Traditionally, commodes, or water closets, have been somewhat overlooked in bathroom design. While people certainly care about their existence, the design aspect has not always been a primary consideration. However, modern commode designs are challenging this mindset by seamlessly combining aesthetics and functionality. This shift means that homeowners now have a plethora of choices when it comes to selecting commode designs that not only serve their practical needs but also enhance the overall look and feel of their bathrooms.
Whether you're in search of a modern commode design to elevate your bathroom's style or one that's tailored for maximizing space in a compact bathroom, we've made an effort to encompass a diverse range of English commode designs to assist you in finding the one that suits your needs. Continue reading to discover more about these commode designs and find the perfect fit for your bathroom.
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 start with the very basic - the classic English commode design. It resembles a seat or chair where you can comfortably sit to use the toilet. Unlike Indian toilets where squatting is the norm, English commodes are not meant to be used that way, as they could break and potentially cause injury. The toilet tank is typically attached to the bowl and contains the flush mechanism that effectively removes waste.
Additionally, English commode designs include a lid that can be closed over the waste receptacle. You might wonder how to clean yourself after using it. Western toilets are typically accompanied by toilet paper rolls that can be either mounted or placed nearby. You can use these to clean up, and it's essential to dispose of the used toilet paper in a waste bin rather than flushing it down the bowl, as it may otherwise clog the pipes.
Floating Commode Design
Some commode designs can be problematic as they appear bulky and unattractive. Fortunately, this is not the case with floating commode designs. These wall-mounted commode designs are sleek and space-efficient, with the distinct advantage of not having an unsightly water tank or visible plumbing on the walls. All you see is the toilet bowl, and you also have the flexibility to install the floating commode design at a height that suits your preferences.
In essence, it's akin to customizing the height of your bathroom fixtures. Importantly, since this modern commode design doesn't occupy any floor space, keeping your bathroom clean is a breeze. The only potential downside is that they can be more expensive and challenging to install, but considering the benefits, the investment is well worth it.
Modern Wooden Commode Design
Despite the name, you'll primarily find wood in the commode seat design rather than the entire toilet. Wooden seat commode designs have gained popularity in recent times, especially in colder climates. The appeal lies in wood's resilience to temperature changes, ensuring that when you use the toilet on a chilly morning, you won't have to endure discomfort when your bare skin comes into contact with the commode.
Additionally, many people find wooden seats to be more comfortable to sit on compared to plastic. It's also worth noting that wooden seats tend to be more aesthetically pleasing than plain plastic. However, it's essential to keep in mind that while wooden seats are treated to withstand humidity and moisture, they can't quite match the durability offered by plastic alternatives.
Vibrant Pink Designer Commode
A plain white plastic toilet may indeed appear dull, especially if you're aiming for modern bathroom decor with soft lighting, powder-coated taps, a bathroom false ceiling, and other sophisticated elements. So, how about elevating your bathroom's style with a vibrant pink designer commode? Yes, you read that correctly!
Simply changing the color of your commode can instantly give it a smart and trendy look, even if it features a traditional design. It not only introduces a surprising pop of color but also serves as the focal point of the bathroom. And it's not limited to pink; you have the option of modern commode designs in various colors, including blue, grey, tan, black, red, and even green. Choose a shade that complements your bathroom's color palette to transform its overall appearance and ambiance.
Rimless Commode Seat Design
Rimless commode seat designs represent the latest innovation in the market. Traditional toilets typically feature a rim along the inner edge of the toilet bowl, which contains water outlets for flushing. As the name suggests, rimless commode seat designs lack this rim, compensating with a powerful, high-pressure flushing mechanism that effectively reaches all areas of the toilet bowl.
This innovative design not only offers superior self-cleaning capabilities but also enhances hygiene, as rimless commodes are easy to clean. Traditional toilet rims often harbor germs and are challenging to thoroughly clean. Additionally, the sleek and compact design of rimless commodes makes them an aesthetically pleasing addition to modern bathrooms, especially in situations where space is limited.
Smart Modern Commode Design
If you were impressed by the rimless commode design, you're in for a treat with smart commodes. These cutting-edge commode designs incorporate smart technologies that transform using the toilet into a luxurious experience.
Indulge in the comfort of seat warmers, answer nature's call in ambient lighting (even during the night), conserve water with an intelligent flush system that uses just the right amount of water, or enjoy hands-free toilet usage with an automatic lid – smart commodes spare no effort in providing advanced, high-tech features that give your bathroom a futuristic touch. While they may come at a premium cost and require some adjustment, once you become accustomed to their conveniences, you'll never want to return to traditional commodes.
Vacuum Assisted Modern Commode Design
For those residing in areas facing serious water scarcity, vacuum-assisted commodes can be a game-changer. You may have encountered this modern commode design on airplanes and even in new Indian Railway coaches. These commodes employ a suction mechanism to eliminate human waste and require minimal water usage, typically ranging from just 0.5 to 1.5 litres per flush.
Vacuum-assisted commodes are not only highly eco-friendly and sustainable but also represent a significant water-saving solution when compared to traditional toilets, which consume approximately 6 litres of water per flush. While vacuum-assisted commodes may come with a higher initial cost, they offer a range of benefits, including enhanced hygiene, easy installation, low maintenance, compatibility with retrofitting, and, most importantly, water conservation. These advantages justify the initial investment.
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.
Also Read: Smart and Stylish: 600-Sqft House Plans for First-Time Homebuyers
Ans 1. 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.
Ans 2. 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.
Ans 3. 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!