Best Toilet for Small Space: 5 Smart Picks: Practical, stylish and space-saving toilet ideas I’ve used in tiny bathrooms

I once agreed to install a tiny corner toilet for a client who insisted it look like it was "nestled" in the wall — I spent an afternoon rescuing a toilet paper roll from a gap behind a tile. That little disaster taught me that small spaces demand big thinking and precise choices, especially when picking the best toilet for small space; for layout inspiration I often start with compact bathroom layout ideas to test options quickly.

1. Go wall-hung for visual floor space

I love wall-hung toilets because they float and instantly make a bathroom feel wider. They hide the cistern and let you see more floor, which tricks the eye — the downside is slightly higher installation cost and wall reinforcement, but the clean look and easier floor cleaning are big wins.

save pin

2. Consider compact elongated bowls

A compact elongated toilet gives comfort without the bulk of a standard elongated bowl; I’ve used them in rentals where comfort mattered but the footprint couldn’t. They’re often available in one-piece models which simplify cleaning, though seat replacements can be a little less standard than with round bowls.

save pin

3. Try a corner or niche toilet when layout is tight

When a doorway, window or plumbing chase blocks a straight run, a corner toilet can rescue the plan. I usually mock this up to scale — you can build a quick floor plan and see clearance before committing. The trade-off is a slightly odd approach angle for some users, but it’s a brilliant space-saver in many condos.

save pin

4. Choose a compact tank or dual-flush wall cistern

Smaller tanks or concealed cisterns free up visual and physical space; dual-flush options also save water. In one tiny powder room project I swapped to a slim tank and opened a shelving niche above it — budget-friendly and functional, though concealed systems can cost more to access if repairs are needed.

save pin

5. Visualize the final look with 3D mockups

Before drilling any holes I almost always visualize the layout in 3D so clients can feel the scale — seeing the bowl, door swing and storage together avoids many problems. If you want to preview how a chosen toilet sits in your room, try to see it in 3D; it’s not a magic fix, but it catches the awkward spots I’d otherwise only notice on-site.

save pin

FAQ

Q: What type of toilet is best for a very small bathroom?

A: Wall-hung or compact elongated bowls are typically the best choices because they minimize visual bulk and reduce the floor footprint. Consider door swing and clearance before choosing a corner model.

Q: Are wall-hung toilets harder to install?

A: They need a reinforced wall frame and concealed tank support, so the installation is more involved and costlier than a floor-mounted model. I usually budget extra for structural work and a reliable installer.

Q: Is a corner toilet comfortable?

A: Corner toilets save space but can feel a bit narrow or angled compared with standard models; I recommend sitting mockups or 3D previews to check ergonomics. For guests and short-term stays they’re often perfectly fine.

Q: Do compact toilets save water?

A: Many modern compact and dual-flush toilets are designed to use less water per flush. For verified efficiency ratings, check resources like EPA WaterSense (https://www.epa.gov/watersense) which list toilets meeting water-saving standards.

Q: Can I replace a standard toilet with a wall-hung in an existing bathroom?

A: Yes, but you’ll likely need to build or reinforce the wall to carry the in-wall carrier and cistern, and reroute plumbing as needed. I recommend consulting a plumber and a contractor to estimate the structural work.

Q: What’s the best way to test clearance in a small bathroom?

A: Measure the door swing, bowl projection and any obstructions (cabinets, towel bars) and sketch them to scale, or use a digital mockup tool to avoid surprises. I often place masking tape on the floor to simulate the bowl footprint during on-site checks.

Q: Are one-piece or two-piece toilets better for small spaces?

A: One-piece toilets often have a sleeker, more compact profile and fewer crevices to clean, but two-piece models can be cheaper and easier to transport. Choose by the final dimensions rather than the construction type alone.

Q: How much should I budget to upgrade to a compact or wall-hung toilet?

A: Expect a wide range: compact floor-mounted models can be very affordable, while wall-hung systems with in-wall tanks and professional installation can add several hundred to a few thousand dollars. Get multiple quotes and factor in access panels and future maintenance.

save pin