Nobody plans their dream bathroom around the toilet. You agonise over the tiles, tapware and lighting and then point at the toilet display and say “that one’s fine”. But actually the toilet is used more than almost any other fixture in the home, and a poor choice quietly undermines everything from wasted water, awkward sizing and a finish that never quite looks right. Getting it right isn’t complicated in the slightest, and it just takes a tiny bit of thought before you buy.
1. Get the Measurements Right First
Before you start browsing styles or comparing features, you need to understand your bathroom’s existing setup. The most important measurement is the rough-in which is the distance between the wall and the centre of the waste outlet. This determines which toilets will fit without requiring changes to your plumbing.
Most homes follow a standard measurement but variations do exist, and even a small difference can cause installation problems. Working within your current configuration is usually the most practical and cost effective approach. Beyond the rough-in though, consider how much clearance you have on either side. In a compact bathroom, every centimetre matters and a slightly smaller footprint can make the whole space feel more comfortable and functional.
2. Size, Shape and Comfort
Round bowls are more compact and suit smaller bathrooms or powder rooms well. Elongated bowls offer a little more room and tend to be the preferred choice where space allows. Neither is universally better and it all mostly comes down to your layout and who’s using the space.
While standard height toilets are fine for most people, comfort height models sit slightly taller and are easier for adults to use day to day. If you’re designing a bathroom with long term liveability in mind or even catering to a range of ages, the comfort height is often the smarter call here.
3. Style and Finish
Two piece toilets remain common and reliable, but single piece designs have become increasingly popular, mostly because they look nice, are easier to keep clean and suit modern bathrooms well.
Wall hung toilets take things further, where the cistern sits concealed within the wall cavity while the pan floats off the floor, and the result is a genuinely striking, minimal finish. They do require more involved installation and a suitable wall structure, so they’re worth discussing early in your bathroom renovation planning rather than as an afterthought.
For choice of colours, white remains the most versatile option but matte black, gunmetal and other contemporary finishes are increasingly available and can work well as part of a considered design scheme. Matching your toilet to other tapware and fixtures helps pull the whole bathroom together.
4. Water Efficiency and Features
Modern toilets use significantly less water than older models, and dual-flush systems are now standard across most ranges which gives you a half or full flush depending on the need. If you’re renovating an older bathroom, the water savings alone can be meaningful over time. Beyond efficiency, features like soft close seats and rimless bowl designs are worth considering. Rimless toilets in particular have become a preferred choice among renovators as there’s no rim cavity for bacteria and grime to accumulate, making them noticeably easier to keep hygienic.
At the higher end, integrated bidet seats and smart toilet functions are available if you want to elevate the bathroom experience. These are increasingly popular in quality renovations, though as with any feature, they should suit your lifestyle and be something you’ll actually use.
Making a Cohesive Choice
The toilet you choose should work with your layout, suit the people using it, complement your design direction, and hold up well over time. When all of those boxes are ticked, it simply becomes part of a bathroom that functions exactly as it should. So if you’re planning a renovation and want practical guidance backed by real experience, we’re happy to help.