A toilet is rarely the first thing people think about when planning a bathroom. Usually, attention goes to the tiles, shower, basin and lighting. But the WC deserves just as much consideration. It takes up a permanent part of the room, has specific installation requirements and needs to work comfortably for everyone who uses it.
The choice is not simply between a traditional toilet and a modern-looking one. You will find floor-mounted toilets, wall-hung designs, close-coupled toilets, back-to-wall options and one-piece WCs. At first glance, some may look quite similar. The real differences become clearer when you look at how they are fitted, where the cistern sits and how much room the complete installation needs.
If you are replacing an existing toilet or planning a bathroom from scratch, understanding these differences will help you make a more informed decision.
Table of Contents
- 1. Wall Hung Toilet
- 2. Floor Mounted Toilet
- 3. Close Coupled Toilet
- 4. Back to Wall Toilet
- 5. One Piece Toilet
- Understanding the Difference Between These Toilet Types
- Which Toilet Works Best in a Small Bathroom?
- What to Check Before Buying a New Toilet
- Rimless Toilets: A Detail Worth Looking At
- Is a Wall Hung Toilet Better Than a Floor Mounted Toilet?
- Choosing a Toilet That Suits Your Bathroom
- Frequently Asked Questions
1. Wall Hung Toilet
A Wall Hung Toilet is fixed to a concealed support frame within the wall rather than resting on the bathroom floor. Its cistern and supporting structure are hidden behind the finished wall, leaving only the pan and flush plate visible.
The most noticeable feature is the open space beneath the toilet. With no base touching the floor, cleaning around the WC becomes easier. It also creates a lighter appearance, which can be particularly appealing in bathrooms where a clean, uncluttered layout is the aim.
There is, however, more involved in installing one than simply fixing the pan to a wall. A wall-hung toilet needs a compatible support frame, concealed cistern and flush plate. The wall structure and installation system must be suitable for the load.
This is why it is worth selecting the complete system before the bathroom walls are finished. The pan, frame, cistern and flushing components need to work together.
Worth considering when: You want an open floor area, concealed plumbing and a contemporary bathroom layout.
2. Floor Mounted Toilet
A Floor Mounted Toilet rests directly on the bathroom floor. It is a familiar installation style and is available in several designs, including close-coupled and one-piece toilets.
One reason this format remains popular is that it can work with different bathroom layouts. Depending on the model, the cistern may be visible or concealed, and the overall shape can range from compact to more substantial.
It is important not to assume that every floor-mounted toilet has the same installation requirements. The waste outlet, water connection, cistern arrangement and dimensions can vary from one product to another.
If you are replacing an existing WC, pay particular attention to the waste connection. A new toilet may look similar to the old one but still require changes to the plumbing.
Worth considering when: You prefer a toilet that sits on the floor and want to compare different designs without committing to a wall-hung installation.
3. Close Coupled Toilet
A Close Coupled Toilet has a cistern fitted directly to the toilet pan. The two components form one connected unit, with the cistern remaining visible behind the seat.
This is one of the most recognisable toilet arrangements. It is straightforward in appearance and does not require the same concealed cistern setup as a wall-hung WC.
Close-coupled toilets are available in different shapes and sizes. Some have a more compact profile, while others have a fuller design. The dimensions of the complete unit matter, particularly in bathrooms where the WC is positioned close to a shower enclosure, basin or door.
Jaquar UK's toilet collection includes close-coupled options, including models with rimless bowl designs. Product specifications should be checked individually, as the seat, cistern and other components can differ between models.
Worth considering when: You want a conventional floor-mounted arrangement with the cistern connected directly to the pan.
4. Back to Wall Toilet
A Back to Wall Toilet is floor-mounted, but its rear sits close against a wall or suitable furniture unit. Unlike a typical close-coupled model, the cistern is generally concealed rather than attached visibly to the pan.
This creates a cleaner outline around the WC. The pipework and cistern are kept out of sight, while the toilet itself remains supported by the floor.
