Close coupled toilets are a top design in modern bathrooms, but if you aren’t sure what this toilet design looks like, you can read on to learn more about this popular fixture choice. As the most popular design of toilet in the UK, you are sure to have used one countless times! As an all-in-one toilet solution, they represent a convenient option for any bathroom, and with so many different types and designs to pick from, it’s no wonder that close coupled toilets are such a popular choice with homeowners everywhere.
What is a Close Coupled Toilet?
If you were to think of a standard modern bathroom, it’s likely that part of the picture would include a close coupled toilet. Its name describes this toilet’s design, with a cistern that is “closely coupled” with the bowl of the toilet instead of having a bowl and cistern that are connected with a long pipe as you would see in a traditional, more old-fashioned toilet such as a low level or high level toilet, or a cistern that is hidden behind a wall like a wall hanging toilet.
With a close coupled toilet, the cistern is exposed and visible, and is located right on top of the bowl for a space-saving, attractive option.
Close coupled toilets come in many styles from the ultra-modern to the classic, so you’re sure to find one that works perfectly in any type of home.
The Different Types of Close Coupled Toilet
Close coupled toilets come in a number of different styles including:
- Fully back to wall or closed back close coupled toilets – these toilets sit flush against the bathroom wall, with all pipework concealed at the rear of the toilet for a neater and more streamlined finish.
If you want to create a modern look in your bathroom with minimalistic, clean lines, a closed back coupled toilet could be the right option for your needs.
- Open backed close coupled toilets – open back close coupled toilets don’t sit against the wall. Although the waste pipe remains visible, this type of toilet allows for easier maintenance as the back of the toilet is more accessible.
- Comfort height close coupled toilets – as you might imagine from the name, comfort height close coupled toilets are designed to be the perfect height to make sitting on the seat as comfortable as possible.
The seat is raised at a slightly higher position than that found on a standard close coupled toilet, and that means that less strain is put on the joints and lower back, and there is less need to bend down.
This type of toilet is considered to be the best choice for anyone over average height as well as for older people and those with mobility issues that could make it difficult for them to get up and down from a low-positioned toilet.
- Short projection close coupled toilets – this type of close coupled toilet is designed for use in more compact bathrooms where maximising the available floor space is paramount. With a shorter depth than a standard close coupled toilet, a short projection toilet protrudes less into the room, and so gives more room around the toilet for moving and placing other bathroom furniture.
- Rimless close coupled toilets – unlike a conventional close coupled toilet that has a protruding rim around the inside of the bowl, a rimless close coupled toilet boasts an innovative and modern design that makes it far easier to clean and maintain the toilet.
Rather than having a regular rim, under which germs, bacteria, and dirt can develop, a rimless toilet has a powerful flush that shoots out from the rear of the pan to clean it more hygienically and effectively.
- Corner close coupled toilets – a corner close coupled toilet is designed to fit easily into the corner of a bathroom, making this design an ideal choice for anyone with an especially compact room where floor space is at a premium.
Toilet Styles
Close coupled toilets come not only in a range of designs but also in a choice of styles to suit all kinds of bathroom decors. They include:
- Modern close coupled toilets – these toilets have a contemporary look that is more minimalistic and streamlined, making them an ideal choice for today’s up-to-date bathrooms. While some have a rounded, curving shape, others are square and angular, although the final effect is an aesthetic that is cutting-edge and up to date.
- Round close coupled toilets – a round close coupled toilet is a classic style with a rounded bowl. The rounded shape makes this type of toilet easier to clean, although it can take up more room in the bathroom due to the curve of the bowl. Round close coupled toilets may be either modern or traditional in style.
- Square close coupled toilets – a square close coupled toilet is a more modern look which is an especially good choice for a compact bathroom with less floor space. Due to the square shape of the bowl, this style of toilet is more economical with your bathroom floor plan and is easier to fit into awkward spaces.
- Traditional close coupled toilets – if you’re keen to recreate a Victorian aesthetic in your bathroom or cloakroom, a traditional close coupled toilet is the ideal choice. With a classic vintage look and plenty of old-world visual appeal, this style of toilet boasts many features found on original toilets from back in the day, including retro style moulding in some cases .
How to choose a Close Coupled Toilet
If you’re keen to choose a close coupled toilet but aren’t sure what design or style to go for, you could benefit from some helpful advice that would point you in the right direction so you can make a well-informed purchasing decision. Here are some top tips to help you know what to consider when selecting the right close coupled toilet for your needs:
How much space will you need?
