6 Best Toilets for Small Bathrooms – Reviews and Buying Guide

By
Deborah Beams
Deborah Beams
Research Writer
Deborah is an incredibly talented journalist who's been working for numerous online magazines for over 8 years now. She's also our main research writer who can turn any bori read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Charles Eggleston
Charles Eggleston
Expert Consultant
Charles's been a plumber his entire life. Thanks to his vast experience we can always rely on Charles' expert opinion when creating any of our articles. He's also a fantasti read more
Last updated: August 11, 2023
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You will be surprised how many solutions manufacturers provide to equip a small bathroom. One-piece, two-piece, wall-mounted toilets, what not! However, buying an inferior model may have you regretting your purchase. To help you make a more informed decision on the best toilet for a small bathroom, we did this research for you.

When choosing the top six models for our reviews, we looked for some key features. Firstly, we looked at the dimensions to choose products with small footprint – compact in width, length, or both. We mainly focused on more compact one-piece models since they are easier to install and maintain. Some people, however, prefer the more traditional two-piece units or even a wall-mounted toilet that has a tank built into the wall to save even more space, so we also included these types to give you a more thorough list to choose from. For in-depth reviews and an all-encompassing buying guide on which features to look for when shopping for the best toilet for a small bathroom, keep reading.

Quick Summary

  • Editor’s Choice: GALBA Small Toilet
    "A one-piece toilet that features ultra-compact dimensions while still being comfortable to use"
  • Best One-Piece Toilet: HOROW HWMT-8733
    "Another one-piece elongated model made of vitreous china which looks stunning and remains as such for decades"
  • Best Two-Piece Toilet: Kohler K-3999-0
    "This is the perfect option for small bathrooms with classic décor as this toilet has the traditional two-piece construction with a single flush system"
  • Premium Choice: Kohler K-4007-0
    "A sleekly designed unit with round-shaped seat and 9 shades to choose from"
  • Best Wall-Mounted Model: Swiss Madison Ivy SM-WT450
    "This toilet allows to hide its tank behind the wall to save you tons of space"
  • Best with Single Flush: Toto UltraMax II
    "A one-piece model that is effortless to install and clean; compact in width but is comfortable thanks to the elongated seat"

Top 6 Toilets for Small Bathrooms Review 2024

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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 3808 people in the past 30 days
9.9
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.4
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.8
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.8
9.9
1
Editor’s Choice

GALBA Small Toilet

Features
  • Dimensions: 24.5 x 13.5 x 28.5 inches
  • Type: one-piece
  • Shape: elongated
  • Material: ceramic
  • Flush: dual; 0.8/1.28GPF

More features: self-cleaning glazed surface; slow-closing nesting seat

The GALBA Small Toilet is the best compact toilet around. It is a one-piece model, so it is easy to clean the entire piece with little effort on your part. This model is made of ceramic, with a self-cleaning glaze on the top that keeps almost anything from sticking. This coating also doesn’t scratch, fade, discolor, or rust, so you’re little toilet will look great for years to come.

The elongated bowl and seat give this toilet a slimmer shape, so you can fit it into those tight spaces with ease. The plastic material used on the seat is a bit flimsy but it has a slow-closing design that keeps it from slamming down if it slips from your fingers as you lower it.

This small model includes Dual Tornado flush, so you can use less water with urination and a higher level when there is more to clear out of the bowl. No matter which one you choose, this unit uses less water than traditional toilets at about 1.6 gallons every time you flush. This saves money on water and protects the environment at the same time. Despite being powerful, the flush is still relatively quiet.

Other handy features this compact toilet has to offer include the 12-inch universal fit rough-in, the 3-inch flush valve diameter, the 2-inch fully-glazed concealed trap way, and the 16.5-inch seat height. The 1-year warranty gives you plenty of time to test it out.

    What are our favorite features?
  • Self-cleaning glazed surface
  • Dual Tornado flush
  • Quick-release seat
  • Easy to clean
    What could be better?
  • Flimsy plastic seat
Also Product Ranking:
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 8278 people in the past 30 days
9.7
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.4
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.4
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.5
9.7
2
Best One-Piece Toilet

HOROW HWMT-8733

Features
  • Dimensions: 25 x 28.5 x 13.5 inches
  • Type: one-piece
  • Shape: elongated
  • Material: vitreous china
  • Flush: dual; 1.1/1.6GPF

More features: soft closing seat; chrome-plated flush buttons

There are many reasons that the HOROW HWMT-8733 is one of the best small toilet models on the market. First, it is easy to install using a few tools that you likely already have in your toolbox. It has a floor-mounted design, with a 12-inch rough-in. The toilet is fitted for a ¾-inch water line rather than the usual 7/8-inch but it also includes a ½-inch adapter for a water line if needed.

