Exploring the Different Types of Toilets for Your Bathroom

Exploring the Different Types of Toilets for Your Bathroom

When planning a bathroom renovation or new build, it’s easy to get caught up in tiles, taps, and baths — but don’t forget about one of the most important features: the toilet. The right toilet isn’t just about function; it also plays a huge role in your bathroom’s overall look and space planning.

To help you decide, here’s a straightforward guide to the most popular types of toilets for modern bathrooms, along with their pros and cons.

🚽 Close-Couple Toilets: The Classic Choice

Close-couple toilets are still the most common option in South Africa. In these designs, the cistern sits directly on the back of the toilet pan, creating a compact, all-in-one look.

✅ Why choose a close-couple toilet?

• Affordable and widely available

• Easy to install (great for quick renovations)

• Comes in countless styles to suit both traditional and modern spaces

⚠️ What to keep in mind:

• Takes up more floor space, which can be tricky in small bathrooms

• Slightly harder to clean around the base and behind the pan

🪄 Wall-Hung Toilets: Sleek & Modern

If you’re going for a contemporary, minimalist vibe, a wall-hung toilet is hard to beat. These stylish toilets are mounted directly on the wall, with the cistern cleverly hidden inside the wall cavity.

✅ Why choose a wall-hung toilet?

• Creates a spacious, airy feel (perfect for smaller bathrooms)

• Makes cleaning the floor super easy

• Adjustable height for personalised comfort

⚠️ What to keep in mind:

• Installation is more technical — the wall must support the frame and cistern

• Costs more upfront than standard toilets

🛠 Back-to-Wall Toilets: Neat & Streamlined

A back-to-wall toilet is like the best of both worlds. It sits on the floor like a close-couple toilet but pushes right up against the wall, hiding the cistern either inside the wall or in a stylish cabinet unit.

✅ Why choose a back-to-wall toilet?

• Clean lines with no exposed pipes

• Saves space compared to traditional close-couple styles

• Easier to maintain and wipe down

⚠️ What to keep in mind:

• Still requires some in-wall or cabinetry work for the hidden cistern

• Costs more than a close-couple but generally less than a wall-hung

🔲 Concealed Cistern Toilets: Minimalist & Space-Saving

For the ultimate minimalist look, consider a concealed cistern toilet. Here, the toilet pan pairs with a hidden cistern built into the wall or a furniture unit, with just a slim flush plate on display.

✅ Why choose a concealed cistern toilet?

• Ideal for ultra-modern, clutter-free bathrooms

• Saves floor space and gives the room a seamless look

• Very easy to clean around

⚠️ What to keep in mind:

• More involved installation (needs a solid frame inside the wall or a purpose-built unit)

• Generally a higher upfront investment

📝 Final Thoughts: Which Toilet is Right for You?

Choosing the right toilet comes down to your space, budget, and style preferences.

• If you’re after a practical, budget-friendly option, stick with a close-couple toilet.

• Want a sleek, floating design? Go for a wall-hung toilet.

• Love modern lines but still want a floor-mounted option? Try a back-to-wall toilet.

• For a truly minimalist bathroom, a concealed cistern toilet is hard to beat.

🛁 Let Bella Bathrooms Help

Not sure which option suits your space? At Bella Bathrooms, we stock a wide range of quality toilets — from classic close-couple designs to ultra-modern wall-hung models. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

👉 Visit our showroom in Johannesburg or browse online to discover the perfect toilet for your bathroom.
Got questions? Contact us today for expert advice and competitive prices.