Best Toilets for Small Bathrooms: How to Save Space Without Compromising on Style

Choosing the Right Toilet for a Cloakroom, En-Suite or Compact Bathroom

When you're designing a small bathroom, every millimetre matters.

A toilet that looks perfectly normal in a large showroom can suddenly feel enormous when it's installed in a cloakroom or narrow en-suite.

But having a small bathroom doesn't mean you have to settle for an uncomfortable toilet or compromise on style.

Modern compact toilets, short-projection toilets and wall-hung WCs are specifically designed to make better use of limited space.

The trick is knowing which type will work best in your room.

In this Allbits guide, we'll look at the best toilets for small bathrooms, explain which designs save the most space and highlight some of our favourite compact options available from Allbits Plumbing Supplies, including several from our Roca range.

What Makes a Toilet Good for a Small Bathroom?

The obvious answer is:

Make it smaller.

But there's slightly more to it than that. 😂

A good small-bathroom toilet should balance:

• Compact projection
• Comfortable seating
• Sensible width
• Suitable plumbing connections
• Easy cleaning
• Good flushing performance
• Appropriate installation
• Style

The smallest toilet on paper isn't necessarily the best toilet for your bathroom.

You need the one that uses the available space most intelligently.

Start with Toilet Projection

If you've just completed our previous guide, you'll know this one already. 😁

Projection is how far the toilet extends into the room.

In a small bathroom, reducing projection can give you valuable extra:

• Knee room
• Walking space
• Door clearance
• Basin clearance
• Shower access

As a rough buying guide:

These aren't official industry categories, so always check the individual product dimensions.

For the full explanation, read:

Toilet Projection Guide: How to Choose the Right Size Toilet

1. Short-Projection Close-Coupled Toilets

For many customers, this will be the easiest small-bathroom solution.

A short-projection close-coupled WC works like a conventional toilet:

• Pan stands on the floor
• Cistern sits directly behind it
• No concealed frame required

The difference is that the overall depth has been reduced.

Why choose one?

They're particularly useful if:

• You're replacing an existing close-coupled toilet
• You don't want major building work
• Your cloakroom is narrow
• The door opens towards the WC
• You want a straightforward installation

This is often the first type I'd investigate before making a small bathroom unnecessarily complicated.

2. Compact Wall-Hung Toilets

If space and appearance are priorities, wall hung becomes very interesting.

A wall-hung toilet leaves the floor underneath completely visible.

That has two benefits.

Physically

Compact wall-hung pans can have extremely short projections.

Visually

Seeing the flooring continue underneath the toilet makes the bathroom feel less crowded.

And there's another bonus:

you can mop straight underneath it.

No wrestling a mop around the pedestal while muttering under your breath. 😂

However, remember that a wall-hung toilet needs:

• Support frame
• Concealed cistern
• Flush plate
• Suitable wall construction

So calculate the finished installation depth, not just the pan.

Read:

Wall-Hung vs Close-Coupled Toilets: Which Is Best?

3. Back-to-Wall Toilets

Back-to-wall toilets are another excellent compact-bathroom option.

The pan stands on the floor, but the cistern is hidden:

• Inside furniture
• Behind a false wall
• Inside a service void

This reduces visual clutter and can work particularly well when the toilet is incorporated into fitted bathroom furniture.

For example, you could combine:

Compact vanity + WC unit + back-to-wall toilet

to create a very tidy small-bathroom layout.

Just remember that the WC unit or concealed wall has depth too.

Read:

Back-to-Wall Toilets Explained

4. Closed-Back Close-Coupled Toilets

Here's an option customers sometimes overlook.

A closed-back close-coupled toilet still has the familiar visible cistern, but the ceramic pan extends backwards towards the wall.

This conceals much of the pipework.

In a small bathroom, that can help because:

• The installation looks less cluttered
• There are fewer visible pipes
• Cleaning around the WC is easier
• The toilet can look more streamlined

Combine closed back + compact projection + rimless, and you've got a very practical small-bathroom WC.

