In an ideal world, everyone would have access to a large, luxurious bathroom. In reality, many of us have to make do with a limited amount of space, which means choosing the right hardware and arranging it to fit into a room.
You will have numerous compact toilets to choose from, designed to be comfortable and hygienic while occupying as little space as possible. However, it is important to choose a model that will still function properly despite its small size.
To help you make an informed decision, we have reviewed seven of the best compact toilets for small bathrooms that are currently available. We chose these toilets for their type, size, how eco-friendly they are, and their visual appeal.
- Vortex Vormax flushing technology
- 24.5-inch depth
- Soft-close toilet seat
- Anti-block technology
- Uses about 20% less water
- 17-inch comfort height
- Stunning sleek lines
- Dual-flush feature
- Porcelain material
- Economical with water
- Comfort height of 16.5 inches
- EverClean surface
- Can be installed away from bathrooms
- Features a macerator
- 18.5-inch seat height
- Makes the most of tight spaces
- Heavy-duty porcelain
- Eco-friendly
- Sleek modern design
- Uses 20% less water
- Heavy-duty porcelain
Product Reviews
You will have a wide range of different toilets to choose from, which can make it challenging to find the right one. To help you, we have reviewed seven of the best compact toilets for small bathrooms that you can buy today. These toilets were chosen for how small they are, how much water they use, their durability, and their visual appearance.
Galba Small Dual Flush Toilet
Best Dual-Flush Compact Toilet
This Galba toilet has a dual flush feature, to help you minimize how much water you waste while using it. A full flush uses 1.6 gallons of water but the light flush option uses just half of that. This toilet also has a slimline tank but with a standard bowl size so there is no loss of comfort.
Thanks to the Vortex Vormax flush, it generates plenty of power to remove waste effectively. This toilet has a one-piece design, so it is an excellent choice for modern bathrooms, and the sturdy plastic material has an extremely smooth glaze coating that is resistant to scratches and stains, and is easy to clean.
The toilet seat sits 16.5 inches off the ground, so it should still be accessible even if you have limited mobility.
What We Like
Powerful Flush
Despite its smaller tank, this Galba toilet’s Vortex Vormax flushing technology effectively removes any waste material from the bowl. You won’t need to worry about it failing to do its job.
Very Shallow Profile
This toilet has a total depth of 24.5 inches, thanks to its slimline tank, so it will occupy less space even with a standard bowl size.
Soft-Close Toilet Seat
A soft-close toilet seat will prevent accidental slamming, protecting the seat and bowl. It also means you won’t accidentally wake your housemates in the middle of the night.
What We Don't Like
Premium Price
This toilet is a premium-quality product, which is reflected in its high price. If you want a high-end compact toilet, it is an excellent option, but you can save money with a cheaper one.
Flush Mechanism Issue
There is a small spring in the flush mechanism that is prone to popping out. It is easy to reinsert but this issue is disappointing, especially given the toilet’s price.
Check the Rough-In
This toilet has a standard 12-inch rough-in. Check that this will be suitable for your bathroom before buying.
Product Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 90 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 24.5 x 14 x 27 |
| Comfort height (inches) | 16.5 |
| Type of flush | Dual |
| Style | One-piece |
| Price | $$$ |
| Warranty | 1-year |
Our Ratings
Kohler K-3999-0 Highline Comfort Height Toilet
Best Comfort Height Compact Toilet
This Kohler Highline toilet is designed to be as comfortable as sitting on a normal chair. Its seat will be positioned at a height of 17 inches, which makes it easier to get on and off, especially for users with limited mobility.
Kohler also guarantees that blockages will be a thing of the past thanks to its unique canister flush valve that packs a serious punch. This is despite using about 20% less water than a standard 1.6-gallon flush toilet, so it complies with all the latest regulations for toilet water efficiency.
What We Like
Anti-Blockage Technology
This toilet’s canister flush valve provides a powerful flush with minimal water waste. Your toilet plunger should get far less use in the future.
Reduced Water Usage
Each flush will use about 20% less water in comparison to a standard 1.6-gallon flush toilet. This is kinder to the environment and could save you a lot of money on your water bills.
