Traditional Toilets

A traditional toilet brings more character to a bathroom than any other single fixture. High level cisterns with pull-chain flushes, low level designs with ceramic levers, close-coupled models with moulded profiles and decorative lids — these are the details that give a period bathroom its identity and set it apart from the ordinary.

Our range covers high level, low level and close-coupled styles in classic white ceramic, with flush pipe options in chrome, brushed brass and polished nickel. Every model uses modern dual-flush internals for water efficiency, so you get the heritage look with none of the performance compromises of a genuine antique.

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Legend Close Coupled Traditional Toilet

£274.99

Traditional toilets — the fixture that defines the room

In a modern bathroom, the toilet is designed to disappear — concealed cisterns, wall-hung pans, minimal profiles. A traditional bathroom takes the opposite approach. The toilet is on display, with visible cisterns, decorative pipework and ceramic detailing that make it an intentional part of the room's character. When you walk into a bathroom with a high level cistern and a pull-chain flush, you know immediately what kind of room you're in.

High level traditional toilets

A high level toilet is the most distinctive traditional toilet design. The cistern is mounted high on the wall — typically around head height — with a chrome, brass or nickel flush pipe running down to the pan. The flush is operated by a pull chain with a ceramic or metal pull handle. It's the most authentic period option and creates a striking visual feature, particularly in bathrooms with tall ceilings where the height of the cistern can be fully appreciated. High level traditional toilets require secure wall fixings for the cistern and a clear run of wall space from cistern to pan. The flush pipe is usually supplied separately so you can choose a finish that matches your other brassware.

Low level traditional toilets

A low level toilet positions the cistern just above the back of the pan — higher than a close-coupled toilet but lower than a high level — with a short flush pipe connecting the two. A ceramic lever handle on the front of the cistern operates the flush. Low level traditional toilets offer much of the period character of a high level design in rooms where ceiling height or wall space doesn't allow for a high-mounted cistern. The visible flush pipe still gives you that authentic, engineered look, and the lever flush feels more substantial and deliberate than a modern push button.

Close-coupled traditional toilets

A close-coupled traditional toilet sits the cistern directly on the back of the pan as a single unit — no flush pipe, no wall-mounted cistern. It's the simplest to install and the most compact of the three traditional formats. What distinguishes a traditional close-coupled toilet from a modern one is the ceramic detailing — moulded profiles on the cistern, a decorative lid, a ceramic lever flush handle and a pan shape with period proportions rather than a contemporary silhouette. Close-coupled traditional toilets are a practical choice for smaller bathrooms, cloakrooms and en suites where you want heritage character without the space requirements of a high or low level installation.

Ceramic detailing and profiles

The ceramics are where a traditional toilet earns its character. Moulded ridges and beading on the cistern body. Decorative lids with a raised lip or shaped profile. Pan shapes that reference Victorian and Edwardian originals — higher, narrower bowls with more pronounced curves than their modern equivalents. Ornate overflow covers and ceramic cistern handles. These details are what separate a genuinely traditional toilet from a modern toilet with a lever flush bolted on. Every piece in our range is designed as a cohesive period product, not a hybrid.

Flush pipes and finishes

For high level and low level traditional toilets, the flush pipe is a visible design element in its own right. Chrome is the most popular finish — clean, bright and easy to match with other fittings. Brushed brass brings warmth and authenticity, particularly alongside ivory or cream ceramics and heritage colour schemes. Polished nickel offers a softer alternative to chrome with a warmer undertone. The flush pipe finish should match your taps, towel rails and any shower hardware to keep the room feeling intentionally designed. Pipes are available in standard and offset configurations to accommodate different wall and soil pipe positions.

Seats and seat finishes

The toilet seat is the finishing touch on a traditional toilet, and the material and colour choice matters more than you might expect. Solid wood seats in natural oak, walnut, mahogany and painted white are the most authentic option — they feel warm, look substantial and age well. Soft-close mechanisms are available on most wooden seats, combining the period appearance with the quiet, controlled closing action of a modern seat. Resin seats with a painted or lacquered finish offer an alternative that's slightly easier to maintain. Chrome or brushed brass hinges should match the rest of your bathroom hardware.

Modern internals behind the period exterior

Every traditional toilet in our range uses modern flush mechanisms and ceramic engineering behind the heritage styling. Dual-flush cistern internals give you a full and reduced flush option — typically 4–6 litres and 2.5–3 litres — for the same water efficiency as a contemporary toilet. Trapways and bowl geometry are designed for effective, clean flushing. Cistern components are standard sizes, so replacement parts are readily available if anything needs servicing years down the line. You get the look of a period original with the reliability and efficiency of a product built to current standards.

What types of traditional toilets are available?

Our traditional toilet range includes three main styles: high level (cistern mounted high on the wall with a pull-chain flush and visible flush pipe), low level (cistern just above the pan with a short flush pipe and lever handle) and close-coupled (cistern sitting directly on the pan as a single unit with a ceramic lever flush). Each style is available in classic white ceramic with flush pipe and hardware options in chrome, brushed brass and polished nickel.

What is the difference between a high level and low level traditional toilet?

The main difference is the cistern position. A high level traditional toilet mounts the cistern near the ceiling with a long flush pipe and a pull-chain flush — the most dramatic and authentic period look. A low level traditional toilet positions the cistern just above the pan with a shorter flush pipe and a front-mounted lever handle. High level suits rooms with tall ceilings and plenty of wall height. Low level offers a similar period character in rooms where a high-mounted cistern isn't practical.

Do traditional toilets use a lot of water?

No. Despite their period appearance, every traditional toilet in our range uses modern dual-flush internals — typically 4–6 litres for a full flush and 2.5–3 litres for a reduced flush. This is the same water efficiency as a contemporary toilet. The heritage design is entirely external — the flushing mechanism inside the cistern is modern, efficient and meets current UK water standards.

What flush pipe finish should I choose for a traditional toilet?

Match the flush pipe finish to the rest of your bathroom brassware for a cohesive look. Chrome is the most versatile and widely available option for traditional toilets. Brushed brass adds warmth and authenticity, particularly alongside warmer ceramics and heritage colour schemes. Polished nickel is a softer, warmer metallic than chrome. If your taps, shower fittings and towel rails are in a particular finish, carry that through to the flush pipe.

Is a high level traditional toilet difficult to install?

A high level traditional toilet requires more installation work than a close-coupled model. The cistern needs secure wall fixings at height, the flush pipe needs to be cut to length and connected between cistern and pan, and the pull chain needs to hang at a comfortable reach. A competent plumber or bathroom fitter will be familiar with the process. The wall needs to be solid enough to support the weight of a full cistern — masonry or reinforced stud. If you're unsure about your wall, check with your installer before ordering.

What toilet seat works best with a traditional toilet?

Solid wood seats are the most authentic choice for a traditional toilet — available in natural oak, walnut, mahogany and painted white, they feel warm and substantial. Soft-close mechanisms can be fitted to most wooden seats for a quiet, controlled close. Resin seats offer an easier-to-maintain alternative with a similar appearance. For the hinges, choose chrome, brushed brass or polished nickel to match your other bathroom hardware.

Can I use a traditional toilet in a small bathroom or cloakroom?

Yes. A close-coupled traditional toilet is the best choice for smaller spaces — it has the smallest footprint of the three styles and doesn't require wall space for a flush pipe or high-mounted cistern. Some of our close-coupled traditional toilets are also available in short-projection versions, recovering valuable floor space in tight layouts. For a cloakroom with a traditional feel, pair a close-coupled toilet with a compact heritage basin and crosshead taps.

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