This compact toilet includes the dual-flush mechanism, so you can help conserve water with every flush. The flush is powerful enough to prevent clogs and leaks but is also quiet, so you won’t wake the entire household when you use it in the middle of the night.

Another handy feature is the soft-closing seat, which barely makes a sound when you put it down. This seat is made of rather thin plastic, so it isn’t the most durable or comfortable piece out there. Luckily, A durable UF seat is also available to purchase if you want to upgrade to a better one.

This little toilet for small bathrooms is intended to be easy to clean, with a self-clean glaze surface and a concealed trap way design. You can easily wipe the outside and the inside, speeding up this dirty job for more time doing the things you enjoy.

Included with the toilet are the 5-year warranty on fading and stains and the 3-year limited warranty on the flushing mechanism and the toilet seat lid.

    What makes it stand out?
  • Easy to install
  • Soft-closing seat
  • Quiet flush
  • Modern design
    Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
  • Thin, uncomfortable plastic seat
  • Not the most economical water consumption
Also Product Ranking:
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 9790 people in the past 30 days
9.6
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.5
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.4
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.4
9.6
3
Best Two-Piece Toilet

Kohler K-3999-0

Features
  • Dimensions: 29.5 x 31.3 x 18 inches
  • Type: two-piece
  • Shape: elongated
  • Material: vitreous china
  • Flush: single; 1.28GPF

More features: 3-bolt installation; meets EPA flushing guidelines

If you prefer a two-piece toilet for small spaces, the Kohler K-3999-0 may be a good option for your little bathroom. Though taller than some of the other models available, this unit is still compact, plus it has a comfort height seat that’s similar to normal-sized toilets, making it easier to get up after you’ve finished using it.

Despite its height, this little toilet is still quite small, with an elongated seat and base that can fit into slimmer spaces while still giving you enough room to get comfortable while you use it. The seat itself isn’t included, though, so you do need to purchase this piece separately.

The canister includes a flush valve, which gives you a powerful, yet quiet flush. This won’t disturb the other members of your household, even during the night, plus it prevents clogs by ensuring everything goes down the first time you flush. This toilet is water-efficient as well, using only 1.28 gallons per flush, so you use less water without leaving anything behind in the bowl.

Installation is easy, whether you’re doing it yourself or getting it installed professionally. It includes a standard 12-inch rough-in and 3 pre-installed tank bolts, though the supply line isn’t included, so you do need to get one of these before you get started. There are four colors available, so it shouldn’t be too hard to find one that matches the rest of the bathroom décor.

    What makes it stand out?
  • Comfort height seat
  • Traditional two-piece look
  • Water-efficient
  • Easy installation
  • Powerful flush
    Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
  • Seat and supply line not included
  • Not as easy to clean as one-piece models
Also Product Ranking:
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 5607 people in the past 30 days
9.4
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.2
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.0
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.3
9.4
4
Premium Choice

Kohler K-4007-0

Features
  • Dimensions: 25.5 x 24 x 16.8 inches
  • Type: one-piece
  • Shape: round
  • Material: vitreous china
  • Flush: single; 1.28GPF

More features: patented Aqua Piston flush engine; Quiet-Close lid and seat

The Kohler K-4007-0 comes with nine different color options to choose from, including white, black, and everything in between. This makes it easier to find the perfect shade to fit in with the rest of your small bathroom’s décor. Of course, this model also has several other great features to consider.

First, this small toilet has a low-profile design, so it can fit under shelves or counters if needed without any reconstruction needed. It also has a rounded front, which makes it even more compact to fit in the smallest spaces without sacrificing sitting room.

The one-piece design makes it easy to move, install, and clean this handy little model. It has a seamless look, which adds a more modern touch to any powder room.

Another great feature is the Aqua Piston canister. When you flush, this technology lets water flow from all sides into the bowl, which cleans any residue more effectively, plus it adds some extra power to the flush to make sure everything goes down. The single-flush gravity combined with the specially-designed bowl, tank, and trap way adds an even stronger flushing siphon.

The canister also a durable design with almost no exposed seals to prevent leaks. The Grip-Tight Q3 seat closes quietly every time. The only flaws with this little toilet are the high price and the fact that it doesn’t include a wax ring for installation.