The Roca The Gap Square Rimless is a good example: its current Allbits specification gives it a compact 600mm projection, closed-back pan and rimless bowl.

5. Rimless Toilets for Small Bathrooms

Rimless doesn't actually make a toilet smaller.

But I still think it's worth considering.

Why?

Because small bathrooms can be awkward enough to clean already.

A rimless bowl removes the traditional enclosed rim, giving easier access to the inside of the toilet.

Combine that with a compact pan and you get a WC that's:

• Space conscious
• Modern
• Easier to clean
• Suitable for everyday family use

Read:

Rimless Toilets Explained: Are They Worth It?

Big Al Recommends: Best Small-Bathroom Toilets from Allbits

Right then. Enough theory.

Let's go shopping in our own warehouse. 😂

🏆 Best Ultra-Compact Roca Choice

Roca Ona Compact Rimless Wall-Hung Pan

This is a little cracker for genuinely tight spaces.

The current Allbits specification gives the Roca Ona Compact Wall Hung dimensions of:

360mm wide × 480mm projection × 290mm high

That 480mm projection makes it considerably shorter than many conventional floor-standing toilets. It's rimless too, and is designed for use with a concealed cistern and support frame.

Why we like it

• Only 480mm projection
• Wall-hung design
• Rimless bowl
• Floor remains clear
• Soft contemporary Roca styling
• Concealed fixings
• Excellent for cloakrooms and en-suites

Best for

Very small contemporary bathrooms where every millimetre counts.

View Roca Ona Compact Wall Hung at Allbits

💡 Big Al's Expert Tip

Don't see 480mm and immediately assume the complete installation occupies only 480mm. You must also account for the finished depth required for the concealed frame and cistern.

🏆 Best Roca Close-Coupled Compact Choice

Roca Ona Rimless Compact Close-Coupled Closed-Back Toilet

Love the Roca Ona styling but don't fancy installing a wall-hung frame?

This is the one I'd look at.

The Roca Ona Compact Close-Coupled WC combines a space-saving footprint with:

• Rimless bowl
• Closed-back pan
• Soft-close seat
• Conventional close-coupled installation
• Contemporary Ona styling

Allbits specifically describes this model as designed for smaller bathrooms, en-suites and cloakrooms.

Best for

Customers wanting a premium compact Roca toilet without going wall hung.

View Roca Ona Compact Close Coupled at Allbits

🏆 Best Roca 600mm Close-Coupled Choice

Roca The Gap Square Rimless Closed-Back Close-Coupled Toilet

The Gap Square is another strong option for a space-conscious bathroom.

Its current specification is:

365mm wide × 600mm projection × 790mm high.

It also combines:

• Rimless flushing
• Closed-back pan
• Compact cistern
• Soft-close seat
• 4/2-litre dual flush
• Dual outlet
• 25-year manufacturer's guarantee

That makes it a particularly useful all-round choice when you want a compact WC but don't necessarily need an ultra-short model.

Best for

Small family bathrooms and en-suites where 600mm projection works comfortably.

View Roca The Gap Square at Allbits

🏆 Best Dedicated Short-Projection Choice

Imex Ivan Rimless Short-Projection Toilet

Now here's one we absolutely need in this article because its whole purpose is right there in the name.

Short Projection.

The Imex Ivan combines:

• Rimless pan
• Short-projection design
• Open-back construction
• Close-coupled cistern
• 4.5/3-litre dual flush
• Soft-close quick-release seat

The open-back construction can also be useful in replacement installations where access to existing plumbing is important.

Best for

Cloakrooms and tight bathrooms where customers want straightforward close-coupled installation.

View the Imex Ivan Short Projection Toilet at Allbits

🏆 Best Budget Compact Choice

Imex Ivan Compact Close-Coupled WC

Not every small bathroom needs a premium toilet.

The Imex Ivan Compact gives us an important option for customers who need to save space and money.

It's currently included within the Allbits toilet collection as a dedicated compact close-coupled WC with a soft-close seat.

