Toilets - An Ultimate Buying Guide

Choosing a new toilet might not sound like the most glamorous part of a bathroom makeover, but it’s one of the most important. After all, it’s the throne of your bathroom – so why not make it a good one?

With so many different designs, styles, and features on the UK market, picking the right loo can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry – we’ve pulled together this ultimate buying guide to help you find the perfect toilet for your home.

🛠 Anatomy of a Toilet – The Basics

At its simplest, a toilet works by releasing water from a cistern (using either a lever or push-button). The water rushes into the bowl, creates a siphonic action, and… well, you know the rest.

Most modern toilets use 6 litres for a full flush and around 3–4 litres for a half flush, which is much more eco-friendly than older models that guzzled 12–14 litres per go.

Fun fact: Almost all toilets in the UK are made from vitreous china – a fired clay with a tough glaze finish that’s resistant to scratches, stains, and fading. That’s why your toilet stays shiny for years.

🚽 Types of Toilets in the UK

There are plenty of styles to choose from, and your decision will depend on your bathroom’s size, design, and budget.

1. Close Coupled Toilets

The UK’s most popular toilet type. The cistern sits directly on the pan, making them easy to install and available in both modern and traditional designs.

✅ Easy to fit
✅ Wide variety of styles
✅ Great for most bathrooms

2. Back to Wall Toilets

Here, the cistern is hidden inside a wall or furniture unit, giving a neat and streamlined finish.

✅ Space-saving
✅ Sleek, fitted look
✅ Easier to clean around

3. Wall Hung Toilets

Want that luxury hotel vibe? Wall hung toilets “float” above the floor, with the cistern concealed in the wall. They make cleaning easy and create the illusion of extra space.

✅ Ultra-modern style
✅ Perfect for small bathrooms
✅ Floor stays clear for cleaning

4. Traditional High & Low Level Toilets

These heritage designs feature elevated cisterns with chrome flush pipes – low for a subtle vintage touch, high for full Victorian drama.

✅ Timeless elegance
✅ Perfect for period homes
✅ Adds character

5. Rimless Toilets

The latest innovation in hygiene. With no inner rim, there are fewer hiding places for germs, and cleaning is a breeze.

✅ More hygienic
✅ Easier to clean
✅ Stylish, modern look

6. Corner & Short Projection Toilets

For cloakrooms and en-suites, every inch counts. Corner cisterns and short projection pans help you maximise space without compromising comfort.

✅ Great for small bathrooms
✅ Clever, compact designs
✅ Space-saving without looking cramped

🧾 Things to Consider Before Buying

Bathroom Style – Match the loo to your theme.

• Modern → wall hung or back to wall
• Traditional → high/low level or classic close coupled

Available Space – Small cloakroom? Go for short projection or wall hung.

Plumbing – Sticking with your current toilet position saves money. Moving it means extra plumbing work (and costs).

Accessibility – Consider comfort height toilets (slightly taller than standard) if you’re taller, less mobile, or want extra knee support.

🌍 Water Efficiency & Eco Flush

Did you know flushing accounts for about a third of household water use in the UK?

Modern dual flush toilets let you choose between a full or half flush, saving water and reducing bills. It’s a simple upgrade that makes a big difference.

💺 Toilet Seats – More Than Just a Lid

Toilet seats now come in all shapes, finishes, and clever features.

• Soft close seats – no more midnight slams.
• Wood, black, and coloured seats – add style to your bathroom.
• Thermoset vs Thermoplastic – both durable, but Thermoset offers better scratch resistance.

🔧 Fitting Your Toilet

Installation difficulty depends on the type you choose:

• Close coupled – simplest, often DIY-friendly.
• Back to wall & wall hung – require concealed cisterns and access panels.
• High/low level – need strong, reinforced walls for cistern brackets.

Tip: Always check soil pipe positions before buying – your pan needs to align with the waste outlet.

🧽 Maintenance & Longevity

Keep your new throne looking and working like new with these quick tips:

• Clean with non-abrasive cleaners (avoid harsh bleach).
• Check the flush mechanism every 6–12 months.
• Replace seals and washers promptly to avoid leaks.
• Upgrade your toilet seat if it starts wobbling – easy fix!

👑 Final Flush

Whether you’re revamping a compact cloakroom or designing a spa-style family bathroom, the right toilet makes a huge difference in comfort, hygiene, and style.

At BRAND NEW BATHROOMS, we sell a full range of toilets from leading UK suppliers, and the full collection can be found HERE. From traditional high level designs to modern rimless wall hung pans, you'll find the perfect match for your bathroom.