If you’ve decided it’s time to choose a new traditional toilet, you’re reading the right blog! Timeless toilets – with a twist – are something we specialise in. But don’t expect our classic designs to be bland or boring. The Remarkable Toilet Company prides itself on embracing the quality and attention to detail of the Victorian and Edwardian eras. However, it combines these qualities with modern UK craftsmanship and technologies, to create a unique and diverse portfolio. Read on to discover how our general manager Mark’s vision is transforming the traditional toilet market.

What is a traditional toilet?
It’s thought that the flush toilet was invented in 1596, although it didn’t become commonplace until much later, around 1851. It’s still unclear who actually invented the first flush toilet. Thomas Crapper often gets the credit, and it’s true that he patented a number of toilet-related inventions. George Jennings, Thomas Twyford and Henry Doulton were also well-known toilet trailblazers.
But when we talk of traditional toilets today, we’re thinking of a fairly particular style of lavatory. This usually includes classic detailing and a ceramic handle flush. Wooden seats add to the authentic look and feel, and certainly complement a vintage design scheme.

Before choosing your new traditional toilet, you’ll need to consider your budget, the space available, and how it will complement your other bathroom sanitaryware
Which style of traditional toilet is best?
There are a number of factors to consider when choosing your new traditional toilet. Your budget is perhaps the most obvious one. Space and personal style are important, too. Consider how much of a statement you want to make with your toilet. Do you want it to be the centrepiece of your bathroom? Or should it blend into the background, leaving the bath or shower to be the star?
You should also take certain practicalities into account. Think about the shape and the height of the toilet you’re purchasing. Do they deliver the right comfort level and access? A higher seat might suit older or less mobile members of your household. Conversely, a lower toilet might be a better option for families with small children.
The amount of space around your chosen toilet is also important. Make sure there’s enough elbow/knee room, and plenty of space for cleaning, too.
High level traditional toilets
If your bathroom is big enough, I think that high level traditional toilets are hard to beat. They add instant impact and elegance, and make a fabulous style statement. As the name suggests, a high level toilet features a cistern that’s high above the pan. This is connected to the rest of the toilet via an exposed flush pipe. In the past, this high level cistern was purely functional. It enabled pressure for the flush to be created by water falling down the flush pipe. Nowadays, this style is primarily aesthetic (although gravity does tend to provide a stronger flush with less water!). High level toilets work best in a large bathroom with a high ceiling. They add a regal touch to elevate any traditional setting. Ornate brackets and a fancy pull chain add to the overall effect.

Our floral toilet pan is a truly faithful reproduction of a Victorian decorative porcelain toilet. Pair with a matching floral cistern for a blooming beautiful traditional lavatory
Low level traditional toilets
If you like the style of a high level toilet, but don’t have the space to accommodate one, a low level toilet is ideal. They deliver a similar look, but without the complexities of installing a high cistern and long flush pipe. Low level traditional toilets are ideal for smaller bathrooms, cloakrooms and even en-suites.
A low level toilet has a lever flush handle, rather than the more imposing pull chain of its high level counterpart. But this style can still be impressive and imposing, if you add interest with striking colours or patterns.

Our Victorian floral multi-coloured low level toilet will add impact to any traditional or vintage bathroom interior. Tap into this season’s trend for darker colours with a black cistern and matching seat
Close coupled traditional toilets
Close coupled toilets are perhaps the most common type of lavatory. They are available in a range of traditional styles and shapes. This type of toilet basically consists of two separate pieces. Rather than being separated by a pipe, the cistern sits directly on top of the pan. You can flush this type of toilet via a button or a lever.
Just like low level toilets, close coupled models also work well within smaller bathrooms or cloakrooms. The concealed pipework makes them more compact and easier to clean. This type of traditional toilet is also relatively easy to match with baths and basins.

Traditional close coupled toilets don’t have to be dull. Our Lyonnaise model was inspired by the grand chateaux of France, and is available in a number of metallic finishes including bronze, copper and gold
Statement traditional toilets
If you’re keen to make a serious style statement with your traditional toilet, look no further than our hand-crafted wooden Thunderbox. Available in either mahogany or oak, it includes a matching high level wooden cistern with lid, and chrome flush pipe kit. We can even make a bespoke version to meet your particular requirements. Simply give us a call and we’ll take it from there.

Wonderful wood: our hand-crafted Thunderbox is proof that traditional toilets don’t have to be dull or dreary
You can give traditional toilets a designer twist with different finishes. Metallic tones instantly elevate a classic design, and add a touch of grandeur. I think our stunning Metropolis Bronze Toilet is perfect for any period setting. If you’re mad about metallics, but not big on bronze, it’s also available in graphite and chrome.

Give your traditional high level toilet a modern designer twist with this beautiful bronze finish. Our Metropolis model is also available in graphite and chrome
If you’d like some expert advice on which type of traditional toilet to choose, we’d be delighted to advise. Just call 01362 684102 or email info@remarkabletoilets.com