What Is a Bidet? Complete Bidet Buying Guide

What Is a Bidet? Complete Bidet Buying Guide

What Is a Bidet? Complete Bidet Buying Guide

How Bidets Work, Their Benefits and How to Choose the Right One for Your Bathroom

Bidets are common in bathrooms throughout Europe and around the world, but for many UK homeowners they're still something of a mystery.

You may have seen one in a hotel bathroom while on holiday and wondered:

What exactly am I supposed to do with that? 😂

A traditional bidet is a separate bathroom fixture designed specifically for personal washing and hygiene. It sits alongside the toilet and uses clean running water supplied through a dedicated bidet tap or mixer.

And while bidets might once have been associated mainly with large continental bathrooms, modern floor-standing and wall-hung bidets can look every bit as stylish as contemporary sanitaryware.

In this Allbits guide, we'll explain what a bidet is, how it works, the benefits of having one and what you should consider before adding one to your bathroom.

What Is a Bidet?

A bidet is a bathroom fixture designed for personal washing after using the toilet.

At first glance, a traditional bidet can look rather like a small low-level basin or a toilet without a cistern.

But it has a completely different purpose.

Instead of flushing waste away, a bidet provides fresh running water for washing.

A conventional bidet normally includes:

  • Ceramic bowl
  • Hot and cold water supplies
  • Bidet mixer or tap
  • Waste outlet
  • Overflow where applicable

Depending on the design, it may be:

Floor standing or wall hung.

How Does a Bidet Work?

A conventional bidet is plumbed into the bathroom's water supply and waste system.

Water is controlled using a dedicated bidet mixer.

Unlike an ordinary basin tap, some bidet mixers allow the direction of the water flow to be adjusted to make washing more convenient.

For example, the Roca Atlas Bidet Mixer available from Allbits includes a swivel flow regulator for directional control, while the Roca Ona Bidet Mixer has a contemporary single-lever design and 5 litre-per-minute flow limiter.

That means the bidet itself is only one part of the installation.

You'll normally need to consider:

Bidet + mixer + water supplies + waste + installation.

💡 Big Al's Expert Tip

Don't assume the bidet tap is included with the ceramic. For example, the current Roca The Gap Square and Roca Beyond bidets specifically state that the tap is not supplied, so always check what's included before ordering.

What Are the Benefits of a Bidet?

The main benefit is straightforward:

Personal Hygiene

A bidet allows washing with fresh water after using the toilet.

Many people prefer this to relying entirely on toilet tissue.

But there are several other reasons customers may choose one.

Gentle Washing

Water can provide a gentler washing option than repeated wiping.

Everyday Freshness

A bidet can be useful whenever you want to freshen up without taking a complete shower.

Less Reliance on Toilet Paper

Using water for washing can reduce the amount of toilet tissue required.

Dedicated Fixture

Unlike improvising with a basin or shower, a traditional bidet provides a permanent fixture specifically designed for personal washing.

Coordinated Bathroom Design

Choose a bidet from the same sanitaryware collection as your toilet and the two can create a beautifully coordinated appearance.

And this is where the Roca The Gap range becomes particularly useful at Allbits.

Bidet vs Toilet: What's the Difference?

This sounds obvious once you know, but it's a common question.

A toilet is designed to collect and dispose of human waste through the drainage system.

A bidet is designed for washing.

They are separate fixtures with separate purposes.

A traditional bidet does not replace the toilet.

It's normally installed alongside it.

Think of them as bathroom neighbours.

Hopefully good neighbours.

No arguments about whose wheelie bin is whose. 😂

Floor-Standing vs Wall-Hung Bidets

Just like toilets, bidets are available in different installation styles.

The two main options you'll encounter are:

Floor-Standing Bidets

The ceramic sits directly on the bathroom floor.

Wall-Hung Bidets

The ceramic is supported from the wall, leaving the floor underneath clear.

Both can look fantastic.

The best choice depends on your bathroom design, available space, plumbing and the toilet you're pairing it with.

Floor-Standing Bidets Explained

A floor-standing bidet is the more conventional arrangement.

The ceramic sits directly on the floor, much like a floor-standing toilet.

