Toilet Innovations
Welcome to the futuristic world of... toilets! Moving up in the rankings from "flush" to "royal flush," modern toilets are much more than a mere utility. Once a seat - contemporary toilets are now a throne; once a necessity - now a luxury. Here is the latest on modern toilet innovations.
High-Tech Toilets
Reflecting an age of technology, affluence, and innovation, toilets are but one item in a long line of computerized gizmos and gadgets for the home. In the realm of upgraded bathroom fixtures, the new kids on the block are toilets that are not only comfortable to sit on, but that warm, wash, and dry your bottom, conserve water and electricity, and help preserve the environment. Modern toilet designs won't save you money, however. These high-end bathroom extravagances are fit for a king - with royal prices to match.
Royal Throne Musical Toilet
One modern toilet design comes straight out of the fairytale book: Featuring a 5½-foot tall "throne" toilet with a high-seat back, full armrests, a built-in candle holder and ashtray, as well as a Gothic-style arched top, this kingly lavatory costs over $12,000, and that's without the added costs for sanitary equipment. What blows the lid off of this royal toilet, however, is that it plays music when you raise the seat!
Modern "Smart" Toilet
Contemporary smart toilets have been named the Cadillac's of modern bathroom design. Today's toilet seats are heated, with the toilets themselves fully automated: the toilet seat automatically opens when you approach, and closes and flushes upon your departure.
Moreover, toilet paper is becoming a thing of the past with the advent of Japanese toilets, which feature digital controls that spray, wash, and air-dry your behind, and turn on an automatic air purifier. Some of these designs include a handheld remote control and a control panel with a digital clock. Prices for these sleek toilets range from $3,000 to over $6,000.
Bidet Seats
If you're looking for a cheaper yet equally hi-tech alternative, consider a bidet toilet seat. Bidets are modern bathroom plumbing appliances which fit onto traditional toilets and come with a cleansing stream of water and built-in heater to wash and dry your bottom, as well as
adjustable water pressure and a self-cleaning nozzle. Bidets provide multiple benefits without the space requirements of an additional bathroom fixture.
Minimalist Toilet
If you're not yet ready for a toilet-paperless age, consider a tankless, super-tall toilet which runs by an electric pump and which complies with 2010 Standards for Accessible Design (ADA guidelines). These fashionable bathroom fixtures range in price from $3,000 to $4,500.
Dual-Flush Toilets
The most environmentally friendly designs are the new dual-flush toilets. With federal laws mandating low-flow toilets in order to conserve water, today's toilets use less than half the amount of water of their predecessors. Dual-flush toilets conserve the greatest amount of water. Simply push one button after making "No. 1" and the other button after making "No. 2."
Whimsical Toilet Seats
Novelty toilets and toilet seats take gizmos and gimmicks to new heights and are sure to be the centerpiece of your bathroom décor. Check out the "Fish and Flush" toilet design wherein the clear plastic toilet tank serves also as a fully equipped fish aquarium. Going to the bathroom has never before been such a splash!
Travel Washlet
Introducing a portable bottom washer to take on the road! Simply fill with warm water before you leave home; after using any public toilet, unfold the squirt-nozzle and wash your behind. This answer to Mother Nature's call sells for $100.