Toilet paper holders serve a very functional purpose, but if used correctly they can provide your bathroom with additional storage or add to its aesthetic. In small bathrooms, a toilet paper dispenser or holder may seem unnecessary or obtrusive, but many solutions can feel natural in the space. And you don’t have to be extremely handy to make it happen.
7 Frequently Asked Questions When Buying and Installing a Toilet Paper Holder
So many varieties of toilet paper roll holders are available that it can be hard to know how one should look, where it should be placed and which type is best for your bathroom. Especially if your bathroom is smaller than average, finding the right toilet paper holder and the space for it isn’t always easy.
These questions will give you recommendations for different measurements regarding your toilet paper holder that will help you know where to install it, regardless of the size of your bathroom and what surrounds your toilet.
1. Should the Toilet Paper Holder Be on the Right or Left?
If you are not catering to someone who is disabled and needs things set up a certain way, then the side of the toilet that you place the toilet paper holder on is up to your preference. Consider how much space you have on either side and where it would be easiest for you and your family to reach. If there is a wall on one side of your toilet and not the other, think about whether you want your toilet paper holder to be mounted on the wall or free-standing.
If you are considering this before your bathroom has been designed, wait to determine the toilet paper holder placement until after the toilet and the vanity have been placed. Sometimes, in smaller bathrooms, a toilet paper holder could be connected to a vanity rather than on the right or left side of the toilet.
2. What Is the Standard Size for Toilet Paper Holders?
The average toilet paper roll measures between 4 and 4.5 inches in diameter, which is what the average toilet paper holder is designed to hold. There are different sizes of holders as well if you use toilet paper that does not fall in this standard size category.
Free-standing toilet paper stands tend to be 26 inches tall. If you are mounting your holder on the wall, it is recommended that you place it about 26 inches above the floor. If everyone in your household is taller or shorter than average, consider changing the height to accommodate them. Toilet paper holders are often between 8 and 12 inches away from the toilet but can again be adjusted to accommodate your household.
3. Where to Put the Toilet Paper Holder in a Small Bathroom?
In a small bathroom, it may feel cluttered before you add a toilet paper holder jutting out of the wall or taking up space on the floor. However, you can do a few things to make the placement of a toilet paper holder feel more practical and cohesive with the rest of your small space. You can mount your toilet paper holder on the wall or the vanity or choose a free-standing holder.
Here are some tips if you choose to mount your toilet paper holder in a small bathroom:
- Wall choice: If your bathroom is small, your best option may be to mount the toilet paper holder across from the toilet rather than on one of the sides. This option is especially attractive if your toilet is closer to the walls than it would be in a larger bathroom, which would make it uncomfortable to reach for the toilet paper on the side.
- Vanity: If the wall across from your toilet is not an option, your toilet may be next to your vanity. In this case, you can install the toilet paper holder on the side of the vanity.
- Other hard surface: If your toilet is not near a wall or vanity, you may be able to mount it using self-adhesive options on another hard surface like the side of your bathtub. If you felt you had no other option, you could also mount your toilet paper holder on the wall behind your toilet.
If you prefer not to take up wall space, you can choose a free-standing toilet paper holder. This way, there are fewer limits on where you can put your toilet paper, and you can change your mind at any time. Here are some of your options:
- Floor stands: Floor stands allow you to have your toilet paper on the floor but still to the height you need it to be. Some have an adjustable option so you can set it at the best height. Many floor stands also come with baskets on their base so you have easy access to new rolls of toilet paper. When placed in a corner next to your toilet, these stands don’t take up much room and blend in with the rest of your space.
- Baskets: Baskets are a unique solution to hold your toilet paper. They are an excellent option if you don’t want to take up floor or wall space as they can sit in a nearby cabinet or on the back of your toilet. Baskets are available in numerous designs and are easy to pair with the current aesthetic of your bathroom.
- Over the toilet racks: Having racks above the toilet is fairly common in many bathrooms, especially small ones. This can be a good solution for storing extra toilet paper as well as functioning as a toilet paper holder. Getting the toilet paper from behind you can be tricky but would work in a pinch.
4. Where Can You Store Toilet Paper in a Small Bathroom?
Storing toilet paper in a small bathroom can be a hassle, but your toilet paper holder could be the answer. Floor stands often have baskets attached to their base for holding extra rolls. Many recessed toilet paper holders come with a small cabinet underneath that has additional storage for one or more extra rolls, keeping them conveniently at your disposal. If storage for extra rolls is an issue, consider one of these options to free up space in cabinets or drawers.
5. How Far Should a Toilet Paper Holder Be From the Toilet?
The toilet paper holder in your bathroom should be between 8 and 12 inches away from the toilet. Depending on how tall the people in your household are, you should err on one side or the other of that range. It should work well for most people as long as you do not make it more than an arm’s length away, which is usually around 12 inches for adults.