Back-to-wall toilets are often considered for bathrooms where the homeowner wants concealed fittings but does not want a wall-hung pan. They can also be incorporated into a furniture arrangement, depending on the product and installation design.
One detail needs attention during planning: the concealed cistern must be compatible with the chosen toilet and installed in the correct position. If a furniture unit is being used, its dimensions and access arrangements should also be considered.
Jaquar UK offers back-to-wall toilet options, including selected rimless models.
Worth considering when: You like the appearance of concealed plumbing but prefer a floor-standing WC.
5. One Piece Toilet
A One Piece Toilet combines the pan and cistern into a single integrated form. Rather than having a separate cistern attached to the pan, the visible structure is designed as one continuous unit.
The result is a more unified appearance, with fewer visible joins between the main components. Its shape can also make the toilet feel like a more defined design element within the bathroom.
One-piece toilets are available in different profiles, so check their overall width, height and projection before buying. A product that appears compact in a photograph may need more room once installed.
Jaquar UK's collection includes rimless single-piece WC options. The specifications of each model will clarify the dimensions, seat arrangement and installation requirements.
Worth considering when: You prefer an integrated toilet design and want the pan and cistern to form one visual unit.
Understanding the Difference Between These Toilet Types
The names can be confusing because they do not all describe the same thing. Wall-hung and floor-mounted refer to how the toilet is installed. Close-coupled, back-to-wall and one-piece describe how the pan and cistern are arranged.
Here is a quick comparison:
| Toilet Type | How It Is Installed | Cistern Arrangement |
|---|---|---|
| Wall Hung Toilet | Fixed to a concealed support frame | Concealed behind the wall |
| Floor Mounted Toilet | Rests directly on the floor | Depends on the model |
| Close Coupled Toilet | Floor-mounted | Attached directly to the pan |
| Back to Wall Toilet | Rests on the floor, positioned against a wall or furniture | Usually concealed |
| One Piece Toilet | Floor-mounted in a single integrated form | Integrated with the pan |
This distinction is useful when comparing products. A floor-mounted toilet, for example, is not necessarily a close-coupled toilet. It could also be a back-to-wall or one-piece design.
Which Toilet Works Best in a Small Bathroom?
In a small bathroom, the toilet needs to fit without making the rest of the room difficult to use. The basin, shower, door and available walking space all have to be considered.
A wall-hung toilet can help create a more open floor appearance because the pan does not touch the floor. A back-to-wall model can also keep the cistern out of sight while retaining a floor-mounted installation.
A close-coupled toilet may be suitable too, particularly if its dimensions work with the available space. The important measurement here is projection: how far the complete toilet extends from the wall into the room.
Do not choose a WC based only on its width or the way it looks. Check the full product dimensions and leave enough clearance in front and around the toilet for comfortable use.
For a cloakroom, it is also worth checking the door swing. A toilet may fit within the available floor area but still obstruct the door or leave very little room to move.
What to Check Before Buying a New Toilet
A new toilet is a long-term bathroom fitting, so it is worth spending time on the details before placing an order. A few measurements and checks can prevent installation problems later.
Measure the Available Space
Start with the area where the WC will sit. Record the width and depth, along with the distance between the toilet position and nearby fittings.
The projection of the toilet is especially important in compact bathrooms. Check the product drawing rather than estimating from a photograph.
Check the Waste Outlet
Find out where the existing waste connection is positioned. Different toilet designs have different outlet arrangements, so a replacement may not connect directly to the existing pipework.
If the bathroom is being renovated, discuss the waste position with the plumber before finalising the toilet.
Decide Where the Cistern Will Go
This is one of the main decisions that separates the toilet types.
A close-coupled model has its cistern attached to the pan. A wall-hung or back-to-wall arrangement usually involves a concealed cistern. A one-piece toilet integrates the main components into one form.
The choice affects both the appearance and the installation work.
Consider the Toilet Height
The finished height of the WC can influence everyday comfort. Check the dimensions of the specific model, including the seat, and think about who will be using it.
