Bathroom sanitaryware: shapes, design and technical solutions for a complete bathroom project

In a contemporary bathroom project, bathroom sanitaryware is no longer just a functional necessity but a defining design feature. Shape, proportion and technology work together to create a harmonious space that combines aesthetics, comfort and practicality.
Designing a bathroom means finding the perfect balance between style and functionality. Choosing the right bathroom sanitaryware involves considering not only its appearance, but also the technical solutions best suited to the room layout, especially during a bathroom renovation. A perfect example is the growing use of integrated solutions where sanitaryware blends seamlessly with furniture, becoming part of the architectural design rather than a standalone fixture.

Bathroom sanitaryware shapes: design and spatial perception

The first decision is visual, but never superficial. The shape of sanitaryware defines the design language of the whole design.

Square bathroom sanitaryware
Defined geometries, clean lines and a strong architectural presence. Perfect for contemporary bathrooms where every element contributes to a precise, orderly and minimalist aesthetic.

Nic Design Cool

Collections such as Play by Ceramica Flaminia and Cool by Nic Design perfectly embody this approach with compact volumes and sharp profiles, making them ideal for projects with a bold contemporary character.

Ceramica Flaminia Play

Rounded bathroom sanitaryware
Soft curves and welcoming volumes create visual continuity and make the room feel more fluid, especially in residential bathrooms or smaller spaces.

Ceramica Flaminia App

Collections such as App by Ceramica Flaminia and Pura by GSI express this softer design philosophy, allowing the sanitaryware to enhance the space without overwhelming it.

GSI Pura

In a balanced bathroom design, the choice of shapes works together with materials and proportions. You may also find our guide to small bathroom design useful for creating functional and elegant spaces.

Coloured bathroom sanitaryware and finishes: the design detail

In recent years, bathroom sanitaryware has evolved into a genuine design feature. Beyond the traditional glossy white finish, today's collections include:
• matte finishes
• neutral and pastel colours
• textured surfaces
Many manufacturers now offer sophisticated colour palettes that transform sanitaryware into a distinctive design element. Matte white, in particular, creates seamless continuity with materials such as solid surface, establishing a consistent visual language between washbasins, showers and sanitary fixtures.

Wall-hung or floor-standing sanitaryware: which should you choose?

The decision affects both the overall appearance and the technical installation.

Wall-hung bathroom sanitaryware
Wall-hung sanitaryware offers a modern, elegant solution characterized by clean lines and exceptional practicality. Fixed directly to the wall without touching the floor, these fixtures simplify daily cleaning while creating a lighter, more spacious feel.
From a technical perspective, installation requires a concealed support frame containing the mounting brackets and concealed cistern. The frame can be installed inside masonry walls or, when the wall is too thin, within a reinforced false wall.
For plasterboard walls, installation is carried out using the Geberit Duofix system. This self-supporting steel frame includes a concealed cistern and is anchored to both the floor and wall, providing the structural support required for wall-hung sanitaryware.

Back-to-wall floor-standing sanitaryware
Back-to-wall floor-standing sanitaryware offers a practical and contemporary solution for those seeking functionality without sacrificing design. Installed directly on the floor and flush against the wall, these fixtures conceal pipework and waste connections, creating a clean and tidy appearance.
From an installation perspective, they are among the simplest and most versatile solutions. In many renovation projects, they can replace existing sanitaryware without major building work, making them ideal for bathroom refurbishments. The absence of hard-to-reach gaps between the fixture and the wall also makes everyday cleaning easier, improving hygiene while reducing maintenance time.

Innovation: hygiene and technology

Rimless toilets
Modern rimless toilets represent one of the most significant innovations in bathroom design. By eliminating the traditional inner rim, where dirt and bacteria tend to accumulate, water is distributed more evenly and powerfully across the entire bowl.
The result is more effective flushing, fewer residues, improved hygiene and easier maintenance. These systems also optimize water consumption and operate more quietly, making rimless toilets a far more efficient solution than conventional models.

Ceramica Flaminia – Rimless Toilet

Beyond the smart toilet with integrated bidet
Geberit AquaClean goes far beyond the concept of a toilet with an integrated bidet. It introduces a completely new bathroom experience, comparable to using a smart device, where comfort and technology merge into a seamless daily routine.
At the heart of the system is a retractable spray arm that delivers a gentle stream of warm water, adjustable to each user's preferences. The result is precise, delicate cleansing similar to a targeted shower, leaving a lasting feeling of freshness and hygiene.
What truly sets AquaClean apart is its level of personalisation. Users can customise water pressure, spray position, spray mode and water temperature using either a remote control or a dedicated smartphone app, transforming a simple everyday habit into a personalised wellness experience.

Geberit, AquaClean Toilet with Integrated Bidet

When an exposed toilet cistern becomes a design feature
The Geberit Monolith system is a modern exposed toilet tank designed to simplify bathroom renovations without extensive building work. Unlike concealed cisterns, it is installed directly against the wall while discreetly housing all technical components, hiding both plumbing and pipework.
Its greatest advantage is versatility. It is compatible with both wall-hung and floor-standing sanitaryware, making it particularly suitable for existing plumbing systems, quick refurbishments and plasterboard installations.
The result is a contemporary bathroom with clean lines, completed in a shorter time and without costly demolition work.

Geberit Monolith

Integrated bathroom systems
Visual simplicity, visual order and additional storage.
The AL_Offset system by antoniolupi consists of a wall panelling solution that integrates the toilet cistern. The structure can either serve as mainframe for wall-hung sanitaryware or a simple enclosure for floor-standing models.
These modules allow wall-hung toilets and bidets to be installed even where traditional concealed systems would not be possible, eliminating the need for invasive building work while simplifying plumbing installation compared with conventional false walls. The remaining space around the technical components can be used as practical storage space.

Antoniolupi – Komodo Pair of Toilets on the AL Offset System

Technical solutions for bathroom renovation

When renovating an existing bathroom, technical constraints often become the biggest challenge. One of the most common issues is the location of the existing waste outlet. Fortunately, modern installation systems now make it possible to overcome this limitation.

Offset waste connections
Offset waste connectors allow new sanitaryware to be connected to existing plumbing using technical bends, avoiding major structural work.
They are particularly suitable for: quick bathroom renovations, partial construction projects and bathrooms with specific bonds.
This makes it possible to install modern back-to-wall sanitaryware while keeping the original plumbing designed for traditional floor-standing toilets positioned away from the wall.

Proportions and installation: what really makes a difference

A well-designed bathroom is defined by its proportions. Some essential installation guidelines include:
• distance between toilet and bidet: 20–25 cm
• clear space in front of sanitaryware: at least 55–60 cm
• recommended installation height for wall-hung sanitaryware: 40–43 cm
These dimensions influence not only functionality, but also everyday comfort and the overall visual balance of the bathroom.

Accessible bathrooms: comfort without compromise

A contemporary bathroom should also be inclusive. Brands such as Ponte Giulio and Ever Life Design develop ergonomic sanitaryware and specialised solutions that make accessible bathroom design possible without compromising aesthetics.
Increased heights, carefully engineered shapes and integrated accessories improve everyday usability, creating bathrooms that are safer, more ∫ and functional for everyone.

Ponte Giulio – Raised Toilets

The design project starts from the balance
Choosing bathroom sanitaryware is never simply a matter of style. It is where design, technology, available space and everyday needs come together.
At Bertani’s, every bathroom project is built around this balance. The goal is not simply to select individual products, but to create a cohesive environment where every element contributes to a harmonious living experience.
Book a consultation with the Bertani team and discover how to transform your bathroom into a beautifully designed space tailored to your lifestyle.