Transform Your Bathroom: The Best Toilets & Bidets to Buy in the UK

Why choosing the right toilet or bidet matters

Picking the right toilet or bidet isn’t just about looks — it changes how you use your bathroom every day. A good toilet can save water, reduce noise, and make mornings feel less rushed. A well-chosen bidet or bidet seat brings improved hygiene and comfort, especially if you or family members have mobility or health needs. Think of it as investing in a small, daily luxury that pays back in convenience and lower bills over time.

Types of toilets explained

Toilets come in a surprising number of styles, and each one fits a different setup or taste. From classic close-coupled units to sleek wall-hung systems, the type you choose affects installation complexity, cleaning ease, and the visual flow of your bathroom. Let’s run through the main categories so you can picture what suits your space.

Close-coupled and back-to-wall toilets

Close-coupled toilets are the traditional choice — the cistern sits directly on the pan, giving a compact, easy-to-install package. Back-to-wall toilets tuck the cistern against the wall for a cleaner look and can work with a slimline cistern to save space. These styles are great if you want straightforward installation and a familiar silhouette.

Wall-hung toilets

Wall-hung toilets are modern and space-saving. The pan mounts to a frame hidden inside the wall, leaving the floor clear and making cleaning a breeze. They do need more planning and a sturdy supporting frame, but the aesthetic payoff is high — think hotel-boutique vibes at home.

Rimless, dual-flush and cascade options

Rimless bowls are easier to clean and often more hygienic because they lack the traditional rim where grime hides. Dual-flush mechanisms give you a small flush for liquid waste and a larger one for solids — a smart water saver. Some high-end models use cascade or vortex flushing to improve performance while keeping water use low.

Bidets and bidet alternatives

Bidets are enjoying a resurgence in the UK, but you don’t always need a separate fixture to get the benefits. From standalone units to clever add-ons, there are options that suit any budget and bathroom size.

Standalone bidets

Standalone bidets are classic and luxurious, offering a dedicated basin for personal hygiene. They need floor space and separate plumbing, so they work best in larger bathrooms or en suites. If you’re redesigning your bathroom and have the room, a standalone bidet can feel like a true upgrade.

Bidet seats and attachments

Bidet seats replace your toilet seat and add wash functions, adjustable water temperature, and even warm-air drying on some models. They’re a simple retrofit for many existing toilets, delivering bidet benefits without the need for extra plumbing. Almost all major retailers carry a range of heated-seat and hygiene-seat options.

Handheld bidet sprays

Handheld sprays or “bum guns” are inexpensive and flexible. They mount beside the toilet and work like a small shower head for targeted cleaning. They’re a popular choice for small bathrooms or cloakrooms because installation is quick and they use minimal space.

Key features to look for when shopping

When you’re comparing models, there are a few features that make a bigger difference than fancy styling. Prioritise comfort, efficiency, and durability to get the most value from your purchase.

Comfort height and seat design

Comfort height toilets sit a bit taller — typically around 17 to 19 inches from floor to seat — and are easier to use if you’re tall or have mobility concerns. Soft-close seats prevent slamming and extend seat life, while quick-release hinges make cleaning simple. Think in inches when planning for accessibility: an extra 2 to 4 inches can change usability dramatically.

Water efficiency and flush performance

Look for dual-flush systems where the small flush is around 1.0 to 1.3 gallons and the full flush roughly 1.6 gallons. Efficient flushing keeps your water bills down and helps the environment. But efficiency shouldn’t compromise performance — test or read reviews to ensure the bowl clears waste in one flush whenever possible.

Materials and finishes

Most toilets are made of vitreous china, which is durable and glossy. Matte finishes and coloured ceramics are becoming more common, but they can show marks differently. Chrome fittings and stainless steel flush plates resist tarnish; if you choose brass or brushed finishes, plan for occasional polishing to keep them looking smart.

Where to buy toilets and bidets in the UK

The UK market has options for every budget, from trade-only suppliers to consumer-focused chains and specialist online retailers. Here’s a breakdown of popular stores and what they’re best for.

National DIY chains: B&Q, Wickes, Homebase

B&Q and Wickes stock a wide range of practical and stylish toilets at accessible prices, ideal for DIY renovators. Homebase also offers budget to mid-range ranges and occasional in-store promotions that make a midweek browse rewarding. These retailers are great if you want to physically compare styles and seats before buying.