Comfortable Height
The toilet bowl is 17 inches high to match the height of a standard chair. This makes it easier to get on and off the toilet, even with limited mobility.
What We Don't Like
12-Inch Rough-In
As we often say, measure twice and fit once. This toilet has standard 12-inch rough-ins, so make sure it will fit your bathroom before you make a purchase.
Expensive
Kohler products aren’t the most expensive you will find but they are still on the high end of the price scale for compact toilets.
Product Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 93 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 29.5 x 18 x 31.25 |
| Comfort height (inches) | 17 |
| Type of flush | Dual |
| Style | Two-piece |
| Price | $$$ |
| Warranty | 1-year limited |
Our Ratings
WoodridgeT-0019 Cotton White Toilet
Best One-Piece Compact Toilet
This Woodridge toilet has a stylish modern one-piece design with sleek contours. It also has a dual flush system like other high-end toilets. A full flush uses a standard 1.6 gallons of water, while the lighter option uses a gallon. This toilet was awarded Water-Sense certification, exceeding all US and Canadian standards.
It is set apart by its build quality, with stainless-steel seat hinges, enclosed tramways for easier cleaning, and a comfortable height to stand up and sit down with greater ease.
It also includes a soft-close seat, which means you will no longer slam it accidentally and wake your housemates. This will also be helped by the super-quiet flush, which is guaranteed not to clog or leak.
What We Like
Stylish Modern Design
This toilet combines bold straight lines and gentle curves to give it a sleek, modern, minimalist look. It is ideal if you want to add an individual touch to your bathroom.
Dual-Flush Feature
To save water and reduce your bills, you should look for a dual-flush toilet. This one uses 1.6 gallons during a full flush, which is standard, and 1 gallon during a light flush.
Porcelain Construction
Unlike some high-end toilets, which are plastic, this Woodbridge is made of porcelain, which is hard-wearing, scratch-resistant, and easy to clean. It also feels more robust.
American-Made
If you want to buy American, you can do it with confidence by choosing a Woodridge toilet. This should also make it easier to resolve any issues.
What We Don't Like
Weak Flush
Some customers have complained that the flush is weaker than others in its class. This is especially true of the full flush, despite using 1.6 gallons, which is a standard volume of water.
Check Local Plumbing Codes
One customer was apparently told by an inspector that the toilet did not meet the regulations in Massachusetts. Check with your local authorities before you buy it.
Heavy
Porcelain is a tough, beautiful material but it is also much heavier than plastic. This toilet weighs 152 pounds, more than three times as heavy as some high-end plastic units.
Product Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 152 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 31 x 18 x 28 |
| Comfort height (inches) | 16.5 |
| Type of flush | Dual |
| Style | One-piece |
| Price | $$ |
| Warranty | 5-year porcelain and 1-year flush and seat |
Our Ratings
American Standard H2Option Two-Piece Toilet
Best Two-Piece Compact Toilet
This American Standard toilet is WaterSense-certified thanks to its dual-flush mechanism that uses 1.28 gallons per power flush and 0.92 gallons with the lighter option. The bowl is cleared by siphons and the brand’s PowerWash rim. This ensures that the toilet will stay clean and removes solid and liquid waste effectively.
It also looks great, with a chrome-plated actuator on the top of the tank and color-matched bolt caps. The seat height is 16.5 inches to make it more comfortable for adult users, and the toilet is coated in American Standard’s EverClean glaze at no extra cost.
The only downside of this toilet is that it doesn’t include a seat. On the one hand, this means you will be able to customize the toilet by choosing a seat yourself, but you will also need to make sure it fits the bowl properly.
What We Like
Economical With Water
Both flush options use less water than average but they still keep the bowl clean very effectively. The full flush uses 1.28 gallons and the lighter flush uses 0.92 gallons.
Comfortable Height
If you have limited mobility, getting on and off the toilet can be challenging. This toilet reduces that challenge by raising the top of the bowl to a comfortable height of 16.5 inches.
EverClean Surface
The vitreous china material has been given an EverClean coating that is easier to clean and ensures mold, mildew, and staining won’t be an issue. This toilet will be much easier to keep looking pristine.
