The National Kitchen and Bath Association states that the height of a toilet paper holder should be about 26 inches. Any style of toilet paper holder, whether freestanding, recessed, or mounted on the wall or vanity, should follow this advice.
While this is generally recommended, we’ll discuss some exceptions and other elements that might affect it so you can position your toilet paper holder at the ideal height for you and your visitors.
Table of Contents
Recommended Toilet Paper Holder Heights
The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) advises placing toilet paper dispensers 26 inches above the finished floor of a bathroom’s toilet area, measured from the floor to the vertical center of the dispenser. This height allows for simple access from either a standard-height toilet, which is less than 17 inches tall at the seat level, or a chair-height toilet, which is between 17 and 19 inches tall. You may also see chair-height toilets referred to as “Comfort Height,” which is the This size of toilet has a registered trademark from Kohler.
A grab bar that is securely mounted to the wall next to the toilet will make it even simpler for elderly or tall people to get on and off the toilet thanks to the taller, chair-height toilet.
How Far to Place a Toilet Paper Dispenser from the Toilet
The ideal distance for a toilet paper holder to be placed from the bowl is no closer than 12 inches.
When someone needs to use the toilet paper while seated, this is typically within arm’s reach. Depending on the size of the users, this may slightly alter.
Where Should a Toilet Paper Holder Be Placed?
There are a few rules to follow for the most comfortable use of a toilet paper holder.
Place the toilet paper holder on the wall between 8 and 12 inches from the toilet bowl.
In accordance with the preferred user’s height and arm length, this may alter. It will typically be used by a large number of individuals of various sizes and shapes, so striking in the middle is ideal.
For most standard applications, the toilet paper holder should be about 26 inches above the floor, though this can vary depending on the user’s arms length.
Where Do You Hang a Toilet Paper Holder in a Small Bathroom?
There may not be enough wall space in some locations to install a wall-mounted toilet paper holder. It may be necessary to use a freestanding toilet paper holder in place of this, or even a basket, shelf, or rack behind the toilet.
There are options for over-the-tank toilet paper holders that are very useful in small spaces if that still isn’t enough room for your tiny bathroom. It also enables the placement of additional rolls.
There may still be a place to hang it if you currently have a wall-hung holder and do not wish to switch to a different option.
Despite ADA requirements and recommendations for best practices, these are not necessary in residential homes.
You can choose the location and make it as comfortable (or tolerable) as possible for you. It’s not required to hang outside the suggested range for height and separation.
In a small bathroom, positioning the holder nearer and higher relative to the bowl is totally acceptable as long as the user can reach.
Are Toilet Paper Holders Standard Size?
There are a few different “sizes” available for toilet paper holders. The holders can now accommodate rolls of various sizes.
The majority of residential settings only have one regular-sized roll available, but some may need a jumbo-sized toilet paper holder. Your choice of toilet paper holder should be based on the size of rolls you intend to purchase.
ADA Toilet Paper Holder Requirements
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) specifies requirements for the placement of toilet paper dispensers that are different from those suggested by the NKBA. The dispenser should be located in accessible restrooms where it can be easily reached from the toilet model that is installed. However, the ADA specifies that it must not be located lower than 18 inches from the floor or higher than 48 inches.
Other Toilet Paper Holder Guidelines
Both the NKBA and the ADA provide guidelines for the toilet paper dispenser’s height and horizontal positioning. According to the NKBA, the dispenser should be placed 8 to 12 inches in front of the toilet, measured from the front edge of the bowl to the dispenser’s horizontal center.
The dispenser should be placed 7 to 9 inches in front of the toilet, according to the ADA. The ADA also stipulates that there must be at least 1.5 inches of space between the top of a toilet paper dispenser and the bottom of the grab bar because one is usually located underneath the grab bar, which might not be enough room for large rolls of toilet paper.
Alternative Locations for TP Holders
If a toilet paper dispenser cannot be installed in the suggested location, homeowners can store rolls of toilet paper in a basket next to the toilet, on a floor-mounted toilet paper dispenser, or in a cabinet above and behind the toilet.