Bathroom specialists: VictoriaPlum, Plumbworld, Bathstore

Online specialists like VictoriaPlum and Plumbworld focus on bathrooms, so they carry a deeper selection of bidet seats, designer pans, and concealed-cistern options. Bathstore still offers higher-end, showroom-led choices for customers who prefer to see models in person. Specialists also frequently provide good installation packages and longer warranties.

Trade retailers and online marketplaces: Screwfix, Toolstation, Amazon UK

Screwfix and Toolstation are great for trade-quality fittings, cisterns, and frames, often with fast pickup or local delivery. Amazon UK is useful for a wide range of bidet seats and accessories, plus fast shipping and a broad mix of budget and premium brands. If you value speed and convenience, these channels are handy, but check returns and warranty details before you buy.

Comparing prices and finding the best deals

Toilets and bidets have a wide price range. Expect to pay around £70–£150 for a basic close-coupled toilet from a DIY chain, £200–£500 for designer or rimless models, and £300–£1,800 for high-end wall-hung toilets or smart bidet seats. Sales often appear around bank holidays and seasonal promotions — combining price alerts, cashback, and trade discounts can shave a surprising amount off the ticket price.

Installation tips and planning

Think ahead about the rough-in distance (the space from the finished wall to the centre of the waste pipe). Common rough-ins in the UK vary, but when working in inches, ensure you measure accurately — 10 to 12 inches is a typical range for many retrofit situations. Wall-hung systems need a solid stud frame or a pre-wall carrier, so plan for additional labour. If you’re not confident with plumbing, hiring a qualified plumber is worth the cost to avoid leaks or poor flushing performance.

Upgrading to smart toilets and bidet seats

Smart toilets combine features like heated seats, night lights, automatic lids, and built-in bidet functions. Bidet seats can add warm-water washing, adjustable spray patterns, and drying. If you’re considering a smart upgrade, check electrical requirements — many bidet seats need a nearby outlet, and you might need a splash-proof IP-rated socket. Smart doesn’t always mean complicated: many models are plug-and-play and fit to existing pans.

Small bathroom solutions

Short on space? Compact back-to-wall toilets, corner toilet pans, and combined vanity-toilet units can free up floor area. Wall-hung pans create an airy feel and make mopping underneath easy. For en-suite or cloakroom installs, consider a slimline cistern or a toilet with an integrated basin on top of the cistern to reuse greywater for flushing in some systems — clever space-saving tricks that still keep function front and centre.

Eco-friendly choices and saving water

Swapping an old single-flush toilet for a modern dual-flush or low-flush model can cut your water use substantially. If you want hard numbers, replacing a 3-gallon per flush unit with a 1.6-gallon model could save hundreds of gallons of water each year in a typical household. Combine efficient toilets with aerated taps and low-flow showerheads for a meaningful reduction in bills and carbon footprint.

Maintenance and long-term care

Routine care keeps your toilet and bidet working well for years. Use non-abrasive cleaners to avoid scratching the glaze, and check seals and connectors once a year. Soft-close seats may need hinge tightening over time, and bidet hoses or filters should be inspected for lime scale if you have hard water. Small maintenance tasks prevent bigger, costlier repairs down the line.

Styling tips: matching your bathroom

A toilet is a functional anchor, but it also affects style. Choose chrome or brushed finishes to match taps, and consider whether you want a minimal modern look or a traditional suite. If you’re mixing items (vanity, bath, toilet), try to keep one unifying finish or colour to avoid a disjointed feel. Matte black fittings have become popular for contrast, while all-white suites remain a timeless choice.

Warranty and aftercare considerations

Check manufacturer warranties before you buy. Many ceramic pans carry long warranties, while moving parts like flush mechanisms and seats have shorter cover periods. If buying from a specialist retailer, ask about installation warranties if you use their fitter. A small extra cost for an extended warranty or installation guarantee can offer peace of mind for five to ten years of worry-free use.

Final checklist before you buy

Before you click “purchase” or head to the checkout, run through this checklist: measure rough-in and seat height in inches, decide between wall-hung and floor-mounted, confirm water efficiency in gallons per flush, ensure electrical access for smart seats, and compare prices across retailers like B&Q, Wickes, VictoriaPlum, Plumbworld, Screwfix, and Amazon UK. When in doubt, consult with a plumber or showroom advisor — a little planning now avoids retrofitting headaches later.

Choosing the right toilet or bidet is more than a functional decision — it’s a chance to improve daily comfort, reduce water use, and enhance the look of your bathroom. Whether you opt for a simple, budget-friendly close-coupled pan from a national DIY chain, a designer rimless bowl from a specialist, or a smart bidet seat from an online marketplace, you’ll find options across the UK to suit every need and budget.