Advantages can include:

  • Familiar installation style
  • Solid appearance
  • Works beautifully alongside floor-standing toilets
  • No visible wall-hung support arrangement
  • Excellent for traditional and contemporary bathrooms

If your WC is floor standing, choosing a matching floor-standing bidet can create a particularly balanced pair.

Big Al Recommends: Roca The Gap Square Floor-Standing Bidet

This is a cracking example of how a traditional bidet installation can still look thoroughly contemporary.

The Roca The Gap Square Floor Standing Bidet currently available from Allbits measures:

350mm wide × 540mm long × 440mm high.

It includes a fixing kit, uses a one-tap-hole arrangement and has a 25-year manufacturer's guarantee. The tap is purchased separately.

Its sharper square styling makes it ideal for bathrooms using contemporary sanitaryware.

Best for:

  • Modern bathrooms
  • Customers wanting floor-standing sanitaryware
  • Bathrooms using Roca The Gap Square products
  • Coordinated WC and bidet schemes

View Roca The Gap Square Floor Standing Bidet at Allbits:
https://allbits.co.uk/products/roca-the-gap-square-floor-standing-bidet-with-cover

Wall-Hung Bidets Explained

A wall-hung bidet creates a very different appearance.

Rather than standing on the floor, the ceramic appears to float above it.

This creates:

  • Cleaner contemporary lines
  • More visible flooring
  • Easier access beneath the bidet for cleaning
  • A minimalist appearance

And if you're already installing a wall-hung toilet, pairing it with a wall-hung bidet can create a beautifully symmetrical bathroom.

Big Al Recommends: Roca The Gap Round Wall-Hung Bidet

The Roca The Gap Round Wall Hung Bidet combines soft curves with a modern wall-mounted installation.

The current Allbits version includes its matching cover and fixing kit and measures:

355mm wide × 540mm long × 440mm high.

The wall-hung format leaves the floor underneath accessible, which can make cleaning easier and give the bathroom a lighter visual appearance.

Best for:

  • Contemporary bathrooms
  • Wall-hung toilet schemes
  • Customers preferring softer rounded sanitaryware
  • Minimalist bathroom designs

View Roca The Gap Round Wall Hung Bidet at Allbits:
https://allbits.co.uk/products/roca-the-gap-round-wall-hung-bidet-with-cover

Premium Bidet Choice: Roca Beyond Wall Hung

For a more design-led bathroom, there's also the Roca Beyond Wall Hung Bidet.

This model measures:

380mm wide × 580mm long × 410mm high

and includes the bidet cover and fixing kit. Again, the tap isn't included.

Beyond is a great example of how far bidet design has moved away from the rather old-fashioned fixture some customers may picture.

Best for:

  • Premium contemporary bathrooms
  • Design-led bathroom schemes
  • Customers choosing Roca Beyond sanitaryware
  • Larger luxury bathrooms

View Roca Beyond Wall Hung Bidet at Allbits:
https://allbits.co.uk/Sanitaryware/Bidets/Id/6519/

Round or Square Bidet?

This is mainly about coordinating the bidet with the rest of your sanitaryware.

Round Bidets

Rounded designs create a softer appearance.

They work particularly well with:

  • Curved toilets
  • Round basins
  • Soft contemporary furniture
  • Organic bathroom styling

Square Bidets

Square or soft-square designs create a sharper architectural look.

They coordinate well with:

  • Square toilets
  • Rectangular basins
  • Angular vanity units
  • Contemporary brassware

Neither is inherently better.

The aim is to make the bidet look like it belongs with the toilet, rather than something that wandered into the bathroom by accident. 😂

Should Your Bidet Match Your Toilet?

Where possible, yes.

This is one of the easiest ways to make the bathroom look professionally designed.

Look for products from the same collection or with similar:

  • Width
  • Height
  • Projection
  • Shape
  • Ceramic styling
  • Installation type

For example:

Roca The Gap Round WC + Roca The Gap Round Bidet

or

Roca The Gap Square WC + Roca The Gap Square Bidet

This creates a coordinated pair rather than two unrelated pieces of sanitaryware.

And because Allbits already carries Roca The Gap toilets, we can internally link customers directly between the toilet and bidet ranges.