But these places aren’t the best because they frequently require the user to bend, reach, and twist more than a dispenser that is properly mounted to a wall does. These solutions aren’t in compliance with the ADA’s requirements because they’re probably outside the maximum reach ranges listed in the act.
Regardless of the type of toilet paper dispenser you install, you might want to store a few extra rolls of paper instead of keeping them all out of reach.
How to Choose a Toilet Paper Holder?
The sizes and shapes of toilet paper holders vary widely. A commercial restroom may require a very large toilet paper holder if you are installing one there. The size of this might even be 12 by 16 inches. Due to the ability to hold a large roll of paper, commercial holders are typically larger.
The size will be considerably smaller when selecting a toilet paper holder for your home. Pay close attention and double-check that the rolls you are buying range in length and diameter from 4.5 to 5 inches.
A toilet paper holder that is approximately 20 x 16 x 6 cm (7.8 x 6.3 x 2.3 inches) in size is usually sufficient for your home. This is primarily due to the fact that you will be using your toilet paper holder to store a smaller roll of paper rather than an enormous one.
The toilet paper holder is a specific size, but it can also be used as décor. For years, options have included humorous choices like a frog holding your toilet paper and classy choices like a statue of a butler.
- Material Options to Choose From
You basically have 4 or 5 options for materials when choosing a toilet paper holder. Each of these has unique advantages and disadvantages.
- Plastic: These are affordable and lightweight. This might not be as resilient as other materials, so keep that in mind.
- Wood: An eco-friendly and natural material, wood holders have these advantages. They are not moisture resistant, which is the problem.
- Metal: Metal in any form will be very strong. Pick the proper metal, such as copper, steel, or brass, and make sure to choose it.
READ ABOUT What is a Jack and Jill Bathroom?
Tips for Installing a Toilet Paper Holder
Measuring Carefully
Your toilet paper holders will be simpler to use and access if they have the proper measurements.
- Place the toilet paper holder on a wall 8 to 12 inches away from the toilet. (Use 8 to 9 inches for shorter users, such as children, and 10 to 12 inches for users who are average to tall.
- 26 inches from the floor is the ideal height for a toilet paper holder. Your toilet paper will be easier to access and won’t drag on the floor as a result of this.
Use a stud finder to locate the proper location for recessed toilet paper holders when installing them, and then adhere to the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
Using a Level
Make sure your toilet paper holder brackets are straight by using a level.
- To see if there is a template, look inside or outside of your new toilet paper box. If so, use painter’s tape to secure it to the wall so you can level it.
- Draw a level line that is the length of the new toilet paper holder if it doesn’t come with a template. Hold one of your toilet paper holders in place and flush it along the level line on the left. To mark the drill holes in the bracket, insert a pencil through them. Repeat on the holder’s right side.
Drilling Holes
- Through your pencil marks, drill pilot holes.
- Tap in wall anchors to ensure that the brackets will hold if you must attach your toilet paper holder to dry wall.
- To check and correct drill holes, use a level.
As much as you can, drill into a stud. Toilet paper holders experience significant wear and tear, just like most bathroom accessories.
Screwing in Brackets
- Over your drill holes with arrows pointing up, place the left bracket on your wall.
- Bracket should be tight against the wall after being screwed in clockwise.
- Repeat with the right bracket.
Using Your New Toilet Paper Holder
The spring-loaded paper holder can be used to snap in a roll of toilet paper.
Remember to slide the toilet paper onto the pivot arm of a pivot-style toilet paper holder before pushing it against the wall and then down onto the mounting bracket to secure it.
Final Words
The height of family members or frequent visitors may be taken into account in addition to the NBKA’s recommendation when determining how high to place your toilet paper holder. You must account for the average height of the people in your household.
You can install the toilet roll holder a few extra inches away from the toilet bowl if the people who frequently use it in your home are taller or shorter.
