Different Types of Toilet Designs & Styles Explained

Toilets are an essential part of every household and commercial space, ensuring hygiene, comfort, and convenience. Today, there are many toilet designs available, combining style and functionality.

When designing a bathroom, choosing the right toilet is more crucial than you may assume! With so many types available, it may get perplexing. But don’t worry — this guide will help you to understand the different types of toilets & what makes each of them unique.

Types of Toilets in India

a.     Sitting or Squatting? The Cultural Factor

In India, we have two main types of toilets based on user position:-

1.      Western Toilets

Western-type toilets are the common ones with a bowl & seat. They are comfortable and easy to use, especially for people who aren’t used to squatting. These toilets come in different styles, like one-piece, two-piece,  wall-mounted. Many modern ones also have bidets for extra cleanliness.

2.      Indian Toilets/Squat Toilets

These types of toilets are mounted on the floor and require you to squat. They are the traditional toilets in India and are still liked by many. Some people believe that squatting pans are more natural & healthy. These toilets also require less water, making them a more eco-friendly choice.

b. Style Matters

Firstly, you need to determine the style of your toilet. Since there are numerous types of toilets to pick from, you need to ensure what style suits your space perfectly. Let’s go over each option to help you determine which is exceptionally unique:-

1.      One-Piece Toilet

One-piece toilets are easy to install & clean because they are made from a single unit with no separate tank or bowl. They are perfect for small bathrooms as they take up less space. They are more expensive than two-piece toilets, but they’re worth it for the ease of cleaning and the modern look.

2.      Two-Piece Toilets

This is the most common type of toilet used in India. In a two-piece toilet, the water tank & the toilet bowl are separate. These toilets are affordable and durable. However, they are harder to clean and maintain due to the gaps between the tank and bowl.

    3. Back-to-Wall Toilets

Back-to-wall toilets are a modern choice for your bathroom. They save space & look sleek. The toilet bowl is fixed to the wall, and the water tank is hidden inside the wall or furniture.

These toilets are easier to install and more affordable than wall-hung toilets. Yet, they offer a stylish & clean look.

4. Wall-Hung Toilets
Wall-hung toilets are very stylish and modern. The water tank is built into the wall, saving space. However, these toilets can be expensive and require professional installation. So, you may need to hire a plumber & handyman. Despite the higher cost, they are easy to clean and offer a lot of benefits in terms of design.

5. High-Level Toilet
High-level toilets add a traditional, elegant touch to your bathroom. The cistern (water tank) is installed high up on the wall with a long flush pipe & pull chain. This style gives a unique and classic look but requires a strong and solid wall to support the cistern.

6. Low-Level Toilets
These types of toilets are similar to high-level toilets but have the cistern installed lower on the wall. This makes the flush pipe shorter & it uses a lever for flushing, which adds to the vintage look. These toilets also give a classic feel to your bathroom.

c. Where will it live? The importance of location

The next factor to consider is where the toilet will be centred. A toilet in your master bathroom will have distinct features & specifications than one in a guest bathroom or public area.

1.      Residential Toilet

Everybody wishes their toilets to be cosy, hygienic, & aesthetically pleasing. The right type of toilet provides a nice, smooth appearance to the bathroom. Additionally, it has to be easy to clean, saving us a lot of time.

Saving water is also vital! Water-efficient toilets are becoming more popular as people are realising the necessity of conserving resources. The following are three common types of toilets for households:

●        Two-piece toilets

●        One-piece toilets

●        Wall-mounted toilets

Choosing the right types of toilets can significantly improve your home's comfort & cleanliness!

2.      Commercial Toilets

Places like offices, malls, & restaurants need toilets that can handle many people every day. These toilets must be robust and easy to clean. Most businesses utilise ceramic or stainless steel toilets. Many of them have sensor-based flush systems. They save water while keeping the toilets clean and sanitary.

3.      Public Toilets

Toilets in parks, railway stations, and bus stops face a lot of wear and tear. Hence, you need to choose toilet types that are stronger, easy to clean, & safe from damage. Many now have automatic flushing & waterless urinals. This helps save water and improve sanitation.

4.      Portable Toilets

They are very useful for outdoor events, construction sites, or remote places. These types of toilets are light and easy to move, Also, they come with ventilation to reduce bad smells.

