Back to Wall vs Wall-Hung Toilets: Which One Suits Your Bathroom

One question I get asked constantly, whether on site or while filming for Open Homes Australia, is this: back to wall or wall-hung toilet? Walking the halls of CERSAIE in Bologna each September, I always find myself drawn to the bathroom pavilions. It may not be the most glamorous part of the show, but the bathroom pavilions feature some of the most important decisions we make in any renovation or new build.
That's a great question, and the answer isn't as simple as you might think.
The decision really depends on your situation, budget, and to some extent, how much you can bear to look at. In this line of work, I have seen many installations. I can remember the first wall-hung toilet I ever installed. It taught me there was a lot to learn about what needs to be done behind that wall.

The Back to Wall Toilet: A Practical Choice

Let's start with the back to wall option, because it's often an economical choice and there's nothing wrong with that. These toilets sit flush against the wall, the pipework hidden behind them, but still resting on the floor like a traditional toilet. The cistern is concealed within the wall, which means you get clean contemporary styling without the full commitment of a wall-hung system. (There are also fully integrated in-wall toilet suites that take this idea further, offering a more seamless look while keeping the installation practical.)
Back to wall toilets are much easier to install. They don't need the heavy-duty in-wall frame systems that wall-hung models require. Once you've saved your plumber that extra work, the installation becomes much more straightforward. If you need adjustments later or want to make changes, those options remain open.
In several of the Eden Brae homes I designed, I installed back to wall toilets and they looked great. You get a clean appearance with the hidden cistern, so there's no plastic tank on display. They're easier to clean around compared with traditional toilets where there are nooks and crannies at the interface between bowl and floor.
However, there's still a footprint on the floor. You're still mopping around the base, even if it's smaller and more compact than traditional toilets. And if you're really going for that floating, expansive feeling in a small bathroom, a back to wall toilet won't quite achieve it.

The Wall-Hung Toilet: Floating for a Purpose

Wall-hung toilets create quite a reaction. They float off the floor, creating a sense of space and lightness that can make even a small bathroom feel larger. In our Umina House renovation, which you may have seen in James Bought a House, we used them and the visual impact is seriously significant.
At CERSAIE, wall-hung toilets are everywhere, featured in stand after stand. They're standard throughout Europe.
All that empty floor space makes the room feel more spacious. Cleaning is extremely easy too. You can mop straight underneath without working around the toilet base. And as mentioned, it looks sleekly modern.
However, there are issues you need to be aware of before making this decision. First, cost. Wall-hung toilets need special in-wall frame systems, usually something like a Geberit system. I recommend Geberit systems - they're reliable and widely available in Australia. You're looking at a lot more in materials and labour than with a back to wall model.
The frame sits within the wall cavity. In most timber frame homes, this isn't a problem - there's usually enough depth. But if you're retrofitting an old bathroom with masonry walls, you may need major work before this system can take shape.
One reality check I always give my clients: if something does go wrong with the cistern, you'll need to access it through the flush plate. That said, I've had wall-hung toilets for years without a single issue, and quality European brands are very reliable. You can't just lift off a cap like in the old days, but don't let this frighten you off completely.

What I've Learned from Real Project

Over the years, I've designed over 200 bathrooms. In our own Umina renovation, space was at a premium in the family bathroom. Every single centimetre was crucial.
In that project, I went with a wall-hung toilet because I needed to maximise the sense of space. The bathroom isn't huge and having that clear floor underneath makes such a difference. When you walk in, your eye travels across the floor tiles uninterrupted, and the room reads as larger than it is. More floor visible equals more space perceived. It's one of my favourite design tricks. Here's the honest truth. If budget had been really tight, I could have achieved a lovely result with a back to wall model. It still would have looked clean and contemporary, just without that floating effect. And you know what? Most visitors wouldn't have noticed the difference unless they're design obsessed like we are.

Things to Consider

Both options hide the cistern, so you achieve that streamlined look either way. I always specify white for both options because they look cleaner and seem to extend the physical space of a room.
Both options now come in rimless designs, which are much easier to keep clean. I always recommend this feature.
Height adjustment is easier with wall-hung toilets. You can specify exactly where you want it mounted, which is brilliant if you have family members of different heights or mobility needs. Back to wall toilets come in standard heights, though you can find comfort height models which are a bit taller and better for older users or anyone with knee issues.
For families with young children, I often recommend back to wall models. They're floor-mounted and more robust for active households.

Which One Should You Choose?

The best choice clearly depends on your bathroom configuration and circumstances.
A back to wall toilet works well if your budget is limited, if wall depth is an issue, if you're after a modern look without fully committing to a major renovation, or if you prefer the security of a floor-mounted fixture. They're great for guest bathrooms, powder rooms and anywhere you want style without a high price tag.
A wall-hung toilet is the way to go if budget allows, if you want to make a small bathroom appear larger, if that European contemporary look is what you're after, or if easy cleaning is your top priority. They look absolutely great in ensuites and main bathrooms where you're going for that spa-like feel.
Both options look sensational in the right setting. I've seen budget back to wall fixtures that look fabulous and wall-hung toilet systems that fail because the rest of the bathroom design wasn't thought through properly. It's not just one part but the whole picture that counts.
What matters most is selecting quality fixtures, having them installed properly (please, use a licensed plumber), and making sure your choice fits with the rest of your bathroom design and how you live. A bathroom needs to work for your family, not just look great in a design magazine.
Still unsure? That's completely normal. These decisions deserve careful thought. Sometimes you need to walk through the space and think about how you'll use it every day. There's no single rule for every case, and that's what I love about interior design.
If you'd like to see more bathroom renovations and the choices I've made, check out James Bought a House on YouTube. And if you're planning your own bathroom renovation, I'd love to hear about it.