    What are its best features?
  • 9 color options
  • Easy to clean
  • Leak-free design
  • Durable
    What could be improved?
  • No wax ring included
  • Pricey
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 5508 people in the past 30 days
9.3
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.9
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.2
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.2
9.3
5
Best Wall-Mounted Model

Swiss Madison Ivy SM-WT450

Features
  • Dimensions: 20.5 x 14.6 x 12 inches
  • Type: wall-mounted
  • Shape: elongated
  • Material: ceramic
  • Flush: dual; 0.8/1.28GPF

More features: 500-pound weight limit; concealed behind-the-wall tank

For some people, the best compact elongated toilet is a wall-mounted model, with half of the toilet components hidden in the wall, taking up even less space than other compact toilets on the market. These work well in even the tiniest bathrooms since the bowl and seat is the only part you see.

This model comes with the modern, stylish wall-mounted toilet bowl, which looks great, has an adjustable height, and is easy to clean since you can reach all around it when wiping it down. The seamless design means there are very few nooks and crannies to catch dirt, dust, or other nasty particles.

The Swiss Madison Ivy SM-WT450 includes a dual flush plate, which allows you to use the proper water level depending on whether you’re going number one or number two. The flush isn’t the most powerful around, though, so sometimes you may need to use an extra flush to make sure everything goes down.

A Slymm quick-release seat is also included, which closes almost silently every time. All of the bolts and screws needed to install the toilet come with it. What isn’t included is the concealed tank and wall actuator, so despite the bowl being so cheap to buy, you will need to spend some extra cash on the rest of the components. Luckily, this model is compatible with all Carrier brands, so you can choose your favorite.

    What are our favorite features?
  • Dual flush
  • Adjustable height
  • Includes all mounting hardware
  • Soft-close seat
    What could be better?
  • Flush isn’t very powerful
  • Tank and wall actuator not included
Also Product Ranking:
See more...
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 6540 people in the past 30 days
9.5
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.3
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.2
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.2
9.5
6
Best with Single Flush

Toto UltraMax II

Features
  • Dimensions: 28.4 x 16.5 x 28.4 inches
  • Type: one-piece
  • Shape: elongated
  • Material: vitreous china
  • Flush: single; 1.28GPF

More features: ADA, WaterSense, CALGreen, and CEC compliant

If you’re looking for the best Toto toilet for a small bathroom, the Toto UltraMax II may be the right one for you. It’s a pricey model but it has some great features that make it well worth the extra cost, including the sleek, stylish look that will fit nicely with all of your other bathroom décors.

The Toto UltraMax II has a one-piece design that is easy to install and to clean since there are fewer cracks for dirt and other debris to get into. It comes in five colors, including cotton, bone, colonial white, Sedona beige, and ebony. All of these but the ebony include the Cefiontect glaze, which prevents anything from sticking to the ceramic surface. There is a slanted top on the tank, so you can’t put anything on top, though this isn’t an issue for everyone.

This model has a universal height, so you don’t need to struggle to sit down or stand up when you’re using it. The elongated bowl fits nicely into slimmer spaces, so you can squeeze it into any bathroom configuration. Included with the toilet is the SoftClose seat and Chrome Trip Lever, with other lever options available to purchase.

Another handy feature is the Tornado Flush flushing system, which is designed to pull water into the bowl quickly and down the drain forcefully, getting rid of everything in no time. Despite the powerful flush, it is still a high-efficiency toilet, using less water than traditional models.

    What do we love it for?
  • 5 color options
  • High-efficiency
  • Glazed surface
  • Tornado Flush system
    What were we disappointed with?
  • Expensive
  • Slanted top on tank
Also Product Ranking:

Things to Consider

Those with small bathrooms don’t have room for large plumbing pieces, including toilets. That’s why the best toilet for a small bathroom needs to be compact while still doing the job of a more traditional model. The following sections will break down the specific features these types of toilets have to offer, which will help you determine what you need for your little powder room.

What to consider when looking for a compact toilet

6 Best Toilets for Small Bathrooms – Reviews and Buying GuideWhen looking for a new toilet for a small bathroom, there are a few features you may want to consider. This will ensure you’re getting the right model to meet your needs.

Dimensions

The dimensions of the toilet you’re choosing for your small bathroom are the most important feature you should look for. This is because the toilet needs to fit in the space you have available, with the proper clearance on the sides and the front. Otherwise, you’ll be forced to squeeze in between walls or with your knees pulled up when you’re sitting down. The less space you have available, the smaller the toilet needs to be for you to be able to use it comfortably.

