Do you want to know the comparison between round vs elongated toilets? Toilets are categorized as either round or elongated based on the shape of the toilet bowl.
Round bowls are more compatible, while elongated bowls provide more seating space.
We have to be balanced in comparing the round vs elongated toilets; even in my home, my daughter loves the elongated toilet, while her elder sister prefers the round toilet bowl.
Let me explain in this article the differences between round and elongated toilets.
See the difference in depth for round vs elongated toilet bowl
Understanding The Basics Of Round Vs Elongated Toilets
In comparing round vs elongated toilets, let’s first understand the fundamental characteristics that make the difference between round and elongated toilets.
For many years, round toilets have been a popular choice in bathrooms.
Because of their circular bowl shape, they are compact and space-saving, making them suitable for small bathrooms.
However, elongated toilets have become popular in recent years because of their increased comfort and modern design.
They provide greater seating space with their oval-shaped bowl, providing additional support and a more pleasant user experience.
Their sleek and modern design adds a sense of elegance to any bathroom.
Size And Ergonomics Of Round Vs Elongated Toilets
Size counts when it comes to comfort. Elongated toilets, with their bigger seating area, give more comfort and space for users, making them a perfect choice for those looking for optimum relaxation when using the restroom.
Round toilets, on the other hand, while more compact, may be appropriate for smaller rooms or for individuals who like a cozier sensation.
A toilet’s seated position and support provide critical factors in overall comfort.
With their enlarged bowl form, elongated toilets provide superior thigh support, minimizing strain and giving a more ergonomic stance.
While less supportive, the circular toilet can provide a comfortable seated experience for many people.
Comfort is subjective and varies according to personal tastes and body types.
Some people like circular toilets because of their smaller size and cozy feel, while others prefer the extra room and support of an extended toilet.
When making this selection, examining your needs and preferences is critical.
Pros:
- Elongated toilets offer a larger seating area, providing more room and comfort for users.
- Round toilets can provide a cozy feel and may be suitable for smaller spaces or those who prefer a compact seating arrangement.
- With their extended bowl shape, elongated toilets provide better thigh support and promote a more ergonomic seating position.
- Round toilets, while not offering the same level of support, can still provide a comfortable seating experience for many users.
Cons:
- Elongated toilets may take up more space in the bathroom, which can be a constraint in smaller bathrooms.
- Round toilets offer less thigh support for some users.
- Some individuals may find the seating position on round toilets less supportive, especially for those with specific comfort requirements.
- Personal Preferences and Body Types
- Round toilet seating areas may be less comfortable for some individuals.
- Cleaning in tight spaces may require extra care and effort.
Space Round Vs Elongated Toilets
The space and arrangement of your bathroom will heavily influence whether you pick a round or elongated toilet.
A circular toilet may be more practical in smaller bathrooms with limited space since it helps utilize the available area.
Elongated toilets work best in bigger bathrooms that accommodate their expanded shape without feeling cramped.
Assessing available clearance and ensuring accessibility are important factors to consider when choosing the appropriate toilet shape for your bathroom.
Measure the space between walls, cupboards, and other fixtures to verify an adequate area for your chosen toilet.
Pros:
- Round toilets are space-saving and can be a practical choice for smaller bathrooms or powder rooms.
- Elongated toilets can add a touch of elegance to spacious bathrooms that accommodate their elongated shape.
- What you want plays a significant role in determining which toilet shape is more comfortable for an individual.
- Body types and specific needs can influence the level of comfort experienced on round and elongated toilets.
Cons:
- What is pleasant for one individual may be less comfortable for another. When choosing, it is critical to consider individual tastes and needs.
- Round toilets may offer less legroom or comfort in larger bathrooms.
- Elongated toilets require more space and may feel cramped in smaller bathrooms.
Cleaning And Maintenance Of Round Vs Elongated Toilets
It is critical to keep your toilet clean to maintain a sanitary bathroom environment.
Elongated toilets, with wider basins and more accessible surfaces, might be easier to clean since they provide more freedom to maneuver and easily reach all regions.
While round toilets are tiny, they may need extra effort to guarantee complete cleaning.
The accessibility of various toilet elements might influence the convenience of use.
Elongated toilets often feature a more straightforward design, making accessing and cleaning hard-to-reach regions easier.
Because of their compact design, round toilets may take longer to clean in small places.
However, round and elongated toilets can be kept sparkling clean with regular care and suitable cleaning practices.
Pros:
- Elongated toilets, with larger bowls and more accessible surfaces, can be easier to clean as they provide more room to maneuver and reach all areas effectively.
- Proper cleaning techniques allow round toilets to be kept clean and hygienic.
- Elongated toilets often have a more straightforward design, making accessing hard-to-reach areas easier and cleaning them effectively.
- Round toilets, with proper maintenance, can also be cleaned efficiently.
- Assessing clearance and ensuring accessibility is crucial for a comfortable bathroom experience.
- Both round and elongated toilets can be designed with appropriate clearances for ease of use.
Cons:
- Cleaning around a circular toilet may need extra care and attention to achieve proper cleaning.
- Elongated toilets may require extra cleaning effort if the design has intricate details or crevices.
- Round toilets may require extra care to ensure thorough cleaning in tight spaces.
- Limited clearance can make installing and maintaining either toilet shape challenging, requiring careful measurement and planning.
Leak Prevention
The seal quality of a toilet is important for its durability and reducing the risk of leaks.
Elongated design: Elongated toilets frequently feature a larger sealing surface, creating a more secure and effective seal.
While round toilets are more compact, they also feature effective seal mechanisms that, when properly maintained, may help avoid leaks and water waste.
