Separate toilet – inspiration and practical tips

When must the toilet be separate?

Requirements for separating the toilet from the bathroom may vary between countries and regions. They may depend, for example, on the size and layout of the home, the number of toilets or whether the project involves a new build or a renovation. Before planning the layout, it is therefore advisable to check the current local building and hygiene regulations or consult a designer.

Even where a separate toilet is not compulsory, it can be a practical advantage. It allows the toilet to be used independently of the bathroom, which is especially useful for larger households and when guests are visiting.

From a practical point of view, this solution is invaluable for family life and shared households. The morning rush, when one person needs the bathroom for their full hygiene routine and another urgently needs to use the toilet, can create unnecessary stress if everything is located in one room. We all know situations where one family member is rushing to an important meeting at work, another is hurrying to school and someone else wants to go shopping, yet everyone has to wait because a fourth person is occupying the toilet while scrolling through social media on their phone.

Technical requirements

If you decide to create a separate toilet, you must allow for the fact that it will take valuable centimetres from the total living area. To ensure that the toilet is comfortable and safe to use, minimum space standards should be observed:

• Minimum dimensions: A separate toilet should have a floor plan measuring at least approximately 100 × 150 cm.
• Wall thickness: Remember that constructing a partition wall will take up additional space because of the plasterboard profiles and plasterboard itself.
• Door opening: A conventional hinged door requires space to open. If it would hit the washbasin or block the hallway, consider a sliding door. Although it saves floor space, it must be planned at the very beginning of the renovation before the plasterboard is installed. You should also remember that water pipes cannot run through the wall containing the sliding-door mechanism.

7 useful tips for a separate toilet

A small space does not mean you have to compromise on design. According to the latest trends for 2026, even the smallest toilet can be transformed into a stylish and functional space.

1. Optical effects with colour: light versus dark

The traditional rule for small spaces is to use light and airy shades, such as mint green or soft beige, which reflect light and make the room appear larger. Some designers, however, recommend not being afraid of the opposite extreme. Dark colours, such as deep high-gloss black, can give a windowless room unexpected depth and create the illusion of a night sky. Another option is to paint the ceiling in the same colour as the walls, which removes sharp transitions and makes the room feel larger.

2. Do not be afraid of large wallpaper patterns or tiles

Many people believe that only small patterns belong in a small room. However, medium-sized and large patterns can actually make confined spaces appear larger. Since a separate toilet is usually a small room, you can also afford to use a bolder design than in the rest of the home.

3. Make use of the space above the toilet

The wall above a wall-hung toilet is often left unused, even though it offers valuable space for shelves or a closed cabinet. You can store toilet paper, cleaning products and small decorative items there. This keeps the floor clear and makes the room look tidier.

4. Choose wall-mounted furniture

A wall-mounted washbasin, wall-mounted vanity units or shelves leave the floor visible, which makes the space appear larger. They are also easier to clean underneath, and the whole room feels lighter and more modern. This principle works particularly well where every centimetre counts.

5. Keeping the space tidy is essential

The fewer items you leave standing on shelves and around the washbasin, the larger and cleaner the room will appear.

6. Do not underestimate the lighting

Separate toilets often have no windows, so good-quality lighting is essential. A mirror with integrated lighting that distributes light throughout the room works well, as does a more striking pendant light that also serves as a design feature. The right lighting can make the room appear larger just as effectively as light colours.

7. There is room for decorative items in the toilet too

A separate toilet does not have to be an empty, sterile room with no decorative elements. Do not be afraid to experiment and surprise your guests. You can use original artwork or humorous posters, unusually designed practical items, or choose houseplants to bring the room to life. Since it is a small space, simple ideas and a limited budget can still create a strong effect.

Frequently asked questions

What are the minimum dimensions for a comfortable separate toilet?

For fully functional and comfortable use, a separate toilet should measure at least 100 × 150 cm. If you also plan to install a small hand-washing basin, it is better to increase the length slightly so that your knees do not hit the wall or the sanitary fittings.

How can storage space be created in a toilet without making it feel cramped?

The basic rule is to keep the floor clear and direct storage upwards. Use the space above the toilet for shallow open shelves or a wall-mounted cabinet. Store toiletries and small items in closed storage boxes and fabric baskets. There is no need to keep all your cleaning products on display.

How should ventilation be arranged in a separate toilet without a window?

Since most separate toilets in flats do not have a window, effective mechanical ventilation is essential. The standard solution is to install an axial fan connected to a shared ventilation shaft or vented directly outside through the façade. Ideally, choose a model with an overrun timer, which continues to run for several minutes after the light is switched off, or a model with humidity and motion sensors. For the fan to work properly, remember to provide an air inlet. The toilet door should therefore have a ventilation grille in its lower section or a gap between the door leaf and the floor.

How can a bidet be fitted into a small toilet?

A traditional ceramic bidet rarely fits into a separate toilet because of its size. An excellent alternative that does not take up any floor space is a bidet shower installed on the wall beside the toilet and connected to the washbasin angle valve. Another option is an electronic bidet seat, which can be easily fitted to the existing toilet bowl.