Wall-hung toilets are trending – here’s why homeowners love them

Wall-hung WCs are sleek and space saving, offering the contemporary bathroom design consumers crave along with ease of installation – Sally Smith looks at the latest products on the market.

According to recent research around 73% of homeowners would prefer a wall-hung toilet fitted as standard in a new home with nearly half the respondents associating a ‘modern, premium bathroom design’ and ‘space-saving aesthetics’ with wall-hung toilets.

"Wall-hung toilets have become a popular choice – the ideal solution for overcoming many of the challenges around space, hygiene and installation in bathrooms. Our Turboflush technology enables design flexibility once the installation frame and pan have been placed in situ as there is still the ability to raise the pan with a height adjustability feature ideal if floor tiles are thicker than initially anticipated," explains Sophie Weston, head of marketing at Geberit. "Installers can also benefit from quick and affordable pre-wall frame systems with the cistern concealed inside a drywall, so there is no need for additional studding," Weston adds.

Lewis Neathey, leader, marketing & product management UK at Grohe UK, LIXIL Europe, has seen a noticeable increase in the demand for wall-hung WCs in recent years, "with only the toilet and flush plate visible these installations hide pipework and cisterns giving a clean uncluttered appearance that is definitely driving consumer preference for wall-mounted toilets over traditional floor-mounted models".

When installing a wall-mounted WC, using a reliable behind-the-wall installation frame ensures the toilet is securely supported.

"The Rapid SLX provides a stable foundation for long-term use and can future-proof the bathroom, as its integrated power and water connections allow for easy upgrades to shower toilets," adds Neathey.

RAK Ceramics UK has also noticed a significant increase in demand for wall-hung WCs. "As bathroom design becomes more lifestyle-oriented, consumers are increasingly inspired by hotel-style bathrooms where wall-hung WCs are commonly featured. It’s definitely being driven not only by the design-conscious consumer but also by a growing interest in space-saving and hygienic solutions. Retailers and installers are responding to this shift with increased showroom presence and more comprehensive wall-hung installation packages," says Alvin Biggs, MD of RAK Ceramics UK.

Homeowners are increasingly looking for bathrooms that feel sleek, modern, and more spacious, and a wall-hung WC helps achieve that premium look.

"There's been a shift in confidence," explains Natalie Bird, brand marketing manager for Roca and Laufen. "Consumers now understand that wall-hung systems are incredibly strong and reliable. For example, Roca’s frames for wall-hung WCs are capable of holding up to 400kg, which helps dispel old myths around weight-bearing. At the same time, with the growing trend for recessed niches and clever storage, a wall-hung installation often creates opportunities for designers to integrate practical, space-saving features," she adds.

When it comes to bathroom design, consumer preferences are influenced through social media, a showroom visit or even a stay at a boutique hotel and as a result, the bathroom has evolved from a purely functional space into a spa-style retreat. Richard Court, UK national sales manager for TECE, says: "Wall-hung WCs offer designers the ultimate in design versatility, combined with a quicker installation time, whilst being future proof for updating and easy maintenance. However it’s key to invest in a high-quality frame that offers the installers maximum flexibility to easily adjust the toilet to the individual customer and bathroom layout."

Developments in technology and the increasing availability of smart, integrated features is a key factor in the appeal of wall-hung WCs.

"As bathroom trends move towards cleaner lines and minimalist layouts to make this innovative design and advanced hygiene accessible to every budget, our wall-hung WCs range from entry level models to high-specification premium options. Models such as the Sento and M-Line integrated wall-hung WCs feature soft-closing, quick-release seats and the hygienic Rim-ex design," says Nicola Friel, showroom manager at VitrA.