Best for

• Budget renovations
• Cloakrooms
• Rental properties
• En-suites
• Second bathrooms

Browse the Allbits Toilet Collection

Which Would Big Al Choose?

Here's my quick shortlist:

Don't Forget the Basin

If your bathroom is really small, don't save 50mm on the toilet and then install a basin that sticks halfway across the room. 😂

Look at the room as a complete layout.

Compact basins can make an enormous difference too.

And our Roca range gives us some lovely combinations.

For example, Allbits currently carries Roca Ona Compact basins including a tiny 450 × 260mm version designed specifically for cloakrooms and narrow bathrooms.

That means we can potentially recommend:

Small Bathroom Roca Combination

Roca Ona Compact WC + Roca Ona Compact Basin

You get coordinated styling while keeping both products space conscious.

Wall Hung or Close Coupled for a Small Bathroom?

Choose Wall Hung If:

• Visual space is important
• You want the floor clear
• You're carrying out a full renovation
• You can accommodate the concealed frame
• You want a minimalist appearance
• Very short pan projection is useful

Choose Close Coupled If:

• You want straightforward installation
• You're replacing an existing toilet
• You don't want to construct a concealed wall
• You need easy cistern access
• You're working to a tighter budget
• You still want compact options

There is no universal winner.

The room decides.

Round or Square Toilet?

People sometimes assume round toilets are automatically smaller.

Not necessarily.

Always compare the actual dimensions.

Round designs

Can look softer and less imposing in a small room.

Square designs

Can coordinate beautifully with contemporary:

• Vanity units
• Basins
• Shower trays
• Brassware

Choose the style you like after checking the measurements.

Open Back or Closed Back?

This is another decision worth considering.

Open Back

Allows more access around the rear plumbing.

That can be helpful when replacing an existing WC.

Closed Back

Conceals more of the pipework and creates a tidier appearance.

In a tiny bathroom, reducing visible clutter can make the room feel calmer and more spacious.

The right choice depends partly on your plumbing arrangement.

Can You Have a Comfort-Height Toilet in a Small Bathroom?

Yes.

Comfort height relates to height, not necessarily projection.

So if you prefer a higher seating position, don't assume you're automatically ruled out because your bathroom is small.

Check the individual:

• Height
• Width
• Projection

separately.

Read:

Comfort Height Toilets Explained: Are They Right for You?

How to Make a Small Bathroom Feel Bigger

Choosing the right toilet helps, but there are several other tricks.

Keep the Floor Visible

Wall-hung toilets and wall-mounted furniture can help.

Reduce Visual Clutter

Closed-back toilets and concealed pipework create cleaner lines.

Choose Appropriate Furniture

Slimline or wall-hung vanity units can free up valuable space.

Use a Large Mirror

Mirrors reflect light and create a greater sense of depth.

Don't Overfill the Room

You don't need every bathroom feature imaginable.

Sometimes less really is more.

Keep Products Proportionate

A huge vanity and tiny toilet can make the room feel oddly balanced.

Think of the whole bathroom as one design.

Small Cloakroom Example

Imagine a narrow downstairs cloakroom.

You need:

• Toilet
• Basin
• Heating
• Comfortable access

Rather than simply squeezing standard-size products in, consider:

Compact WC

Slim basin

Small towel rail

That combination can transform how usable the room feels.

And this is exactly where products such as the Roca Ona Compact WC and 450 × 260mm compact basin can work together beautifully.

Before You Buy Checklist

☐ Measure the room width

☐ Measure the room depth

☐ Check maximum toilet projection

☐ Mark the toilet footprint on the floor

☐ Check door swing

☐ Check basin projection

☐ Check shower-door or screen clearance

☐ Check radiator/towel-rail position

☐ Check soil-pipe position

☐ Check water-supply position

☐ Decide wall hung, close coupled or back to wall

☐ Include concealed-frame depth where applicable

☐ Check pan width

☐ Check pan height

☐ Consider comfort height if required

☐ Consider rimless technology

☐ Decide open back or closed back

☐ Check whether the seat is included

☐ Check whether the cistern is included

☐ Compare the complete finished installation

☐ Arrange suitable installation

Common Small-Bathroom Toilet Mistakes

Choosing from a Photograph

Photos are terrible at showing scale.

