Nero R&T In-Wall Cistern

Choosing a toilet might not be glamorous, but getting it right makes a big difference to comfort, cleaning, and how your bathroom looks. Here's what to think about.

1. Measure your space carefully

Measure from the wall to your existing waste outlet (the centre of the pipe) – this is your "set-out" distance, usually 90mm, 120mm or 150mm in Australia. Also measure how much space you have side-to-side and front-to-back, especially if it's a small bathroom. You need enough room to sit comfortably and open the door.

2. Choose your toilet style

• Back-to-wall toilets: Sit flush against the wall with a concealed cistern for a sleek, modern look that's easier to clean around.
• Wall-hung toilets: Mount to the wall with the cistern hidden inside – looks minimal, saves floor space, and makes cleaning underneath easy.
• Close-coupled toilets: The cistern sits directly on the pan – practical, affordable, and easy to install or replace.

3. Pick a flushing system

Look for a dual-flush system (3L/4.5L or similar) to save water. Some toilets also have rimless or special flushing technology that cleans better and stays hygienic longer, which is worth considering if you want less scrubbing.

4. Match the style to your bathroom

White toilets are classic and suit any style. Soft-close seats are quieter and feel nicer. If you're going modern or minimal, a wall-hung or back-to-wall design looks cleaner. Traditional bathrooms work well with close-coupled suites.

6. Consider smart features

Want extra features? Smart toilets and bidet toilets offer built-in washing, heated seats, and more – perfect if you're after extra comfort and hygiene.

7. Don't forget the flush button

Your toilet flush button is part of the look, especially for in-wall cisterns. Choose a finish that matches your tapware and accessories.

8. Set your budget

Basic close-coupled toilets start around $300–$600. Back-to-wall and wall-hung suites with concealed cisterns sit between $600–$1,500+, depending on brand and features. Installation costs vary depending on complexity, so chat with your plumber early.

Need help choosing?

Browse our full range of toilets and toilet suites to find the perfect fit for your bathroom. Or visit our building and renovating tips blog for practical advice, real renovation examples, and the latest bathroom design trends to help you plan with confidence.

Your shower is one of the most-used parts of your bathroom, so it's worth getting the whole setup right with shower heads, arms, and taps that work together beautifully. Here's how to choose.

1. Choose your shower setup

• A simple wall-mounted shower head keeps things clean and easy, with one reliable spray pattern.
• A ceiling shower head (including rain showers) offers a spa-like feel with softer, wider water coverage.
• A hand shower on a shower rail is great for rinsing, cleaning the screen, and helping kids or pets.
• A dual shower head or shower set combines an overhead or fixed head with a hand piece, giving you everyday flexibility.

Think about who uses the bathroom, and whether you want a soft "rain" feel, a stronger spray, or both.

2. Decide on your shower mixer

Your shower mixer tap controls water temperature and flow. Choose the style that suits your bathroom and how you like to operate your shower:

• Single lever mixers: One handle controls both temperature and flow – smooth, modern, and easy to use with one hand.
• Dual knob mixers: Separate hot and cold controls give you precise temperature adjustment – classic style that suits traditional or heritage bathrooms.
• Progressive knob mixers: Turn the one knob to control change both pressure and temperature until it's just right.

3. Pick head size, shape, and arms

Larger shower heads give a wider, more gentle spray that feels relaxing and immersive. Smaller or more compact heads feel more focused and can help control splash if your shower space is tight. Round heads suit almost any bathroom, while square or rectangular heads lean more modern and architectural.

Shower arms determine where your shower head sits – standard wall arms, extended arms for more coverage, or ceiling arms for overhead rain showers. You should choose this based on your shower head type and the experience you want.

4. Match the finish to your bathroom

For a cohesive look, match your shower heads, shower mixers, and bathroom tapware to your basin taps, towel rails, and accessories. Chrome and stainless finishes feel timeless, matte black adds contrast, and warm tones like brushed nickel or brushed brass gold bring extra warmth.

5. Consider complete shower sets

If you want everything coordinated and guaranteed to work together, shower sets include the mixer, rail, shower heads, and arms all in one package. They save time matching finishes and ensure all the parts are compatible.

6. Set your budget

Think about how important the shower is to your daily routine and set a realistic spend to match. Showers you use every day are worth investing in, especially if you're upgrading the whole bathroom. Expect to spend from about $150 for a simple shower head through to $800+ for larger rain shower heads, dual systems, or complete shower sets in premium finishes.

Need more help finding the right shower head? 

Read our full guide to choosing the best shower head. Or, head to our building and renovating tips blog for practical advice, renovation examples, and the latest bathroom design trends to help you plan with confidence.