Everything You Need to Know About Buying a Toilet for Your Home
Buying a toilet isn’t something you do every day, so it’s important to get it right. From styles and flush types to installation and features, here’s everything you need to know to find the perfect fit for your bathroom.

Buying a toilet might seem straightforward, but with so many styles, features, and technical details to consider, it’s worth knowing your options before making a choice. Whether you're upgrading an old toilet, renovating a bathroom, or building from scratch, this guide covers everything – from types of toilets to water efficiency, installation, and bathroom design considerations.
The 4 Common Types of Toilets
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to bathroom toilets, and the right choice depends on your bathroom layout, plumbing setup, and personal style.
Close-Coupled Toilets
One of the most common toilet types, close-coupled toilets have the pan and cistern connected, making them easy to install and maintain.
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Affordable and straightforward
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Works well in most bathroom layouts
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Available in modern and traditional designs
Close coupled toilets are the most common toilet styles on the market. SHOP NOW.
Back-to-Wall Toilets
Back-to-wall toilets sit flush against the wall, hiding plumbing for a neater look.
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Great for smaller bathrooms
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Easier to clean with no gaps behind the toilet
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Works with concealed or exposed cisterns
Wall-Hung Toilets
Mounted off the ground with a concealed cistern, wall-hung toilets create a sleek, floating effect.
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Saves floor space and makes small bathrooms feel bigger
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Easier to clean underneath
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Adjustable height for extra comfort
The Lafeme Smart Toilet is a modern wall-hung toilet solution that offers maximum comfort and convenience.
Smart Toilets and Bidets
For those who want luxury and functionality, smart toilets come with features like heated seats, bidets, self-cleaning, and even motion-sensor flushing.
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Improves hygiene with built-in bidets
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Reduces toilet paper use
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Adds a high-tech feel to your bathroom
Choosing the Right Toilet Size and Shape
The size and shape of your toilet make a big difference in how comfortable it is to use and how well it fits in your space. Here’s what to keep in mind.
Toilet Bowl Shapes
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Round bowls – A great choice for small bathrooms or powder rooms since they take up less space.
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Elongated bowls – Slightly longer than round bowls, offering more support and comfort, especially for adults.
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Square bowls – A modern, stylish option that adds a designer feel to your bathroom.
Toilet Heights
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Standard height (around 400mm) – The most common option, works well for most households.
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Comfort height (450mm or more) – A little taller, making it easier to sit and stand, great for taller people or those with mobility issues.
Water Efficiency & Flush Options
Water efficiency isn’t just about reducing your water bill – it means choosing a toilet that does the job effectively while using less. Modern toilets are designed to flush efficiently, clearing waste with minimal water use. Here’s what to look for.
Understanding WELS Ratings
In Australia, toilets are rated under the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) scheme, which measures how much water a toilet uses per flush. The higher the star rating, the more water-efficient the toilet.
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3-star toilets – Use around 6L for a full flush and 3L for a half flush.
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4-star toilets – More efficient, using around 4.5L for a full flush and 3L for a half flush.
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5-star toilets – The best option for water savings, using as little as 4L per flush.
For the best balance of efficiency and performance, a 4-star or 5-star WELS-rated toilet is recommended.
Dual-Flush Toilets
Most modern toilets are dual-flush, meaning they give you the option of a full flush for solid waste and a half flush for liquid waste. This can save thousands of litres of water per year compared to older single-flush toilets.
Rimless Toilets
A rimless toilet doesn’t have the traditional rim where water flows, meaning it distributes water more effectively around the bowl. This improves cleaning power while using less water, making it both a hygienic and efficient choice.
This rimless design doesn’t just look good, but also saves water. SHOP NOW.
Gravity vs. Pressure-Assisted Flush
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Gravity flush – Uses the natural flow of water to clear waste, making it quieter and more efficient.
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Pressure-assisted flush – Uses compressed air for a powerful flush, ideal for commercial toilets or homes needing extra performance.
Choosing a high-efficiency toilet not only reduces water waste but also helps lower your bills over time while keeping your bathroom just as functional.
Installation and Plumbing Considerations
Getting the right toilet isn’t only about how it looks (although that is important!) It also has to work with your existing plumbing setup. Here’s what you need to know before choosing a toilet.
S-Trap vs. P-Trap Toilets – What’s the Difference?
The trap is the section of the toilet that connects to the waste pipe. The type of trap your toilet has depends on how your home's plumbing is set up.
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S-Trap Toilets – The waste exits vertically through the floor. This is the most common setup in Australian homes, especially in houses with older plumbing systems.
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P-Trap Toilets – The waste exits horizontally through the wall. These are more commonly found in apartments and modern builds where plumbing runs through the walls instead of the floor.
If you’re replacing an existing toilet, check whether you have an S-Trap or P-Trap, as choosing the wrong one could mean a costly plumbing fix.
Water Inlet Position – Back Entry vs. Bottom Entry
The water inlet is where the toilet connects to your home's water supply. The position of this inlet affects the look of your toilet and how easy it is to access for maintenance.
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Back Entry Inlet – The water supply is hidden inside the cistern, giving a cleaner, more modern look. This is a great option if you prefer a sleek design with minimal visible plumbing.
