toilets

Smart toilets, sometimes called Japanese toilets, are ultra-modern, high-tech toilets. There are far too many features on a smart toilet to describe in any detail in a short blog such as this one.  If you are keen on getting a smart toilet and want more information before you part with your cash, ou can find a full description of all their features here.

Ready to buy a toilet? See our full range of toilets at www.rubberduckbathrooms.co.uk