Toilets can now be more than just functional. It’s also about aesthetics and comfort. Anyone who thinks that the normal standard height of toilets is comfortable and optimal for everyone is mistaken. Everyone has a different comfortable height, which depends on their height and any physical limitations.

A toilet that is mounted too low can cause a lot of frustration afterwards. No wonder, then, that choosing the right model takes some time. We will tell you which common toilet shapes there are, what advantages the right seat height brings to the toilet and how you can find out your comfortable height.

Toilet shapes in many variants

If you have decided on a toilet model as part of the toilet renovation, the next step is to choose the right format. As the types of toilet show, the same applies to the shape : not all toilets are the same. Whether rounded, D-shaped or with pronounced corners and edges – the spectrum is large. Designers play with different formats, so there is a lot of leeway when it comes to design.

A toilet for all those who like it straight

The right toilet height for every requirement

People are individuals and make different demands on their environment. It doesn’t stop with the toilet. Everyone has a different definition of what seating comfort means. Depending on your height, the “perfect” seat height can vary greatly. For example, people of taller stature find standard-height toilets (with a seat height of 40-43 cm) uncomfortable and too low. Elevated toilets with a height of 46 cm or more are also usually more comfortable for senior citizens and wheelchair users.

Luckily, in many cases, the seat height can be adjusted to suit individual needs. This applies in particular to wall-hung toilets. On the one hand, wall-hung toilets have toilet bowls of different heights, and on the other hand, you can freely decide at what height the toilet is to be installed. Standing toilets, where the height is fixed, offer less flexibility. The common height of the floor-standing toilets available on the market ranges from 38 to 43 centimetres. Here, however, you should make sure that you choose the right version when you buy it.

The ideal toilet height is characterized by:

• you can sit down and get up easily,
• comfortably have both feet flat on the floor while sitting on it.

Is your toilet installed too low? Do not worry. This does not mean that you will have to do without seating comfort in the future. With various tricks such as raised toilet seats or stronger rubber feet for the edge of the toilet, a few centimeters can be gained in an emergency.

No matter what height and shape you prefer, any toilet will be an eye-catcher when presented correctly

What toilet height is standard?

In general, the standard toilet height for assembly is around 40 cm. This height describes the distance between the floor and the upper edge of the toilet ceramic. The toilet seat is not taken into account. Depending on the model, the seat adds about two centimeters.

As already written, however, this amount is not mandatory. If you do not want to receive a KfW subsidy for the bathroom, you can freely choose the height of the toilet. Many bathroom builders now install the toilets higher, sometimes at 45 cm, because it is easier to sit down and stand up. And not only seniors find this extremely pleasant.

If you are interested in a KfW subsidy for the construction of a barrier-free bathroom, certain requirements must be met with regard to the amount. DIN 18040-2 shows which standards apply to barrier-free and wheelchair-accessible toilets in this case.

How to find the perfect toilet height for your needs

Once you have decided on a floor-standing toilet or the wall-hung toilet is installed, you can no longer adjust the height afterwards. That means you should think about your perfect toilet height beforehand.

The easiest way to find your comfortable height is to visit a bathroom showroom . Here you can try out models with different seat heights. Alternatively, an adjustable office chair can help.

How to determine the ideal seat height with an office chair:

1. Decide whether you are measuring with or without shoes. If you usually wear shoes at home, you should also take the measurement with shoes on.
2. Adjust the chair so that your thighs are comfortably supported by the seat and both feet are flat on the floor.
3. Now measure from the back of your knees to the floor.

The measurement from the back of your knees to the floor gives you a good guideline for how high your toilet should be.

Attention: For people who find it difficult to get up from low surfaces, the height determined in this way should be the absolute minimum height.

Different solutions for toilet seat heights: advantages and disadvantages

The more people live in a household, the more difficult it can be to find the perfect toilet height. If several generations share a bathroom and thus also a toilet, very different needs come together. For children, the toilet can be lower – whereas this is rather impractical for parents and grandparents. Here it is important to choose a toilet height that represents a good compromise between the needs of all household memberst! In a household with people of different sizes, toilets with a height of 40 centimeters have become established. However, this seat height is not suitable for seniors or people with walking difficulties. Height-adjustable toilets can help in this case. The appropriate seat height is set at the push of a button, so that nobody is left behind.

Standard seat height 40 cm:

Variable seat height:

Height-adjustable toilet:

Unloading the toilet

In addition to the height, the overhang , i.e. the depth of the toilet ceramic, is an important factor. The lower this is, the less the toilet protrudes into the room. This is particularly advantageous in small and awkwardly designed bathrooms, because less space is wasted. In addition, the distance to other sanitary elements such as washbasins or bathtubs is greater. The new toilet can be adapted to the individual room dimensions via the projection.

A deep overhang, on the other hand, is essential in bathrooms used by the elderly and/or disabled. Because these toilets are more suitable for people with restricted mobility. For example, moving from the wheelchair to the toilet seat is much easier, which allows for more independent and, above all, more comfortable use.

Deep overhang toilet

Together to the dream toilet

You don’t just want to read about toilet models, but would like to experience them live? No problem: In our bathroom exhibitions you will find a huge selection of different toilet models and you can even try them out! This way you can quickly find out which height is comfortable for you. We would be happy to help you with the selection and renovation – then you don’t have to worry about the right seat height. We carry out the assembly conscientiously.