The Potty Predicament: Choosing the Best Small Bathroom Toilet

Selecting the Ideal Toilet for Your Small Bathroom

Let's face it – small bathrooms can be a big pain in the butt, especially when finding the perfect porcelain throne. As someone who has lived in cramped urban apartments my whole adult life, I've been there, done that, and bought the t-shirt when it comes to picking out a petit potty.

After months of trials and toilet tribulations, I've learned what works and doesn't when cramming a can into a tiny water closet. From elongated bowls to corner cappers, dual flush to wall-hung wonders, picking the right model for your micro-bathroom is key to keeping the peace and doing your business in cramped quarters.

Follow my top tips and recommendations for the best toilets for small spaces. Just be warned – we're going to get a little cheeky!

An Ode to My Porcelain Past

Before we dive into the best compact commodes, let me regale you with a brief history of my toilet troubles. Growing up in the sprawling suburbs, I took our cavernous bathrooms for granted. I never knew the struggle of a tiny toilet area or the joys of a comfortable crapper.

That was until I bought a small flat in Scotland. The bathroom was tiny, and the bath had to stay making it even smaller. There was also an airing cupboard in there which is still there but now minus all of the copper piping and emersion heater that it held. More space and less aggro.

Let's say things got pretty cozy pretty quick! Doing your duty was like practicing yoga poses – lots of deep breathing and strategic contorting.

After nearly getting a crick in my neck from craning around the toilet tank to grab some TP, I knew it was time for a petite potty upgrade. And so began my epic hunt for the best throne for my tiny home.

Over the years and in apartments, I've tried just about every style of compact commode on the market. From water-saving wonders to corner crammers, I've taken them all for a test drive (plop, plop).

While not every model was a winner, I did learn a lot about how to pick the perfect petite potty. So consider me your toilet tour guide as we explore the best bowls for little latrines. I promise puns galore along the way!

Choosing the Right Toilet Type for Tight Squeezes

When searching for a petite potty, a few key factors determine whether a model will work wonders or wreak havoc in your limited loo space.

Bowl Shape

One of the biggest decisions (pun intended) is the bowl shape. Here are your options:

• Elongated: Offer a larger opening but take up more space from front to back.
• Round Front: Take up less space but provide a smaller seating area.
• Compact Elongated: Hybrid shape gives you extra room without sacrificing too much space.

I prefer the comfort and coverage of an elongated bowl whenever possible. But in a pinch, a compact, elongated style can provide a happy medium.

Toilet Height

Standard toilets are around 14 to 15 inches from floor to seat. For a more comfortable “throne-like” experience, try a comfortable height model at 16 to 19 inches tall. Just measure carefully – taller toilets take up more vertical room.

Tank Size

Shop for a low-profile tank to save inches. Or opt for a tankless or wall-hung toilet that removes the tank from the equation completely for maximum floor space.

Flush Style

Low-flow dual flush toilets use only 0.8 to 1.6 gallons per flush (GPF) versus 1.6 GPF for standard models. This helps conserve water in tight spaces where plumbing runs are often narrower.

Special Features

Look for space-saving perks like corner-mounted tanks or bowls to exploit those tricky diagonal nooks. An antimicrobial seat and UV light also keep things cleaner in a small area.

My Top 5 Picks for Petite Potties

After all my trials and tribulations, a few compact crapper models stand out. Drumroll, please, for my top toilet picks for tiny bathrooms!

1. Toto Aquia IV Dual Flush Toilet

The Porsche of petite potties, Toto, is the gold standard for quality cans. The Aquia IV has a sleek, skirted, elongated bowl with dual flush and a narrow tank – perfect for tight spots.

It may cost more than other brands, but its sturdy construction and reliable performance are worth every penny. The universal height and compact footprint fit in the smallest of spaces.

The surprisingly powerful dual flush means you conserve water without sacrificing flush power – an essential feature for cramped bathrooms. Its smooth cleaning CeFiONtect glaze also resists particles and waste sticking to the bowl – a nice hygiene perk.

With a quiet closed seat and clean, modern design, this toilet looks as good as it performs – an essential quality for a fixture that often takes center stage in tiny bathrooms.

So, if you want the best bog for your buck, the Toto Aquia IV is a top contender. Just save up your pennies – these porcelain beauties don't come cheap!

Key Features:

• Elongated bowl
• Dual flush 0.8 /1.6 GPF
• ADA compliant height
• Narrow tank
• CeFiONtect glaze
• Soft close seat

2. Kohler Highline Classic Toilet

You can't go wrong with the Kohler Highline for an affordable yet durable compact can. This toilet tackles tight spaces in two ways – an elongated bowl and a slim tank.

The result is more seating room without hogging precious floor space. And at just under $200, it provides big value and performance in a budget-friendly bundle.

With a left-hand trip lever, the Highline works in any tight bathroom layout. The ergonomic seat and bowl shape offer added comfort, so you don't have to perch precariously to do your duty.

Its 3-inch flush valve and canister design mean solid flushing power, even with lower water usage. And unlike most affordable options, the Highline comes in various colors to coordinate with your space.

