When choosing a new toilet for your bathroom suite, there are three types to consider. The differences largely involve how the toilet is fitted within the room and how much area it takes up. Here at Homebase, all our toilets are typically made from a similar material – vitreous china – and you can be sure of their high quality and durability, irrespective of style. With a range of style options to explore – from modern and angular to elegant and curved – you can ensure that your new suite fits seamlessly with the rest of your home’s interior.
This short guide will take you through all the key factors of each type, helping you choose which one is best for your bathroom before you shop.
What Is A Close Coupled Toilet?
This is perhaps the most common style of toilet in the UK these days. The cistern of a close coupled toilet sits directly on top of the pan, creating one streamlined unit which combines both essential parts. The pipes are hidden within the casings of the toilet and their compact nature means they are perfect for fitting into small or awkward spaces. For example, if there is a minor recess in your bathroom wall, a close coupled toilet is a great way to make the most of the space. These toilets are both quick and easy to have installed, making them ideal for any bathroom suite.
In terms of price, these range from as little as £60 up to around £500 at the higher end of the spectrum. Typically, the most common price range is between £200 and £300; it is always wise to invest in quality for a product that could last for such a long time.
Because the cistern is not concealed, these toilets are taller than either wall-hung or back to wall, so if you want to fit a close coupled toilet into your bathroom, you’ll need a gap with a height of at least 80cm tall, 36-38 cm wide and between 61 and 68 cm deep. These measurements can all vary depending on the individual toilet, so check the dimensions thoroughly before deciding which one is perfect for you and your bathroom.
What Is A Back To Wall Toilet?
If you’re after a space-saving and contemporary solution, a back to wall toilet is perfect. These have the pan fixed firmly against the wall, while the cistern is concealed within either a furniture unit or in the wall itself, accessible through the unit or a flush panel fitted into the wall. The pipes are concealed too, making it the ultimate in neat and tidy bathroom fittings. By just having the toilet bowl on show, this creates a real sense of space in the room, leaving the bowl in the ideal position for cleaning and maintenance.
Back to wall toilets do not require any support from a frame – they slot into the corner where the wall meets the floor, fitted firmly against both. This provides the security of a fitted toilet without the added hassle of installing a frame, leaving you with an elegant toilet which is both functional and stylish.
You can expect to pay anything between £60 and £300 for a traditional back to wall toilet, with the majority falling into the £150-£250 range. As with all Homebase toilets, you can be sure of their quality and many come with at least a 10-year guarantee. In terms of dimensions, these toilets tend to be between 37 and 43 cm tall, 35-41 cm wide and 47-56 cm deep.
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Top tip: If you’re planning a bathroom revamp, take a look at our toilet seat buying guide to complete the look.
What Is A Wall-Hung Toilet?
Offering the appearance of a floating toilet, wall-hung styles make for a sleek and contemporary choice. As the name suggests the toilet bowl is mounted onto the wall itself, not on the floor. Like back to wall toilets, the cistern is concealed within the wall, accessible via a flush panel. Because of this compact build and the pan being suspended off the floor, these toilets are easy to clean, as you can reach all around as well as underneath.
This space underneath the toilet will create the illusion of your bathroom suite appearing bigger than it is. For this reason, wall-hung toilets may well be the best solutions for small bathrooms or cloakrooms. Wall-hung toilet dimensions will vary from model to model, but are the most compact style of the three. If you want more ideas for smaller bathrooms, check out these small bathroom makeover ideas.
One of the key benefits of a wall-hung toilet is that you can have the height adjusted to suit your needs. This makes them a great choice if you are looking to furnish a bathroom for someone with limited mobility or someone who perhaps can’t bend down as low. These toilets require mounting onto a wall frame to keep them secure, but if they are correctly installed, they will be incredibly sturdy – they are built to withstand approximately 200kg!
Because of the concealed cistern and the requirement of a wall frame, wall-mounted toilet installation is easier in brand new or remodelled bathroom suites. This is because they need to be installed within the wall itself and therefore require a more complex installation process.
However, if fitted correctly, these can look especially dynamic and create a real feature point within your bathroom suite. Complete the look with a soft close seat for a truly contemporary feel.
Just because a toilet is a very functional part of your bathroom doesn’t mean it can’t look eye-catching. By investing in a good quality toilet that features a concealed cistern, you can create the illusion of room within the suite. Alternatively, opt for a close coupled toilet for a clean, streamlined fixture that will both serve a purpose and look very stylish. Whatever you’re after, there will be a toilet available which can add character to your bathroom.
