Closed Coupled vs Wall Hung Toilets for Australian Homes

When we finally bit the bullet and renovated our bathroom a couple of years back, I had no idea choosing a toilet would be such a big decision! Standing in the showroom, I was completely overwhelmed. Who knew there were so many options? And that's when I realised the toilet you choose actually matters – for how your bathroom looks and how it works.

Let me break down the two main types for you. First up, close coupled toilets.
You know the traditional toilet look where the cistern sits on top of the bowl? That's a close coupled toilet. Everything's in one neat package and it's what most of us grew up with. You'll see them everywhere, from The Block to luxury renos, and there's a good reason for that. There's no complicated in-wall plumbing setup or any concealed cisterns that could be a problem if something went wrong. If something goes wrong, everything's right there – no drama, no hunting around. Your plumber will thank you and so will your wallet. My mum has had this same cistern top close coupled model for 20 years. It has only needed service once during all that time and the fix was five minutes because everything is right there.
However, the cistern sitting on the back does take up visual space and adds to the toilet's bulk.

Wall hung toilets – you'll see them at Beaumont Tiles, Reece, and just about every bathroom showroom right now – are having a real moment, and I can see why. They're clean in design and finish, with a floating look to them that makes your bathroom feel bigger. The cistern is concealed within the wall, which only leaves a bowl in front of you.
One of the biggest selling points for me? Cleaning. You can see – and mop – all around and underneath the toilet. No more gross hidden spots gathering dust. Trust me, this makes daily bathroom cleaning so much easier. I can vouch for that personally.
Because there's no floor-level plumbing to work around, you've got more flexibility with placement – similar to positioning a vanity or cupboard. They're also height-adjustable, which is brilliant if you've got tall family members who find standard toilets too low.
Now, before you rush out to buy one, there are a few things you need to know. A wall hung toilet is more expensive, sometimes considerably so. According to Beaumont Tiles' bathroom specialist Michelle Kearney, homeowners can expect to pay between $800 to $1,200 for a quality close coupled toilet. A wall hung option will set you back $1,500-$2,500, plus installation costs for the in-wall cistern system.

You will need to install a cavity in the wall for the cistern. This makes plumbing and construction more complicated. If the renovation is extensive, the wall-hung option is a good fit for the overall project. But if you're just swapping out an old toilet without a bigger renovation happening, it's a much bigger job.
When something goes wrong with a wall hung toilet, fixing it involves a lot of work. Michelle notes that when problems crop up, access to the cistern for repairs needs careful planning. She recommends talking through potential access points with your plumber before work begins and checking that the design provides enough access panels.
The good news for the planet? Both types now come with water-saving features: dual-flush systems are built into most models. The bowl and cistern are independent in a wall hung unit so that longevity can be enhanced. Individual components can be replaced without discarding the whole unit.

Popular Australian Styles

When shopping for clo, you'll find plenty of options in both categories. Close coupled models: Beaumont Tiles' Cosmo Close Coupled Toilet ($895) has that contemporary rimless look and comes with a soft-close seat – no more midnight seat slams! The Caroma Luna Cleanflush ($749 at Reece) is another great option with excellent water efficiency and a streamlined, minimalist design.
Wall hung models: Caroma's Urbane Wall Hung Toilet ($1,450 at Reece) is designed to work seamlessly with their in-wall cistern system. Beaumont Tiles' Wall Hung Rimless Toilet ($1,295) is convenient and space-saving, particularly well suited to compact bathrooms.

So Which One Suits You?

If you're on a tight budget or with no time to waste, your best bet is the close-coupled toilet. Close coupled toilets aren't boring anymore – you can find gorgeous modern designs that look just as good as their pricier wall-hung cousins.
If you're doing a full bathroom reno – walls coming down, the works – then a wall hung toilet is worth considering for that hotel bathroom vibe. Wall hung toilets offer a sleek aesthetic that many homeowners find appealing. I can honestly say the cleaning benefits are real – and worth it. Make sure you talk to your plumber about access panels before installation – trust me, future you will be grateful.
When we renovated our Sydney home, we went close coupled in the family bathroom – we were on a tight budget – and splurged on wall hung for our ensuite. Both work brilliantly in their own way. The wall hung toilet in our ensuite gives it that day spa feeling I love. And the family bathroom? It's practical, low-maintenance and still looks great.
Take into account your remodel budget, the size of your space, whether ease of maintenance or that 'floating' appearance will be more important. The truth is, both can create beautiful, functional bathrooms. Many Australian homeowners find that both close coupled toilets and wall hung toilets have their own unique advantages depending on the specific needs of each bathroom. It just depends on your budget, your space, and what matters most to you.
If you're planning a bathroom reno, I'd love to hear what you end up choosing! And if you found this helpful, you might also like my guide to bathroom tiles. Happy renovating!