For a wall-hung toilet, the installation height needs to be established as part of the frame installation. Follow the manufacturer's guidance rather than assuming that every model should be fitted at the same height.
Look at the Seat and Flushing Arrangement
A toilet should be considered as a complete product, not just a ceramic pan. Check the seat type, whether soft-close functionality is included and the flushing arrangement.
Some Jaquar toilet models include soft-close seats and dual-flush options. These features vary across the collection, so confirm them on the individual product specification.
Rimless Toilets: A Detail Worth Looking At
You may come across the term rimless while comparing modern toilets. It describes the design of the inside of the bowl, not the way the toilet is mounted.
A conventional toilet has an internal rim around the bowl. In a rimless design, this rim is removed, leaving a more open profile that can make the bowl easier to reach during cleaning.
Jaquar UK's collection includes rimless options across different toilet formats, including wall-hung, back-to-wall, close-coupled and single-piece designs.
It is worth remembering that rimless and wall-hung are not interchangeable terms. One describes the bowl construction; the other describes the installation method. You can therefore find a rimless toilet in more than one installation format.
Is a Wall Hung Toilet Better Than a Floor Mounted Toilet?
Neither is automatically better. They solve slightly different design and installation requirements.
A wall-hung toilet gives the bathroom an open floor area and conceals the cistern and supporting frame. It can be attractive in a contemporary bathroom, but the installation needs to be planned around the concealed system.
A floor-mounted toilet rests directly on the floor and is available in several configurations. It may be a more suitable option when you prefer a conventional installation or want to retain the existing floor-mounted arrangement.
The decision should come down to the bathroom structure, available space, plumbing and the amount of installation work involved. It is worth comparing the complete systems rather than judging only the visible toilet pans.
Choosing a Toilet That Suits Your Bathroom
The right toilet is not necessarily the one with the most elaborate design. It should fit the available space, work with the plumbing and feel comfortable in everyday use.
For a bathroom with limited floor space, compare the projection of wall-hung, back-to-wall and compact floor-mounted options. If you want a familiar arrangement, look at close-coupled models. If an integrated appearance is important, a one-piece toilet may be worth considering.
Jaquar's UK toilet collection includes different installation formats across its Jaquar and Artize ranges. Compare the product dimensions, technical drawings, seat details and installation requirements before settling on a model.
A little planning at this stage can make the difference between a toilet that simply fits and one that feels properly suited to the bathroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the different types of toilets?
Common toilet types include wall-hung, floor-mounted, close-coupled, back-to-wall and one-piece toilets. They differ in how the pan is supported and where the cistern is positioned. Some terms describe the installation method, while others describe how the pan and cistern are constructed.
2. Which type of toilet is best for a small bathroom?
A wall-hung toilet can help create a more open floor appearance, while a back-to-wall toilet keeps the cistern concealed without suspending the pan. A compact floor-mounted model may also work well. Compare the toilet's projection, width and required clearance with the actual bathroom measurements before making a choice.
3. What is the difference between a one-piece and a two-piece toilet?
A one-piece toilet has the pan and cistern integrated into a single form. A two-piece toilet has a separate cistern connected to the pan. A close-coupled toilet is a common example of a two-piece arrangement, with the cistern fitted directly to the toilet bowl.
4. Are wall-hung toilets better than floor-mounted toilets?
It depends on the bathroom and the installation requirements. Wall-hung toilets leave the floor beneath the pan open and conceal the cistern behind the wall. Floor-mounted toilets rest directly on the floor and are available in several designs. A wall-hung model needs a compatible support frame and concealed cistern, so the installation should be planned carefully.
5. What should I consider when buying a new toilet?
Check the available space, toilet projection, finished height, waste outlet position and water connection. Decide whether you want a visible or concealed cistern, then look at the seat, flushing arrangement and bowl design. Finally, check the manufacturer's technical drawings and installation requirements for the exact model.