What We Don't Like
Made In Mexico
Despite being called American Standard, these toilets are manufactured in Mexico. This is only an issue if you prefer to buy American-made products.
Seat Sold Separately
This toilet is sold without a seat. You will need to spend more to get one and ensure that your chosen seat fits the toilet properly.
Product Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 58 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 15 x 27.5 x 30 |
| Comfort height (inches) | 16.5 |
| Type of flush | Dual |
| Style | Two-piece |
| Price | $$ |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime on chinaware and 5 years on mechanical parts |
Our Ratings
Saniflo 023 Sanicompact Self-Contained Toilet
Best Self-Contained Compact Toilet
This Saniflo toilet is designed to fit into tight spaces that are unsuitable for other toilets. It needs a water supply and an electrical supply but its self-contained design means you will be able to install it without damaging the floor of your room. This makes it ideal for adding a toilet to a bedroom or anywhere else you need one.
It can pump waste up to 9 feet below the sewer line and 120 feet away from any soil stack. It can even be connected to your sink to use gray water. The flush uses 1 gallon of water, so it is also economical.
With a seat 18.5 inches above the floor, this toilet is very easy to get on and off, which makes it a great choice for people with limited mobility.
What We Like
Versatile
This toilet can pump waste 9 feet below the sewer line and along a track 120 feet from a soil stack. This makes it an excellent choice for installing away from your bathroom, such as if you want to convert part of your bedroom into a toilet area.
Macerator
As this toilet macerates solid waste, that waste can then pass through pipes that are narrower than standard plumbing. This means the toilet is much easier to fit and the plumbing will be less intrusive.
Easier to Use
The seat is 18.5 inches off the floor, which makes it easier and more comfortable to use. This is a very accessible model, which makes it a great option if you are installing it for someone unable to reach an upstairs toilet.
What We Don't Like
Not a Standard Toilet
Unlike gravity flush toilets, this model employs macerators and pumps, which increases the chances of mechanical failure. You will probably spend more money on maintenance than you would with a conventional toilet.
Expensive
This is a specialist toilet designed for people who need to install one away from a normal bathroom. As a result, it is also very expensive, but you might not have an alternative depending on where your toilet needs to go.
Product Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 62.2 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 18.25 x 14.5 x 15.75 |
| Comfort height (inches) | 18.5 |
| Type of flush | Single (dual is an option) |
| Style | Tankless |
| Price | $$$$ |
| Warranty | 2-year limited |
Our Ratings
Troyt Corner 2-Piece Toilet
Best Corner Compact Toilet
Corner toilets are designed to utilize spaces in your bathroom that other toilets can’t. If you have a small bathroom or WC and want to make the most of your available space, this Troyt corner toilet will help you do that.
This model is a two-piece toilet, is WaterSense-certified, and has high and low flush buttons. Its 0.8-gallon small flush could save you an estimated 25,000 gallons of water over the course of a year.
Made of heavy-duty porcelain, this robust toilet is very resistant to scratches and stains. It serves as a reminder that compact toilets don’t need to be weaker or less durable than larger ones.
What We Like
Makes the Most of Limited Space
This corner toilet will help you make the most of your available space, as it can be installed where standard toilets can’t.
Heavy-Duty Porcelain
Porcelain toilets are more robust and easier to maintain than lighter plastic units. This means you won’t have to deal with scratches and stains as long as your toilet is cleaned properly.
Eco-Friendly
Wasting less water is kinder to the environment and should also help you reduce your water bills. By using the 0.8-gallon lighter flush option, you could save about 25,000 gallons of water per year.
What We Don't Like
Doesn’t Include Fixings
This toilet doesn’t include the fixings needed to install it securely. You will need to pay extra for a wax ring and the various bolts and covers, which will increase your overall spending.
Product Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 38.6 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 29 x 17.25 x 30 |
| Comfort height (inches) | Not stated |
| Type of flush | Dual |
| Style | Two-piece |
| Price | $$$ |
| Warranty | 1-year |
Our Ratings
Swiss Madison Forever SM-1T257 Sublime One-Piece Toilet
Best Stylish Compact Toilet
This Swiss Madison toilet has a very smooth, minimalist design that makes it ideal for modern bathrooms. It is a seamless one-piece toilet that is easy to clean and has a robust porcelain body.
