How To Pick The Best Toilet Paper Holder For Your Space

A toilet paper holder is an indispensable part of our bathroom routine, but it often gets overlooked in the grand scheme of things. In all probability, you're still using the holder that came with the house or was fitted initially by you. But if you're looking for a new holder for your space, there are a few factors you should consider before making a choice. For starters, you should be familiar with the different types of holders available in the market, including wall-mounted, freestanding, and tank-mounted, and how they'll fare in the space you have.

To illustrate, a wall-mounted unit often requires less space, as it can be installed beside the toilet seat, but you'll have to drill holes in the wall or resort to high-quality adhesives. Conversely, a freestanding unit is usually easy to assemble but will commandeer precious floor space, making them a no-go for small bathrooms. You can even go for a tank-mounted unit, but it'll make it difficult for you to grab toilet paper when required.

Besides these considerations, you must also consider the holder's design, durability, material, and functionality before making a choice. That's why we've delved into the factors deeply, considered the advice from experts, and checked out multiple bathroom-fitting websites to compile the list of issues you should consider when picking the best toilet paper holder for your space.

After you settle on a holder type that'll fit into your space, it's time to consider the material you'd like to go for. Toilet roll holders are usually made of metals like stainless steel and aluminum, or brass. They can also be found in wood, plastic, and ceramic. While stainless steel and wood are the most popular options, it's best to go with a material that suits your needs and budget. For instance, plastic is usually a budget-friendly option, but it's also less durable than its contemporaries and can get damaged if placed in high-traffic bathrooms, requiring a replacement.

On the other hand, stainless steel will cost you more initially but will also last longer and won't be susceptible to rust or warping. Similarly, wood is also a good option if you choose a holder that can withstand the moist and damp bathroom environment. Alternatively, innovative eco-friendly options like holders made of seagrass would work well if you've got the space to accommodate freestanding holders with a large base. Basically, you want to pick a holder that'll last you a couple of years, is rust- and mold-resistant, incredibly sturdy, and made from superior-quality raw materials.

Once you pick the material, determine if you want to install free or fixed holders. For instance, if you've got kids or pets in the house and they'll be using the bathroom, a fixed unit would work better since it can withstand a few hard tugs without falling off. Next comes the size and capacity consideration. Ideally, a holder should be able to fit in a regular toilet roll with a diameter of 4 to 4.5 inches. However, see if the holder can fit in other sizes, especially if you prefer giant or mega rolls. Plus, mounting your toilet paper holder and changing rolls should be painless.

Now, for the important part. Decide how the toilet paper holder will look in your bathroom. See if it would go with the overall design scheme, complement other features and fixtures, and look good. Select a color, shape, and finish that would blend in with the rest of your space. Or pick one that would stand out (but in a good way). A funky-shaped (dinosaur toilet paper holder, anyone?) or patterned holder will add character to your bathing room without being loud. You can also go with holders that can accommodate more than one roll at a time if you tend to buy things in bulk. For instance, freestanding lidded holders can store multiple toilet rolls at any given point and protect the extra rolls from germs, dirt, and moisture.