What Is A French Curve Toilet? (Find Out Now!)
French stuff always seems to have a veneer of fanciness, right? Even when it comes to toilets and bathroom design, it seems like people are ready to scream “Vive la France!” When I first heard about French curve toilet, I immediately assumed it was better than the ol’ standard US toilets. I still didn’t know what it was, though!
A French curve toilet is a toilet that has a curve that connects the tank of the toilet to the flat portion of the seat. This gives your toilet a streamlined, modern look that people enjoy. A French curve toilet is a single unit, rather than the dual-component toilet design typically seen stateside.
I’m not one for talking about toilet trends, but this one is pretty darn neat. Let’s discuss what this means for your home’s design.
What Is A French Curve Toilet?
French curve toilets are pretty easy to recognize, really. It’s a stylistic preference that is pretty easy to spot once you know what to look for. Faucet Direct has a pretty good example of a French curve toilet via their San Raphael model below:
See the dip between the tank and the seat? That’s what a French curve is.
Why Do People Like French Curve Toilets?
French curve toilets are in high demand, especially among upscale restaurants and hotels. There are several reasons for this:
- They look really nice. I mean, look at them. They don’t suck. With a French curve toilet, you have a clean and spa-like look to your toilet. You never have to wonder how recently they were put in. Others, though? Well, some toilets have reminded me of jails because they look so awkward.
- They’re easier to clean. It’s true. The curve means there are fewer nooks and crannies where dirt can get caught in. A quick wipedown is all you need to make it work for you.
- They also work well with most modern spa environments. Your home will have a professionally-designed look if it has a French toilet. This style is particularly popular for people who want to lave a luxury look to their home.
- Many French curve toilets also come with upgraded features. You will often see these toilets with low-flow abilities, special water conservation, or even heated seats. There’s a lot to love about them, really.
Why Do People Avoid French Curve Toilets?
While they are really popular, the truth is that they aren’t always the best choice. There are several reasons why you might not want one. These include the following:
- You will need specialized seats and other equipment. You won’t be able to get random toilet seats to fit. They need special French curve seats. You also won’t have much luck finding bidets in many cases.
- They can be very pricey. It’s not unusual to see these toilets cost several hundred dollars more than their more standardized counterpart.
- Fixing them can also carry a premium price. Because it can be tricky to remove French curve toilets and reach into their plumbing, some plumbers now charge a premium price for repairing them.
How Much Does A French Curve Toilet Cost?
French curve toilets are going to be pretty pricey compared to a typical toilet. At the bottom end of the spectrum, you might be able to find one for $200 to $350. However, the prices of these toilets can quickly skyrocket depending on the features you want to have.
It’s not uncommon for French curve toilets to cost as much as $700 per unit. In fact, ultra-luxury toilets from this category can easily top $1,200 or more. As a result, this type of toilet design squarely fits in the luxury niche.
Does A French Curve Toilet Increase Property Value?
It can, depending on what you’re trying to do. Your French curve toilet can definitely add property value if you’re replacing a standard toilet and adding it as a part of a bathroom remodel. However, most home buyers are not asking for them by name.
If you get a French curve toilet, the payoff will be pretty marginal. It’s not going to give you a 100 percent ROI or anything like that. However, it will help make your home look more sellable and well-maintained. That’s a general perk to consider.
While we were able to get a general consensus of home value improvement, we couldn’t find the exact number that a French toilet would boost home values by. For the sake of this article, we’re going to suggest that you don’t buy this solely for home property values.
Related Questions
How much does it cost to install a bidet?
Most bidet systems on the market are fairly affordable. Tushy, one of the leading bidet makers in the United States, makes them for as little as $99. These types of bidets can be installed on your own, so no additional fees will be involved. This is a great way to cut costs.If you want to have a more “established” bidet built into the toilet, you may have to pay between $300 to $500. Obviously, this is a bit heftier a price to pay.
Why can’t you use regular toilet seats on a French curve toilet?
The reason why you can’t use standard toilet seats on a French curve toilet deals with the fastening method. Regular toilet seats won’t have the right mechanism to lock the seat into place. This means that you might end up sliding around on your toilet seat, or worse, breaking the seat.In most cases, you won’t even be able to attach the seat to the toilet at all. So, please make sure that you get the right seat for your toilet.
Can all homes install French curve toilets?
Despite their unusual look, there are no major mechanical differences between regular toilets and French toilets. So if you want to get the upgrade, there is nothing stopping you from doing so. The installation technique is almost entirely the same, and labor will not take extra time in most cases.
Ossiana Tepfenhart is an expert writer, focusing on interior design and general home tips. Writing is her life, and it's what she does best. Her interests include art and real estate investments.
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