Minimum Distance From Toilet Bowl to Toilet Paper Holder

The Recommended Minimum

• According to "Residential Design and Build Magazine," the minimum distance between the toilet and the toilet paper holder is eight inches in front of the toilet on the side wall. It can be on the side of the toilet if the wall is eight or more inches away from the toilet. The spacing between the toilet paper holder and the toilet must not exceed 12 inches in front of the toilet.
  In addition to the distance away from the toilet, the recommended toilet tissue height places the holder at a height that is comfortable for reaching over and grabbing the tissue. This recommended height is 26 inches from the floor.

An Awkward Placement

• Avoid placing the toilet tissue holder less than eight inches away from the toilet. If it is too close, the person will have to bend inward to reach it, or they may bump it as they use the bathroom.

  Turning around to reach for the tissue behind the person, such as on the back wall, is also not convenient. This also applies to placing the toilet tissue holder too high or too low.

  The careful placement of this bathroom element is very important. The less a person has to maneuver around the toilet bowl the more sanitary the bathroom experience will be for that person and everyone using it later on.

On the Right or the Left

• For bathroom stalls or small bathrooms, the toilet tissue holder can be placed on either side of the toilet. Other bathroom elements may also dictate its placement, such as the sink and the tub or the shower. If the option is there for either side during the bathroom construction, the preference of the homeowner can dictate its placement.

Freestanding Toilet Tissue Holders

• Freestanding toilet tissue holders are self-supported, stand-alone holders. With one of these, the specifications for placement do not matter. Of course it makes sense to not place it too far or too close, but that can be left to the judgment of the person using the bathroom. Another convenient plus of its mobility is that a freestanding toilet tissue holder can be moved completely out of the way.