Who Invented the Modern Toilet: From Crapper to Luxury

So, you might have heard the name Thomas Crapper tossed around as the inventor of the modern toilet, but let’s set the record straight. Crapper didn’t actually invent it, but he did make some impressive leaps in the plumbing world. He brought the flush toilet into the homes of the everyday folk back in the late 19th century and masterminded innovations like the ballcock, the device that controls the water flow into your cistern—pretty slick, right?

Now, let’s talk about the real mastermind behind the flush toilet concept: Sir John Harrington. This guy was ahead of his time. Back in the late 16th century, Harrington created a working flush toilet model for none other than Queen Elizabeth I. Imagine being a royal guest in the 16th century, peek behind the velvet curtains, and there’s this fancy contraption with a handle. Harrington called it the “Ajax,” and although it didn’t catch on immediately, being reserved for royal use, it was a pivotal point in plumbing history.

The unsung hero Thomas Crapper took up the challenge much later, making these toilets more accessible and appealing to the general public. His company’s workaday engineering and genius made it possible for the toilet to find its way into ordinary households. You could say Crapper was a marketing whiz, making these plumbing wonders a must-have for the modern home.

So next time you think about the toilet (or, well, use one), remember it as a combined effort—a legacy started by Harrington’s concept and brought to the masses by Crapper. A small slice of loo history that’s nestled in the cozy corners of your bathroom. Who knew lounging on the throne had so much history behind it, right?

Historical Highlights: Fascinating Toilets Through the Ages

The Romans had a thing for communal activities, and their toilets were no exception. Picture this: socializing while sitting side by side in public latrines. Stone benches with many cutouts for, well, you know, and a shared sponge for cleaning. It was practical yet oddly social, proving that bathroom chatter isn’t a new phenomenon.

Ever wondered how Queen Elizabeth I took care of business on the go? Enter her luxurious Portable Toilet Throne. Lined with velvet, this portable loo was fit for royalty, allowing her majesty to attend to her needs with style and comfort even while traveling. Talk about having a throne for a throne!

King Louis XIV wasn’t going to let his royal duties take a backseat to nature’s call. His Commode Throne was a nifty piece of luxury furniture that allowed him to hold court and command his kingdom without leaving the room. Meetings uninterrupted, even in private moments.

Before indoor plumbing, Victorian-era folks relied on chamber pots. These decorative little pots sat discreetly under beds, ready to be used at a moment’s notice. They might not scream convenience now, but back then, they were absolute necessities.

Fast-forward to the cosmic—it’s 1973, and astronauts aboard Skylab needed a solution for zero-gravity hygiene. The first functional space toilet was born, ensuring comfort for those in orbit. Dealing with liquids floating around isn’t a piece of cake, but innovation thrives even in space!

Cutting-Edge Comfort: The Revolution of Modern High-Tech Toilets

Imagine a toilet that’s more like a luxury gadget than a necessity. Enter the Kohler Numi from the USA. This beauty comes with all the bells and whistles: a heated seat for those cold mornings, customizable ambient lighting to set the mood, and even foot warmers to keep your toes toasty. And that’s not all—it’s got Bluetooth speakers for some soundtracking, hands-free flushing, and advanced bidet functions for a bit of spa treatment right at home. Throw those magazines away, your toilet’s the real entertainment center now!

The TOTO Neorest series exemplifies cutting-edge bathroom innovation, offering a range of models tailored to diverse preferences. The Neorest NX2 stands out with its heated seat, integrated self-cleaning bidet, air purification, and electrolyzed water technology, ensuring a hands-free and ultra-clean experience. This model typically retails between $14,827.50 and $23,072.00 in the United States. Bidet King

Complementing the NX2, the Neorest LS Dual Flush model features a sleek design in Cotton White with Nickel Trim. It offers adjustable dual flush options of 0.8 or 1.0 gallons per flush, promoting water efficiency. The integrated bidet provides customizable cleansing with rear, soft rear, and front cleanse options, along with oscillating and pulsating spray settings. Additional features include an auto open/close lid, nightlight, and an illuminated remote control with a 4-user memory function. 

These models showcase TOTO’s commitment to enhancing bathroom experiences through advanced technology and thoughtful design.

Need a techy thrill in the bathroom? The Lixil Satis G is here to impress. Marketed as the world’s first app-controlled toilet, it connects right to your smartphone. A tap of the screen and you can flush, tweak bidet preferences, or even play your favorite tunes. It’s like having a remote control for your toilet! Plus, it tracks usage for better water efficiency. Who knew your lavatory could be an eco-friendly tech wonder? The price for the Lixil Satis G toilet in the U.S. typically ranges from $4,000 to $5,500 depending on the retailer and additional features included

From a touch of luxury to full-on tech integration, today’s high-end toilets are about comfort, convenience, and conservation. The future is here, and it’s right in your bathroom. Explore and choose the gadgetry that suits your lifestyle, because modern plumbing is more than just function—it’s an experience.

From Seemly to Extravagant: The World’s Most Expensive Toilets

Let’s face it, some toilets are just built to stand out, and they sure don’t come cheap. Take the ultra-innovative zero gravity toilet on the International Space Station, for example. This high-tech wonder cost a staggering $19 million! Operating in space ain’t easy, but this loo’s sophisticated systems recycle liquid waste to keep space-faring pioneers comfortable.

Back here on Earth, the Hang Fung Golden Toilet in Hong Kong turns heads with its $5 million price tag. It’s made entirely from solid gold thanks to jewellery magnate Lam Sai-wing. It’s not just a toilet; it’s opulence captured in porcelain.

Then there’s the Moon River Art Park Toilet in China. Costing a cool $750,000 (a steal compared to space prices), its glass walls offer breathtaking natural views, making every trip a visual escape.

Whether keeping astronauts comfortable or dazzling your everyday millionaire, these toilets show how far bathroom design can go. For most of us, they’re dreams to consider, but who knows? Next-gen innovations could bring a sprinkle of this extravagance to our homes. Until then, let’s appreciate the luxury that echoes through these unique porcelain thrones.

The evolution of the modern toilet is a fascinating journey, from its humble beginnings with innovators like Thomas Crapper to today’s cutting-edge designs. As technology advanced, so did the functionality and luxury of toilets, transforming them into high-tech fixtures that combine comfort, efficiency, and style. If you’re ready to explore the pinnacle of bathroom innovation, check out our detailed guide on the “Best toilet reviews: 8  luxury options for your bathroom“.  Discover how far we’ve come and what the future of bathroom luxury holds.