Choosing the Right Toilet for Your Bathroom: A Comprehensive Guide

Selecting a commode, also known as a toilet, for your bathroom is an important decision that requires careful consideration. The right toilet can enhance the look and function of your bathroom. This guide covers the key factors to evaluate when choosing a commode for your bathroom.

Types of Commodes

The first decision to make is what type of toilet you need. Here are the main options:

Two-piece toilets: These feature a separate tank and bowl. The tank sits behind the bowl and contains the flushing mechanism. Two-piece toilets are common and tend to be more affordable.

One-piece toilets: These combine the tank and bowl into a seamless, single piece. One-piece toilets have a sleek, streamlined look. However, they tend to be more expensive than two-piece models.

Wall-mounted toilets: These mount directly to the wall rather than the floor. They have a contemporary, space-saving design. Wall-mounted toilets require special installation but provide easy floor cleaning.

Smart toilets: The latest innovation, smart toilets, offer high-tech features like heated seats, automatic flushing, ambient lighting, and more. These advanced commodes come at a premium price.

Bowl Shape

The shape of the toilet bowl is another essential consideration. The most common options are:

Elongated bowls: These have an oval shape that extends further back. Elongated bowls provide more comfortable seating but require more space than round bowls.

Round-front bowls: As the name suggests, these have a circular shape. Round-front bowls are compact but may feel cramped.

Compact elongated bowls: This hybrid option has a long shape to fit where space is tight. The slimmer design still provides comfortable seating.

Flushing Systems

Toilets feature different flushing systems to remove and transport waste into the drainage system. Key choices include:

Gravity-flush toilets: These rely solely on gravity and the weight of the water in the tank to flush. They tend to be louder and less efficient than pressure-assisted models.

Pressure-assisted toilets: A sealed chamber provides air or water pressure to aid flushing. This results in a more powerful, effective flush.

Double flush toilets: These allow you to choose between a full or partial flush. Dual flushing helps conserve water usage.

Touchless flushing: Found on high-tech smart toilets, this futuristic feature uses motion sensors or touch controls to flush hands-free.

Special Features

Upgrading to a smart toilet brings a host of unique features, including:

Heated seat: This luxury addition keeps the seat warm, comfortable, and inviting.

Automatic open/close lid: Motion-activated lids conveniently open when you approach and close when you walk away.

Bidet functionality: Adjustable warm water spray with air drying provides a refreshing clean.

Deodorizer: This automatically neutralizes odors to keep the bathroom smelling fresh.

Remote control: Adjust settings from the ease of a wireless remote control panel.

Water Usage

One key consideration is water efficiency. Low-flow toilets use 1.28 gallons or less per flush compared to older models that used up to 7 gallons. Choosing a WaterSense-certified model ensures water conservation.

Dual-flush commodes also help reduce water usage. Make sure your new toilet meets the latest EPA flushing standards to save water and money on utility bills.

Measure Bathroom Space

When selecting a new toilet, always measure your bathroom space first. Measure the rough-in or distance from the wall to the toilet flange for the proper fit.

Also, measure the space between the floor bolts and from the walls to the fixtures to select a size that will work with your bathroom layout. An elongated bowl needs more forward space than a round-front one.

Remember to account for the tank size as well. A one-piece toilet takes up less overall space than a tank-and-bowl two-piece model.

Consult With Professionals

While you can purchase toilets at home improvement stores, it’s wise to consult professional plumbers and bathroom remodeling contractors. They can ensure proper installation and help you select the most practical, durable option for your home and lifestyle needs.

Professionals can also handle any specialized steps needed for wall-mounted or smart toilets. Don’t take chances doing it yourself—toilet installation is best left to the experts.

Consider Style

Along with functionality, don’t forget aesthetics when selecting commodes. Luckily, today’s models come in various styles that can complement your bathroom design and decor.

From sleek modern bowls to elegant classic silhouettes to vintage retro designs, you can find a toilet to match your preferred style. Just be sure to coordinate with other fixtures, hardware, and accents.

The fresh colors like black, neutral tones and bold hues allow you to make even the toilet a design statement. Or choose a discreet white to blend seamlessly into your bathroom.

Conclusion

Choosing the perfect toilet requires balancing various factors – configuration, flushing system, special features, design, and budget. This guide will set you on the right track to select a toilet tailor-made for your bathroom.