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Bottom Entry Inlet – The water supply is connected to the cistern from the side or bottom, making it easier to access for repairs. This setup is more common in older homes.
Before buying a toilet, check your existing plumbing setup so you can choose a model that fits without requiring extra installation work.
Features to Look for That Make a Difference
You use your toilet every day, and small features can make a huge difference in how easy and comfortable your toilet is to use.
Soft-Close Toilet Seats
If you’ve ever been startled by a toilet seat slamming shut in the middle of the night, you’ll appreciate a soft-close seat. These seats are designed to lower gently on their own, reducing noise and preventing wear and tear over time.
Quick-Release Toilet Seats
Cleaning around and under the toilet seat can be a hassle, especially in hard-to-reach spots. Quick-release seats can be easily detached with a push of a button, allowing you to remove the seat entirely for a more thorough clean.
Bidet Seats
If you want the benefits of a bidet toilet without replacing your entire toilet, a bidet seat is a great solution. These seats come with built-in cleansing functions, providing a more hygienic and eco-friendly alternative to toilet paper. Some models even include temperature control, adjustable water pressure, and heated seats for extra comfort.
Matching Your Toilet to Your Bathroom Style
Your toilet should do more than just function well—it should also complement the overall style of your bathroom. From colour choices to accessories, here’s how to make sure everything ties together seamlessly.
Choose the Right Colour and Finish
White is the most common colour for toilets, if you're looking for something a little different, you can mix it up with coloured flush buttons, like in brushed bronze, gold, or nickel
A dual flush button in brushed bronze is a great way to elevate your bathroom design. SHOP NOW.
Find a Design That Fits Your Style
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Modern bathrooms often feature rimless, wall-hung, or back-to-wall toilets for a clean, minimalist look.
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Traditional bathrooms look best with close-coupled or back-to-wall toilets, which have a more classic feel.
Complete the Look with Matching Accessories
The details matter. Pair your toilet with matching bathroom accessories to keep everything cohesive.
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Tapware – Keep your bathroom looking beautiful by coordinating your taps with your toilet finish.
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Toilet roll holders – Available in finishes like chrome, matte black, and brass to complement your tapware.
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Towel rails – A simple way to extend your design style throughout the room.
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Toilet brushes – Even the smallest details can make a difference in keeping your space looking polished.
By choosing the right toilet and accessories, you can create a space that’s not only functional but also beautifully designed.
How Much Should You Spend on a Toilet?
Toilets come in a wide range of prices, depending on design, features, and brand. Whether you're after something simple or a high-end model with all the extras, here’s what to expect when budgeting for a new toilet in Australia.
Budget Toilets ($200–$400)
If you’re looking for a no-frills, reliable toilet, this is where you’ll start.
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Basic close-coupled or back-to-wall designs
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Dual-flush for water efficiency
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Functional, but without extra comfort features like soft-close seats or rimless bowls
Best for: Rental properties, budget renovations, or those who just want a simple, practical option.
Mid-Range Toilets ($400–$1,000)
This price range typically gets you better quality, modern features, and a more stylish design.
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Rimless designs that are easier to clean
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Wall-hung or back-to-wall options for a sleek look
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Soft-close seats and antibacterial coatings for extra hygiene
Best for: Homeowners upgrading their bathroom or those who want something stylish without spending too much.
Premium and Smart Toilets ($1,000+)
If you want the best of the best, premium toilets come with cutting-edge features for comfort and hygiene.
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Heated seats, bidet functions, and self-cleaning
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Motion-sensor flushing and touchless operation
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Sleek, modern finishes that make a statement
Best for: Those designing a high-end bathroom or wanting the latest in toilet technology.
Other Costs to Consider
Installation. A plumber will typically charge between $15 – $400, depending on the complexity of the job. If your plumbing needs to be adjusted, expect to pay more.
Removal of Your Old Toilet. Some plumbers will take care of this, but it could be an additional charge.
Plumbing Modifications. If you’re switching from an S-Trap to a P-Trap, or moving your toilet position, it may require extra plumbing work.
Shipping Costs. Buying a toilet online or from a specialty store may come with shipping costs, especially if it’s a heavy item like a toilet. However, many retailers offer free or discounted shipping if you purchase multiple bathroom products at once. If you’re also buying tapware, accessories, or a basin, it might be worth bundling everything from the same place to save on delivery fees.
Final Checklist Before Buying a Toilet
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Measure your space – Check depth, width, and rough-in distance.
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Confirm your waste trap type – S-Trap or P-Trap?
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Check water inlet position – Back or bottom entry?
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Choose the right flush efficiency – Look for a high WELS rating.
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Pick a design that suits your bathroom – Modern, minimalist, or classic?
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Decide on extra features – Soft-close seat, bidet function, rimless design?
A toilet is something you use every day, so it’s worth choosing the right one. Whether you want a budget-friendly upgrade, a space-saving solution, or a high-tech smart toilet, there’s a perfect option out there for you. Take the time to consider functionality, comfort, and style, and your bathroom space will feel better than ever.
Ready to upgrade? Browse our full range of toilets and find the perfect match for your home.