One significant consideration when choosing any toilet is the amount of space you’ll need for your fixture, and choosing the right close coupled toilet is no exception.
If you have a large bathroom with plenty of floor space, this may not be too much of a consideration, but in modern homes where floor space is usually at a premium, it can be difficult to find a toilet that fits into the room while still allowing other fixtures and furnishings to be conveniently placed around it.
If you’re looking for a close coupled toilet for your compact bathroom or cloakroom, you may benefit from choosing a short projection close coupled toilet that won’t protrude so far into the room. With a shorter bowl length, you’ll have more floor space available to move around your fixture and to position your other bathroom furniture and fittings.
There are also slimline close coupled toilets available that are a perfect choice if you need to squeeze your toilet in between other pieces of bathroom furniture and fixtures. Designed to be narrower than a standard toilet without compromising on comfort when sitting on the seat, this type of toilet is a great option if you have a compact bathroom or if you need to fit your toilet into an understairs cloakroom with minimal floor space.
Who will be using the toilet?
Another important thing to bear in mind is who will be using the toilet. While this may not be an issue for some people, for others who have elderly people or those with limited mobility in their home, choosing the right toilet for comfort and convenience is paramount.
A standard toilet is around 400mm from the ground, and while this height is fine for many people, for those who struggle to bend or get themselves up and down from a seated position, it may be just too low for comfort. A comfort height toilet may, therefore, be the best choice in such circumstances.
At around 450mm from the floor, a comfort height toilet is designed to be a similar height to a chair, and this means there is less strain on the joints and lower back when sitting on the seat. People who have mobility issues will find it far easier to use a comfort height close coupled toilet.
Design
There are many different designs of close coupled toilet to choose from, so finding the right one to suit your preferences and to complement your bathroom décor is paramount. You may be looking for a modern design with a streamlined look and clean lines. Alternatively, you may want to recreate a period look in your bathroom with a traditional-style close coupled toilet that emulates Victorian elegance.
Maintenance and Hygiene
Many people would rather avoid spending a lot of time on cleaning their toilet, and therefore, finding a low maintenance fixture is often desirable. If you want to minimise the maintenance involved in caring for your toilet, rimless close coupled toilets are the ideal choice for you.
A rimless close coupled toilet is designed to be more hygienic and to represent a more sanitary option than a standard rimmed toilet. Whereas a regular close coupled toilet comes with a protruding rim inside the bowl from which the water is released to clean the bowl, a rimless toilet has no protruding rim. Instead, the sides of the bowl are smooth and that means there is nowhere for dirt and bacteria to hide and build up over time.
As a result, you can quickly and easily see where any dirt remains and you can easily clean the bowl thoroughly. Not only that, but the flush from a rimless toilet is more powerful. It comes directly from the back of the bowl and efficiently cleans the entire bowl in a single flush, leading to a far more hygienic toilet experience.
Environmental and Money Saving
These days, the environment is an increasing concern. We’re all far more aware of global warming and its impact on the planet, and we’re also increasingly knowledgeable about the need to conserve the Earth’s natural resources, including water. Therefore, choosing a water-saving toilet is a popular option these days. One way to do this is by choosing a dual flush toilet that can cut down on the amount of water necessary to clean the toilet bowl after each use.
Although it’s still possible to find close coupled toilets with a lever flush, there are many options that come with a dual button design that allows you to select the strength of flush necessary to clean the bowl. If you’re keen to save as much water as possible, you’ll want to research the toilet options on the market today that are designed specifically for water saving purposes. For example, toilets with a smaller cistern will help to save water as they have less capacity to fill up between flushes.
Also, rimless toilets, despite their powerful flushing action, may often use less water than a standard rimmed toilet thanks to their innovative design. Since many people these days are also on a water meter, choosing a dual flush option and a water saving toilet also serves dual purposes. As well as helping to protect the environment, it also helps to save money in the long run, which is good news for everyone.
How much should I pay?
As there are many different models of close coupled toilet on the market, there’s no such thing as an average price. While some models are very affordable, others are significantly more expensive depending on their features and their manufacturer.
You’ll be able to find close coupled toilets suitable for those on a tight budget for under £100, whereas the most costly models come in at five times that amount, or even more. The good news, though, is that when you choose a close coupled toilet, you won’t need to pay extra for a WC unit or a cistern and frame. Therefore, this could be a good option for you if you’re looking for an all-in-one toilet solution at a single price.