5.      Hospital Toilets

Cleanliness and easy access are very essential in hospitals. These toilets often have designs for wheelchairs, support handles, higher seats, & touch-free flushing to stop the spread of germs.

6.      Luxury Toilets

Luxury toilets have many smart features for a top-class bathroom experience. They often include heated seats, bidets, self-cleaning options, & soft lighting.

d. Thinking About Age

We also need to consider the needs of different age groups:-

1.      Kids' Toilets

Kids' toilets are smaller & lower to the ground. This makes them easier for children to use. They often come in bright colours and fun designs.

2.      Elderly Toilets

For older people, raised toilet seat types, support rails, and non-slip surfaces help make the toilet safer & more comfortable.

e.  The Flushing Mechanism

When selecting a toilet, the flushing mechanism is important for hygiene & water conservation. There are several types of toilets available in the market & each has its unique features. Let's take a more in-depth look at different kinds of toilets & how they flush.

1.    Single Flush Toilets

Single-flush toilets are the basic kinds of toilets. They utilise an equal amount of water with every flush. This makes them simple & easy to apply. However, when compared to other toilet options, these may not be the most water-efficient. In India, single-flush toilets are widespread and regularly found, specifically in Western-type toilets.

2.    Dual Flush Toilets

They are designed to preserve water by providing two flushing options. The first is a smaller flush for liquid waste & the second one is larger for stable waste. This way you may pick out the proper amount of water primarily based on what must be flushed. This mechanism is featured in different types of commodes nowadays. They are environmentally responsible options, mainly for those who are cautious of their water intake.

3.    Automatic Flush Toilets

These kinds of toilets are easy to use. They have sensors that can be hit upon when you are finished using your toilet, it will automatically flush.  You don't need to touch anything, making them extraordinarily hygienic. These toilets are ideal for use in public areas, hotels, & crowded areas. The toilet seats in these restrooms are simple to use & easy, with an emphasis on hygiene and hands-free operation.

4.    Flushometer Toilets

Flushometer toilets are a more advanced type of toilet. They employ high-pressure water to provide a strong flush that removes all waste in one shot. These toilets are best for commercial settings or high-traffic visitor areas that require sturdiness & efficiency.

5.     Double Cyclone Flush

Double cyclone flush toilets use less water but have the same power as a full flush. Though not as water-saving as dual-flush toilets, they are still eco-friendly and can help lower your water bills.

6.    Gravity-Flush Toilets

Gravity-flush toilets are very common in homes around the world. They work by using water from a tank that drops into the bowl when you flush. This water then pushes the waste through the pipes. These toilets are quiet, simple to maintain, and less likely to get clogged, making them a popular choice.

7.    Waterless "Dry Sanitation" Toilet

These types of toilets don’t use any water to flush. Waterless toilets are perfect for locations with water shortages or bad infrastructure.  Though not common in homes, they are often used in outside events, camping sites, or workplaces.

8.    Composting Toilets

They use very little or no water & turn waste into compost. They are perfect for off-grid living or for people who want to help the environment.

9.    Upflush Toilets

These types of toilets don’t need holes drilled into the floor or complicated plumbing. They are easy to install & can be placed anywhere on your property.

f. Design Matters

Here are some more important toilet design options to think about – dimensions, toilet bowl type, and outlet trapway type.

1.      Standard Toilet Dimensions

The dimensions of the toilet depend on the styles & designs. For example, most one-piece toilets are between 53cm to 79cm high. Their distance from the bowl rim to the floor ranges from 25.5cm to 40.5cm. The depth is usually between 68.5cm to 76cm & the width is typically no more than 51cm.

Two-piece toilets are a bit taller. They usually range from 66cm to 81cm in total height.

2.      Toilet Bowl Types

There are two primary types of toilet bowls – round & elongated.

Round bowls are ideal for smaller bathrooms while elongated bowls are more comfortable for most users.

3.      Outlet Trapway Types

There are three types of outlet trapways:

1. Skirted – These have a smooth, clean line from front to back.
2. Concealed – The back of the toilet has a smooth surface where the trapway is normally visible.
3. Exposed – These are harder to clean due to the visible trapway at the back.

