Sitting Pretty: Types of Toilets and Factors You Should Consider

Let's be honest: when shopping for your bathroom reno, you probably aren't thinking, "Yay! I can't wait to pick out my toilet!" Tbh ... it just doesn't rise to the top of the fun-o-meter. We'd much rather spend our time daydreaming about tile or lighting. But like it or not, selecting the right type of toilet is a necessary evil that's just as important as your decor.

All you need is some practical info to help you choose the porcelain throne that's right for your bathroom. For example, budget is always a factor to consider, but keep in mind that toilets are used multiple times per day, every day — so it makes sense to invest in a good one.

Another important factor is size. Yes, toilets vary in size, so be sure to carefully measure your space to ensure that your pick will actually fit in bathroom. For instance, a wall-mounted toilet can fit snugly in small areas, while a two-piece toilet requires more room.

If you want to go green with your toilet choice, there are tons of options nowadays, such as low flow or high-efficiency toilets that provide the same flushing power but use much less water. It's an environmentally-friendly choice that will also be kind to your water bill.

You'll have flush options to think about, too. Whether you go with a powerful flushing system or a dual-flush toilet (which allows you to choose how much water to use for your flush), many of today's toilets have water conservation in mind.

So, where to start? Here are four standard types of toilets that will get you started on your quest for the perfect seat to complete your self-care oasis.

One-piece toilets are fairly new to the bathroom design world. Instead of the traditional two-piece versions, one-piece toilets feature a tank that's connected to the bowl and tends to be a bit smaller than classic toilets. These seats work well in diminutive baths. Just keep in mind that since it's one piece, it will be on the heavy side, which could make it tougher to install. They're also usually more expensive than their two-piece counterparts.

Two-piece toilets have been around for a long time. They do indeed come in two pieces (the tank is separate from the bowl), which can make for an easier installation process. You also have the option to mix and match if you like, and you'll have more choices when it comes to the height of your toilet. The downside is that it can be harder to clean than a one-piece.

Foregoing a base and outward tank, a wall-mounted type of toilet is installed directly into the wall. Since they're streamlined and compact, this design is an excellent choice for tiny bathrooms and easy to clean to boot. Since it's the new kid on the block, wall-mounted toilets can be pricey. And you'll have to remove drywall to install it, which can be a challenge.

If you need some bells and whistles included with your toilet, look no further than a futuristic smart toilet. They've been a thing in Japan for awhile, but now they've made their way to the States, brandishing features like seat warmers, lids that lift automatically, and even nightlights. They're touch-free, which means they're incredibly hygienic, they save on water, and they don't take up a lot of space.

Unsurprisingly, these toilets can cost a pretty penny, and they may require more electricity and repairs since they utilize technology.

Now that you've considered the toilet options that are available, it's time to get shopping. Here are three tried-and-true retailers that specialize in toilets.

​Toto​

Toto toilets are ahead of the times, with models outfitted with the latest in Smart technology and designs that are not only attractive, but also practical and innovative for a variety of modern baths.

​Kohler​

Unsurprisingly, Kohler has it all, from one-piece to two-piece toilets, to wall-hung options, to "intelligent" toilets. They also feature a range of shapes and silhouettes, which comes in handy if you prefer a rounded toilet seat style or an elongated version.

​American Standard​

American Standard toilets, are, well, standard in the industry. With their simple designs, they will be a great fit in many bathrooms. They even offer self-cleaning toilets and ones with a powerful flush.