Demystifying the Throne: 5 Types of Toilets Explained

A toilet is a simple, everyday fixture found in millions of homes and offices across America. The silhouette of the modern toilet is one of the most readily recognized shapes in the world. It has come a long way in design throughout human history, from a hole in the ground, to an outhouse, to a legally required feature inside every home. It serves a very important function, providing cleanliness and comfort to the daily rituals of living.

That is why, when building or remodeling a home bathroom, one of the key considerations to the design of the room is, of course, "the commode." There are many types of toilets to allow personalization, from size considerations to shape preferences, comfort characteristics to whether or not it can take a beating in a high-traffic area. A toilet is an investment, one you will be sitting on for many years to come, and you want to be sure you get the one that fits your style best.

1. Two Piece or Closed-Coupled

This is the most common type of residential commode in the United States and the UK. Available in a range of styles and shapes, the two piece toilet is one of the most inexpensive options on the market. It consists of two basic parts: the bowl - or pan - is attached to the floor, and a separate tank (also called a cistern) is attached to the top of it. The drain pipe is at the base, and may go to the right, left, or down the back. Available bowl shapes include oblong and round, and some companies even offer different bowl heights.

It is not unusual for the seat to be sold separately, adding to the customization choices. Seats come in a variety of materials, shapes, and even colors. Porcelain isn’t the only game in town when you can buy wood, ceramic, or plastic seats to suit your style.

This also offers an opportunity to get a seat with luxury features without the luxury price of a complete unit. From washing and drying systems to heated contour seating and self-cleaning wands, technology can deliver an updated, personalized experience. It’s important to note that, in addition to its higher price point comparative to a standard plastic or wooden seat, these bonus features can require electricity, so an easily accessible outlet may be needed for a luxury seat.

2. One Piece

The one piece toilet is crafted from one piece of porcelain and encompasses both the tank and base. The single piece construction makes it easy to clean. Fewer seams mean it’s less susceptible to leaks. A one-piece unit also has a sleek, modern appearance. Oval or round bowls allow homeowners to select the size that fits their space and style best.

If updating the entire bathroom, this kind of commode will work particularly well with contemporary lines and other modern cabinetry. The single piece unit is more compact than the traditional style, so it’s suitable for tight spaces. This may allow you to add a powder room in an area that might otherwise be too small.

Keep in mind that single-piece toilets can be heavier and more awkward to carry without the versatility of separated pieces. If you plan on doing your own renovations, it can be helpful to measure doorways and make other necessary plans to safely move the toilet to its permanent location inside your home.

3. Wall-Mounted

For bathrooms with limited space, a wall-mounted toilet has a streamlined design that saves up to a foot of floor space when compared to floor mount models. It mounts directly to a load bearing wall or hidden support frame, completely suspended with no floor support. All plumbing is hidden behind the wall, which makes it fully customizable based on what plumbing you have available and the height your household requires.

From a creative standpoint, the look and feel of the fixture are modern, and there is greater design flexibility as there may be fewer obstacles on the walls and floor. It is very minimalist compared to other toilets, so it blends easily into any existing style in your bathroom. As it is made from a single piece of porcelain or other stone composite, there are less corners and crevices to be cleaned, and mounting it on the wall simplifies mopping the floor.

It also means accommodations can be made for households with accessibility limitations. For instance, the homeowner can customize the height of the toilet. This is particularly beneficial for people with mobility issues. The plumbing and flush plate are also housed in the wall, which allows for greater freedom in designing your space.

4. Back to Wall

To create a neat, streamlined look, many consumers chose this option. The back of the toilet - either of the bowl or of the cistern unit - rests flat against the wall. These are unique and versatile designs that, like the wall-mounted toilet, hide the plumbing within the wall behind the toilet bowl.

With completely enclosed plumbing, these units are easy to clean and leave more working space in the bathroom. The cistern can be concealed behind a load bearing wall, as with the wall-mounted design, even though it may still have floor support under the bowl.

It can also be part of a two piece unit designed to be mounted flat against the wall, with different designs available to create completely unique and non traditional looks in your bathroom space. The wall unit can provide handy shelf space while still covering the toilet’s unattractive pipework.

5. Smart Toilets

Thanks to the modern era of home design technology, if you want a comfortable seat and upgrades to the traditional, functional design of the porcelain throne, an intelligent toilet is for you. There are enhancements to meet almost any need, from hygienic bidet comfort to motion-activated lighting. There are tankless options that can make a unique design statement, and remote controls to change a variety of settings. For these futuristic units, it may be necessary to install an outlet nearby.

Popular features

Automated lid operation and hands-free flushing to reduce the build-up of bacteria and the transfer of germs.
Heated seats offer a comfortable seating surface and may have a built-in antimicrobial agent.
Deodorizing toilet seats have a fan that is activated when the user sits. Air is directed through a replaceable scent pack and carbon filter.
Because many of these seats require electricity, some can include a sealed 12-volt design for safety.
Pre-set music or nature sounds can be set to play when the user approaches the unit.
Warm-air dryers and nozzles that send a pulsating or oscillating stream of warm water offer ideal comfort and a thorough water cleansing.

Considerations

It may be tempting just to pick a traditional white porcelain toilet and be done with it. However, there are some points you may want to consider before deciding on a unit.

What is the design style? With modern features and the range of options available, the bathroom style can be elevated to match the rest of the house.
Is an existing commode being replaced or is it going into a new home? If a current bathroom isn’t being completely remodeled, install an updated unit with the same footprint as the previous one to avoid gaps with the existing floor.
Where will the unit be placed? A standard height seat may be appropriate for a children’s bathroom, whereas a comfort height may be preferable in a guest bathroom.
For master bathrooms, a smart toilet or bidet can offer enhanced functionality and luxury options for personalized cleansing rituals.
What impact does the bathroom throne have on the monthly water bill? An updated toilet may offer low-flush or low-flow options that could save money in the long run.
Round bowls require less space, but the elongated bowl offers more seating room. This can be more comfortable for some users.

Every home has a different range of expectations from the toilet experience and there are likely products designed to meet them. With a little research into what’s out there, you may be surprised at the number of options and range of choices that are available. If you haven’t looked at commodes lately, replacing this standard bathroom item can offer a more personalized bathroom design, higher-efficiency water use, more comfortable seating, and features that can meet specialized needs.