Some Popular Design Options

Toilet designs have come a long way! Here are some of the most popular options:-

1.   Smart Toilets

These types of toilets have many high-tech features like automatic flushing, bidets, heated seats, self-cleaning, air dryers, & deodorizers. They offer the best in luxury and convenience for your bathroom.

2.   Urinals

Urinals are often found in public & commercial places. They are designed for quick use and work well for flushing efficiently.

3.   Disabled-Friendly Toilets

These types of toilets are made for people with mobility challenges. They usually have grab bars, extra space, & the right height for easy access.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Toilet

Before buying a toilet, keep in mind the size, layout, plumbing, & layout of the restroom. What seems to be an easy chore may quickly emerge as difficult in case you are uncertain of your options.

First, think about the dimensions of the bathroom. Is it big enough to fit a toilet? If you've got a confined area, a wall-hung toilet can be a very good choice.

A dual-flush system is likewise an awesome choice for saving water & helping the environment. It also saves money in the long run by lowering your water bills.

If you don't want to cope with extra pipes, an upflush toilet may be a fantastic choice because it has a simple construction.

How to Take Care of Your Toilet?

Toilets are important for your home! So, it's essential to keep them clean & working well. Here are some easy tips for maintaining toilets:-

1.     Clean Regularly

Clean your toilet bowl, seat, & the place around it often. Use a gentle bathroom cleaner to keep away from stains and germs. Use a moist fabric to wipe the rims. However, do not use an excessive amount of water.

Regular cleaning not only helps maintain hygiene but also keeps your toilet smelling nice and looking spotless.

2.     Check for Leaks

Look for any leaks around the base or tank of your toilet. Leaks waste water & increase your bills. If you see water outside the toilet, you may need to fix the seals.

3.     Flush Properly

Always flush after use to prevent waste buildup & bad smells. Don’t flush too much toilet paper at once, as it can clog the pipes.

4.     Use Gentle Cleaners

Avoid strong chemical cleaners that can damage your toilet. Use mild cleaning solutions or natural products like vinegar.

5.     Check the Flush

If your flush is vulnerable or not working properly, the flush valve or chain would possibly want to be adjusted or changed. Check it often to ensure it’s working easily.

6.     Unclog When Needed

If your toilet gets clogged, use a plunger to clear it. Never flush wet wipes or sanitary products, as they can block your toilet.

By following these easy tips, your Western toilet or any other type of toilet will stay in great shape. Regular care helps maintain its cleanliness and performance for a long time.

How to Choose the Right Types of Commode for Bathrooms?

Choosing the right commode seat for your bathroom is also as important as choosing the other accessories for your bathroom. You need to check for comfort, hygiene, & style.

Choose the right commode with the right seat height, flush type, seat design, and installation style. CERA offers high-quality commodes that combine comfort, efficiency, and modern aesthetics, making your bathroom both functional and stylish.

What Makes CERA Commode Seats the Best Sellers?

CERA offers a wide range of commode seats designed for Indian bathrooms. Here’s why CERA is a top choice:

1. Durability: Made from high-quality materials that last long and resist stains.
2. Innovative Designs: From wall-hung to smart toilets, CERA offers options for every bathroom size and style.
3. Water Efficiency: Dual-flush systems help conserve water.
4. Easy Maintenance: Smooth finishes and smart designs make cleaning simple.
5. Trusted Brand: Known for reliability and after-sales service.

 

FAQs Related to Types of Toilet

Why is it important to choose the right type of commode?

Choosing the right commode ensures comfort, hygiene, and efficient use of space and water.

What are the different types of commodes available?

Wall-hung, one-piece, two-piece, and smart toilets are the most common types of commodes available.

Which is the best commode brand in India?

CERA is one of the leading brands, known for its quality, innovation, and durability.

Which commode is best for Indian bathrooms?

A two-piece or wall-hung commode with a dual-flush system is ideal for Indian bathrooms.

Which type of commode is best?

The best type depends on your bathroom size and personal preference. Nowadays, wall-hung and one-piece commodes are popular for their modern look and ease of cleaning. CERA offers a range of stylish and functional commodes that can complement your bathroom's design while ensuring long-lasting performance.