It also has a gravity-fed dual flush feature that uses 0.8 gallons for a light flush and 1.28 gallons for a full flush. Its compact bowl and slimline width mean it is ideal for tight spaces but still very functional.
There is a soft-close seat with a quick-release feature, which means it can be removed easily without tools for thorough cleaning. If you want a compact toilet that still provides a wow factor, this model is a great choice.
What We Like
Sleek Modern Design
This toilet is designed with sleek lines and gentle curves that make it an ideal choice for anyone looking to add a stylish, compact toilet to a modern bathroom.
Reduced Water Usage
The light flush of this toilet uses just 0.8 gallons of water and the heavy flush uses 1.28 gallons. It should use about 20% less water compared to standard toilets with 1 and 1.6-gallon flushes.
Heavy-Duty Porcelain
Porcelain is the go-to material for the most durable and visually-appealing toilets. It stays clean, rarely scratches, and any stains can be easily wiped away.
What We Don't Like
Uncomfortable
Judging by customer reviews, it appears that the designers prioritized a sleek design over comfort. The seat is apparently uncomfortable and some users might find it difficult to use while sitting.
Tricky to Install
Some professional installers have said this toilet is more suitable for installation in European homes and is difficult to install in American bathrooms.
Product Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 89 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 24 x 13.75 x 28.5 |
| Comfort height (inches) | 17 |
| Type of flush | Dual |
| Style | One-piece |
| Price | $$ |
| Warranty | 1-year |
Our Ratings
| Product | Best | Weight | Dimensions | Comfort height | Type of flush | Style | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Galba Small Dual Flush Toilet | Dual-Flush | 90 lbs | 24.5 x 14 x 27″ | 17″ | Dual | One-piece | 1-year |
| Kohler K-3999-0 Highline Toilet | Comfort Height | 93 lbs | 29.5 x 18 x 31.25″ | 17″ | Dual | Two-piece | 1-year limited |
| WoodridgeT-0019 Cotton White Toilet | One-Piece | 152 lbs | 31 x 18 x 28″ | 16.5″ | Dual | One-piece | 5-year |
| American Standard H2Option Toilet | Two-Piece | 58 lbs | 15 x 27.5 x 30″ | 17″ | Dual | Two-piece | Limited lifetime |
| Saniflo 023 Sanicompact Toilet | Self-Contained | 62 lbs | 18.25 x 14.5 x 15.75″ | 19″ | Single/Dual | Tankless | 2-year limited |
| Troyt Corner 2-Piece Toilet | Corner Toilet | 38.6 lbs | 29 x 17.25 x 30″ | N/A | Dual | Two-piece | 1-year |
| Swiss Madison Forever Sublime Toilet | Stylish | 89 lbs | 24 x 13.75 x 28.5″ | 17″ | Dual | One-piece | 1-year |
How Much Space Do You Need for a Toilet?
If you want to install a toilet that is a different size from your existing one, you should check your local regulations before buying. There might be minimum size requirements, especially if your property is going to be used as a rental.
You will need to think about more than just the size of the toilet itself. Consider where the toilet will be positioned in your bathroom. Where is the door and will you have enough room to open it while standing between the door and the toilet?
Also, think about where your sink will be in relation to the toilet. Arranging your bathroom is all about finding the right balance between comfort and having enough space to move around freely.
4 Types of Space-Saving Toilets
There are many compact toilets to choose from but there are four main types you will need to consider when looking for one:
One-Piece Vs. Two-Piece
One-piece toilets are sometimes referred to as single-piece toilets and have the tank and bowl combined into a single unit. This can be advantageous as the toilet can have a smaller height than a two-piece one.
A two-piece toilet, also known as a coupled toilet, has a separate tank and bowl that are connected by couplings. This type of commode might be beneficial as two-piece toilets are generally thinner and not as long as one-piece units.
