Choosing Your Perfect Throne: A Guide to Toilets at Bath Store and More
The toilet—it’s the most essential fixture in any bathroom, yet it’s often the last thing people get excited about. But here at Bath Store and More, we know that the right toilet can be a game-changer for your bathroom’s style, space, and even your daily routine.
Forget the days of one-size-fits-all porcelain! Modern toilet design offers a huge array of choices to suit every need and aesthetic, from compact cloakrooms to luxurious master suites. To help you navigate the options, here is a breakdown of the main toilet types you’ll find in our collection.
The Main Types of Toilets Explained
The biggest difference between modern toilets is how the cistern (water tank) and the pan (the bowl) are integrated into your bathroom space. Here are the three most popular styles:
1. Close-Coupled Toilets (The Classic Choice)
The close-coupled toilet is the most common and traditional style you’ll find.
- What is it? It’s a single unit where the cistern is bolted directly onto the back of the toilet pan. All the pipework is contained within the unit or feeds into the wall/floor right behind it.
- Best for: General use, traditional and contemporary bathrooms, and easy installation. They are generally the most affordable option.
- Key Advantage: Maintenance is easy, as the cistern is fully exposed and accessible.
- Look for: Some modern close-coupled toilets feature a “fully enclosed” or “closed back” design, which means the back of the toilet runs smoothly all the way to the wall, offering a tidier look that’s easier to clean.
2. Back-to-Wall Toilets (The Space Saver)
A back-to-wall toilet offers a much more streamlined and contemporary look than a traditional close-coupled unit.
- What is it? The toilet pan sits flush against the wall or a piece of bathroom furniture (like a WC unit). Crucially, the cistern is concealed either inside the wall cavity or within the furniture unit.
- Best for: Maximizing space in smaller bathrooms, creating a minimalist aesthetic, and integrating with a run of fitted bathroom furniture.
- Key Advantage: A clean, uncluttered look where all the unsightly plumbing and cistern are hidden from view.
- Installation Note: Requires a separate concealed cistern and a flush plate/button, which will be the only visible component of the cistern.
3. Wall-Hung Toilets (The Modern Marvel)
For the ultimate in modern, minimalist design, look no further than a wall-hung toilet.
- What is it? As the name suggests, the pan is mounted directly onto the wall, suspending it completely off the floor. Both the cistern and a strong metal mounting frame are hidden inside the wall cavity.
- Best for: Small bathrooms (as the visible floor space creates an illusion of a larger room), modern design schemes, and superior ease of cleaning.
- Key Advantage: Cleaning the floor beneath the toilet is effortless, which drastically improves hygiene. They also allow you to set the seating height to your perfect comfort level during installation.
- Installation Note: This is the most complex installation, requiring a specialised wall frame to be fitted inside the wall before the wall is finished.
Next-Level Features to Consider
Once you’ve chosen your main style (close-coupled, back-to-wall, or wall-hung), you can refine your choice with some of these smart, functional features available across our range:
- Rimless Toilets: This is perhaps the most significant hygiene innovation in modern toilet design. A rimless toilet pan has no inner rim where germs and grime typically accumulate, making it incredibly easy to clean and far more hygienic.
- Comfort Height: These toilets are slightly taller than standard models (usually 2-3 inches higher). They are a fantastic choice for taller individuals, the elderly, or anyone with limited mobility, making it much easier to sit down and stand up.
- Dual Flush: Nearly all modern toilets now feature a dual-flush system. This allows you to choose between a smaller flush for liquids and a larger flush for solids, helping you conserve water and reduce your utility bills.
- Bidet Toilets (or “Shower Toilets”): For a touch of luxury and superior personal hygiene, these units integrate bidet functionality right into the toilet, often including features like heated seats, warm-water washing, and air drying.
Find Your Perfect Fit
Deciding on the right toilet involves balancing your available space, budget, and desired bathroom style.
| Toilet Type | Best Aesthetic | Space-Saving? | Ease of Installation | Maintenance Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Close-Coupled | Classic/Traditional | Standard | Easiest | Simple |
| Back-to-Wall | Sleek/Minimalist | Excellent | Moderate (cistern concealed) | Through a flush plate/access panel |
| Wall-Hung | Ultra-Modern | Excellent (maximises floor space) | Most Complex (requires a frame) | Through a flush plate/access panel |
At Bath Store and More, our experts are always on hand to discuss your specific bathroom plans, plumbing requirements, and design vision. Whether you need a simple, reliable close-coupled unit or a sleek wall-hung statement piece, we have the perfect toilet to complete your project.
Ready to find your new toilet? Visit the toilets section on our website or stop by one of our showrooms today!