Flushed With Pride. Italtile’s Exclusive Range of Eco-Chic Flush Plates.

Thousands of years before Elizabethan inventor Sir John Harington designed his “modern flushable toilet” in 1596 in the UK, cities far away in the Indus Valley had relatively sophisticated sanitation: communal toilets flushed by running water. That was 4000 years ago. (So, there’s nothing new under the sun, Sir John!)

Harington’s invention consisted of an oval bowl, just over half a metre deep, waterproofed with tar, resin and wax (what a mission!), that was fed with water from an upstairs cistern. Of course, that was an invention for those who could afford it. The rest of the country relied on extremely unsanitary devices like communal outhouses, chamber pots and holes in the ground.  

Pre-1500s in the western world, going to the bathroom was a messy business; there were no designated waste areas. Even the landed gentry in their lofty castles tossed waste off the battlements. (A highly effective way of dealing with “Caller Unknown”, for sure!) It was really only in the mid-19th century, after the industrial revolution created the possibility of mass production, that more sanitary toilets became widely available. But water-saving was not on the design agenda.  

It was really only relatively recently that the dual flush plate entered the bathroom, with its ergonomic and eco-friendly build. It is a very small item, but it is integral to our lives. And that means every aspect of its operation, in these water-scarce times, needs to be carefully considered in order to ensure our wellbeing, as well as the wellness of the planet. And that, right there, lies at the very heart of the Eco-Chic Aesthetic.  

What to expect from a top-quality flush plate. Facts, features and benefits.  After all these years, it’s still the force of water that facilitates the flushing of a modern toilet. A flush plate, also called a flush button, is used to control a concealed toilet cistern. It’s the neat, flat block you see either above the toilet, fixed ‘flush’ against the wall, or on the top of an external toilet cistern or tank.  

-Variety: Flush plates come in a wide variety of designs. 

 -Waterwise: A dual-flush option. Full flush for when absolutely necessary, or reduced flush, which promotes water conservation. Overall, flush plates offer a combination of functionality, water efficiency, design versatility, and ease of use, making them a valuable component of modern toilets. 

-Aesthetically pleasing, to complement different bathroom styles and aesthetics. They can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to the toilet area. 

-User-friendly, with simple push-button or touch controls.  

-Easy-clean surfaces, to minimise dirt and bacteria build-up. Some models may also feature antimicrobial properties or touchless operation, promoting hygiene and reducing the spread of germs. 

-Durability, constructed with durable materials that are resistant to wear, corrosion and damage. This ensures their longevity and reliable performance over time. 

Italtile’s Eco-Chic OLI Flush Plates from Tivoli. Made in Italy. 

Not every flush plate out there works with every cistern, so be careful out there. May we politely suggest you consider Italtile’s high-end, sustainable OLI Flush Plates which are designed specifically to work in synergy with our Torino 74 Concealed Cisterns, to deliver powerful flushing without being ‘waterwasteful’. They have been crafted with care and are designed to ensure years of efficient, waterwise functionality (with watertight guarantees).  

A little bit of OLI background. OLI-Systemas Sanitários began as a small family business in Aveiro, Portugal, in 1954. Today, the company’s innovative solutions are produced in 70 countries around the world.  Perhaps their greatest step forward was their dual flush outlet valve, developed in 1994, designed to reduce water consumption by up to 50%. “Anticipate needs. Find solutions for the future” is built into the company mission. Factory environments are sustainable, powered by PV solar power. Considerable investment is made into the R&D of test products, in the light of increasing water scarcity, all to invest in the optimum quality of life for all.  

Push all the right buttons. Italtile’s high-end OLI Flush Plate Collection features dual flush models. The surfaces are designed for frequent use, with high scratch resistance, and include a 2-year guarantee. We have so many to show you, featuring different styles and shapes. We’ve no doubt you’ll find the one that suits your sanctuary. 

Let’s start with our ultra-minimalist Oceania Mia Flush Plate, a model that inspires your creativity, with a customisable front panel. Simply select the tile finish of your choice (wood look, screed, marble etc) and speak to us about our waterjet cutting service. We’ll cut to fit. This allows you to almost completely conceal the flush plate behind a finish that matches your wall. How chic is that?  

Then take a look at our Globe Chrome Dual Flush Plate. Another eco-friendly little bathroom detail that works hard, looks good with its chrome finish and circular buttons, and does good, too, with its water-saving function. Like all our flush plates, the Globe comes with a 2-year peace-of-mind guarantee. 

While all our flush plates harmonise beautifully with any contemporary bathroom sanctuary, our very chic, very eco Pyramid Black Flush Plate belongs in a modern or urban bathroom with its sleek matt black profile. 

Trends come and go, but eco-chic will always be on fleek at Italtile. No matter how small or seemingly insignificant you may think Italtile’s exclusive range of dual flush plate is ... each one is a piece of high-functioning design, incorporating careful crafting and exquisite finishing, with due consideration given to water conservation.  

To live beautifully means to live mindfully, especially when it comes to water. Our wide range of eco-chic flush plates offers an incredible selection of functionalities and luxe finishes, designed to keep you, your pocket, and the planet happy and healthy. 

Keen to up your eco cred another notch? Speak to our design-certified consultants about which of our exclusive and eco-chic OLI dual flush plates will best suit your needs and your bathroom style. Oh, and we can arrange professional installation, too. 

Live beautifully. Live green. Be forever eco-chic. 

Ciao.