If you want your bathroom or toilet to be both functional and elegant, take some time to plan it. Especially since the modern bathroom fittings market offers many interesting solutions.
There are various types of WC bowls with flush mounted on a concealed frame or on the wall above the toilet. There are also floor-standing compact WC bowls where the water tank is an integral part of the unit.
In the following post, we will look at each option and consider which one to choose.
Concealed Frame vs. Compact WC – The Main Difference
For many years, floor-standing toilet bowls were the first choice for users. The reservoir was mounted high on the wall or directly above the toilet. Over time, new models appeared, where the WC bowl and water tank are an integral unit. Combining the toilet and reservoir is a very convenient solution as such compact WC units only need to be mounted in the proper location on the floor and connected to the water supply.
However, in both cases, all elements such as pipes and fittings remain visible. Therefore, to hide all mounting elements, modern solutions such as concealed frames were created. Thanks to these, only the toilet bowl and flush button are visible - no pipes!
In our online shop Mexen, you can buy concealed WC sets with frames available in many colours and shapes to choose from.
Concealed or Compact WC? Differences
Compact WC or concealed - which one to choose? There is no definitive answer to this question. Not all solutions are possible to implement in every bathroom. Additionally, each of us has slightly different aesthetic preferences. However, let's try to point out their advantages and disadvantages.
Installation Method of Compact WC and Wall-Hung Bowl on a Frame
For compact WC, the matter is simple – just fix the set to the floor and connect it to the water drainage system. You can do it yourself - it does not take too much time. Many people appreciate this solution for its convenient installation and easy access to the flush mechanism, which might be useful in case of a malfunction.
A wall-hung bowl on a concealed frame is a slightly more complex solution. Here, the first step will be to install the frame inside the wall, so it's easiest to do this during construction or a major renovation. WC with a concealed frame is a solution that requires more time, but the effect achieved is definitely worth it. If you don't know how to install a concealed WC frame, contact a specialist.
Practical Aspects of Both Solutions – Convenience
The toilet should be tailored to the needs of all users. When choosing a compact WC, we are somewhat limited in terms of the size or height of the toilet bowl - the set is simply mounted on the floor.
Concealed frames allow you to choose the height at which you can install the wall-hung bowl. This can be important, for example, if there are children, elderly, or disabled people in the house.
Aesthetics of Compact WC and Wall-Hung Bowl
A compact WC is a solution that looks good, but it's the concealed frame that achieves a truly elegant effect. It's a minimalist solution created for a modern bathroom.
The frame allows you to hide all necessary, but not always aesthetic installation elements in the walls. Ultimately, you get a smooth wall with a hanging toilet bowl and a built-in flush button above it.
In the case of enclosure, the frame can be fully recessed into the wall or mounted on the wall. This way, you gain an additional shelf that serves as a functional and decorative element of the bathroom. In such a solution, the frame should be enclosed with, for example, waterproof plasterboard. However, this kind of solution is recommended for large and spacious bathroom salons.
Ease of Cleaning Compact and Concealed WC
The bathroom is a place that must be kept perfectly clean, especially if it also contains a toilet. If you want to save time cleaning the toilet, a concealed WC frame will be a much better solution than a compact one.
In the case of compact WC, besides the toilet bowl, you also have a reservoir to clean. Don't forget about the joints and pipes, where dust accumulates. This is unfortunately an additional place that you will need to spend time on during bathroom cleaning.
Concealed frame = fewer elements to clean. In this case, there is only the toilet bowl and flush button to clean. Additionally, it's easier to maintain cleanliness under a wall-hung bowl than with a floor-standing compact.
Concealed Frame or Compact WC – Which Is Better in a Small Bathroom?
A compact WC takes up more space than a bowl hung on a frame, which is why this solution is used more often in small bathrooms. Especially since you can opt for a corner concealed frame, allowing you to utilize seemingly unavailable space.
Toilets with wall-hung bowls save space, especially if the frame is built into the wall. When you decide to enclose the frame with plasterboard in a finished bathroom, you have to consider the need to sacrifice additional space - yet you will gain the aforementioned shelf.
Compact WC or Concealed Frame – Summary
When finishing or renovating a bathroom, you have to make a series of decisions that impact its convenience and functionality. One of them will be the choice of toilet.
In the above post, we pointed out the most important aspects you must consider when designing a bathroom. It is difficult to indicate which of the discussed solutions is better. So let's summarize what you need to remember:
- installation method: compact units are installed much faster and easier;
- convenience: this is a very individual matter;
- aesthetics: the frame allows you to hide all mounting elements;
- ease of cleaning: a wall-hung bowl on a frame in this respect is a more convenient solution;
- price: although not discussed, compact units are usually cheaper due to their construction and installation method.
Before making a purchase, it's worth checking the Mexen store offer, where you'll find both compact WCs and sets for frame mounting.