While it’s no secret what a bathroom is ultimately for, sometimes you don’t want the toilet to be the first thing you see – or at the very least, not the focus of the room – especially in a primary bathroom. That’s what makes a water closet, also called a toilet room, an attractive option for a primary bathroom remodel.

“A water closet not only offers privacy, but it can also help improve the overall presentation of the space,” Normandy Designer Kathryn O’Donovan says. “If you want a more dramatic effect for your primary bathroom, and have the square footage, a water closet might be a good option.”

Sometimes moving the location of the door can help shift focus from the toilet, if aesthetics are your only concern, but a fully private water closet can help on those busy mornings when everyone is rushing to get ready and could benefit from some privacy.

“A water closet can help improve the function of a shared bathroom, whether that’s for a couple, or the kids’ bathroom,” Kathryn says. “No matter how comfortable you and your family members are around each other, sometimes you just need that separate space.”

A water closet with a door also has hygienic benefits, as it helps contain airborne particles in one space after flushing.

Depending on your layout, you may be able to build around your existing toilet location. If that’s not possible, and you want to move the location of your toilet, then one of the factors that comes into play is the location of the joists, and making sure the new location is properly supported structurally.

Water closets, which are basically a small adjoining room, offer an opportunity to get creative with design elements, as well. Maybe a tile color or wallpaper pattern that you thought was too overwhelming for a larger space could offer a nice pop of personality here.

Thinking about revamping your primary suite, primary bathroom or a shared bathroom for the kids? Schedule a time to talk with Kathryn about any ideas you may have. You can also check out our bathroom photo gallery for inspiration or subscribe to our newsletter for periodic design tips straight to your inbox. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest and Bluesky to see more inspiration in your social media feeds.