Of course, the length is usually more important than width to give you the room you need for the men to stand in front of it when using it and the women to remove the necessary layers before sitting down. The toilet should be 25 inches long or less for a really small bathroom, while a room with a bit more space can handle one up to 30 inches, like the Kohler K-3999-0.

One-piece, two-piece, or wall-mounted?

6 Best Toilets for Small Bathrooms – Reviews and Buying Guide

There are three main toilet types to choose from. These include one-piece, two-piece, and wall-mounted models. A one-piece toilet is a single piece, with the tank and the bowl fused together for a seamless design, like the one on the Toto UltraMax II. The lack of seams means that there are no spaces for dust and grime to accumulate, which makes it much easier to keep them clean. They also have a sleek, smooth finish that is quite attractive.

Two-piece compact toilets are more common since this is also the design favored in the traditional standard-sized toilets. The tank and the bowl are separate, which makes it easier to replace either of these parts if they should break down, rather than replacing the entire toilet. These models are usually a bit bigger than the one-piece models, so they may not fit as well in some small bathrooms.

The wall-mounted toilets are the smallest of all, with the bowl and the flush plate on the wall and the rest of the toilet in the wall. Some models require a tank built into the wall while others work directly with your home’s water supply, depending on the model you choose. These models are the most compact, cheapest to buy, and the easiest to clean since there is less surface to worry about.

Single or dual flush?

There are two types of flush options to choose from, single or dual flush. The single flush models, like the Kohler K-4007-0, are the standard type that have been used in toilets for decades. When you flush the toilet, a set amount of water is sent into the bowl every time. This isn’t the most efficient option, though, since you may not need that much water to clear out what’s in the toilet every time.

The dual flush option has two buttons, one of which uses less water than the other. For normal flushes, you can use the first button, which uses only a small amount of water. For those times when you need to flush away those number twos, more water is required to clear out every last bit of debris, which is what the second button does. This allows you to save a bit more water on those smaller flushes rather than using the same amount no matter what is in the bowl.

Round or elongated front?

The shape of the toilet is another important feature to look for since this can affect how well the toilet fits in the space you have available, much like the dimensions do. The round toilets keep the length of the seat smaller, though they are a bit wider to still maintain a comfortable shape.

The elongated models are slimmer on the sides, though they do add a few extra inches to the front of the toilet seat. The slimmer shape may also not be as comfortable for larger members of the family since they don’t have as much on the sides in the way of support, which round models, like the Kohler K-4007-0, have a bit more of.

Materials used

All of the toilets for small bathrooms that we’ve included in our reviews are made of either ceramic or vitreous china. Each of these materials has its benefits and flaws, so you need to consider both before choosing the right one for you.

The Swiss Madison Ivy SM-WT450 is a ceramic model, which makes it extremely durable and strong, so it won’t break or crack, plus it can support even the heaviest members of the household, despite the compact size of the toilet. Ceramic is water-proof, so it won’t leak. It is also easy to clean, which is essential when you think about what you do with a toilet repeatedly throughout the day. Best of all, ceramic is cheap to manufacture, so toilets made using this material will be the least expensive type.

Vitreous china is a bit pricier than ceramic and not quite as durable, though it still should last for quite a few decades. The benefit of these toilets is that the material is created using a glazing technique that is combined with the porcelain used for the toilet that makes it much denser and gives it an eye-catching shine. This material also resists scratches, stains, fading, and other imperfections that can make your toilet look old and unsightly.

Ease of installation

When it comes to toilets for small bathrooms, the easier they are to install, the better off you are. The downside is that some of these toilets are a bit harder to install than traditional models since they may not use the standard parts you’re expecting. Of course, if the toilet includes all of the fittings and fixtures that you need to get it hooked up properly, as well as a detailed set of installation instructions, you may not have too much trouble getting it all hooked up and ready to use.

If the toilet doesn’t come with everything you need to install it, you may want to do some research to figure out exactly what you need. If you’re unsure of what to get or how to install it correctly, it may be a good idea to get a professional to do it for you.

Soft-close, but quick-release seat

6 Best Toilets for Small Bathrooms – Reviews and Buying Guide

Another handy feature some toilet models have to offer are soft-close seats. These handy pieces are built to slowly close on their own as soon as you push them down. This eliminates those loud bangs if the toilet seat should slip out of your hands as you’re lowering it, startling you and anyone outside the bathroom door. The slow-close seats also prevent damage to the seat and the toilet rim since they no longer hit against each other so hard.

