Do you have an eye for a classic design? Take inspiration from these 5 traditional toilet ideas…some of which, may surprise you!
If you’re the type of person who appreciates a timeless classic, this will no doubt extend to the way you furnish your home. From bedrooms to bathrooms, traditional designs remain a firm favourite, not least due to their tried and tested status.
Indeed, when styling a bathroom, vintage-inspired products still feature strongly, not least when it comes to choosing your toilet.
Modern toilets, by their very nature, are simple, minimalist affairs, often designed more for space-efficiency rather than looks. However, there is something simply magical about some of those older designs, which really show off the craftsmanship and eye for detail that specialist manufacturers always tended to show off.
To help you choose the perfect model, we’ve come up with these 5 traditional toilet ideas we think you’ll love. Number 3 might just surprise you!
1. Classic close coupled
Straight off the bat, let’s take a look at one of our bestselling traditional designs. This classic toilet is known as a “close coupled” design. So called, because the cistern is closely coupled with the pan, Instead of a push button, as you’ll find with most modern toilet designs, this comes with the familiar handle flush, which produces that satisfying “woosh” of water when the time comes to give it a yank.
Bring simple elegance to your bathroom with the Dulwich close coupled toilet from Orchard Bathrooms
Other heritage-inspired design features include the bevelled edges and intricate detail featured within the ceramic shape. Meanwhile, a white wooden seat (also available in other colours) brings a genuinely authentic look and feel.
Of course, times do move on, and this toilet comes complete with modern convenience like soft close hinges—meaning no unexpectedly loud slams or painful trapped fingers!
2. The height of elegance
If you’ve been searching traditional toilet ideas already, you’re bound to have come across this… the high level toilet. These throne-like conveniences used to be commonplace throughout the country, especially in public amenities.
The defining features of this imposing design include the cistern situated high up on the wall, complete with ornate brackets, the long chrome flush pipe and, of course, the chain pull flush, which, let’s face it, will put a smile on your face every time you use it.
Live the high life with the Camberley high level toilet from The Bath Co.
A high level cistern toilet is ideal if you’re looking to push the boat out a little. It’s a real conversation-starter when house guests come visiting and certainly brings an element of the wow-factor to your home.
Whilst the overall height of the toilet comes in at almost 2.5 metres, a low ceiling needn’t prevent you from considering this option. The flush pipe can be cut, reducing the height to a minimum of 1.7 metres.
3. Mixing things up
If recent trends are anything to go by, eclectic bathrooms, featuring a blend of both contemporary and traditional products, are the next big thing. With that in mind, our team of designers have mixed things up a little, with a traditional back to wall toilet and matching furniture unit—a modern design in a classic style.
Whilst this look isn’t strictly straight out of the history books, it does offer the perfect blend of timeless elegance and modern convenience.
The Dalston antique bronze wall mounted bath mixer tap makes an elegant addition to any bathroom
The slimline back to wall toilet unit, part of our exclusive Dulwich furniture range, comes in a vintage-inspired stone grey finish with gorgeous tongue and groove detailing. And, at just 225mm in depth, it is a great little space-saver for small bathrooms, cloakrooms or ensuites.
The back to wall toilet features all the classic detail you’d expect, including a soft close wooden seat, colour-matched to the unit.
For semi-fitted yet traditional appearance, this unit can be combined with others from the Dulwich furniture range.
4. Get shorty
Introducing the high level toilet’s little brother: the low level toilet.
Much like it’s big sibling, this type of toilet was once commonplace in the homes and public amenities of Great Britain. However, with the close coupled toilet becoming more popular, it fell out of favour a little. But now we’re seeing more and more of these gorgeous designs popping up in customer toilets nationwide.
With a short flush pipe connecting the pan and cistern, plus a traditional handle flush, this is a classic design that is also great for smaller spaces.
Take a break from the norm with the Camberley low level toilet from The Bath Co.
With plenty of different seat colours available, from the usual white, black and grey to oak and limed oak (pictured above), you can easily coordinate with your chosen colour scheme.
5. Art Deco delight
With its use of bold colours and geometric shapes, the Art Deco movement of the 1920s and 30s certainly holds enduring appeal, even a whole 100 years down the line. So, it’s hardly surprising that Art Deco bathroom designs continue to fascinate and inspire in equal measure. And there are plenty of traditional toilet ideas which fit with this theme.
An intriguing hybrid of traditional design and contemporary styling, the Beaumont close coupled toilet from The Bath Co. gives a nod to the Art Deco period. Complete with exquisite detail around the rim and base, the overall appearance is clean and pared back to fit with today’s modern tastes.
Recreate a classic era in interior design with the Beaumont close coupled toilet from The Bath Co.
With a water-saving dual flush and a stylish slimline soft close seat which lifts off for rapid cleaning, it’s the perfect combination of convenience and craftsmanship. There’s even a matching bidet for that extra-special finishing touch.
Want to see more Art Deco-inspired bathrooms? Check out the Beaumont collection from The Bath Co.
Shop traditional toilets at Victoria Plum
If you’ve enjoyed our 5 traditional toilet ideas, you’ll simply love the wide range of toilets available at Victoria Plum. With a huge choice of designs and styles, competitive prices, free standard delivery on all order, plus a customer rating of “Excellent” on independent review site Trustpilot, why go anywhere else? Simply click on the image below to begin browsing.
More traditional toilet ideas
If you’re still tempted by a traditional toilet, you’ll find even more inspiration right here at Victoria Plum. From smart toilets for small spaces to toilet and basin suite ideas, head to our bathroom ideas section, where we lift the lid on great design.