While not as much of a looker or water saver as pricier picks, this practical potty gets the job done. You can't beat the Highline's combination of compact footprint, comfort, and cost for small bathrooms on a budget.

Key Features:

• Elongated bowl
• Standard 1.6 GPF flush
• Left or right trip lever options
• Available in 10 colors
• Slow-close seat

3. American Standard Cadet 3

The Cadet 3 from American Standard is a cadet in name only – this toilet means business concerning petite potty performance.

With a compact elongated bowl and choice of 10-inch rough-in, the Cadet 3 fits in tight spaces without cramming your knees or hindquarters. Its EverClean surface inhibits mold, mildew, and staining to keep your small space sparkling.

A concealed trapway along the side hides plumbing and refines the look of this budget-friendly bowl. Meanwhile, its PowerWash rim jets soap and water around the bowl for a consistent clean.

The Cadet 3 comes as a complete toilet or stand-alone bowl for use with concealed cisterns. With sturdy, vitreous china construction and simple, streamlined styling, this cadet will stand dutifully by your side for years to come.

So if you want an affordable, high-performing potty for your puny power room, the American Standard Cadet 3 answers the call.

Key Features:

• Compact elongated bowl
• Concealed side trapway
• 10 or 12-inch rough-in
• EverClean antimicrobial surface
• PowerWash rim

4. Toto Drake II Two-Piece Toilet

The Drake II from Toto packs plenty of power into a perfectly petite package. Its compact elongated bowl and tank offer added room without dominating your limited lavatory space.

Though smaller, it still boasts Toto's robust G-max siphon jet flushing system that can easily handle bulk and mess. The universal height makes it comfortable for all family members, too.

This toilet has plush perks like a soft-close seat, chrome trip lever, and integrated cleaning jets. My favorite feature is the tornado flush design that siphons water around the bowl for a spotless clean. Swirl that swill away!

As a bonus, it's Greenguard Gold certified for low VOCs so you can breathe easily in your bijou bathroom. The Drake II should top your toilet wishlist regarding blending power, performance, and pint-size proportions.

Key Features:

• Compact elongated bowl
• G-Max siphon jet flush
• Double cyclone cleaning
• Soft-close seat
• ADA-compliant universal height

5. American Standard VorMax Toilet

No roundup of petite potties would be complete without this unique corner-fit bowl. The VorMax can act as your bathroom hero if you have awkward angled nooks.

This ultra-efficient toilet tucks neatly into a corner thanks to a specially contoured tank. This leaves floor space open while still providing a spacious elongated bowl.

With two flush options, VorMax toilets use up to 60% less water versus conventional 1.6 GPF models. The PowerWash rim scrub also helps leave bowl surfaces shiny and clean.

If you have a triangular toilet area, the VorMax lets you take advantage of every inch while fitting flush into the corner. No more awkward empty spaces or struggling to open doors!

Key Features:

• Corner-fit elongated bowl
• Dual flush 0.8 / 1.6GPF
• PowerWash rim
• 16-1/4” x 15” footprint

Toilet Shopping Tips for Teensy Bathrooms

Once you start scoping out options, keep these key tips in mind to find petite potty perfection:

• Measure carefully – Size matters: Width, depth, and height all matter in a cramped space. Buy to fit your specific dimensions.
• Check rough-in – Make sure rough-in measurements match your drain pipe position.
• Factor in plumbing – Small bathrooms often have narrower pipes. Ensure your toilet choice matches your water supply line size. Make sure you can get to everything.
• Prioritize performance – Look for reliable flushing and cleaning technology like siphon jets, PowerWash, or CeFiONtect.
• Consider comfort height – For a less squatty, more “throne-like” perching position.
• Buy complete – Opting for a toilet with a seat included can save on cost compared to buying separately.
• Read reviews – Don't just go for the lowest price. Check what actual owners say about comfort, ease of installation, and durability.
• Comparison shop – Prices can vary significantly for the same model between retailers.

Time to Take the Plunge!

As you can see, you have lots of options for petite and powerful potty perfection, even in the most pint-sized powder rooms. With the right toilet selection, you can banish bathroom woes and make your micro-loo the special throne room you deserve.

No more yoga moves, contortion acts, or neck cramps to enjoy your bathroom “me time”. Just a right-sized throne fit for even the tiniest of tushies.

After all, a small space living doesn't mean you need to feel confined or compromise comfort. By following these tips, you can enjoy bathroom bliss, no matter how tiny your footprint.

Now that you know how to shop for the ideal petite potty, it’s time to pick a porcelain pal perfect for your limited lav. Happy toilet hunting! Just be sure to measure twice and purchase once.

No matter which model you choose, always consult a professional installer to ensure your new toy suits your bathroom's plumbing and layout. And don’t forget the soft closed seat – preserving the peace is a must in cramped quarters!

Before you know it, you’ll be sitting pretty on a potty sized just right. Here’s to happy hips, comfy perching, and bouncy bathroom breaks in even the most Lilliputian loo. Bottoms up!