Small details, such as what toilet unit to use in your new bathroom, make a great bathroom stand out. As one of the staple fixtures of the bathroom, it’s important to choose the right toilet. Whether you’re planning a traditional and timeless bathroom or a more contemporary space, there is a wide range of toilet units to consider.
Our Norfolk-based bathroom experts have put together this article, in which we will inform you of the different types of toilet units available – there’s more than you might think! Plus, we’ll be breaking down both modern and traditional toilet unit designs.
Toilet Types Explained
There are four main types of toilet units, with each one offering something different. This is good news for homeowners as you can select the toilet unit that makes the most sense for your unique bathroom layout and design. We believe it’s the best approach to install a new toilet unit as part of a full bathroom renovation. That way, you can create a consistent design and it’s also more cost-effective than only fitting a new toilet.
Fully Enclosed Toilet Units
Fully enclosed toilet units are very popular and commonly seen across new bathrooms of varying price points. Their popularity is down to their versatility and seamless, minimalist look, which makes them a great option for modern bathrooms. This look is achieved by enclosing all of the plumbing and cistern within a single unit, hence the name. These toilet units are ideal for the modern aesthetic as all the plumbing is hidden away, creating a clean and uncluttered appearance. A fully enclosed toilet could also work in a more traditional bathroom if part of a specific collection, such as MyLife Bathroom’s Farnham collection.
Toilet Sink Units
This hybrid option is ideal for smaller bathrooms by combining the toilet and sink into one unit. Because of this, they are popular across all types of bathrooms, including cloakrooms, en suites, and small wet rooms. Most toilet sink units also come with built-in storage, so this option is more like a three-in-one solution rather than two-in-one. A traditional toilet and basin set would make a great feature of any classic bathroom design, as you can choose a unit that comes with beautiful and elegant cabinetry, adding to that timeless aesthetic.
Then again, there are plenty of examples of modern toilet and sink units available. A matte black or gloss white variant would be great for a contemporary bathroom. Whatever the design, if it’s a small bathroom you’re dealing with, pair a toilet sink unit with a small bathtub and clever storage to maximise space further.
Back To Wall Toilet Units
For a modern toilet design, back to wall toilet units are a strong contender. With these toilet units, the toilet pan sits flush against the wall, while the cistern is concealed within the wall or covered by an attractive unit that can be styled accordingly with the rest of the bathroom. Concealing the cistern within a unit typically makes for an overall easier bathroom installation. And doing it this way offers an extra feature to style the way you want it.
Wall Hung Toilet Units
Often seen in contemporary new bathrooms are wall hung toilets. As the name suggests, these toilet units are mounted directly onto the wall to create a floating, almost anti-gravity effect, offering the ultimate modern toilet design. A wall hung toilet works similarly to the back to wall units that hide away the cistern within a wall. While this isn’t a rule for all back to wall units, it is for a toilet to be considered wall hung. If you’re looking for a small traditional toilet, you could still explore this space-saving option, as many collections offer this type of toilet unit in a more traditional design. Wall hung toilet units can be more difficult to install, but with a reliable bathroom fitter doing this for you, it’s a straightforward process.
Modern Toilet Design: How to Get it Right
To end up with a modern toilet design you love and one that will match the rest of your contemporary bathroom, it’s good to understand what makes a modern toilet unit. Taking the list of toilet types explained into consideration, the most common modern toilet designs are wall hung, back to wall, and fully enclosed toilet units. For a toilet to be considered to have a modern design, it will typically feature rounded edges and advanced features, such as a floating effect. Also, a modern toilet design is often more minimalistic in style, offering a sleek look.
Regarding materials and colours, modern toilet designs often feature ceramic and come in a glossy white finish, offering a clean, polished and minimalist aesthetic. Or you can go the other way and choose a matte black finish for your toilet unit. With more people discovering the appeal of a black bathroom, it’s becoming a popular choice for bathroom renovation projects.
Traditional Toilet Units and Design
If you’re more of a fan of the traditional and elegant bathroom design, then the toilet unit is a great chance to extend this aesthetic. To bring a timeless charm to the room, traditional toilet designs focus on ornate details, sharper edges, and an almost Victorian style. Some toilet units even opt for a raised (or lowered) cistern for exposed pipework, which, when done correctly, can provide a stunning classical look.
In our list of toilet types explained, we found that traditional toilet and basin sets – a variant of toilet sink units – are the most popular. The choice to add modular units such as these is most common in bathroom renovations of £8,000-£10,000. However, it is worth the cost as the detailed cabinetry that often comes attached to a traditional toilet and basin set is an opportunity to add some finer traditional details.
Materials like porcelain are typical for traditional toilet designs, as well as finishes such as soft white or eggshell white, and antique shades like dark green, brown or light blue.
Customise Your Toilet: Create the Perfect Throne
Whichever toilet unit you decide on – a small traditional toilet or a modern toilet and sink unit – you can enhance the look, comfort and functionality of your toilet with customisation. For example, the toilet seat and lid are an ideal way of tailoring the toilet unit to you with features like soft close and optional shape preferences. Plus, the dual flush buttons of a toilet can also be customised to be in a certain colour or of a particular material. Check out pages 126-127 of our brochure to see some examples.
Fit Your Bathroom With a New Toilet With Our Help: The Bathroom Place in Norfolk
The Bathroom Place can help you install a brand-new toilet in your bathroom as part of a wider bathroom remodel project. We’ve helped homeowners all across Norfolk build their dream bathroom, comprising of the small features that mean the most to them.
Choose a solution that works best for you:
Fully Fitted Bathroom: We will remove your old bathroom and fit an entirely new suite, including the new toilet unit of your choice. Discover Fully Fitted>
Supply Only Bathroom: If you want to fit the new bathroom yourself, we can supply the products, such as a new toilet, bath, shower, etc. Explore Supply Only>
