How to Choose the Right Toilet Roll Holder for Your Bathroom
If you’re shopping for a toilet roll holder, you might be surprised by how tricky the choice can be. It’s one of those small bathroom accessories that’s easy to overlook—until it’s installed in the wrong spot, doesn’t match the rest of your fixtures, or feels awkward to use every day.
As someone who’s helped countless Perth homeowners with their bathroom layouts, I can tell you firsthand: a poorly placed or flimsy toilet roll holder can be more frustrating than you’d think. The good news is, with just a little planning, you can get it right the first time.
Whether you’re updating an ensuite or doing a full renovation, this quick guide will help you choose a wall-mounted holder that’s functional, stylish, and easy to install. Trust me—this is one of the simplest upgrades you can make to improve the feel of your bathroom.
What Is a Toilet Roll Holder and Why Does It Matter?
We don’t tend to think much about toilet roll holders—until we find ourselves reaching awkwardly behind us, fumbling on the floor, or dealing with a holder that’s come loose from the wall. While it might be one of the smallest items in your bathroom, it plays a surprisingly important role in day-to-day comfort and cleanliness.
Choose the wrong style, install it in the wrong spot, or go for a cheap option that doesn’t hold up, and you’ll notice it every time you sit down. Done right, it’s something you barely think about—because it just works.
A Small Fixture with a Big Job
At its core, a toilet paper holder simply keeps your toilet roll off the floor and within easy reach. But that basic function makes a big difference. A properly installed toilet roll holder keeps things hygienic, reduces mess, and helps make your bathroom feel more organised and well-thought-out.
In fact, I’ve had customers come into the store purely to replace a frustrating holder that ruined the flow of their bathroom. It’s a quick fix with a big impact—especially in busy households where bathroom traffic is high.
Why Style & Placement Matter
The wrong toilet roll holder—whether it’s installed too far back, too low, or simply doesn’t suit the bathroom—can quickly become a daily frustration. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve seen a perfectly good bathroom let down by poor placement or a flimsy, out-of-place fitting.
When choosing a toilet roll holder, it’s not just about looks—it’s about how it works for the people using it. If you’re left-handed, have young kids, or need easy access for someone with mobility concerns, the style and position of the holder matter more than you think.
Then there’s the visual side. A modern black holder in a traditional bathroom can feel out of place. The best results come when the holder complements your bathroom tapware and layout. It’s a small detail, but it helps tie everything together and shows you’ve thought the space through properly.
Types of Toilet Roll Holders
Toilet roll holders might seem simple, but there are a few styles worth knowing about—especially if you want something that’s both functional and in line with your bathroom’s look. At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we only stock wall-mounted toilet roll holders because they’re practical, durable, and suit just about any bathroom layout.
Whether you’re after something simple and understated or looking to add a little extra functionality, there’s a wall-mounted option that’ll suit your needs. Below, we break down the most common types and what each one offers.
Fixed Toilet Roll Holders
This is the most familiar style—just a simple fixed horizontal arm mounted to the wall. It does the job well, is easy to use, and works in almost any bathroom.
Fixed wall-mounted toilet paper holders are available in a variety of finishes, such as chrome, matte black, and brushed nickel – as pictured above, making it easy to match with your tapware or towel rails. They’re also the easiest to install, making them popular for quick DIY upgrades.
If you’re after a no-fuss, low-maintenance solution that suits both traditional and modern bathrooms, this is the style to go for.
Vertical Toilet Roll Holders
Vertical toilet roll holders are a clever option for bathrooms with unusual layouts. Because they’re mounted upright rather than across, they give you more flexibility in where you position them. I’ve used vertical holders in heaps of small ensuites and rentals where a wall cabinet or tight corner made a standard holder awkward to reach.
They don’t take up any less space than a regular one, but they can be placed above or beside the toilet to suit your layout. They also look modern and are easier for kids or older family members to grab from—no twisting or reaching.
Swivel Toilet Roll Holders
Swivel toilet roll holders have a hinged arm that moves freely up and down. The design doesn’t lock into a set position—it just pivots from the mounting point, so the arm lifts or drops as needed.
What makes them handy is how easy it is to remove and replace a roll of toilet paper. I’ve recommended these in powder rooms or guest bathrooms where convenience and quick access matter more than fixed positioning. They’re simple, practical, and often a bit more forgiving when you don’t have the perfect wall clearance for a fixed bracket.
