Everything You Wanted to Know About Toilets: Types, Trends, and Tips
How to Choose the Right Toilet
Toilets are often an afterthought in bathroom design, but they’re one of the most personal and frequently used fixtures in the home. How to choose the right toilet usually comes down to factors like comfort, hygiene, cleaning, and long-term reliability. Understanding these factors and how to select a toilet that fits your space and lifestyle can make a noticeable difference in everyday routines and long-term satisfaction.
At Splashes Bath & Kitchen, our showroom experts help customers make these decisions every day, whether they’re modernizing a family bathroom in an older home, planning a condo renovation, or upgrading a single fixture. This guide brings together the same expert advice, proven product knowledge, and practical considerations our teams share with customers in person, so you can start your decision with confidence knowing help is always available if you need it.
The Three Biggest Decisions to Get Right
If you’re unsure how to choose a toilet, focusing on these three key factors can help streamline the decision-making process.
1. Flush Performance Comes First
Flush quality impacts how clean the bowl stays, how often you need to scrub, and how likely clogs are over time.
“Even the best-looking toilet isn’t a good choice if it doesn’t perform consistently,” says Marion, Splashes Showroom Expert. “Flush performance matters more than anything else. Always invest in a trusted brand that will be reliable long-term.”
Advanced flushing systems and bowl glazing should also be considered, as they reduce residue and improve reliability, especially in frequently used bathrooms.
“TOTO’s Tornado Flush makes a world of difference,” adds Nicole, Splashes Showroom Expert. “It’s powerful, directional, and keeps the bowl noticeably cleaner.”
2. Comfort & Height Depends on the User
Preferences aren’t universal, so choosing the right toilet height and bowl shape depends on your household makeup and who uses the bathroom most.
“Families usually need durability and strong performance that can handle frequent use,” explains Marion, Splashes Showroom Expert. “Couples often prioritize comfort, quiet operation, water efficiency, and design, while single‑occupant homes tend to focus more on compact sizing, eco‑friendly features, and modern aesthetics.”
When weighing options like an elongated vs round toilet, the choice often comes down to comfort and space. Elongated bowls provide added comfort and hygiene space, while round bowls are a practical solution for more compact layouts. A comfort height toilet can also make a noticeable difference, especially for those whole value easier movement in everyday use.
“Some people love a taller toilet because it makes getting up and down easier,” says Sameha, Splashes Showroom Expert. “Others prefer a slightly lower height because it works better for how their bodies move. The key is understanding who’s using that bathroom most.”
3. Easy Cleaning Makes a Big Difference
Design matters just as much as function when it comes to maintenance and cleanliness, which is why many homeowners are gravitating toward easy-clean toilet designs.
"Skirted toilets have become extremely popular,” says Kaitlyn, Splashes Showroom Expert. “Not having to clean around an exposed trapway makes a huge difference. It’s smoother, easier to wipe down, and makes the bathroom feel cleaner overall.”
Features like advanced bowl glazing, skirted profiles, and one-piece designs all contribute to toilets that resist buildup and simplify routine cleaning, making them a practical choice for busy households and long-term use.
EXPLORE TOILETSPopular Toilet Types at a Glance
Understanding these categories is one of the easiest ways to learn how to select a toilet that fits both your space and your needs.
One-Piece vs Two-Piece
One-piece toilets offer sleeker aesthetics and fewer seams for easier cleaning. A standout option is the TOTO Nexus collection.
Two-piece toilets are more traditional and typically start at a lower price point. Top choices are the the Kohler Highline and the Memoirs Stately.
Skirted vs Exposed Trapway Toilets
The design of a toilet's trapway affects both its appearance and how easy it is to clean.
Exposed trapway toilets reveal the plumbing along the side and require more detailed cleaning.
Skirted toilets conceal this area, offering a cleaner look and easier maintenance.
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Comfort-Height Toilets
Taller and comfort-height toilets are a smart choice for accessibility, aging-in-place renovations, or anyone looking for easier movement when sitting down and standing up.
