Where to Put a Toilet Paper Holder in a Small Bathroom

On the Wall Towards the Front of the Toilet

If your bitsy bathroom has the right configuration, position your toilet paper holder where it's most accessible. That means at the appropriate height and distance from the toilet when seated.

The National Kitchen and Bathroom Association recommends locating the holder 8 to 12 inches in front of the edge of the toilet bowl and around 26 inches above the floor.

Hanging on the Front of the Vanity

Organized vanity storage is great when things are tight around the toilet. A clutter-free bathroom helps to create an illusion of space.

Cramped bathrooms often have limited wall space, so why not fit your toilet roll holder onto the front of the vanity? Just ensure you position it so it won't impede the drawer or door opening. You can also store spare toilet rolls in the cupboard.

On a Stand

Slim and unobtrusive, free-standing toilet paper stands are well-suited to slot into a corner in a compact bathroom. Plus, they're easily transportable, DIY friendly and renter-friendly as you don't have to drill holes in the wall.

They often allow you to store spare rolls on the bottom half—another handy space-saving solution. Look for a weighted base—you don't want your paper toppling into the toilet water.

In a Wire Basket on a Vanity Shelf

If you don't want to mess up your beautiful bathroom subway tiles, using a basket as a toilet paper holder like this one is a great alternative. Ideally, you want it on an open shelf for ease of access, and it should be close enough to your toilet so you don't have to stretch too much to reach it.

While baskets are ideal for spare roll storage, they aren't as hygienic and convenient an option as a traditional toilet paper dispenser. You'll probably need to use both hands to roll out and tear off the sheets. A wall-mounted or free-standing design might be the more practical choice if you have small children roaming about.

At the Side of the Toilet

If it's tricky to position your paper holder in that ideal position at the front of the toilet, it'll still work sitting a bit further back. In this bathroom designed by Caitlin Higgins, a recessed space for the dispenser is cleverly integrated into the small bathroom remodel. This fully secure option is a perfect solution in petite powder rooms that stops the toilet paper from frustratingly falling off the arm.

In a Basket Under the Sink

This fun pink bathroom has some spatial challenges: there isn't room on the wall around the toilet for installing a dispenser. Even if the sheets won't roll off easily like they will on a wall-mounted design, storing the paper in a basket on the shelf under the sink keeps things tidy and within easy reach.

Pick a basket with a treated finish for durability. Small, steamy bathrooms can gather moisture, and natural materials might wick this up.

On the Side of Your Vanity

If your vanity unit is close but not right next to your toilet, why not mount a dispenser on the side of the cabinet? Just be cautious when drilling into the unit—you don't want unsightly damage on this major piece of bathroom furniture.

On Top of the Toilet

This above-the-toilet storage idea works perfectly in an itty-bitty bathroom when shelf and wall space are finite. Having to stretch around behind you to access the paper isn't the easiest option, however, so there are definitely better solutions if household members have limited mobility.

Keep It Out of Sight

Let's face it; toilet paper holders aren't generally the most attractive element of a bathroom design. If you want your small bathroom to look clean and clutter-free, locate the dispenser out of sight when looking straight in through the door. Positioning it away from the bathtub saves it from soggy splashes and you can even hang the holder on the door in a tiny bathroom if the toilet is close enough.