As well as the soft-close seats, some brands also include quick-release attachments, which allow you to remove them quickly and easily. This way, you to give them a more thorough cleaning to keep germs and bacteria from growing beneath them. You can take it off when needed to spray and wipe it down and easily replace it when you’re done. This process will only take a couple of minutes from start to finish, leaving you more time for more appealing activities.

Warranty

The warranty on any product is one of the most important things to look at before you purchase a new toilet for a small bathroom, and it largely depends on the brand and country of manufacture. A good brand will usually offer a great warranty, which shows you that they stand behind their product and believe it is built to last. If it doesn’t meet your expectations, a good brand will also do their best to fix any issues you have to ensure you’re getting the toilet you want.

Five out of the six products in our reviews have a 1-year warranty, which covers and defects in the parts or the manufacturing of the products. This gives you plenty of time to check out the toilet when you buy it and try it out after you install it in your small bathroom. The exception is the HOROW HWMT-8733, which has a 5-year warranty for the toilet itself and a 3-year warranty on the seat and the flushing mechanism. This extended time covers you for a bit longer, just in case any issues with the toilet don’t show up right away.

Maintenance tips

Taking care of your toilet is pretty important since this is a household item you and the other members of your family will use repeatedly throughout the day. The following maintenance tips will ensure that your small toilet is looking great and working properly.

  • Disinfect the entire toilet, including the seat, lid, bowl, and tank, with a non-abrasive cleaner at least once each week.
  • Keep belongings off the top of the tank and away from the toilet to ensure that the water shut off valve is easy to reach in case of an emergency.
  • Inspect the floor around the bowl and tank for water since this could be the result of a leak, which could be due to a deteriorated wax ring or a leaky pipe.
  • Toilets should be securely fastened to the floor, so watch for any movement or wobbling when you use it. This could be caused by a loose floor nut or the toilet not sitting properly on the wax ring.
  • Check the caulk around the base of the bowl to ensure it is sealed properly. If it has begun to deteriorate, remove the old calk and replace it with new caulk all around the bottom edge of the bowl.
  • Never flush foreign objects down the drain, including feminine products, paper towels, hygienic wipes, or anything other than normal toilet paper.
  • Watch for slow flushing since this can be a sign of a tank that isn’t filling to the proper level. If this is the case, check the float to be sure it is working properly. It could also be caused by the buildup in the rinse holes.

FAQ

What are the pitfalls of installing a wall-mounted toilet?

One of the pitfalls of installing a wall-mounted toilet is that the tank is behind the wall, so it needs to be installed when the bathroom is being built, otherwise, you’ll need to do some renovations to get the tank in the wall and the toilet mounted properly. Depending on the depth of the wall, you may also need to widen it to fit the tank properly, which could result in less space after the wall is replaced. Issues with the tank will also require you to remove the wall to repair or replace it.

Will I need some professional help to install my new toilet?

You don’t necessarily need professional help to install your new toilet As long as you are careful and accurately mount the tank to the wall, you should be able to do this yourself. Improper mounting can lead to leaks, so this needs to be done correctly. If you’re unsure of your skills in this area or don’t have the tools needed to do the job well, you may want to hire a professional to ensure the toilet is properly installed.

Our verdict

Those with small bathrooms need compact toilets that will fit well while still doing the job they’re known for. Though all six of the models in our reviews are quality pieces, there are a few that have a bit more to offer.

Our favorite is the GALBA Small Toilet, which is a one-piece elongated model made of ceramic. This piece features a dual Tornado flush which is quiet and saves water, the slow-closing quick-release seat, and the self-cleaning glazed surface that resists scratches, rust, fading, and discoloration.

The HOROW HWMT-8733 is made of vitreous china and has a one-piece elongated design. Its features include dual-flush chrome-plated buttons, a soft-closing seat, a concealed trap way design, and a self-cleaning glazed surface. This model is powerful, yet quiet, easy to install and clean, and has a great warranty.

The Kohler K-3999-0 is the only two-piece model in our reviews. Made of vitreous china, this elongated toilet features a single quiet flush that is powerful enough to prevent clogs. It comes in 4 colors, is water-efficient, has a comfort height seat, and is easy to install.

9,9
Total Score
GALBA Small Toilet - Editor’s Choice
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