Different types of toilets
Toilets come in many styles and sizes, each designed to suit different bathroom layouts, user preferences, and space requirements. Whether you’re renovating your whole bathroom or just replacing an existing toilet, knowing the different types of toilets is key for making the right choice.
When choosing a new toilet, consider the size and shape of your bathroom, as well as the overall style you want to achieve. Space-saving designs like wall-mounted toilets and back-to-wall toilets are ideal for small bathrooms, while close-coupled toilets provide a more traditional look. By knowing the different types of toilets and their features, you can choose a WC that fits your space and personal preferences.
Toilet designs and styles to suit every bathroom and budget
Toilet designs and styles play a big role in shaping the look and feel of your bathroom. The right toilet can match your décor, improve comfort, and increase the value of your home. When choosing between a more modern toilet and traditional one, consider both the visual impact and the benefits each style offers.
Modern Toilets
Modern toilets are all about clean lines, minimalism and innovative features that make life more comfortable. Modern toilets are wall-hung and, in combination with concealed cisterns that hide the plumbing behind the wall, a perfect choice for contemporary bathrooms. Toilets that are attached to the wall create the illusion of space by lifting the toilet footprint off the floor.
For more comfort in everyday life and improved personal hygiene, a shower toilet – also known as Japanese toilet or wash and dry toilet – is an upgrade for any modern bathroom that pays off.
Many modern WCs are focused on water efficiency, comfort, design and easy cleaning.
Modern toilet features include:
- Dual flush plates, allowing you to select a full or reduced flush to save water in the bathroom. The flush plate can be matched to your bathroom style.
- Rimless ceramics make cleaning the inside of the bowl easier as there are no hard-to-reach areas that can harbour dirt.
- A strong toilet flush like the Geberit TurboFlush technology, flushing the toilet thoroughly and thus keeping the inside of the toilet bowl cleaner.
- A soft-close lid preventing loud slamming reducing wear and tear.
- Ceramics with a dirt-repellent glaze like Keratect, providing long-lasting protection for ceramic surfaces.
- A quick-release function to take off the toilet seat for quicker and better cleaning-
- An odour extraction unit, such as Geberit DuoFresh, removing toilet odours directly in the bowl
Modern toilets are a smart choice for anyone looking to put the latest design and technology in their bathroom while saving space and reducing cleaning effort.
Actuator plates for WCs & urinals
Geberit flush plates and cover plates don’t just look great, they also feature versatile functions.
Rimfree® WCs
Rimfree® WC ceramic appliances from Geberit are manufactured to be completely rimless, making them aesthetically pleasing and noticeably easier to clean.
TurboFlush
The optimised spiral-form water flow ensures a quiet yet absolutely thorough flush.
Removable WC seat
Can be removed quickly and easily: WC lid and seat ring for maximum cleanliness and perfect WC hygiene.
DuoFresh odour extraction unit
The DuoFresh odour extraction module ensures there is fresh air in the bathroom and increases the level of comfort.
Traditional Toilets
Traditional toilets in the UK are floor-standing and defined by their design inspired by historical styles. The materials used are often ceramic with white finishes. Wooden toilet seats, exposed pipework and other classic features further contribute to the traditional look and feel. Victorian-style toilets feature decorative details as well as a visible high-level cistern with a pull chain.
While traditional toilets maintain the look in old properties, the bulky toilet pan, exposed pipes and cistern take up a lot of space. Crevices and gaps between the pipes and the wall as well as the hidden corners inside and outside of the ceramic make cleaning more time consuming. Traditional toilets usually lack the latest water-saving technologies like dual flush found in modern toilets.
Toilet styles in detail
Wall-hung toilets
Wall-mounted toilets keep the bathroom floor clear, and the absence of a base makes cleaning easier. They are especially popular in modern bathrooms for their sleek look and ideal for small bathrooms.
Shower toilets
Back-to-wall toilets
Close-coupled toilets
Low-level toilets
Comfort toilets
Toilet types for small spaces
When it comes to smaller bathrooms, choosing the right toilet is crucial for making the most of the limited space. The right toilet can help to create a comfortable, functional environment without sacrificing style or convenience.
Space-saving toilets are specifically designed to fit into compact areas, perfect for small bathrooms, guest bathrooms or cloakrooms. Wall-mounted toilets and back-to-wall toilets are ideal for saving floor space and creating a more open feel. Wall-hung toilets can make even the smallest bathroom appear larger and more modern. By selecting a compact toilet that fits your bathroom layout and your needs, you can enjoy greater comfort, and a clutter-free environment.
Toilet flush: what to consider
While flushing is the basic function of any toilet, the choice of flushing mechanisms and technology can significantly reduce water consumption and cleaning time.
Dual flush systems have become standard in modern toilets, offering separate flush options for liquid and solid waste to maximize water efficiency. The mechanism reduces water consumption and helps to save money in the long run. Geberit’s flush plates with two buttons allows users to select between a full or reduced flush. Flush plates are available in many designs to match your bathroom style.
The innovative and powerful Geberit TurboFlush technology improves hygiene and reduces cleaning effort. Geberit TurboFlush thoroughly cleans the inside of the ceramic with every flush, minimising manual cleaning effort and the usage of cleaning products.
Toilet cistern: concealed or exposed?
The choice between a concealed cistern and a cistern in front of the bathroom wall depends on several factors including aesthetics, space, maintenance, and installation complexity.
If you're aiming for a sleek design, space efficiency, and long-term value, a concealed cistern is often the better choice.
If you need a quick, budget-friendly solution or are working with structural limitations, an exposed cistern might be the solution to go for.
Concealed cistern
Concealed cisterns are the classic of modern bathroom installations. They are a popular choice for bathroom renovations or new builds where design and functionality play a key role.
Geberit concealed cisterns, installed within a drywall or pre-wall installation system, have been installed millions of times around the world for decades. The toilet installation frame keeps the cistern hidden, conceal plumbing, and create a minimalist look. When concealed cisterns are paired with wall-mount toilets, bathrooms feel larger and more open. Concealed cisterns from Geberit include sound insulation, easy maintenance access through the flush plate without tools, and water-saving technologies. Despite being hidden in the wall, maintenance work like replacing a valve, is straightforward and easy.
Exposed cistern
An exposed cistern is mounted directly to the wall and visible above the toilet. This type of installation is generally quicker and more affordable to install, making it a good option for retrofits or older buildings.
However, exposed cisterns take up more visual and physical space. They also offer less design flexibility compared to concealed models.
Other aspects to consider when choosing a toilet
The Geberit WC System
Not all toilets are suitable for every bathroom, so it’s important to choose the right type of toilet for your needs. The choice of toilet pan, seat, and cistern can affect both comfort and style. When selecting a new toilet, consider your existing plumbing, including the position of the existing soil and waste pipes, to ensure easy installation.
Compatibility is key. Make sure the toilet frame, cistern, pan and the flush plate fit together. With the Geberit WC system you can be confident that every component fits seamlessly. The WC system offers numerous benefits: powerful yet quiet flushing, fast installation, long-term reliability as well as high hygiene standards. With the sustainability aspect around water-saving and design flexibility, the Geberit WC system is a great option for both homeowners and professionals.
Your local installer or reputable bathroom showroom will be able to assist you with any questions you may have.
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