Tankless
A tankless toilet is connected to a water supply line with sufficient pressure to remove waste from the bowl. This means it doesn’t need a tank to deliver its flush. A tankless toilet can be more compact as you won’t need extra space to accommodate a tank. You will usually see tankless toilets in tight spaces such as downstairs WCs.
Corner Model
As their name suggests, corner toilets are designed to fit into corners with 90-degree angles. They have specially designed tanks to occupy as little space as possible. They provide an excellent space-saving option for small bathrooms and WCs because they utilize areas of a room that would otherwise be wasted.
The main drawback of corner models is their higher cost due to their specialist design. They are also limited as they won’t be suitable for installation away from corners.
Wall-Mounted
Once they are installed, wall-mounted toilets look similar to tankless models. However, this is because the tank and plumbing are concealed behind a false wall and accessed via a flush panel. This allows the toilet to sit flush against your wall. These toilets are excellent space-saving options but they might be unsuitable if you can’t install them into your wall.
How to Choose a Compact Toilet
If you are looking for a compact toilet, you probably have some restrictions in terms of size and plumbing. Even so, you should still have plenty of options to choose from. If you want to narrow your search, take some time to consider the following points:
Set a Budget
Deciding on a specific budget will give you clear parameters to work within. Toilets vary in price greatly and it is possible to buy high-quality toilets at almost any price point. Keep in mind that, even though you looking for a compact toilet, it won’t necessarily be any cheaper. This is because these toilets are specialist models and rarer than full-sized toilets.
Eco-Friendliness
Toilets use a lot of water but it is possible to reduce their impact on the environment. You can choose a toilet that uses a smaller volume of water when you flush. Dual flush toilets have two different flush options, so you won’t use more water than necessary.
Choose a full flush for solid waste and a half flush for liquids. Some toilets even have a hose attachment that connects to your sink so you can use gray water to flush the bowl.
Consider Your Space
The shape and layout of your bathroom will dictate the maximum size and style of your toilet. It is a good idea to use tape to mark out the area you can fit a toilet into on the floor. This will let you see if you have any pinch points or awkward angles. Don’t forget to take your plumbing and pipework into account as well.
Macerating toilets are a great option if you don’t have a gravity drain. Just make sure it is possible to connect the toilet to an electrical supply.
Keep It Stylish
This won’t apply to everyone but you might also want your toilet to look as good as possible in your bathroom. It is a permanent fixture in your home and something you will need to look at and use every day.
If you prefer traditional bathrooms, a two-piece toilet will be the better option as this is an older style of toilet design. On the other hand, a one-piece toilet is a sleeker, more modern design that complements the more minimalist style that is now very popular. Wall-mounted toilets are also very modern if it is possible to install one in your bathroom.
Space-Saving Tips for Small Bathrooms
Just because you have a small bathroom, it doesn’t mean you can’t still create a luxurious space for your daily hygiene routine. Here are our top tips for making the most of a small bathroom:
Fit a Corner Sink
Corner toilets are a great space-saving solution but you can also buy a corner sink. If you are struggling to fit a conventional sink into your bathroom, consider swapping it for a corner model.
Swap Your Bathtub for a Shower
The bathtub is usually the largest piece of hardware in a bathroom and it also uses the most water. If you rarely take baths and generally use the shower instead, you can save a lot of space by swapping your bathtub for a shower enclosure. This should also help you make some savings on your water bills.
Install Shelves
Shelving always increases your storage options. If you fit them at head height above the sink, not only do you have a handy place to store towels, but you also avoid banging your head.
Choose a Sliding Shower Door
Swinging shower doors open outward and require a lot of floor space in your bathroom. Choosing a sliding door instead means you won’t need this extra floor space, so you should be able to fit a larger shower enclosure into the same area.
Choose a Folding Bathroom Door
If your bathroom is too small to open a conventional door once you add a sink, shower, and whatever else you need, you might need to swap it for a folding wooden type. As these doors fold in two, they require half the floor space of a standard door.
Get a Vanity Unit
If you want extra storage, you can either purchase a new bathroom sink with a built-in vanity unit or buy one to fit under your sink. Either way, you will increase your storage without occupying any extra floor space.
