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The Ultimate Guide to Toilets

How to Pick The Right Toilet For Your Bathroom Renovation

Choosing a toilet might not be the most glamorous part of a bathroom renovation, but it’s one of the most important. Comfort, cleanliness, design and functionality all come into play and with so many different styles and innovations now available, there’s a perfect toilet for every space and lifestyle.

What styles of toilets are available

Trends come and go, but right now, we’re seeing:

Wall-Hung Toilets

Wall-hung toilets are sleek, minimal, and make cleaning a breeze. With the cistern concealed inside the wall, they create a floating effect that adds a modern, open feel.


Small WC Renovation Project in Poynton

Pros:

  • Great for small bathrooms floor space feels larger

  • Adjustable height during installation

  • Easy to clean underneath

Cons:

  • Installation can be more complex and expensive

  • Access to the cistern may require a service panel

Best for: contemporary bathrooms, en-suites, and minimal designs.

Close-Coupled Toilets

This classic design features the cistern directly attached to the pan, making it a compact and cost-effective choice. It remains one of the most popular options in UK homes.

ensuite bathroom denton
Closed Couple Toilet

Pros:

  • Budget-friendly

  • Easy to install and replace

  • Available in a wide range of styles

Cons:

  • Less streamlined than wall-hung options

  • Harder to clean behind the unit

Best for: traditional bathrooms, family homes, or where budget is a consideration.

Rimless Toilets

Rimless toilets do away with the traditional rim inside the bowl, which often harbours hidden grime. Instead, they use a powerful, direct flush system that’s more hygienic and efficient.


Image Credit: Villeroy and Boch Washdown Toilet

Pros:

  • Easier to clean

  • More hygienic with no hidden bacteria build-up

  • Modern flushing technology

Cons:

  • May be slightly more expensive than standard rimmed models

Best for: people who want low-maintenance, high-hygiene solutions.

Comfort Height Toilets

Also called “raised height” toilets, these are slightly taller than standard models making sitting down and standing up easier.


Image Credit: Villeroy and Boch O.Novo Comfort Height Toilet

Pros:

  • Great for older users or those with mobility issues

  • Pairs well with grab bars or accessible bathrooms

Cons:

  • Can feel too high for children or shorter users

Best for: accessible bathrooms, ageing-in-place renovations, or those with back or knee concerns.

Corner Toilets

Perfect for awkward layouts or tight cloakrooms, corner toilets have a triangular cistern designed to sit neatly in a corner.

Corner toilet
Image Credit: Victorian Plumbing

Pros:

  • Maximises floor space in small or awkward bathrooms

  • Easy to install with back-to-wall or close-coupled design

Cons:

  • Fewer design options available

  • Can feel more cramped depending on the pan size

Best for: downstairs toilets, cloakrooms, under-stair spaces.

Space-Saving Toilets

Space-saving designs often feature shorter projection pans, slimline cisterns or wall-hung designs to make the most of every inch.

Top tips for small bathrooms:

  • Go for a short projection toilet to save floor space

  • Wall-hung toilets free up visible space and make cleaning easier

  • Pair with a corner basin or combined toilet/sink unit for maximum efficiency

Toilet Styles: Modern vs Traditional

Toilets can be part of your overall bathroom aesthetic too.

Modern styles feature clean lines, smooth shapes, and minimal detailing — often paired with wall-hung or rimless technology.
Traditional styles tend to include details like ceramic handles, high-level cisterns, or ornate skirting — ideal for period properties or heritage-inspired bathrooms.

Bidets, Smart Toilets & High-Tech Options

Toilets have had a tech upgrade in recent years — with options that bring spa-like comfort into everyday life.

Bidet Toilets combine toilet and bidet functions in one unit, offering a more hygienic clean.
Smart Toilets can include heated seats, automatic flushing, night lights, deodorising functions, and even built-in dryers.
Japanese-style toilets are also becoming more popular in luxury bathroom settings.

While more of an investment, these add a level of luxury and comfort that can make a big difference to daily life.

Visit Our Showroom

Toilets may not be glamorous, but the right one will improve the way your whole bathroom functions. Want to sit, flush, and feel the difference for yourself? Come visit our showroom in South Manchester and try out some of our most popular models in person.

Also see our guide to bathroom basins and taps for more smart pairings.

FAQs: Choosing and Installing A Toilet

1. What’s the difference between wall-hung and close-coupled toilets?

Wall-hung toilets are mounted to the wall with a concealed cistern, offering a sleek, floating look and easier cleaning. Close-coupled toilets are floor-mounted with a visible cistern and are typically easier and cheaper to install.

2. Are rimless toilets worth getting?

We think so! Rimless toilets are more hygienic and easier to clean, as they eliminate the hidden rim where bacteria and grime often build up. They also often flush more efficiently.

3. How do I know if I have enough space for a wall-hung toilet?

Wall-hung toilets save visible floor space, but require a concealed frame inside the wall. If you have stud walls or are renovating the wall structure, they’re a great option. Otherwise, a slimline close-coupled or back-to-wall toilet might be better.

4. What is a comfort height toilet, and do I need one?

Comfort height toilets are slightly taller than standard ones, making them easier to use for older adults, taller people, or those with mobility issues. They’re also great for future-proofing your bathroom.

5. Can I fit a toilet into a small bathroom or cloakroom?

Yes. Look for short-projection toilets, corner toilets, or wall-hung options to maximise space. These are specially designed for compact areas and still offer full comfort.

6. Are traditional-style toilets still available?

Absolutely. There are many elegant traditional toilets with high-level or low-level cisterns, decorative skirting, and ceramic levers. They’re perfect for period homes or vintage-style bathrooms.

7. What’s the benefit of a smart or bidet toilet?

Smart toilets offer added hygiene and comfort with features like heated seats, bidet wash, air drying, and touchless flush. While a luxury, they can elevate the bathroom experience and add value to your home.

8. Is it easy to replace my existing toilet with a new style?

In many cases, yes. However, switching to a wall-hung or back-to-wall model may require plumbing changes or wall adjustments. Always check with your bathroom installer before choosing a new configuration.

9. How do I choose the right toilet colour and finish?

Most people choose white for a clean, timeless look, but some ranges offer black or coloured ceramics. Just ensure your choice complements your basin and overall bathroom palette.

10. What else should I consider when choosing a toilet?

Think about ease of cleaning, flushing performance, seat comfort, and access for future maintenance. It’s also worth choosing a soft-close seat for added convenience and noise reduction.

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