How to choose a new toilet

Even the smallest room in the house requires a makeover from time to time and toilets should not be overlooked during a bathroom upgrade, even if they aren't in the same space.

What should you look for in a new toilet?

Sometime it's simply a case of having to replace an older toilet that's seen better days, but whatever the reason for replacing your toilet, there are a few things you should consider:

• Do you want a power pressure or a flush system?
• Your decor
• Practicality and style

Toilets have kept up with changes in style and decor and there are now a number of options and alternatives to the standard two piece toilet. The location of your toilet will also have an impact on your decision but there are several toilet solutions to any situation.

Choosing your new toilet

There are several different styles of toilet now designed to compliment any decor from the traditional to the ultra modern and even the smallest available space. The standard two piece toilet is the most common and most people will choose this type of toilet but many others have gone back to basics, especially with heritage look bathrooms, and are opting for reproductions of some of the very early models. These look great in the right setting.

Others though with very modernist bathrooms are opting for wall hung toilets. These have a very minimalist look with clean looks and profiles as the bends and plumbing are all hidden in the wall. They also offer flexibility with height from the floor. Back-to-wall toilets offer the same 'hidden' look and are also just as easy to clean.

For those who don't have the luxury of a larger room there are the round bowl and the compact toilets. The compact toilets may need additional plumbing though due to the difference in distance from the wall. The round bowl toilet is also ideal where space is limited but not everyone finds this style of toilet comfortable to use.

Something new on the market though is the very water conscious style that has the hand basin located on top of the cistern. This integrated feature allows the water to be redirected to the water spout as the cistern fills so you can wash your hands and then the water goes straight back into the cistern. These could become very popular!