Elongated vs Round Bowls
Elongated bowls provide added comfort and are standard in most modern homes.
Round bowls save space and suit compact bathroom layouts.
For existing toilets, elevated seats—such as the Hyten Elevated Toilet Seat—offer a practical way to increase height and improve accessibility without a full replacement. These solutions help minimize strain when sitting and standing, making them especially beneficial for aging-in-place renovations, post-surgery recovery, and long-term comfort. For more in-depth accessibility insights and thoughtful design considerations, explore our guide: Bathroom Design Tips for Aging in Place.
Renovation vs New Construction
Why Context Matters
One of the most important early questions our experts ask when selecting a toilet for home renovation is whether the bathroom is brand new or an existing space. Context plays a major role in how to choose a toilet that performs well long-term, especially in renovations.
“In renovations, you’re sometimes inheriting things you can’t change, like plumbing locations, rough-in sizes, or even whether the toilet has to pump waste uphill,” explains Sameha, Splashes Showroom Expert. “That’s when performance really starts to matter.”
Understanding your layout, plumbing conditions, and clearances early helps ensure long-term satisfaction. For example, older homes may have non-standard rough-ins, door-swing conflicts, or limited space. Measuring your existing toilet’s rough-in distance and how far it extends into the room can help avoid surprises and ensure the new toilet fits and functions as intended.
Why Some Toilets Cost More
And Why It's Often Worth It
When buying a toilet, it’s common to wonder why prices can vary so widely. The difference is usually found in performance, materials, and long-term reliability.
“Basic toilets have their place,” says Sameha, Splashes Showroom Expert. “They can make sense in low-use bathrooms or quick flips. But if plumbing conditions are challenging or it’s a heavily used space, upgrading performance pays off fast.”
Higher-quality toilets often offer:
- Stronger, more efficient flush performance with fewer clogs
- Advanced bowl glazing that resists staining and reduces residue buildup
- Better-engineered internal components and seals for long-term reliability
- Easier maintenance with fewer service issues over time
- Trusted construction with long-term serviceability and readily available replacement parts
Over time, these features can translate into less frequent cleaning, fewer plumbing issues, and fewer replacement parts, which often makes higher-quality toilets a more cost-effective choice for primary and frequently used bathrooms.
“A good toilet works,” says Marion, Splashes Showroom Expert, “but a great toilet works so well you never have to think about it.”
Popular Toilet Choices for Canadian Homes
If you’re unsure where to start, these collections are among the most trusted toilet brands for renovations, upgrades, and new spaces that we recommend to our customers.
TOTO Drake Toilet
Versatile, affordable, and known for excellent flush performance. Drake toilets are compatible with bidet seats and WASHLET+ systems, making them easy to upgrade over time.
MORE FROM TOTO
Kohler Highline
A reliable classic offering comfort-height options, durability, and timeless design that works in most bathrooms.
MORE FROM KOHLER“In heavily used or guest bathrooms, trusted brands and strong flush performance matter most,” notes Marion, Splashes Showroom Expert. “You want something that works perfectly for everyone, without explanation.”
American Standard Cadet
A dependable step up from entry-level toilets at a practical price point, offering improved performance and efficiency for busy households and guest baths where reliability matters most.
MORE FROM AMERICAN STANDARD
Bidets & Smart Toilets
Should You Upgrade?
Bidets and smart toilets continue to grow in popularity for hygiene, comfort, and convenience.
Bidet Seats vs Smart Toilets
Bidet seats can often be added to an existing toilet and are a popular entry point.
Smart or tankless toilets integrate bidet features directly into the design and are a great thing to consider when renovating or building a space.
If you're looking for the best of both worlds without upgrading to a smart or tankless toilet, options like TOTO's Glaston with WASHLET+ combine a classic skirted two-piece design with an integrated bidet seat for an all-in-one solution. It’s important to note that most bidet seats and smart toilets require a nearby electrical outlet.
“Even if you’re not adding a bidet right now, installing an outlet near the toilet during a renovation keeps your options open,” advises Kaitlyn, Splashes Showroom Expert. “It’s much easier to plan ahead than add it later.”
