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When you’re planning a bathroom renovation, the shape and placement of your toilet can have a big impact on how the space looks, feels and functions. From sleek wall-hung options to traditional linked suites, the right configuration depends on your layout and how you want the room to work.

Jennifer Price, Strategic Brands Manager for Plumbing World, says back-to-wall toilets are the most popular choice these days. “The pan is nice and neatly pushed back against the wall. There’s no hidden nooks or crannies that need to be dusted for cleaning,” she explains. That makes them a great option for both style and practicality.

If you want an even more minimalist look, you could opt for an in-wall system, where the cistern is hidden completely. These are ideal for making a small bathroom feel more open, and the plumbing is still accessible through the flush plate if needed. It’s a sleek solution that works especially well in ensuites or powder rooms where space is tight.

For older homes or tighter budgets, a close-coupled or linked toilet might be more familiar. These are often easier to install without major plumbing changes. Just keep in mind they can be harder to clean around, with more gaps between the wall and the pan.

No matter which style you choose, the key is to match the configuration to your floorplan and lifestyle. Thinking about how the room is used, who’s using it and how easy it is to clean will help you make the right call from the start.


Disclaimer: This article is based on a podcast featuring insights from experienced professionals and is intended for general information and inspiration only. While we aim to share valuable guidance, please seek personalised advice from qualified professionals before making decisions about your property, finances, or renovation plans.

Curious to see more practical advice from industry experts? Visit our Top Tips hub for quick, valuable insights shared by people who’ve been there, helping you plan smarter and avoid common mistakes.

Visit Top Tips Hub

Our Renovating Your Bathroom Guides take the guesswork out of your project. From plumbing and ventilation to fixtures and finishes, you’ll learn how to make confident, future-proof choices – whether you’re renovating to sell or stay. Join MyTrends for access to this and a full library of guides to support your property journey.

Join MyTrends

Curious to see more practical advice from industry experts? Visit our Top Tips hub for quick, valuable insights shared by people who’ve been there, helping you plan smarter and avoid common mistakes.

Visit Top Tips Hub

Our Renovating Your Bathroom Guides take the guesswork out of your project. From plumbing and ventilation to fixtures and finishes, you’ll learn how to make confident, future-proof choices – whether you’re renovating to sell or stay. Join MyTrends for access to this and a full library of guides to support your property journey.

Join MyTrends

From Showroom to Shower: How to Get Your Bathroom Done Right

Watch Now

Episode Overview

In this episode of the Trends Property Insight Series, we’re joined by Jennifer Price, Strategic Brands Manager at Plumbing World — New Zealand’s largest 100% locally owned plumbing merchant. With over 60 years of history and a nationwide network of 58 branches, Plumbing World is proudly built on a cooperative model, owned by the very tradespeople it serves. Jennifer unpacks what makes this model unique and how it shapes the way Plumbing World brings high-quality, regulation-compliant products to both tradies and everyday homeowners.

When you’re planning a bathroom renovation, the shape and placement of your toilet can have a big impact on how the space looks, feels and functions. From sleek wall-hung options to traditional linked suites, the right configuration depends on your layout and how you want the room to work.

Jennifer Price, Strategic Brands Manager for Plumbing World, says back-to-wall toilets are the most popular choice these days. “The pan is nice and neatly pushed back against the wall. There’s no hidden nooks or crannies that need to be dusted for cleaning,” she explains. That makes them a great option for both style and practicality.

If you want an even more minimalist look, you could opt for an in-wall system, where the cistern is hidden completely. These are ideal for making a small bathroom feel more open, and the plumbing is still accessible through the flush plate if needed. It’s a sleek solution that works especially well in ensuites or powder rooms where space is tight.

For older homes or tighter budgets, a close-coupled or linked toilet might be more familiar. These are often easier to install without major plumbing changes. Just keep in mind they can be harder to clean around, with more gaps between the wall and the pan.

No matter which style you choose, the key is to match the configuration to your floorplan and lifestyle. Thinking about how the room is used, who’s using it and how easy it is to clean will help you make the right call from the start.


Disclaimer: This article is based on a podcast featuring insights from experienced professionals and is intended for general information and inspiration only. While we aim to share valuable guidance, please seek personalised advice from qualified professionals before making decisions about your property, finances, or renovation plans.

Curious to see more practical advice from industry experts? Visit our Top Tips hub for quick, valuable insights shared by people who’ve been there, helping you plan smarter and avoid common mistakes.

Visit Top Tips Hub

Our Renovating Your Bathroom Guides take the guesswork out of your project. From plumbing and ventilation to fixtures and finishes, you’ll learn how to make confident, future-proof choices – whether you’re renovating to sell or stay. Join MyTrends for access to this and a full library of guides to support your property journey.

Join MyTrends

Curious to see more practical advice from industry experts? Visit our Top Tips hub for quick, valuable insights shared by people who’ve been there, helping you plan smarter and avoid common mistakes.

Visit Top Tips Hub

Our Renovating Your Bathroom Guides take the guesswork out of your project. From plumbing and ventilation to fixtures and finishes, you’ll learn how to make confident, future-proof choices – whether you’re renovating to sell or stay. Join MyTrends for access to this and a full library of guides to support your property journey.

Join MyTrends

From Showroom to Shower: How to Get Your Bathroom Done Right

Watch Now

Episode Overview

In this episode of the Trends Property Insight Series, we’re joined by Jennifer Price, Strategic Brands Manager at Plumbing World — New Zealand’s largest 100% locally owned plumbing merchant. With over 60 years of history and a nationwide network of 58 branches, Plumbing World is proudly built on a cooperative model, owned by the very tradespeople it serves. Jennifer unpacks what makes this model unique and how it shapes the way Plumbing World brings high-quality, regulation-compliant products to both tradies and everyday homeowners.

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