The “downstairs loo,” the cloakroom, the half-bath—whatever you call it, the smallest room in the house is often the most overlooked. However, in 2026, interior design trends have shifted. Homeowners are realizing that limited square footage is actually the perfect canvas for high-impact design.
If you are planning an upgrade, you need a strategy that blends aesthetics with extreme practicality. In a tight space, every millimeter counts—from the projection of the sink to the often-ignored toilet paper roll dimensions.
Here are the top trending small toilet renovation ideas to maximize space and style, along with the technical details you didn’t know you needed.
Go Wall-Hung to Cheat the Eye
The number one rule for small toilet renovation ideas is to expose as much floor as possible. When the eye sees a continuous floor surface, the brain interprets the room as larger.
- The Floating Toilet: Swap a standard floor-mounted pedestal for a wall-hung toilet. By hiding the cistern in the wall, you save precious depth (often 10-15cm), and the gap beneath the bowl makes cleaning easier while expanding visual space.
- Floating Vanities: Similarly, opt for a wall-mounted basin. Without a bulky cabinet base touching the floor, the room feels airier.
2. Embrace “Cloakroom Maximalism”
Minimalism is great for living rooms, but in a tiny toilet, white walls can feel sterile and clinical. The current trend is Cloakroom Maximalism. Because the room is sealed off, you can take design risks you wouldn’t take elsewhere.
- Wallpaper the Ceiling: Draw the eye upward with bold wallpaper or a dark, moody paint color on the ceiling.
- Large Format Tiles: Contrary to popular belief, using large tiles in a small room reduces grout lines, making the space feel less cluttered and more expansive.
3. Lighting and Mirrors: The Illusionists
In a windowless small toilet, lighting is everything.
- Backlit Mirrors: Avoid bulky light fixtures that protrude into the room. A sleek, round mirror with integrated LED backlighting adds depth and modern flair.
- The Infinite Reflection: Install a mirror that spans the entire width of the wall above the sink. This effectively “doubles” the room visually.
The Detail That Matters: Toilet Paper Roll Dimensions
When renovating a standard bathroom, you rarely worry about where the toilet paper goes. In a tiny cloakroom (some as narrow as 80cm wide), the toilet paper roll dimensions become a critical engineering challenge.
If you install a holder too close to the toilet, a “Mega” roll might brush against your leg. If you install a recessed holder, you need to ensure it fits modern roll sizes.
Understanding the Measurements
To plan your layout perfectly, you need to know what you are working with. Here is the breakdown of standard vs. modern trending roll sizes:
- Standard Roll Width: The industry standard width (the distance from one side of the sheet to the other) is typically 10cm to 12cm (approx. 4 – 4.5 inches).
- Core Diameter: The cardboard tube usually has a diameter of 4cm to 4.5cm.
- Total Diameter (The Crucial Metric): This is where renovations often go wrong.
- Standard Roll: approx. 10cm – 11cm diameter.
- Double/Mega/Jumbo Roll: Can reach 13cm – 15cm in diameter.
Why This Matters for Your Renovation
- Recessed Holders: If you are building a recess into the wall to save space (a brilliant idea for small toilets), ensure the niche is at least 15cm x 15cm. Many older niches are too small for modern “luxury” quilted rolls, causing the paper to get stuck.
- Distance from Sanitaryware: Building codes and ergonomic standards suggest the center of the roll holder should be 20cm to 30cm in front of the toilet bowl’s leading edge. If your room is tiny, ensure a 13cm-diameter roll won’t obstruct the swing of a vanity cabinet door.
Smart Storage Solutions
In a small toilet, floor space is premium real estate. Go vertical.
- Over-the-Door Shelves: The space above the door frame is dead space. Add a reclaimed wood shelf there to store extra toilet paper rolls or cleaning supplies.
- Recessed Shelving: If you are boxing in pipework for a wall-hung toilet, use the “shelf” created behind the toilet for a diffuser or plant, or build niches into the false wall.
5. The Rise of the “Rimless” and Short-Projection
When shopping for fixtures, look specifically for “short-projection” toilets. Standard toilets project about 60-70cm from the wall. Short-projection models can be as compact as 48cm. Those saved 12 centimeters can make the difference between your knees hitting the door or sitting comfortably.
Additionally, opt for rimless technology. It is more hygienic (essential in small, high-traffic spaces) and uses less water, making your renovation eco-friendly.
Conclusion
Renovating a small toilet is less about spending a fortune and more about smart geometry. By utilizing wall-hung fixtures, employing visual tricks with mirrors, and paying attention to the micro-details—like accounting for toilet paper roll dimensions to prevent spacing errors—you can turn a cramped cupboard into a stylish sanctuary.
Remember, the success of a bathroom renovation often lies in the quality of the installation and the heating elements that keep the space comfortable. For expert advice on heating solutions, plumbing tips, and making your house feel more like a home, be sure to visit homecomfortexperts.co.uk (Home Comfort Experts). Whether you are looking for efficiency upgrades or maintenance guides, they are your go-to resource for home comfort excellence.
READ ALSO: Toilet Water Level Too Low? Common Reasons and Practical Solutions