How Much Space Does a Bidet Need?

This is probably the biggest consideration for UK bathrooms.

A traditional bidet needs its own floor or wall space alongside the toilet.

So before buying, measure:

  • Bidet width
  • Projection
  • Available wall space
  • Clearance from toilet
  • Clearance from furniture
  • Door swing
  • Water-supply position
  • Waste position

Don't simply measure whether the ceramic physically fits.

You need enough room to use it comfortably too.

Our How to Measure for a New Toilet guide is also useful here because many of the same bathroom-planning principles apply.

Are Bidets Suitable for Small Bathrooms?

They can be, but a separate traditional bidet inevitably uses additional bathroom space.

In a generous family bathroom or en-suite, that may be no problem at all.

In a tiny cloakroom, however, squeezing a separate bidet alongside the toilet probably isn't the best use of limited space.

This is why room planning matters.

If you have enough space, a wall-hung bidet can create a lighter visual effect because the flooring remains visible underneath.

But remember:

wall hung doesn't mean the ceramic magically stops occupying space.

You still need adequate room around it.

What Plumbing Does a Bidet Need?

A conventional bidet generally requires:

  • Hot water supply
  • Cold water supply
  • Waste connection
  • Suitable bidet mixer
  • Appropriate fixings

A wall-hung model will also require suitable structural support and installation arrangements.

Because plumbing requirements vary between products and properties, installation should be planned with a suitably qualified installer.

Particularly before you've tiled the entire bathroom.

Nobody enjoys hearing:

"We're going to need to open that wall again." 😬😂

Choosing a Bidet Mixer

Now we get another useful internal-linking opportunity.

The ceramic is only half the story.

You'll also need a suitable bidet mixer.

Bidet mixers may include features such as:

  • Single-lever control
  • Directional water flow
  • Flow limitation
  • Flexible supply hoses
  • Coordinating finishes

Roca Ona Bidet Mixer

The Roca Ona Bidet Mixer currently available from Allbits uses a contemporary single-lever design and includes a 5 L/min flow limiter.

That makes it a particularly nice option for contemporary Roca bathroom schemes.

View Roca Ona Bidet Mixer:
https://allbits.co.uk/products/roca-ona-bidet-mixer

Roca Atlas Bidet Mixer

The Roca Atlas Bidet Mixer offers a more timeless chrome design and includes a swivel flow regulator, allowing the direction of the water flow to be adjusted.

View Roca Atlas Bidet Mixer:
https://allbits.co.uk/products/roca-atlas-bidet-mixer-with-chain-connector

You can also internally link customers to the wider Bidet Taps range. The Allbits Taps collection currently has a dedicated Bidet Taps category.

Bidet or Smart Toilet?

Now here's a useful distinction because customers searching for bidets may encounter several completely different products.

A traditional bidet is a separate ceramic washing fixture.

A smart or wash toilet combines toilet functions with personal washing features in one product.

The latter can be particularly attractive where there isn't room for a separate toilet and bidet.

But they're different product categories, with different:

  • Installation requirements
  • Plumbing
  • Electrical requirements where applicable
  • Features
  • Costs

So customers should decide whether they want a dedicated bidet or an integrated washing toilet solution.

And I think that's a subject we could eventually turn into another supporting blog:

Traditional Bidet vs Smart Toilet: Which Is Right for You?

I'm putting that one in the future-ideas drawer rather than reopening the Toilet Production Line. 🤣

Are Bidets Hygienic?

Used and maintained correctly, a bidet provides a dedicated method of washing with fresh running water.

As with other bathroom sanitaryware, regular cleaning is important.

Clean:

  • Ceramic surfaces
  • Tap/mixer
  • Waste area
  • Surrounding floor
  • Cover where fitted

Follow the manufacturer's care recommendations for the specific ceramic and brassware.

Do Bidets Have Covers?

Some do.

For example, the current Roca The Gap Round Wall Hung is supplied with a matching cover, as is the Roca Beyond Wall Hung model available from Allbits.

A cover can create a tidier appearance when the bidet isn't being used and can help it coordinate visually with the nearby toilet.

Always check the individual product specification to see what's included.

Do Bidets Come with Taps?

Not necessarily.

