What Is The Smallest Toilet You Can Buy?

When you’re planning a bathroom with limited space, it pays to be choosy about every element, gaining any little bit of space where you can. A great way to save space, particularly in a small en-suite or cloakroom, is with a small or compact toilet.

The smallest types of toilet you can buy in the UK are back-to-wall toilets and wall-hung toilets. These will generally stick out from the wall by about 50cm and they can be as narrow as 35cm. A standard toilet, in comparison, sticks out by around 65 to 75cm, so there is a big difference, particularly where every centimetre needs to work hard. When you choose a compact model, that’s a saving of up to 25cm, which is huge in a small room like a cloakroom or an under-stairs toilet. 

Sizes do vary from brand to brand, so it’s always worth checking the specification for each toilet you’re considering. If you can, it’s even better to see the product in person (you can find your local Easy Bathrooms’ showroom here). 

What Are The Best Toilets For Small Spaces?

When it comes to toilet types, there are a few that spring to mind for compact or smaller spaces, including: 

• Close-coupled toilets

• Back-to-wall toilets

• Wall-hung toilets

• Corner toilets

• Toilet and basin combinations

A close-coupled toilet is one where the cistern sits directly on the back of the pan so it’s visible. While a standard version may be too big, you can get short-projection versions that don’t take up as much floor space. Generally, these are the simplest and most affordable option to fit and replace. 

A back-to-wall toilet has an invisible cistern, as it sits behind a panel or within a unit. This makes them easier to clean around and they are usually shallower, too, although you do need space for the concealed cistern. 

A wall-hung toilet is likely the best option, as the pan itself is fixed to the wall instead of resting on the floor, giving the illusion of more floor space. Again, the cistern is usually installed behind the wall so it isn’t visible, but as it hangs on the wall, you need strong studwork and a wall of around 150mm to house the cistern.

A corner toilet is a great option to make use of awkward spaces that might otherwise be unusable. They tuck into a corner neatly and free up wall space.

A combined toilet and sink unit is a really great option if you’re very limited on space. A small basin with a tap is installed directly on top of the cistern of the toilet, so the two use the same drain. 

The Questions We’re Asked About Small Toilets

What Dimensions Do I Need To Check Before I Buy?

The measurement that is the most important when buying a toilet for a small space is the projection/the depth. This tells you how far the toilet will jut out into the room. For small spaces, we’d recommend a projection of up to 55cm. 

Another important measurement is the width, particularly if the toilet is for a cloakroom with not much space on each side. Compact toilets can be as narrow as 35cm, which is really all most people need. 

Whichever toilet you choose, we’d recommend that there’s at least 60cm space in front of the toilet and then 20cm on each side. Don’t forget to include the door swing as well, since a door that opens into the space in front of the toilet could make getting in and out tricky. 

Are Small Toilets Comfortable?

Yes small toilets are as comfortable as standard-sized toilets because the seat height is usually the same. While it might feel slightly slimmer to sit on, most people barely notice once it’s installed. 

However, if you do have the space to go with a slightly wider toilet, then do. It’s best to have one that feels comfortable in the room, so if you have a few extra centimetres to work with, then use it.  

How Do I Know If My Toilet Will Fit?

If you’re afraid that you’ll order a toilet that is too big or not suitable, make use of our 3D bathroom design service before you commit. Our designer will create a 3D scale of your bathroom on a screen so you can play about with layouts and product sizes before you buy. This would allow you to see what size toilet is right for the space, with no regrets later.