Check the millimetres.

Looking Only at the Pan Projection

For wall-hung and back-to-wall installations, account for the concealed cistern arrangement too.

Assuming Wall Hung Always Saves More Physical Space

It can—but the frame still needs somewhere to go.

Forgetting the Door

We are determined not to create a bathroom where you have to climb over the toilet to shut the door. 😂

Choosing the Smallest WC Regardless of Comfort

Compact is good.

Uncomfortable isn't.

Forgetting the Basin

The toilet is only one part of the room.

Ignoring Existing Plumbing

Moving a soil pipe may turn a simple bathroom update into a much larger job.

Assuming Compact Means Cheap

Compact products range from budget models to premium designer toilets.

Choose based on the whole specification.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Toilet for a Small Bathroom?

A compact or short-projection toilet is usually the best starting point.

Depending on the room, this could be a close-coupled, wall-hung or back-to-wall model.

What Is the Smallest Roca Toilet at Allbits?

Among the compact models we've checked for this guide, the Roca Ona Compact Rimless Wall-Hung Pan is particularly short at 480mm projection. Remember that a concealed frame and finished wall must also be included when calculating total installation depth.

Is 600mm a Good Toilet Projection for a Small Bathroom?

It can be. A toilet around 600mm projection is relatively compact and may work very well in many en-suites and smaller family bathrooms.

The Roca The Gap Square available from Allbits is one example at 600mm.

Are Wall-Hung Toilets Best for Small Bathrooms?

They're excellent for creating visual space and can use compact pans, but you must account for the concealed frame and cistern.

Are Short-Projection Toilets Comfortable?

A good-quality compact toilet should still be designed for normal everyday use.

However, dimensions and pan shapes vary, so don't choose solely by the shortest projection.

Can I Get a Rimless Compact Toilet?

Yes.

The Roca Ona Compact, Roca The Gap Square and Imex Ivan featured in this guide all provide rimless options.

Can I Get a Compact Close-Coupled Toilet?

Absolutely.

This is often one of the easiest ways to save space without installing a concealed frame.

Can I Put a Normal Toilet in a Cloakroom?

If it fits comfortably, yes.

There's no requirement to use a compact WC simply because the room is called a cloakroom.

Should I Choose Open Back or Closed Back?

Closed back creates a tidier appearance, while open back can provide easier access to existing plumbing.

How Can I Tell Whether a Toilet Will Fit?

Measure the room and compare:

• Projection
• Width
• Height
• Plumbing position
• Door clearance
• Basin clearance
• Space in front

Our guide explains the process in detail.

Toilet Projection Guide

Final Thoughts

A small bathroom doesn't need to feel cramped.

The right toilet can make a surprisingly big difference.

For straightforward installations, a close-coupled toilet may be all you need.

For extremely tight contemporary spaces, a compact wall-hung WC can be fantastic.

And for fitted bathroom schemes, a back-to-wall toilet can conceal the cistern and reduce visual clutter.

The important thing is not to chase the smallest number blindly.

Choose a toilet that gives you the right balance of:

Space + comfort + plumbing compatibility + cleaning + style.

And before you order it...

get the masking tape out. 😂

Mark the footprint on the floor and make sure the bathroom still works around it.

Browse the complete Allbits Toilet Collection:

Shop Toilets at Allbits

The live collection currently includes dedicated close-coupled, wall-hung and back-to-wall ranges, giving customers plenty of ways to solve a compact-bathroom layout.

Related Allbits Buying Guides

• The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Toilet

• Toilet Projection Guide,

• Rimless Toilets Explained,

• Wall-Hung vs Close-Coupled Toilets,

• Back-to-Wall Toilets Explained,

• Comfort Height Toilets Explained,

• Traditional vs Modern Toilets,

• Soft-Close Toilet Seats Explained, 

• How to Measure for a New Toilet

• What is a Bidet? Complete Bidet Buying Guide