Why People Love Bidets
Benefits our customers get excited about include:
- Improved hygiene and a feeling of cleanliness
- Reduced toilet paper use, saving money and waste
- Heated seats, warm water washing, and drying offering a sense of built-in luxury
- Greater comfort during recovery or postpartum care
“Bidets aren’t just for custom builds or seniors anymore,” says Nicole, Splashes Showroom Expert. “Once people experience the comfort and cleanliness of a bidet seat like TOTO’s WASHLET, many don’t want to go back.”
Design Trends We’re Seeing
Toilets are becoming more intentional design elements rather than purely functional fixtures. As modern toilet design continues to evolve, these are the trends we’re paying closest attention to:
- Skirted profiles for cleaner lines and a more seamless look
- Minimalist silhouettes and the growing wall-hung toilet trend, offering space-saving appeal and easier cleaning
- Modern designs with quiet flushing technology and soft-close seats
- Unique and bold color options for toilets, allowing for more personalization in the bathroom
- High-end smart toilets , including options like TOTO Neorest and Kohler Veil , Innate , and Karing , are gaining traction in Canada as homeowners look to bring spa-like comfort and advanced technology into their bathrooms
Wall-hung toilets, in particular, are gaining popularity in new construction and condo spaces. They free up floor space, simplify cleaning, and allow for customizable installation height, making them a practical and design-forward choice.
“Condo owners often prioritize space-saving design and quiet operation, so wall-hung toilets are a smart and sleek solution,” says Marion, Splashes Showroom Expert. “Homeowners on the other hand typically focus more on long-term durability and everyday comfort.”
Let’s Find the Right Toilet for You
If buying a toilet feels overwhelming, you’re not alone. Whether you’re replacing a single fixture, renovating an older home, or building new, the right guidance can save time, money, and frustration.
- Shop toilets online anytime at Splashes.com
- Book a free consultation with a Splashes Showroom Expert for personalized recommendations
- Get support tailored to your space, plumbing, and lifestyle
“Understanding how a bathroom is used, and who’s using it most, is the key to choosing a toilet you’ll be happy with long-term,” explains Sameha, Splashes Showroom Expert. “Once people take a bit of time to think things through and chat with us, they’re usually much more confident in their decision.”
Toilet Shopping FAQs
What’s the difference between one-piece and two-piece toilets?
Two-piece toilets are more traditional and often more budget-friendly, while one-piece toilets offer a sleeker look and are generally easier to clean thanks to fewer seams. Something to consider is that one-piece toilets can sometimes be heavier and may require additional labour during installation, which is worth factoring into the overall cost. Your showroom expert can help you understand what to expect based on the model you choose.
Do bidet seats require plumbing changes?
Most bidet seats connect directly to your existing water supply and don’t require changes to your plumbing. However, bidet seats with advanced features such as warm water washing or drying typically require a nearby electrical outlet, which may involve bringing in an electrician if one isn’t already in place.
Why is flush performance so important when choosing a toilet?
Because flush performance is one of the biggest factors in long-term satisfaction. A toilet that flushes efficiently helps reduce clogs, keeps the bowl cleaner, and minimizes maintenance over time, which is why our showroom experts consistently prioritize performance when helping customers choose.
Are comfort-height toilets worth it?
Yes. They’re a great option for accessibility, long-term comfort, and future-proofing.
Do family homes and condos need different toilets?
Yes. Families prioritize durability and performance, while condos often require compact, quiet, and space-saving designs.
How can you tell the difference between a good toilet and a great one?
A good toilet does the job, but a great toilet delivers reliable performance so consistently you barely notice it. From stronger flushing to easier cleaning and fewer service issues over time, a great toilet supports daily life effortlessly.
Ready to Upgrade?
Visit your local Splashes Bath & Kitchen showroom or shop online with confidence. With expert guidance, fast Canada-wide shipping, and free consultations available, Splashes is here to help you choose the right toilet for you and your home.
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