Toilet Roll Holders with Shelf
Toilet roll holders with a built-in shelf are a clever upgrade for any modern bathroom. They’re especially handy in commercial establishments, like restaurants and shopping centres, where a little extra storage always goes a long way. The shelf gives you a place to pop your phone, wipes, air freshener, or even a spare roll.
This style has become popular in recent years thanks to its practicality and sleek design. It’s a small feature that makes a big difference, particularly in bathrooms that double as guest spaces or are regularly used in high-traffic settings.
If you’re doing a bathroom renovation and want something that’s both useful and up to date, a toilet roll holder with shelf ticks both boxes. I’ve personally recommended this option in more than a few commercial bathroom renovations, and it’s always well-received.
How to Choose the Right Toilet Roll Holder for Your Bathroom
Choosing a toilet roll holder isn’t just about picking a style you like—it’s about making sure it works for your space and the people using it. Whether you’re setting up a home bathroom, renovating a rental, or fitting out a commercial washroom, good placement and compatibility with your existing fittings make all the difference.
Get it right, and your holder will blend in seamlessly with the rest of your bathroom setup. Get it wrong, and you’ll be dealing with daily inconvenience, frustrated users, or a setup that just doesn’t look finished.
Placement and Reach
For a toilet roll holder to be comfortable and functional, it needs to be installed at the right height and within easy reach. A general guide is to place it about 650mm from the floor and 200–300mm from the front edge of the toilet bowl. That distance keeps the roll accessible without requiring an awkward reach.
Depending on your bathroom layout, you’ll also need to decide whether it’s better placed on the left or right side. Right-handed users often find it easier to access on their dominant side—but this can change based on where your walls and vanities sit.
It’s also worth thinking about who’ll be using the space. In a shared or public setting, placing the holder slightly higher might be more suitable. In homes with young kids or anyone with mobility needs, a lower or more front-facing position might work better.
Matching Your Bathroom Style
A toilet paper holder might be small, but it can stand out for all the wrong reasons if it doesn’t match the rest of your bathroom fittings. To get a clean, consistent look, match the finish of your holder to your existing bathroom tapware, bathroom accessories, or shower screen frame. If you’ve chosen chrome, stick with chrome. If your bathroom features matte black or brushed nickel, carry that through to the accessories.
Think about whether you want your toilet roll holder to blend in or make a bit of a statement. In a modern bathroom with bold colours and clean lines, a black or gold finish can add a nice contrast. In more traditional or understated spaces, a polished chrome or brushed nickel finish will feel more timeless.
Durability and Installation
Toilet roll holders might be a small fixture, but quality still matters—especially in a humid environment like a bathroom. Look for rust-resistant materials like stainless steel or aluminium, which won’t corrode over time. A well-made holder will last longer, stay secure on the wall, and keep its finish looking sharp.
It’s also worth checking what’s included. At Ross’s, all of our holders come with the mounting brackets and fixings you need to get the job done properly. They’re designed to be easy to install, with concealed screws for a clean finish.
If you’re mounting onto tile, make sure to use the right drill bit and avoid going into grout, which won’t hold securely. If you’re not confident drilling into tiles, install into plasterboard instead or have a chat with someone in-store—we’re always happy to help you plan it out.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Installing a Toilet Paper Holder
Installing a toilet paper holder isn’t difficult, but it’s easy to get wrong if you rush it or don’t plan ahead. Over the years, I’ve seen customers make the same small mistakes over and over—usually ones that could’ve been avoided with a bit more thought. Here are the most common ones to steer clear of:
- Fixing into grout instead of tile or plasterboard
- Mounting it too low or too far behind the toilet
- Installing on the wrong side for the main user
- Not using the right drill bit or wall plugs
- Choosing a finish that clashes with your other fixtures
- Forgetting to check what’s behind the wall (like pipes or wiring)
- Crooked or uneven placement due to rushed measurements
A little extra care upfront can save you from having to redo the job—or worse, damage your tiles or walls.
Conclusion
A toilet roll holder might seem like a small detail, but it makes a big difference to the comfort, style, and function of your bathroom. Choose wisely, and you’ll have a fixture that works seamlessly with your layout, looks good, and lasts for years.
At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we stock a range of wall-mounted bathroom accessories to suit everything from simple upgrades to full Perth home renovations. Whether you’re after a classic chrome design or something more modern like a brushed gold toilet roll holder, there’s an option that will suit your space and your budget.
You can shop online or pop into our Guildford store to see the range of toilet roll holders in person. We offer $100 Perth metro delivery and expert advice if you’re unsure what will work best in your bathroom.