Swap the Mirror for a Bathroom Cabinet
A mirrored bathroom cabinet is a great way of fitting some extra storage into an otherwise wasted space. A lockable cabinet will also help you keep your medicine and razors away from any children in your home.
Door-Mounted Towel Racks
A door-mounted towel rail provides somewhere to store and dry your towels without needing to occupy any wall space. This makes them a great option for small bathrooms.
Compact Toilet FAQs
What Is a Comfort Height Toilet?
Comfort height toilets have a higher seat to make them more comfortable and accessible. They are particularly helpful for anyone with mobility issues, who might struggle to sit on a standard seat and stand up again. Their seats usually sit 17 to 19 inches above the floor.
Do Corner Toilets Save Space?
Corner toilets are designed to fit into tight spaces that can’t accommodate other toilets. This will help you make the most of your available space without intruding on your floor space.
Is a One-Piece Toilet Better Than a Two-Piece?
Whether to choose a one-piece or two-piece toilet is a matter of personal preference and your available space. A one-piece looks more modern and requires less height, but they are often wider than two-piece toilets. A two-piece toilet is more traditional, taller, and can be better suited to narrower spaces.
How Much Space Do You Need Between the Toilet and the Shower?
You should always try to have an 18-inch gap on either side of your toilet and a 30-inch space at the front of it. This will help you maneuver around it safely and ensure you can access it and your shower.
Does the Size of a Toilet Matter?
You need to choose a toilet that will fit into the available space in your bathroom but still provides comfort during use. Toilet bowls have round or oval bowls but their size can vary considerably depending on the manufacturer and range.
You should also consider whether or not the bowl is designed to fit a particular cistern style. While most toilets are designed as two pieces (bowl and cistern), they are often sold separately, so it is important to double-check your measurements carefully before buying.
To ensure your toilet is as comfortable as possible, you should look for a bowl height of 15 to 18 inches from your bathroom floor to the top of the seat. Anything higher than this may cause discomfort during use.
What Size is a Compact Elongated Toilet?
A compact elongated toilet is a type of toilet that is designed to be more comfortable while occupying minimal space. Usually measuring 27.75 inches, it has all the benefits of a standard elongated bowl but with a smaller width to fit into tight bathrooms.
This makes it ideal for en suite bathrooms and smaller WCs where space is at a premium. Its longer design means it should be more comfortable than a standard round bowl.
Is a Tall or Short Toilet Better?
There isn’t a universal answer to how tall your toilet should be, as it will depend on the size of your bathroom, how tall you are, and your level of mobility.
Tall toilets – also known as comfort height toilets – typically measure 17 to 19 inches from the floor to the top of the seat, so you won’t need to bend your knees as much as on a standard-size bowl.
This makes them well-suited for users who suffer from mobility issues, as they will require less effort to sit down and stand up.
Comfort height toilets have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their ease of use. The only downside is that they may occupy more space in your bathroom.
On the other hand, short toilets (or standard-size bowls) generally measure around 14 to 15 inches from floor to seat level and occupy less space but with less legroom than taller models.
They are ideal for smaller bathrooms with limited space but may be less comfortable to sit on if you have long legs.
What is the Smallest Size a Toilet Can Be?
The smallest size a toilet can be without compromising functionality and comfort is 24 inches long by 13.5 inches wide.
This is the minimum requirement for most household toilets, so it should be able to fulfill your needs. Toilets are available in various shapes and sizes, and 24 inches is simply the shortest universally accepted length for basic household models.
If you need something more compact, look into wall-mounted or tankless toilets, as they can have a larger bowl without occupying more floor space.
What Type of Toilet is Best for a Small Bathroom?
If you want to make the most of your space in a small bathroom, you should look for a wall-hung bowl. These toilets are a popular minimalist option in bathrooms of any size.
However, they can be particularly beneficial in smaller bathrooms as they require less floor space. Their slim design also makes them an aesthetically pleasing option.
Wall-hung toilets are also easier to keep clean due to their clearance above the floor and can provide greater comfort thanks to their elongated shape.
They also have the benefit of being easy to install as they don’t require additional fittings or fixtures; simply fix the frame into place and place your chosen bowl on top.
