One of the most popular designs for modern bathrooms, find out everything you need to know about close coupled toilets with this expert buying guide.
If you’re reading this article, you’ll no doubt already have a particular type of toilet in mind. However, if you are still unsure, it may be worth reading our toilet buying guide, which will give you a more general overview of the different designs available.
In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at close coupled toilets, including the different styles available and what to look out for when buying.
What is a close coupled toilet?
A close coupled toilet is the style of toilet that most of us would picture when we think of a typical bathroom. The name simply describes the design, where the cistern is “closely coupled” to the toilet bowl, rather than being separated by a long flush pipe, as with more old-fashioned, traditional toilets (see high and low level toilets for this type of design).
This design allows for many different looks from the traditional toilet to ultra-contemporary styles.
A close coupled toilet is different to a back to wall toilet and a wall hung toilet, which you can find out more about by reading our buying guides.
Styles of close coupled toilet
Contemporary close coupled toilets
Close coupled toilets are a great choice for a contemporary style bathroom, whether it’s super sleek and minimalist, or just a modern family bathroom.
The Wharfe close coupled toilet (pictured above) is a great choice for a family bathroom, with its simple and elegant design and push button dual flush, which can reduce the amount of water you use. Whilst we have classed this as "contemporary", it could be argued that the Wharfe is more of a "modern toilet"—representing a style period which spanned the 1920s to 1950s.
For a really sleek and contemporary look, the Tate close coupled toilet (pictured above) would make an ideal choice. It has clean lines and bold shapes creating a minimalist, modern style. This particular design is also known as a fully shrouded toilet, meaning the waste pipe and water inlet are "fully shrouded" within the ceramic, so the toilet sits flush against the wall. This makes it easier to clean, with no awkward nooks or dust traps. Many people also refer to this type of design as “back to wall”—however, a true back to wall toilet always features a concealed cistern.
Traditional close coupled toilets
We also have a great selection of close coupled toilets in a more traditional style, perfect if you’re designing a classic bathroom. If you're going for that authentic vintage feel, you could may also wish to consider our high or low level toilets.
For the perfect blend of traditional style and modern functionality, you could choose our Winchester close coupled toilet (pictured above), or the Camberley toilet, with the option of wood effect seats for a beautiful look and quality feel.
The Camberley close coupled toilet comes with a range of different coloured toilet seat options
Other things to consider when choosing a close coupled toilet
Toilet seat
Most of our close coupled toilets come complete with a soft close seat, which (as the name might suggest) closes slowly and softly, reducing both noise and wear and tear. Some of our traditional close coupled toilets also come with a choice of wooden seats, designed to complement the rest of your bathroom furniture.
Space-saving
If lack of space is a major consideration, you may want to choose a toilet with a short projection like the compact designs from the Derwent collection. These specially-designed space-saving toilets are just 600mm deep.
Rimless design
Unlike conventional close coupled toilets, rimless toilets feature a new and improved design which helps make cleaning easier. Instead of a rim, where bacteria and germs can develop, a powerful flush shoots from the back to clean the pan more effectively and hygienically.
WRAS approval
Our toilets all come with approval from the WRAS (Water Regulations Advisory Scheme), so you can be sure your bathroom complies with all UK Water Fittings Regulations.
Flush
All of our contemporary close coupled toilets come with water-saving dual flushes, which allow you to select a smaller flush for liquid waste and a larger flush for solid matter. There are a variety of flush buttons you can choose, as well as toilet flush handles, depending on your own preference.
Accessibility
For those with a lack of mobility, a comfort height toilet, which is slightly higher than a regular close coupled toilet, may be a more comfortable option, as it requires less bending and strain on joints. Depending on your needs, you may want to add grab rails too. Why not browse our Independent Living range of accessible bathrooms?
Commercial use
If you wish to use a close coupled toilet in commercial premises, like an office, café or leisure centre, we have a wide range of durable commercial close coupled toilets suitable for public use.
Browse our close coupled toilet range at Victoria Plum
Find the perfect choice for your bathroom in our range of close coupled toilets, or if you’re looking for something a bit different, take a look at our back to wall toilets and wall hung toilets.
Fitting your new close coupled toilet
Whilst plumbing is best left to a qualified professional, you can find out how to fit a toilet with our handy "how to" guide. We’ll also show you how to clean your toilet and keep it smelling fresh with homemade fizzy toilet bombs.
