Commodes, or water closets, are often overlooked features of a bathroom. As in, one cares about their existence, of course, but does not think too much about the design aspect of it. However, modern commode designs are changing this mindset by blending aesthetics and functionality. As such, homeowners are now spoilt for choices, even when it comes to choosing the commode design!
Whether you are looking for a modern commode design to upgrade the style of your bathroom or one to make the most of a compact bathroom, we have tried to cover as many English commode designs as possible to help you find what you seek. Read on to know more about it.
Modern Commode Designs for Contemporary Bathrooms
The following are some of the modern commode designs based on their shape, size, bowl type, colour, and features that will add value to your bathroom.
Classic Commode Design
Let’s begin with the very basic – a classic English commode design. It is more like a seat or a chair on which you can sit and do your business. Unlike the Indian toilets, you should not squat on such commodes as they might break and cause injury. The toilet tank comes attached to the bowl and contains the flush that helps remove any waste.
Finally, the English commode design contains a lid that closes the receptacle for waste. Wondering how you will clean yourself? Western toilets are accompanied by toilet paper rolls that may be mounted or placed nearby. Use these to clean up and dispose of the waste in the dustbin and not the bowl as it may otherwise clog the pipes.
Dual Commode Design
Two toilets? That, too, placed so closely together? What is going on?! Well, this modern commode design is fairly common in parts of Europe, mainly in France, Portugal, and Italy, as well as in the Middle East, East Asia, and Latin America. This commode bathroom design has two elements to it – a toilet and a bidet.
The bidet is a bit like a sink to clean your rear and essentially combats the greatest criticisms of the English commode design, that is, it is not hygienic. You have the option of a manual bidet or an electronic one to control the water jet manually or automatically. If two commodes feel like a waste of space, you will also find models that have a bidet mounted to the toilet.
Floating Commode Design
The problem with some commode designs is that they are bulky and unsightly. Fortunately, that is not the case with floating commode designs. These wall-mounted commode designs are sleek and space-efficient, especially with the clear lack of an ugly water tank or any plumbing on the visible walls. All you can see is the toilet bowl. Plus, you get the flexibility to have the floating commode design installed at a height that is perfect for you.
In other words, it is as good as customising the height of your bathroom fixtures. Most importantly, since this modern commode design does not take up any floor space, it is easy to keep your bathroom clean! The only possible drawback is that they are costly and tricky to install, but given the advantages, it is very much worth it.
Modern Wooden Commode Design
Don’t be mistaken by the name because you will find wood only in the commode seat design than the entire toilet. Wooden seat commode designs have gained popularity in recent times, particularly in colder climates. It is so because wood is more immune to temperature changes, so when you visit the loo on a cold morning, you will not have to grit your teeth while your bare bottom touches the commode.
Plus, a lot of people find wood to be a bit more comfortable to sit on than plastic. It is also worth mentioning here that wooden seats are far more aesthetic than plain plastic. However, do bear in mind that even though wooden seats are treated to withstand humidity and moisture, they can’t truly compare to the durability offered by plastic.
Vibrant Pink Designer Commode
As we mentioned, a plain white plasticky toilet may seem dull and boring, especially if you are eyeing modern bathroom decor with soft lights, powder-coated taps, bathroom false ceiling and the whole nine yards. So, how about jazzing up your bathroom with a vibrant pink designer commode instead? Yes, you read that right!
Simply switching up the colour of your commode can make it look smart and trendy, even if it is in a traditional design. It also adds a pop of colour in an unexpected place and acts as the focal point of the bathroom. Not just pink, but you also have the option of modern commode designs in blue, grey, tan, black, red, and even green! Find a shade that fits your bathroom’s colour palette and transform its overall look and feel.
Rimless Commode Seat Design
Rimless commode seat designs are the latest innovation to hit the market. Traditional toilets contain a rim along the inner edge of the toilet bowl. This rim contains water outlets that eject water when you flush. As the name indicates, rimless commode seat designs do not contain this rim. It makes up for it with a superior, high-power flushing mechanism that reaches all the nooks and crannies of the toilet bowl.
As such, in addition to being far more potent at self-cleaning, rimless commodes are also hygienic as they are easy to clean, considering that toilet rims are breeding grounds for germs and are hardly ever cleaned properly. Plus, its sleek and compact design makes it an aesthetic addition to your modern bathroom, especially where space may be a constraint.