This is worth repeating because it's an easy purchasing mistake.

The current Allbits Roca The Gap Square and Beyond bidet listings, for example, state that the tap isn't included.

So when budgeting, consider:

Bidet + bidet mixer + waste/fittings + installation.

Don't compare the ceramic price alone.

Bidets in Luxury Bathrooms

I actually think this is where the bidet deserves a bit more love.

If you have a generous bathroom, installing a coordinated WC and bidet can create a very polished European hotel-style bathroom.

Imagine:

Roca wall-hung WC

Matching Roca wall-hung bidet

Wall-hung vanity

Walk-in shower

Freestanding bath

Now we're not talking about an odd little bathroom fixture nobody understands.

We're talking about a properly coordinated luxury suite.

And that gives us a perfect internal link back to:

How to Create a Luxurious Bathroom on a Budget

See what we've done there? 😁

Our blogs are starting to talk to each other.

Before You Buy a Bidet Checklist

☐ Measure the available bathroom space
☐ Decide floor standing or wall hung
☐ Check the bidet width
☐ Check the projection
☐ Allow comfortable clearance around it
☐ Check water-supply requirements
☐ Check waste position
☐ Choose a compatible bidet mixer
☐ Check whether the tap is included
☐ Check whether the cover is included
☐ Check whether the fixing kit is included
☐ Coordinate the bidet with your toilet
☐ Check wall-support requirements for wall-hung models
☐ Confirm installation requirements before ordering

Common Bidet Buying Mistakes

Assuming a Bidet Replaces the Toilet

A conventional bidet is a separate washing fixture.

Forgetting the Bidet Tap

Check whether it's included.

Not Allowing Enough Space

Remember that you need room around the bidet, not simply enough space to squeeze it in.

Choosing a Different Shape from the Toilet

It can make the bathroom look mismatched.

Buying Wall Hung Without Planning the Installation

Wall-hung sanitaryware needs appropriate support.

Forgetting the Waste and Water Supplies

Beautiful ceramic still needs plumbing.

Treating the Bidet as an Afterthought

If you're planning a complete bathroom, decide on the bidet early so the plumbing and layout can be designed around it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a bidet?

A bidet is a bathroom fixture designed for personal washing using fresh running water.

Does a bidet replace a toilet?

No. A conventional bidet is normally installed alongside a toilet and serves a different purpose.

How do you use a bidet?

A dedicated bidet provides controlled running water for personal washing. The exact controls depend on the mixer fitted.

Does a bidet need hot and cold water?

Traditional bidet installations commonly use hot and cold supplies through a mixer. Always follow the requirements for the particular product and installation.

Do bidets need electricity?

A conventional ceramic bidet with a mechanical mixer normally doesn't require electricity. Smart toilets and electronic wash systems are a different product category and may require electrical connections.

Can you put a bidet in a small bathroom?

Yes, if there is sufficient usable space and suitable plumbing, although a separate bidet may not be practical in extremely compact bathrooms.

Is a wall-hung bidet better?

Not necessarily. Wall-hung models create a contemporary floating appearance and make the floor underneath easier to access, while floor-standing bidets offer a more conventional installation.

Should the bidet match the toilet?

It doesn't have to, but choosing coordinated products from the same sanitaryware collection usually produces a more cohesive bathroom design.

Does a bidet come with a tap?

Not always. Check the individual product specification before ordering.

Can I install a bidet next to any toilet?

Potentially, provided you have adequate space, suitable plumbing and compatible styling. Plan the complete installation before purchasing.

Final Thoughts

Bidets might not be standard equipment in every British bathroom, but they can be a practical and stylish addition when you have the space.

A floor-standing bidet provides a familiar, traditional installation.

A wall-hung bidet can create a lighter, more contemporary appearance.

And pairing your bidet with a matching toilet from the same collection can turn two practical pieces of sanitaryware into a properly coordinated bathroom feature.

The important thing is to plan ahead.

Check:

Space + plumbing + installation + mixer + matching sanitaryware.

And if you've spent years seeing bidets on holiday and wondering what on earth everyone else knows that you don't...

mystery solved. 😂

Browse Bidets at Allbits:
https://allbits.co.uk/collections/bidets

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