Choosing the right bathroom basins and toilets can make a big difference to the style, comfort and functionality of your bathroom. Whether you're renovating a family bathroom, updating a cloakroom or designing a modern en-suite, choosing the right sanitaryware is an important part of your project.
At The Bathroom Box, we offer a wide range of bathroom basins, toilets and toilet seats suitable for modern UK bathrooms. In this guide, we'll explain the different types available and what to consider before buying.
In This Guide
How to Choose the Right Bathroom Basin
Bathroom basins are available in a variety of styles and sizes, making it possible to find an option for almost any bathroom layout. Before choosing your basin, think about the available space, installation type, plumbing requirements, and the overall look you want to achieve.
Before buying a basin, consider:
- Available wall and floor space
- Basin width and projection
- Tap and waste compatibility
- Installation requirements
- Bathroom furniture compatibility
- Ease of cleaning
- Your preferred bathroom style
- Your budget
Types of Bathroom Basins
Washbowls
Washbowls are a stylish choice for contemporary bathrooms. Their distinctive countertop design can create an attractive focal point and works particularly well with modern vanity units and bathroom furniture.
Full Pedestal Basins
Full pedestal basins are a popular choice for traditional and contemporary UK bathrooms. The pedestal supports the basin while helping to conceal plumbing underneath.
They provide a simple and practical solution where you want a freestanding basin without installing a full vanity unit.
Semi Pedestal Basins
Semi pedestal basins provide a clean, wall-mounted appearance while using less visual and floor space than a full pedestal basin.
They can be particularly useful in bathrooms where maintaining an open area underneath the basin is important.
Semi Recessed Basins
Semi recessed basins are designed to work with bathroom furniture. Part of the basin sits within the furniture while the front extends beyond the unit.
This style is ideal if you want to combine a practical basin with useful bathroom storage.
How to Choose the Right Toilet
The toilet is one of the most frequently used fixtures in any bathroom, so it's important to choose a design that works with both your bathroom layout and your everyday requirements.
When choosing a toilet, check:
- Toilet width
- Toilet height
- Overall projection
- Waste outlet position
- Cistern configuration
- Installation requirements
- Cleaning requirements
- Toilet seat compatibility
Types of Toilets Available in the UK
Close Coupled Toilets
Close coupled toilets are one of the most common toilet styles found in UK homes. The cistern sits directly on the toilet pan, creating a straightforward and practical design.
They are available in traditional and contemporary styles, making them suitable for a wide range of bathroom designs.
Rimless Toilets
Rimless toilets feature a modern pan design without the traditional internal rim. This creates a cleaner-looking bowl and can make the toilet easier to access when cleaning.
Rimless toilets are an excellent option for homeowners looking for modern bathroom toilets in the UK.
Back To Wall Toilets
Back to wall toilets are designed to sit against a wall or bathroom furniture, with the cistern concealed behind the surrounding structure.
The result is a streamlined appearance with less visible plumbing, making this style particularly popular in modern bathroom designs.
Wall Hung Toilets
Wall hung toilets are mounted from the wall rather than directly onto the floor. The cistern and supporting frame are generally concealed within the wall or a suitable furniture system.
This creates a minimalist appearance while leaving visible floor space underneath the toilet.
Which Toilet Is Best for a Small Bathroom?
Choosing sanitaryware for a small bathroom or cloakroom requires careful planning. The available floor area, door position,n and plumbing layout can all affect which toilet will work best.
For smaller bathrooms, consider:
- Compact toilet designs
- Back-to-wall toilet
- Wall-hung toilets
- Shorter projection toilets
- Compact bathroom basins
Wall-hung and back-to-wall toilets can help create a cleaner visual appearance by reducing visible plumbing. However, always check the manufacturer's dimensions and installation requirements before ordering.
Rimless vs Standard Toilets
One of the most common questions when choosing a modern toilet is whether to select a rimless design or a traditional rimmed toilet.
Benefits of Rimless Toilets
- Modern and contemporary appearance
- Easy access for cleaning
- Fewer difficult-to-reach areas
- Clean-looking internal pan design
Traditional Toilets
Traditional rimmed toilets remain a popular option and are available in many different shapes, styles and price ranges. The best choice depends on your bathroom design, cleaning preferences and budget.
What Size Bathroom Basin Should You Buy?
The ideal basin size depends on your bathroom layout and the amount of available wall space. A compact cloakroom may require a smaller basin, while a larger family bathroom can accommodate a wider design.
Before ordering, measure:
- The available wall width.
- The basin projection from the wall.
- The location of existing plumbing.
- The position of doors and other bathroom fixtures.
- The required clearance around the basin.
Always compare the product dimensions with your available installation space before purchasing.
Don't Forget the Toilet Seat
A toilet may require a compatible toilet seat, depending on the model and product specification. Before purchasing a replacement or new toilet seat, make sure it is compatible with the shape and dimensions of your toilet pan.
Check the following:
- Toilet model compatibility
- Seat dimensions
- Fixing type
- Toilet pan shape
- Soft-close features
- Easy-clean features
Bathroom Basin & Toilet Buying Checklist
Before placing your order, use this simple checklist to make sure your chosen sanitaryware suits your bathroom.
Basin Checklist
- Basin width
- Basin projection
- Installation type
- Tap compatibility
- Waste requirements
- Furniture compatibility
- Available wall space
Toilet Checklist
- Toilet width
- Toilet height
- Toilet projection
- Waste outlet position
- Cistern arrangement
- Installation requirements
- Toilet seat compatibility
Find the Perfect Basin or Toilet for Your Bathroom
Whether you're replacing a single fixture or planning a complete bathroom renovation, choosing the right sanitaryware can help you create a bathroom that looks great and works well every day.
Explore our collection of stylish bathroom basins and toilets in the UK, including washbowls, pedestal basins, semi-recessed basins, rimless toilets, close-coupled toilets, back-to-wall toilets and wall-hung toilets.
Shop Basins & Toilets →Frequently Asked Questions
What type of basin is best for a small bathroom?
Compact basins, semi-pedestal basins and semi-recessed basins can all be useful options for smaller bathrooms. Always check the basin's width and projection against the available space before purchasing.
Are rimless toilets easier to clean?
Rimless toilets have a different internal pan design without the traditional rim, making it easier to clean areas that can otherwise be difficult to clean.
Are wall hung toilets suitable for UK bathrooms?
Wall-hung toilets can be used in many UK bathroom designs, provided the correct supporting frame, concealed cistern and installation requirements are met.
What is the difference between a close coupled and back to wall toilet?
A close-coupled toilet has the cistern positioned directly on the toilet pan. A back-to-wall toilet sits against a wall or furniture, with the cistern usually concealed behind the installation.
Where can I buy bathroom basins and toilets online in the UK?
The Bathroom Box offers a range of bathroom basins, toilets and toilet seats for UK bathroom projects. Explore the full collection to find a style and configuration suitable for your space.
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