Smart Modern Commode Design
If you thought the new rimless commode design was an upgrade, then be prepared to be wowed by smart commodes. These latest commode designs have integrated smart technologies that make using the toilet a luxurious experience.
Pamper your tush with seat warmers, answer nature’s call in ambient light (even at night), save water with an intelligent flush that ejects just enough water, or enjoy touch-free toilet usage with an automatic lid – the smart commode goes all out in packing in a punch with its advanced, high-tech features that make your bathroom almost futuristic. Of course, it won’t be cheap, and it may take you some getting used to, but once you get accustomed to it, you will never wish to go back.
Vacuum Assisted Modern Commode Design
If you are living in an area where water scarcity is a serious problem, then you will greatly benefit from vacuum-assisted commodes. You may have seen this modern commode design in aeroplanes and even new Indian Railway coaches. These commodes make use of a suction mechanism to remove human waste and require minimal use of water – as little as 0.5 to 1.5 litres!
These are also very eco-friendly and sustainable, considering that a traditional toilet uses about 6 litres of water per flush! Even though a vacuum-assisted commode would come at a premium, they offer a bouquet of advantages in the form of hygiene, easy installation, low maintenance, compatibility with retrofitting, and, of course, water waste prevention. Such benefits justify the cost involved.
How to Select the Right Modern Commode Design?
With a number of modern commode design options available, as above, it can be intimidating to pick what works for you. However, here is a handy and quick guide on selecting the right modern commode design.
Step 1: Consider the Type and Design
As you may have seen above, commodes are available in different shapes, sizes, colours, and types. You want a modern commode design that complements the space available in your home. If you have a traditional bathroom, select the two-piece model with a round or oval toilet bowl. For a more modern alternative, you can consider the wall-mounted commodes.
Step 2: Go for the Fit
Space is a major consideration to bear in mind while selecting a commode design for your bathroom. Measure the space available in your bathroom while paying heed to doors or windows that could get in the way. Note down the measurements so that you will only consider options that will fit your bathroom.
Step 3: Factor in Other Features
Now that you have identified all the necessities, it is time to go for the bells and whistles. Think of any additional features that you may want in your commode – from an automatic flush to a voice-operated bidet; you have a world of features available in modern commode designs. Pick ones that fit your budget and your requirements.
Step 4: Work Out the Installation
Certain commodes would be tougher to install than others. For instance, you might have to remove a part of the wall to install the wall-mounted commode. Similarly, you will also have to account for the additional accessories or the features that will have their separate requirements, such as a power outlet for a sensor-based flush or a nightlight. Work out the total cost of installation involved to ensure that you do not exceed your budget at a later stage.
Step 5: Compare the Options
By this point, you may have a clear idea of the type of commode that you want, its features, and the cost involved. Now, it is all about exploring the available options so that you can finalise the construction or renovation of your bathroom. So, compare all the available options and select the modern commode design that you need.
Closing Thoughts
Choosing the right modern commode design can be a tough decision to make, especially since it is not something that people often change or on a whim. We hope that we have been helpful in granting you a broad idea of the designs involved and what to keep in mind while making this choice so that you make the right one.
Stick around and explore the HomeLane blog for more insights on how to make your home beautiful and functional. You can even consult a HomeLane design expert to know how you can upgrade your bathroom, bedroom, or your entire home and make it look and feel spectacular.
FAQs
1. What Are the Two Types of Modern Toilets?
There are two main types of toilets – Indian-style toilets and Western-style toilets or English commode designs.
The Indian-style toilet has been around for centuries. You need to straddle and squat over them to use them. On the other hand, Western-style toilets have become popular in India in the past few decades. They require you to sit on them for use.
Recently, we have also seen a hybridised form of Indo-Western toilets that you can use while sitting or squatting.
2. Which Commode Type Is Best?
It depends on the user. Some prefer the Indian-style toilet as it is said that the squatting position makes it easier to empty one’s bowels. On the other hand, some (especially seniors) prefer Western-style toilets as they are easier on the joints and more comfortable. At the end of the day, it all boils down to one’s personal preferences, perception of hygiene, and agility.
3. Which Commode Is Better, Square or Round?
Square commodes seem more comfortable to sit on as they offer better support to the thigh when one sits. On the other hand, round commodes are typically 2-3 inches smaller than their square counterparts, making them more suited for compact bathrooms. If you are confused between round and square commode shapes, we recommend the perfect trade-off – an oval toilet bowl that offers the advantage of both!