Sticking to the general rule of thumb of the toilet paper being 26 inches above the floor should make it an accurate height for most people to reach naturally.
6. How Do You Install a Toilet Paper Holder in Drywall?
Follow these steps when installing a toilet paper holder on the drywall in your bathroom.
- Measure: Getting accurate measurements is essential for your mounted toilet paper to look nice and be functional. Determine at what point of the range of each suggested measurement you want to place the toilet paper holder. Use a stud finder to find the most secure spot to install it nearest those measurements. Carefully mark where you’ll install the holder so you know exactly where to drill.
- Level: Because the holder will have a straight bar, it is important to use a level because installing it crooked will be obvious. Draw a line that’s the length of your holder on the wall and adjust it based on the level’s readings.
- Drill holes and secure brackets: For mounted toilet paper holders, you will need to drill holes and secure brackets to the wall or vanity.
For recessed toilet paper holders, you will need to follow a more in-depth process. Here are the steps to follow when installing a recessed toilet paper holder:
- Choose the location: Choosing where to install your recessed toilet paper will require the same understanding as a mounted toilet paper holder. Be aware that a recessed holder will likely take up more wall space than a mounted holder. You’ll want to use a stud finder to be sure the location you choose doesn’t have any obstructions behind the wall.
- Measure and cut: Measure the size of your recessed holder and cut an opening in the drywall where you will install the holder. You should use a level and a pencil to draw the hole and ensure it is not crooked before you cut it.
- Attach construction adhesive: On the toilet paper holder itself, you should attach construction adhesive to the back of the frame so it will be secure against the wall when it is in the hole.
- Put the holder in the wall: Push the holder into the wall, making sure to press the adhesive firmly against the wall. The adhesive will dry over time.
- Add toilet paper: Once it’s in, all you have to do is add toilet paper to your new recessed toilet paper holder, and it is ready to use.
To remove or replace your recessed toilet paper holder, follow these steps :
- Cut: Make a similar cut to the one you made to install the holder. It should be slightly bigger than the original one so the unit can come out easily.
- Hammer: Use a soft-face hammer to tap the top of the unit lightly. This will make it easier to pull the holder out of the hole.
- Install the new holder: If the new holder is a different size than the old one, make the hole in the wall larger or fill it in to make it smaller.
- Or fill in the hole: If you are not replacing the toilet paper holder with another recessed holder and are removing it completely, cut a piece of drywall to fill the hole and attach it to the wall using drywall tape and joint compound.
7. Should Your Toilet Paper Holder Be Mounted or Recessed?
Choosing a mounted or recessed toilet paper holder ultimately comes down to preference. Both mounted and recessed toilet paper holders offer a unique set of benefits to consider.
Mounted Toilet Paper Roll Holder
Here are some of the pros of choosing a mounted roll holder over a recessed roll holder.
- Larger rolls: You can put larger toilet paper rolls on mounted holders because they generally provide more space away from the wall.
- Easier replacement: If you are looking into remodeling your bathroom or changing your holder in the future, a mounted holder is easier to move, remove or replace. This could also become a factor if you choose to change something else about your bathroom and your toilet paper holder needs to shift as well.
Recessed Toilet Paper Roll Holder
Here are reasons to choose a recessed holder over a mounted roll holder:
- Takes up less space: Because a mounted roll holder juts out from the wall, it could add a tight feeling to your bathroom, especially if it is already small. A recessed holder is a great solution for small bathrooms if you want to save space.
- Aesthetic: Recessed toilet paper holders often provide a more aesthetic look to the bathroom than a mounted holder because they blend into the space better.
- Storage: Many recessed holders have a compartment to store an extra roll or two, making it easier to have them nearby and not taking up space in other parts of your bathroom. At WG Wood Products, we offer recessed toilet paper holders that have single, double or triple wooden cabinets for extra rolls.
Shop Toilet Paper Holders From WG Wood Products
At WG Wood Products, we offer quality, hand-crafted products that are unique and solve real customer needs for a great price. We provide free customizations for our products to ensure you get an item that will fulfill your needs. You can choose from different options, finishes, sizes and more. Custom orders may take more time than a regular order but will save you the time of modifying it down the road.
We are always looking to innovate and advance the industry in a way that is distinctive and helpful for our customers. One of the most recent ways we have done that is with our plastic toilet paper holder. They fit single and double rolls and have an antimicrobial additive that helps stop the spread of germs. Being plastic lowers its cost and allows for faster processing and shipping.
With over 10,000 items, 1.5 million users and a 99% customer feedback rating of five stars, we are a trustworthy solution for your toilet paper holder needs.
Browse our toilet paper holder selection to find the functional, convenient and stylish solution to your bathroom toilet paper holder needs. Contact us today with any questions and we will be happy to answer you.