Style And Aesthetics Of Round Vs Elongated Toilets
Choosing a round or elongated toilet can considerably impact your bathroom’s layout and aesthetics.
With their conventional and classic appearance, round toilets can fit a broad range of bathroom styles, from older to modern.
With their modern and sleek appearance, elongated toilets match modern or minimalist bathroom designs, providing a touch of elegance and enhancement.
Consider the comprehensive aesthetic you desire for your bathroom. An elongated toilet is a great option to create a modern, minimalist, or spa-like atmosphere.
It is clean lines and sleek form exude modernism.
If you want to opt for a more traditional style, a round toilet, with its timeless appeal, will help you achieve that.
Pros:
- Round toilets offer a conventional and classic appearance that may match various bathroom decor, from antique to modern.
- Elongated toilets have a sleek and modern appearance that adds a touch of sophistication to contemporary or minimalist bathroom styles.
- Elongated toilets are often associated with contemporary or minimalist bathroom designs, creating a clean and modern look.
Cons:
- The choice between a contemporary or traditional look depends on individual preferences and the desired ambiance in the bathroom.
- Personal style preferences and the desired overall aesthetic may influence the choice between round and elongated toilets.
Price And Installation Of Round Vs Elongated Toilets
Understanding the price differences between round and elongated toilets is essential for budgeting. It is crucial to remember.
However, that pricing might vary based on brand, features, and additional functionality criteria.
Consider your budget and how it compares to each toilet style’s unique features and benefits. Before making your final decision, there are certain installation considerations to remember.
Check the rough-in measurement of your existing plumbing to ensure it aligns with your chosen toilet.
Round and elongated toilets typically have the same rough-in size, but it’s always wise to double-check.
Examine any special installation needs or constraints in your bathroom area, such as the distance from the wall and existing plumbing connections.
Pros:
- Round toilets are generally more affordable than elongated toilets, making them a budget-friendly option.
- The price difference between round and elongated toilets may vary based on brand, features, and additional functionalities.
- Switching from a round toilet to an elongated toilet or vice versa may be possible with proper modifications and plumbing adjustments.
- Both round and elongated toilets can be installed with the necessary plumbing connections and considerations.
Cons:
- While elongated toilets can be more expensive, the long-term benefits of comfort and aesthetics may outweigh the initial cost difference.
- Installation may require specific modifications, such as adjusting the rough-in measurement or replacing the toilet seat, depending on the specific toilet shape and your existing plumbing setup.
How Longer Are Elongated Toilets Vs Round
An elongated toilet is about 2 to 3 inches longer than a round toilet. The additional length is primarily in the front of the bowl, making it a more elongated shape than a round toilet’s compact and circular design.
The extra length of the elongated toilet makes it larger in the seating space.
However, it is also important to consider the available space in your bathroom when choosing between round vs elongated toilets.
This is because the elongated toilet bowl shape will require a larger space and will not be suitable for bathrooms with limited space.
Which Toilet Is Better, Round Vs Elongated?
It comes down to personal choice and your unique demands when picking between round and elongated toilets.
There is no direct answer to which toilet bowl is better because both toilets have advantages and disadvantages.
As I have already said earlier in this post, you will observe a lot of factors. Many people find elongated toilets to be more comfortable when it comes to comfort.
Space is another important consideration. For instance, a round toilet is best if you have a smaller bathroom with limited space.
Round toilets have a classic and timeless look that can fit well with various bathroom designs, from vintage to contemporary.
With their elongated shape, elongated toilets bring a modern and refined vibe to a bathroom, perfect for those aiming for a contemporary or minimalist style.
Elongated toilets have a slight advantage when it comes to cleaning and maintenance.
That said, round and elongated toilets can be kept clean and hygienic with proper cleaning techniques and regular maintenance.
The budget is a factor to consider. Round toilets are more budget-friendly compared to elongated toilets.
However, the price difference is not the same depending on the brand, design, and other features.
At last, you have seen why you choose a round vs elongated toilet, and the choice between a round toilet and an elongated toilet is all based on your preferences, bathroom size, comfort needs, and budget period.
What Is The Difference Between An Elongated Toilet And A Round Toilet?
The main physical difference between an elongated and round toilet is their shape.
An elongated toilet has an oval-shaped bowl that is longer and slightly narrower, providing a larger seating area and a more elongated appearance.
On the other hand, a round toilet has a circular bowl form and is commonly used for smaller bathrooms with limited space.
What Is The Most Popular Toilet Shape?
The most popular toilet shape tends to vary depending on regional and cultural preferences.
However, in many parts of the world, mostly in the United States, elongated toilets are considered more popular and commonly used.
Elongated toilets have gained popularity due to their larger seating area and comfort. They provide a more spacious and ergonomic seating experience, which many people find desirable.
Moreover, the sleek and modern design of elongated toilets has become increasingly popular in contemporary bathroom aesthetics.
That said, round toilets remain significant, particularly in smaller bathrooms or older homes with limited space.
Round toilets have a classic and timeless appeal, and their compact design style makes them suitable for tighter spaces. They are often preferred in traditional and vintage bathroom styles.
Ultimately, as I have always said, the choice of toilet shape will completely depend on individual preferences, bathroom size, and functional needs.
Conclusion
Ok, now that you have learned about round vs elongated toilets, you should also be able to choose the right one that will fit the bathroom where you intend to install the toilet bowl.
This is important because, as you have already learned, the elongated bowl is wider and covers more space than the regular round toilet bowl.
See the benefits of an elongated toilet bowl.