Which is the Perfect Loo for Your Bathroom?
Yep, we all have at least one in our home, so here’s how to ensure your toilet is practical but still stylish
OK, it isn’t the most glamorous item on your interiors shopping list. But if you’re doing up your bathroom or cloakroom, you’ll no doubt want your new loo to look stylish as well. Of course, along with everything else, toilet design has moved on in recent decades. So from sculptural wall-mounted numbers to compact corner designs and vintage delights, here are a few loo styles to look out for. Dual flushes at the ready…
Work in a wall-hung model
If you want a clean, modern style that’s easy to keep clean, wall-mounted toilets are the ultimate choice – not least because you can mop the floor with minimal fuss.
With this type of toilet, the cistern is concealed within the wall or a cabinet, along with a hidden frame to keep the loo securely in place. You’ll need to plan ahead, though, so it’s one to think about when you start designing your bathroom.
Another advantage of wall-hung loos it that you can vary the height from the floor if you so wish, which could be a plus for someone with limited mobility, for example.
If you want a clean, modern style that’s easy to keep clean, wall-mounted toilets are the ultimate choice – not least because you can mop the floor with minimal fuss.
With this type of toilet, the cistern is concealed within the wall or a cabinet, along with a hidden frame to keep the loo securely in place. You’ll need to plan ahead, though, so it’s one to think about when you start designing your bathroom.
Another advantage of wall-hung loos it that you can vary the height from the floor if you so wish, which could be a plus for someone with limited mobility, for example.
Consider a close-coupled design
If having a wall-hung or concealed-cistern toilet isn’t an option, but you still want a modern look, there are lots of contemporary ‘close-coupled’ WCs around. This simply means the cistern is attached to the toilet bowl, creating one streamlined unit that hides pipework.
Shop around for the design you like best, as they all vary subtly in terms of dimensions and shape – some are boxier, others more curved. Here, the modern lines of the toilet are offset by the gorgeous William Morris-style leafy wallpaper.
If having a wall-hung or concealed-cistern toilet isn’t an option, but you still want a modern look, there are lots of contemporary ‘close-coupled’ WCs around. This simply means the cistern is attached to the toilet bowl, creating one streamlined unit that hides pipework.
Shop around for the design you like best, as they all vary subtly in terms of dimensions and shape – some are boxier, others more curved. Here, the modern lines of the toilet are offset by the gorgeous William Morris-style leafy wallpaper.
Choose heritage style
Modern isn’t for everyone. If you’re lusting after a period-look bathroom, then a traditional-style loo may be for you. This model has a wooden seat that tones with the floor, and works beautifully with the pedestal basin and Victorian-style towel radiator.
Planning a new bathroom? Check out these mistakes to avoid
Modern isn’t for everyone. If you’re lusting after a period-look bathroom, then a traditional-style loo may be for you. This model has a wooden seat that tones with the floor, and works beautifully with the pedestal basin and Victorian-style towel radiator.
Planning a new bathroom? Check out these mistakes to avoid
Take it to another level
Why not go the whole historical hog by choosing an iconic toilet with a high-level cistern and chain pull? It’s a great way to create a traditional-style bathroom, and looks fabulous teamed with a roll-top bath, as here. Remember, though, you’ll need a sufficiently high ceiling for this lofty look.
Why not go the whole historical hog by choosing an iconic toilet with a high-level cistern and chain pull? It’s a great way to create a traditional-style bathroom, and looks fabulous teamed with a roll-top bath, as here. Remember, though, you’ll need a sufficiently high ceiling for this lofty look.
Fight your corner
A corner toilet can be a gift if you’re scratching your head over how to fit bath, shower, basin and loo into a tight or awkwardly shaped bathroom. These models have triangular-shaped cisterns that fit where two walls meet. Look for compact versions if your room is extra teeny.
Small bathroom? No problem with these stylish ideas
A corner toilet can be a gift if you’re scratching your head over how to fit bath, shower, basin and loo into a tight or awkwardly shaped bathroom. These models have triangular-shaped cisterns that fit where two walls meet. Look for compact versions if your room is extra teeny.
Small bathroom? No problem with these stylish ideas
Be square
Toilet bowls have traditionally been curvy, but a squarer shape can look edgier and more modern. This super-simple wall-hung design is sleek and minimal – and lets the artwork and bright walls do the talking.
Toilet bowls have traditionally been curvy, but a squarer shape can look edgier and more modern. This super-simple wall-hung design is sleek and minimal – and lets the artwork and bright walls do the talking.
Fit an unusual seat
A cloakroom can be a great place to have some fun. It’s a low-risk place in which to express yourself with opulent wallpaper, interesting artworks or a quirky toilet seat. In this monochrome and hot pink room, the skull motif adds a little attitude. You could even design your own transfer or paint your own design for a seat.
A cloakroom can be a great place to have some fun. It’s a low-risk place in which to express yourself with opulent wallpaper, interesting artworks or a quirky toilet seat. In this monochrome and hot pink room, the skull motif adds a little attitude. You could even design your own transfer or paint your own design for a seat.
Opt for metal
Bored with white? You might assume common-or-garden pale porcelain is the only choice for your toilet. But if you’re after the utilitarian look, why not shop around for a specialist, gleaming stainless-steel number? Durable and different.
Bored with white? You might assume common-or-garden pale porcelain is the only choice for your toilet. But if you’re after the utilitarian look, why not shop around for a specialist, gleaming stainless-steel number? Durable and different.
Add contrasting black
White toilet seats tend to be the norm, but traditional black can add extra oomph. In this eye-catching bathroom, the hot pink radiator, towel and toilet brush holder pep things up, along with the fresco, but the black seat helps to ground the scheme, adding an elegant touch.
TELL US…
Which loo design have you opted for and why? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
White toilet seats tend to be the norm, but traditional black can add extra oomph. In this eye-catching bathroom, the hot pink radiator, towel and toilet brush holder pep things up, along with the fresco, but the black seat helps to ground the scheme, adding an elegant touch.
TELL US…
Which loo design have you opted for and why? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
Can’t bear the thought of unsightly pipework gathering dust? A ‘back to wall’ loo is one where the bowl sits right up against the wall, while a separate cistern is hidden in the wall, behind a panel or within a furniture unit. The result is a sleeker, neater, more minimal effect.
Concealing a cistern behind a panel, as here, can also provide a useful shelf or ledge for storage or accessories. This room proves that being creative with your panelling can pay off – the wood warms up the room and adds a hotel-chic effect, while the ledge continues neatly around the corner to incorporate double basins.