Where can I Put My Toilet Paper Holder in a Small Bathroom?

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By Blake Lockwood | Curated by Blake Lockwood | Reviewed by Blake Lockwood

Blake Lockwood, the seasoned interior designer behind Decor Snob, has made a name for himself with over 30 years of industry experience. As a member of esteemed associations such as the NCIDQ, CIDA, NAAB, and CCIDC, he upholds high standards in his work.  His content is always people-first, reliable, and engaging.

Hanging Over The Tank Toilet Tissue

If you have a tiny bathroom, your options may seem extremely limited on where to place your toilet paper holder. After all, you don’t want to take up any more space, and in some cases don’t have any space to take up but it really isn’t as complicated as you might think. So where do you place your toilet paper holder in a tiny bathroom?

The answer is simple! There are so many options from mounted holders to free-standing toilet paper holders. I’m about to give you plenty of inspiration for your small bathroom plus where you can get them.

Related: 50+ Small Bathroom Ideas

Mounting options

The most popular form of toilet paper holder is one that is mounted. You screw the toilet paper holder to the side of your bathroom cabinet or in some cases the wall or bathtub depending on the setup of your bathroom.

Guidelines for mounting
Both the NKBA (National Kitchen and Bath Association) and the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) have recommendations for the placement of your wall mounted toilet paper holder.

NBKA Requirements:
They recommend you install the toilet paper holder 26 inches above the floor and eight to 12 inches away from the toilet, measuring from the very front of the toilet. This gives you both the space to reach out for it and the proximity, so you aren’t trying to reach too far.

ADA Requirements:
The ADA requires you to install your tissue dispenser on the nearest side wall, a minimum of 19 inches above the floor and max. of 36 inches from the rear wall.

A few options to consider:

  • It’s usually easiest and most times best to mount the toilet paper holder on the wall across from the toilet in a small bathroom. This gives you room to reach for it without being cramped up and hitting your elbow on something when you are tearing the toilet paper off.
  • If that option doesn’t work, the next best thing to do is mount it on your sink cabinet (if it’s beside your toilet). That may put the toilet paper a little close to you depending on how close you are to the cabinet.
  • If you don’t have a bathroom cabinet to mount it on or that idea doesn’t fit well in your bathroom, there is yet another mounting option. One like this self-adhesive toilet paper holder. With this one, you can mount it to the side of your bathtub or another hard surface.

According to homeguides.sfgate.com if you don’t have any sidewalls, mount your toilet paper holder to the wall behind the toilet about 8 inches above the toilet bowl.

Freestanding options

Floor stands: There are also plenty of options that don’t involve a stationary toilet paper holder such as this Free Standing Toilet Paper Holder Stand and Dispenser. This is a stainless-steel free-standing toilet paper holder that also holds up to three more rolls of toilet paper, so you never run out, plus, it doesn’t take up much space. It is best put in the corner where the bathtub meets the wall.

Toilet Paper Holder Stand

If it doesn’t work there, try in between the tub and toilet or in between the sink and toilet.

Baskets: In some small bathrooms, a floor stand is not the best idea because floor space is limited. In this case, there are options that sit on the back of your toilet like a decorative basket.

Toilet Paper Holder basket

These aren’t necessarily toilet paper holders, but they work great when used as one in a small bathroom because they sit on the back of your toilet, taking up no floor space.

Other Ideas

Another idea for your small bathroom is an over the toilet space-saving rack to sit your toilet paper basket on. These over the toilet racks should only be used for toilet paper if necessary because you must turn around to get it which makes it harder than just reaching over for it.

UTEX 3-Shelf Bathroom Organizer Over The Toilet, Bathroom Spacesaver

These are PERFECT for a small bathroom because they go over your toilet, preventing them from taking up any additional space and they can hold so much. You can put towels, toilet paper, clothes, or decorations. The options are endless!

Over the tank toilet paper holders, are perfect for a small bathroom. You just lift the lid to the tank, hang it over the edge, and replace the lid. There you have a perfect toilet paper holder that takes up no space what so ever. It may, however, be hard to get to being directly behind you.

Hanging Over The Tank Toilet Tissue

Hang on the opposite side from your bathtub if possible, to avoid possibly getting your toilet paper wet.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have plenty of options to work with, hopefully, you find the toilet paper holder that fits perfectly in your small bathroom. Remember, it’s all about placement. It doesn’t have to take up any floor space and will still look completely amazing!

Want More Small Bathroom Inspiration?

Photo: Hanging Over The Tank Toilet Tissue
Photo: mDesign Free Standing Toilet Paper Holder Stand and Dispenser
Photo: Whitmor Split Rattique Tank Topper Driftwood
Photo: UTEX 3-Shelf Bathroom Organizer Over The Toilet, Bathroom Spacesaver

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