What Are the Best Toilets for Small Spaces?
The best toilets for small bathrooms combine a compact footprint with functional comfort, efficient flushing, and seamless style. Whether you’re remodeling a powder room or outfitting a tight en suite in a Vancouver WA or Portland OR home, choosing a space saving toilet model that suits your room layout, plumbing configuration, and personal preferences can make the space work better without sacrificing quality or appearance.
Here's What We Have Covered In This Article
Flush Performance and Water Efficiency
For homeowners focused on water conservation and consistent flushing power, choosing a toilet with a strong MaP rating is important. MaP, or Maximum Performance, measures how much solid waste a toilet can effectively remove in a single flush. Toilets rated at 1000 grams are considered top performers. Most toilets we recommend carry a MaP rating of 800 grams or higher, which meets and often exceeds residential expectations.
In addition, we advise selecting a model with the EPA WaterSense certification, which ensures the toilet uses no more than 1.28 gallons per flush (GPF). Many older homes in Portland and Vancouver still use outdated models with 3.5 GPF or more, wasting thousands of gallons of water every year. Upgrading to a WaterSense toilet reduces water bills and environmental impact without compromising performance.
ADA Compliance and Comfort Height Options
If you’re planning a long-term solution or accommodating users with mobility concerns, check for ADA compliant toilets. These toilets typically have a seat height between 17 to 19 inches from floor to top of seat, which is easier for most adults to sit down on and stand up from.
While not every small bathroom can accommodate ADA compliant models due to height and clearance limits, many compact toilets now come in comfort height versions that align with ADA standards. Additionally, if you need a side-mounted flush lever for better reach or ADA accessibility, there are several compliant models available from brands like American Standard and Kohler.
Flushing Technology You Can Count On
Toilets today go beyond the standard gravity flush. Many of the compact models we install now include rimless bowl designs, siphon jet flushing systems, and dual nozzles for better bowl cleanliness.
TOTO’s Tornado Flush system and Kohler’s Revolution 360 swirl flush are known for covering more of the bowl’s surface with each flush, cutting down on cleaning frequency. While dual flush toilets offer the option to use less water for liquid waste, they can sometimes confuse users. Many homeowners now prefer single flush systems with water saving performance built in.
Top Toilet Types for Compact Spaces
Wall Mounted Toilets
Wall mounted toilets attach directly to the wall, with a concealed tank. This saves floor space and gives the room a cleaner, more modern feel. Installation requires in-wall framing and is best during renovations.
Back to Wall Toilets
These are floor mounted but hide the tank inside a cabinet or wall. They give a streamlined appearance and are easier to install than fully wall mounted models.
Short Projection Toilets
These models have a reduced depth, usually less than 27 inches. They are great for small bathrooms that need to meet clearance codes.
Toilet and Sink Combo Units
Perfect for half baths or powder rooms. They combine a small basin on top of the cistern, reusing handwash water to refill the tank.
Corner Toilets
Designed to fit into unused corners, freeing up wall space. They work especially well in tight, irregularly shaped bathrooms.
Sound Plumbing & Drain’s Top Recommended Models
TOTO Aquia Wall Hung Dual Flush Toilet
Great for tight floor plans. Dual flush and hidden tank keep things sleek.
Kohler San Souci Compact One Piece Toilet
Low profile, round front, one piece design that’s easy to clean and ideal for compact spaces.
American Standard Cadet 3 Flowise
Round bowl with a smaller footprint. Traditional style with modern performance.
Galba Small Toilet
One of the smallest toilets available. Dual flush and sleek design make it ideal for powder rooms.
RAK Series 600 Back to Wall
Modern and compact, with a skirted trapway and minimal projection.
TOTO Drake (MS776124CEFG#01)
Highly reliable, powerful flush, and easy to install. Great long-term choice.
Kohler Cimarron
Compact depth with Comfort Height. Balanced option for most small bathrooms.
American Standard VorMax
Powerful swirling flush, available in compact models with easy-clean features.
Comparison Table of Top Space Saving Toilets
Model | Depth (inches) | Flush Type | ADA Compliant | Style | Avg. Price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
TOTO Aquia Wall Hung | 21.5 | Dual Flush | Yes | Modern | $650 to $850 |
Kohler San Souci | 25.6 | Single Flush | Yes | Contemporary | $500 to $700 |
American Standard Cadet 3 | 27.5 | Single Flush | Yes | Traditional | $300 to $450 |
Galba Small Toilet | 24.5 | Dual Flush | No | Compact | $350 to $500 |
RAK Series 600 Back to Wall | 26.0 | Single Flush | Yes | Modern | $300 to $500 |
Real Life Examples from Local Installations
In Northeast Portland, we installed a Galba toilet in a narrow powder room paired with a floating vanity.
In Vancouver WA, we upgraded a 1940s bathroom with an American Standard Cadet 3 to retain traditional style while saving space.
A Pearl District condo used the TOTO Aquia wall hung to open up floor space and add a modern touch.
Why Should You Hire a Licensed Plumber for a Small Bathroom Toilet Installation?
Working with a licensed plumber ensures that your toilet installation is done to code, with no guesswork about fit or drainage. A small mistake with a waste line or incorrect flange height can cause leaks, poor flush performance, or even damage to your subfloor.
Professional plumbers also know how to check for clearance, slope, venting, and water pressure. At Sound Plumbing & Drain, we provide long term support and warranty our labor. We also remove and dispose of your old toilet and leave the job site clean and ready to use.
If you are unsure whether a specific toilet will fit in your small bathroom remodel, give us a call. We work across Clark County and the Portland Metro area and can help you find a compact toilet that meets your space and your expectations.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Toilet Makes a Big Difference
Even the smallest bathroom can feel comfortable and look great with the right choices. A compact toilet that fits well and functions properly sets the tone for the whole space. Whether you are remodeling or replacing, there are options that suit your budget, design, and plumbing needs.
Sound Plumbing & Drain is here to help you every step of the way. From choosing the right toilet to installing it with care, we make sure everything works as expected. Reach out today to schedule a visit or get answers to any questions about your bathroom upgrade.