The toilet has traditionally been viewed as a household necessity rather than an item of value, adding style and functionality. Let’s flush that notion down the drain. Innovations in toilet design, functionality, and even technology have made this everyday item something that requires quite a bit more consideration and decision making than ever before. Luckily, with these helpful guidelines, discovering the right experience for each bathroom in your home shouldn’t be much of a worry.
Who is using the bathroom?
Comfort Height vs Standard Height
You might be a bit worried about all of the new options offered with toilets, but it’s important to start with the basics - size and shape - so let’s first discuss these more traditional options. There are only two typical heights available for a toilet, but it’s important to choose the right option for each bathroom in your home.
The comfort height toilet is the same height as an ADA (American With Disabilities) compliant toilet, which allows for comfort and ease for the average adult. Being slightly taller than a standard toilet, it can make sitting down and standing up a bit easier, particularly for taller individuals or older individuals. This can often be the right choice for a master bathroom, but not ideal for a kids’ restroom as children might find their feet dangling above the ground from the comfort height.
Standard height toilets are ideal for shorter people and kids. Elderly individuals might have a tougher time getting up from the shorter toilet, so it might be best to choose the comfort height for guest rooms as you don’t want your parents or older friends struggling to stand when they come to visit your new custom home.
Elongated Bowl vs Round Bowl
Another classic option that you’ll find yourself choosing between when it comes to all of the toilets in your home is the shape of the bowl and seat. The elongated option is typically considered to be more comfortable. It allows more space for you to rest, and the oval shape is a bit more modern with clean lines and design. Toilets with an elongated bowl can have a small increase in investment, but given how often your household toilets are used, it is worth the price for the comfort and design.
Round bowls are a bit more traditional in look and certainly do the trick when it comes to utility. These are a great option for smaller bathrooms - often seen in a powder room. They can save a few dollars, but they aren’t as comfortable as their oval counterpart.
Flushing - Technology and Design
When it comes to toilet hardware, there are a number of choices that you’ll have when deciding on the perfect fixtures for each of the bathrooms in your home. There are a multitude of new flushing technologies available on the market these days, and there are also several options for how the tank looks (if you see it at all!)
When it comes to flushing technology, we’re huge proponents of the patented AquaPiston flush canister from Kohler. With this system installed in the tank, rather than a simple rubber flap that allows water to rush into the toilet bowl to flush its contents, water is actually injected with a burst of power from a canister giving it a 360º punch of water, eliminating clogs without using excess water. This is a great option for high-use toilets, such as kids’ bathrooms that might find an excess of toilet paper or unusual items placed into the toilet, or a guest bathroom in order to diminish the chances of that awkward moment when the toilet clogs after normal use.
Beyond the actual technology behind the flush, there have been some wonderful advancements in concealed tanks that fashion a hyper-simplistic look along with easy to clean functionality. Concealed tanks with wall hung bowls are an exciting option for any restroom, but are perhaps best suited for the guest bathroom where they can really make a statement. Beyond their minimalistic appearance, the actual footprint is minimal as well. For instance, one incredible concealed tank that we tend to recommend is the Veil Wall-Hung model from Kohler which saves up to 12 inches of floor space compared to a standard floor mounted toilet. The tank and mounting hardware are all housed behind the wall, giving the toilet, and your bathroom, a modern, sleek, and seamless look. And of course, one more outstanding benefit is that the raised bowl is incredibly easy to clean from bottom to top.
Intelligent Toilets?
Yes, you heard us right. Toilet technology, the so-called “intelligent” toilet, is now a thing. Certainly the average intelligent toilet is a bit of a luxury expense, but given the convenience and how often you use your home toilet, this might be one of those extra expenses that you choose to opt for in your new home. It might not be ideal for the kids, but in your owner’s retreat it might make all the difference in transforming your ordinary bathroom into a spa bathroom.
One of our favorite intelligent toilets is the Veil from Kohler, which includes all of the following features:
On top of the above, the Veil toilet includes a smart bidet system with these features:
When it comes down to making your decision, it’s obvious that you might not need a smart toilet, but it really can make your daily life that much better. Similar to a mattress, as something that you use each and every day, you shouldn’t go with the cheapest option, but rather the option that is designed for comfort and ease.
Conclusion
Hopefully you’ve come to realize that a toilet isn’t something that should be chosen without thought. Devising the ideal bathroom experience can elevate your own daily ritual and bring style and functionality to your guests’ experiences in your home as well. Between the various styles, sizes, and features, it’s easy to find the toilet that will fit your lifestyle.
Images courtesy of Kohler.
About Schumacher Homes
Schumacher Homes, based in Canton, Ohio, is America’s largest custom homebuilder, with operations in 32 markets in 14 states across the country. The National Housing Quality award winning company has built over 19,000 homes, customized to fit each family’s lifestyle, since its founding by Paul Schumacher in 1992. Schumacher Homes takes each customer’s inspiration and gives it a home. Each Schumacher Homes location includes a one-stop shopping design studio and model homes displaying the latest in architectural and product trends. Stop in today, be inspired and receive your no obligation price quote.