Shopping for a new toilet can be surprisingly complex. With so many types of toilets on the market, from modern toilets with advanced features to the simplicity of a traditional toilet, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Whether you’re designing a sleek modern bathroom or upgrading an existing space, choosing the right toilet is essential for both functionality and style.
Today’s toilets go beyond flushing waste and holding toilet paper—they offer innovative designs and features like water-saving technology, hands-free flushing, and even heated seats. Each type, from dual-flush to wall-hung models, has its own benefits and considerations, such as water efficiency, ease of installation, and compatibility with your home’s plumbing.
To help you make an informed decision, this guide breaks down the most common toilet types and their features, so you can find the ideal fit for your bathroom and your lifestyle.
What Different Types of Toilets are Available for My Bathroom?
One-Piece vs. Two-Piece
The vast majority of toilets in homes today are two-piece, meaning the tank is manufactured separately from the bowl, and the pieces are put together during installation. Two-piece toilets can be cumbersome, making installation difficult for the novice do-it-yourself-er to accomplish alone. However, because two-piece toilets are so common, they are relatively inexpensive to buy, repair or have a plumber install.
One-piece toilets are easier to install but more expensive than their two-piece counterparts. They are often more sleek and modern-looking in comparison to two-piece toilets and use the same amount of water per flush. One-piece toilets can be ideal for small guest bathrooms or children’s bathrooms, as they are easier to clean, take up less space, and sit closer to the ground.
Explore the different types of toilets.
Floor vs. Wall-Hung
As with the standard two-piece toilet, the vast majority of toilets in homes are floor-standing models. Wall-hung toilets are more common in commercial establishments, but they can be useful in homes with limited space in the bathroom. Wall-hung toilets don’t have tanks, leaving only the bowl and flush plate intruding into the bathroom. And since most homes are built with the waste pipe in the floor, you may have to pay a plumber to significantly alter the plumbing in order to accommodate a wall-hung toilet.
Wall-hung toilets are the more expensive choice. Models tend to be significantly higher priced than traditional floor toilets. Plus, they use commercial-grade flushometer systems to flush waste from the bowl, making repairs difficult or impossible for an inexperienced homeowner.
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Gravity-Feed vs. Pressure-Assisted
The average two-piece floor-standing toilet you’re already familiar with has another feature you already know about, even if you didn’t know what it was called gravity-feed flushing. Simply speaking, when you push down on the flush handle, water drops from the tank into the bowl to move waste down the drain.
Flushometers and pressure-assisted toilets work a little differently. Flushometers rely on raw water pressure, while pressure-assisted toilets utilize compressed air to force waste down the drain. Pressure-assisted toilets use far less water than a traditional gravity-fed toilet. If you’ve ever flushed a toilet on an airplane, you can probably recall the whoosh sound made by the flushing mechanism.
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Pressure-assisted toilets are more expensive than their gravity-fed counterparts, but can present a significant reduction in water usage for conservation-minded households. Another factor to consider is noise–pressure-assisted toilets are loud. If you have a bathroom near a common space, this may be an undesirable feature. And at least one brand of pressure-assisted toilet had a significant recall in recent years after their air tanks ruptured causing the porcelain outer tanks to explode!
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly toilet without the noise, a dual-flush toilet might be the right choice for your home. Dual-flush toilets have two buttons or lever options. One button delivers a low power flush using less water to wash away urine. The second button deliver the full flush power of the toilet to rid the bowl of solid waste. Over time, dual-flush toilets will conserve a lot of water.
Standard vs. Comfort Height
Standard toilet bowls usually come to 14-15 inches in height. Comfort height (or seat height) toilets reach between 17 and 19 inches in height. The taller toilet seat can be more comfortable for individuals to use, especially if they experience limited physical mobility. At the end of the day, toilet seat height is a matter of preference.
Round Bowl vs. Elongated Bowl
When it comes to bowl shape, the decision-making factor is usually comfort. Some people find an elongated toilet bowl more comfortable. However, smaller bathrooms may necessitate a round bowl to save a little bit of space.
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Which Toilet Is Right for Me?
Choosing the right type of toilet for your home depends on your bathroom’s size, style, and functional needs. Here’s a quick overview to help you decide:
Wall Toilets and Back-to-Wall Toilets
If you’re working with a small bathroom, a wall toilet or back to wall toilet could be the perfect choice. These options use a concealed cistern that hides within the wall or a furniture unit, leaving only the toilet pan and toilet seat visible. They save space and create a sleek, modern look, but they require careful planning for cistern and waste pipes.
Close Coupled Toilets and Corner Toilets
A close coupled toilet is a classic, practical option where the cistern is attached to the toilet bowl. It’s easy to install and fits well in most bathrooms. For tight spaces, corner toilets are ideal, with a compact design that fits snugly into the corner.
Gravity Flush Toilets and Dual-Flush Options
For those who prefer traditional toilets, gravity flush toilets are reliable and straightforward. However, if you’re eco-conscious, look for dual-flush models with a half flush option to save water.
Toilet Style and Personal Comfort
Your toilet’s design isn’t just about functionality—it’s also about comfort. Consider the height and shape of toilet pans when deciding. For a modern touch, back to wall toilets pair well with minimalist aesthetics, while traditional toilets offer timeless charm.
No matter the size or style of your bathroom, there’s a toilet that’s perfectly suited to your needs. Whether you’re designing a luxurious en suite or optimising a small bathroom, choosing the right toilet can enhance your space in both form and function.
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Luxury Factors
Who says a toilet has to be purely functional? Smart technology is invading our homes, and toilets are no exception. If you’re hoping to take your toilet experience to the next level, look for hands-free flushing, heated seats, built-in bidet functionality, automatic overflow protection, self-cleaning and self-deodorising features, and even toilet bowl nightlights for those midnight trips to the bathroom.
The Japanese have enjoyed these luxury toilets for a generation, but they are still rare in our homes, partly because they require a nearby electrical outlet to power the luxury features.
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Types of Toilets FAQs
What type of toilet is best for small bathrooms?
For small bathrooms, space-saving designs like wall-hung toilets or corner toilets are ideal. Wall-hung models keep the bathroom floor clear, creating the illusion of more space, while corner toilets make use of unused areas. Consider a dual flush cistern to conserve water while maintaining functionality.
Are soft close toilet seats worth it?
Yes! A soft close toilet seat prevents loud slamming, making it a great choice for households with children or shared bathrooms. They also add a touch of modern convenience and can be easily installed on most types of toilets.
How do dual flush systems handle liquid waste?
Dual flush cisterns are designed with two flush mechanisms: one for solid waste and a smaller, water-saving half flush for liquid waste. This helps conserve water while maintaining effective waste disposal, making it an eco-friendly option for any bathroom.