The Resurgence of Water Closets and Their Benefits

“Imagine never having to argue over the bathroom again,” said Jennifer Earhart, a Sales Design Consultant with Callen in. “It’s possible when you design a bathroom remodel that features a water closet, or a separate area for the toilet, in your home. Beyond privacy, hygiene, functionality and customization, water closets are luxurious and highly useful features, especially for shared bathrooms.”

Despite being an older design concept, with origins dating back to the 1800s, incorporating a water closet into a bathroom remodel is rising in popularity among homeowners. In fact, water closets have become one of the most desirable features in a master bathroom, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).

“A prominent benefit of having a water closet in your bathroom is the luxury of maximum privacy,” Jennifer said. “This is particularly beneficial if you’re sharing the bathroom with your partner or with other family members.” In other words, someone could use the toilet while someone else washes their hands, brushes their teeth or hair, or takes a bath or shower without disturbing each other. Not to mention, this is a huge time saver when two or more people need to get ready in the bathroom at the same time.

Hygiene is another key benefit of a water closet. “It’s highly sanitary because it helps prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses,” said Jennifer. To be specific, the detection of bacteria and viruses that disperse after the toilet is flushed remain airborne long enough to settle onto surfaces throughout the bathroom, and there is a possibility that a person may acquire an infection from an aerosol produced by a toilet, according to the National Library of Medicine. However, when the toilet is separate from the rest of the bathroom, the microbes that are spread are confined to one location. As a result, the chance of microbe transference to other surfaces and the possibility of sickness are greatly reduced. Remember, closing the lid when flushing further minimizes the spread of germs.

“Even though modern water closets generally refer to a separate room within the bathroom that contain either a toilet or a toilet and a sink, they can be a standalone space in your home, which is especially useful if you host parties or family gatherings,” she said. “If you prefer that party guests don’t use your master bathroom, a standalone water closet would be an ideal solution as it serves as an alternate place for your guests to use the bathroom – a space where other amenities, like a shower or tub, are not necessary.”

Moreover, water closets can be customized to meet specific needs. Although they are usually simple in terms of basic features, layout, and design, this doesn’t mean creativity needs to be limited. “For instance, instead of a traditional bathroom door, a water closet can be fitted with sliding pocket doors or a half-wall to save space,” Jennifer said. “Furthermore, you can have fun with various design features, from wallpaper, mirrors and lighting, to tiles, artwork, plants and more.”

Although there are standard water closet dimensions homeowners should consider, if space allows, consider incorporating a water closet into your next bathroom remodeling project. “A water closet may be the single best design feature you decide to incorporate as it will significantly improve the usability of the space as well as add value to your home, especially if the bathroom you plan to remodel is a shared space,” said Jennifer.

To start the process of renovating your bathroom to accommodate a water closet, call Callen at 414-529-5509 or complete our online contact form to schedule your FREE initial design consultation at our award winning Muskego Design Center.