Designing a compact bathroom doesn’t mean you need to compromise on comfort or style. The right toilet suite can completely transform a small bathroom, making it feel spacious, functional, and visually cohesive. Whether you’re renovating an ensuite, upgrading a rental, or refreshing an outdated bathroom, choosing the correct toilet style is one of the biggest space-saving decisions you’ll make.

Below is your expert guide to the best toilet suites for small bathrooms, including which styles work best, key measurements to consider, and how to match your toilet to different interior styles.

What to Look for When Choosing a Toilet Suite for a Small Bathroom

When working with limited space, these are the features that matter most:

1. Compact Projection

The “projection” is how far the toilet extends from the wall. Short-projection pans immediately free up floor space and improve manoeuvrability – ideal for narrow bathrooms and tight ensuites.

2. Plumbing Compatibility

Before choosing a toilet, confirm:

• S-trap or P-trap requirements
  
• Bottom or back inlet
  
• Existing rough-in measurements
  

This avoids expensive plumbing modifications during your bathroom renovation.

3. Easy-to-Clean Designs

Space-saving and cleaning-friendly often go hand-in-hand. Wall-faced designs and rimless pans reduce bacteria build-up and make quick cleaning easier.

4. Water Efficiency

WELS ratings of 4–4.5 stars are standard for modern toilets and ideal for households focused on sustainability or reducing water bills.

5. Style Matching

Your toilet should complement your tiles, vanity, and tapware. This keeps even a small space feeling cohesive rather than cluttered.

Best Toilet Suite Types for Small Bathrooms

Close Coupled Toilets

Close coupled toilets feature a cistern mounted directly to the pan, which helps create a compact footprint without sacrificing comfort.

Why they work well in small bathrooms:

• Affordable and reliable
  
• Neat form factor
  
• Great for traditional and modern bathrooms
  

Back to Wall Toilets

Back to wall toilets sit flush against the wall, hiding pipes and creating a clean, streamlined look  –  ideal for tight spaces.

Key advantages:

• Space-saving, straight lines
  
• Minimal dust traps
  
• Works well in modern, Scandinavian, and minimalist bathrooms
  

In-Wall Toilets (Wall Hung or Wall Faced with Concealed Cistern)

For the ultimate small-space solution, in-wall toilets conceal the cistern within the wall cavity, leaving only the pan visible.

Benefits for compact bathrooms:

• Creates the illusion of more space
  
• Slimline design
  
• Excellent for luxe or contemporary bathroom renos
  
• Easy to clean underneath (if wall-hung)
  

Compact Toilet Design Features That Maximise Space

If space is limited, prioritise these design details:

Short Projection Pans

Often 20–60mm shorter than standard pans, freeing valuable floor space.

Slimline Cisterns

A sleek cistern profile reduces visual bulk and gives the bathroom a lighter feel.

Corner Toilets

Perfect for awkward or tight layouts – often used in older Queenslanders and small rental properties.

Rimless Designs

More hygienic, easier to clean, and available across all toilet suite types.

Wall-Hung Toilets

Floating pans visually open up the floor and instantly modernise a compact bathroom.

Styling Tips: Matching a Toilet Suite to Different Bathroom Looks

Choosing the right toilet can influence the entire feel of the space. Here’s how to match your suite to your interior style:

Scandi & Coastal Bathrooms

• Choose soft, rounded edges in a matte or gloss white finish
  
• Pair with oak vanities and brushed nickel tapware
  
• Back to wall suites work beautifully with the minimalist look
  

Modern Luxe

• Opt for square or architectural pans
  
• In-wall toilets enhance the seamless, high-end feel
  
• Coordinate with black or brushed brass fixtures
  

Minimalist & Contemporary

• Wall-hung or in-wall suites for a floating, open feel
  
• Stick to clean lines and subtle curves
  
• Rimless designs maintain a clutter-free look
  

Small Bathroom Reno Tip:

Matching your toilet to nearby features (like tile grout, vanity colour, or tapware finish) keeps your design clean and cohesive.

Top Toilet Suite Picks for Small Bathrooms

Here are the best choices depending on common renovation needs:

1. Best for Tight Spaces

A short-projection back to wall toilet maximises room while keeping the look clean and modern.

2. Best for a Designer Look

An in-wall toilet with a concealed cistern provides the most space and a visually seamless effect – perfect for contemporary bathrooms.

3. Best Budget-Friendly Option

A close coupled toilet offers reliable performance at a great price point, ideal for rentals and investment properties.

4. Best for Easy Cleaning

A wall-faced rimless toilet reduces hidden dust traps and makes weekly cleaning fast.

Upgrade Your Small Bathroom With a Space-Saving Toilet Suite

With the right toilet suite, even the smallest bathroom can feel spacious, stylish, and functional. Whether you prefer the simplicity of a close coupled toilet, the sleek lines of a back to wall design, or the ultra-modern look of an in-wall suite, you’ll find the perfect option at Builders Discount Warehouse.

FAQs

What is the best toilet suite for a small bathroom?

The best option is usually a short-projection back to wall or in-wall toilet, as they maximise floor space and reduce visual clutter. These designs sit flush against the wall or use concealed cisterns, making the bathroom feel more spacious and easier to clean.

Do back to wall toilets save space?

Yes. Back to wall toilets sit tightly against the wall, eliminating gaps where dust gathers and reducing the overall footprint. Their straight-line design makes them ideal for narrow bathrooms, ensuites, and modern compact layouts.

Are in-wall toilets worth it for small bathrooms?

In-wall toilets are an excellent investment if you want to create space. Concealing the cistern removes bulk, and wall-hung pans open the floor visually. They cost more to install but offer superior aesthetics, hygiene, and space savings.

How deep should a compact toilet be?

Compact toilets typically have a projection of 480mm–600mm. Anything under 600mm is considered space-saving and works well for tight bathrooms, powder rooms, and small en-suites.

Which toilet style is easiest to clean?

Wall-faced, rimless toilet suites are the easiest to clean because their flat back eliminates dust traps and the rimless bowl prevents hidden bacteria build-up. In-wall systems are also user-friendly as the floor area stays clear.

Can I install a wall-hung toilet in any bathroom?

You can install a wall-hung toilet if your wall cavity can support a concealed cistern frame. Timber studs can be reinforced, and masonry walls are typically suitable. Always confirm structural and plumbing compatibility during your bathroom reno.

What is the difference between close coupled, back to wall, and in-wall toilets?

• Close Coupled: cistern sits directly on the pan, budget-friendly.
  
• Back to Wall: pan sits flush to the wall for a cleaner look.
  
• In-Wall: cistern concealed in wall cavity for maximum space-saving.