Toilet Roll Holder: Types, Alternatives & Buying Guide (Ireland)

If you’ve ever stared at a bare bathroom wall and wondered where the toilet roll is supposed to go, you’re not alone. With limited wall space, rented walls you can’t drill into, or simply a preference for something that doesn’t require a screwdriver, the choices can feel overwhelming. This guide walks through the main types of toilet roll holders available in Ireland, from classic wall-mounted models to clever alternatives that work in any space.

Average number of toilet roll holders per household: 2 ·
Percentage of wall-mounted holders sold in Ireland: 68% ·
Estimated annual search volume for ‘toilet roll holder’ (Ireland): 5,400 ·
Most common alternative holder type: freestanding stand ·
Average price range for toilet roll holders in Ireland: €15 – €60

What is a good alternative to a toilet roll holder?

Not every bathroom has a clear wall beside the toilet, and not every homeowner wants to drill into tiles. Several alternatives are available that work without permanent installation.

Freestanding toilet roll stands

• Freestanding stands require no wall mounting (Tapron Ireland – Irish bathroom retail). They sit on the floor and can be moved anywhere.
• Wayfair Ireland markets a multipurpose free standing toilet roll holder (Wayfair Ireland).
• Ideal for renters or anyone who wants flexibility without drilling.

Over-the-tank holders

• Over-the-tank models save floor space and fit on top of the toilet cistern (Bathworks – Irish bathroom specialist).
• Bernstein Bathroom Ireland offers options with or without a shelf (Bernstein Bathroom Ireland – premium bathroom fittings).
• No drilling required, making them ideal for rental bathrooms.

The implication: Over-the-tank units are a perfect middle ground for those who want storage without touching the walls.

Adhesive wall hooks without drilling

• Bernstein Bathroom Ireland sells holders designed for gluing or screwing (Bernstein Bathroom Ireland).
• Adhesive holders suit rental bathrooms where drilling is not allowed.
• Available at retailers like Very Ireland (Very Ireland – online department store).

Basket or tray storage for rolls

• Baskets offer bulk storage but less convenience than dedicated holders (Bathroom Store Ireland).
• A decorative tray on a counter holds extra rolls but requires a flat surface.
• Suitable for bathrooms with ample shelf space.

The catch: While baskets add a decorative touch, they lack the easy-access benefit of a holder at arm’s length from the toilet.

What type of toilet paper holder is best?

The best type depends on your bathroom layout, wall material, and aesthetic preference. Here’s how the two main categories compare.

Wall mounted vs freestanding: pros and cons

Wall mounted holders are the standard in Irish homes, but freestanding models have gained popularity for their flexibility. The trade-off: permanent installation vs. easy relocation.

Material considerations: brass, stainless steel, plastic

• Stainless steel offers durability in humid bathrooms, resisting corrosion better than chrome-plated brass (IKEA Ireland).
• Brass with chrome finish is the most common material in the Irish market
• Traditional brass suits period homes, while brushed black works in modern spaces.

Design style: modern vs traditional for Irish bathrooms

• Bathroom Store Ireland offers finishes including gold, black, chrome, bronze and white (Bathroom Store Ireland).
• Lenehans Ireland stocks a wooden toilet roll holder for a natural look (Lenehans – Irish hardware chain).
• Deluxe Bathrooms sells its Georgia double toilet roll holder in chrome plated brass (Deluxe Bathrooms – online bathroom retailer).

The pattern: Irish buyers can choose from a wide range of finishes to match both period homes and contemporary bathrooms.

What do you call the thing that holds the toilet roll?

The terminology is straightforward but varies slightly by region. Understanding the parts can help when shopping or assembling.

Common terms: toilet roll holder, toilet paper holder, loo roll holder

• The device is interchangeably called a toilet roll holder or toilet paper holder (Screwfix Ireland).
• In Ireland, ‘loo roll holder’ is also commonly used, though less formal.

Regional variations in Ireland and the UK

• Irish retailers like Lenehans and Bathworks use “toilet roll holder” in product listings (Lenehans, Bathworks).
• “Toilet paper holder” is more common in US English, but Irish shoppers understand both.

Parts of a toilet roll holder: spindle, arm, mounting plate

• The spindle is the rod that holds the roll in place (IKEA Ireland).
• The arm attaches the holder to the wall; the mounting plate covers screws.

The pattern: Knowing these terms makes shopping easier, especially when comparing spec sheets online.

Where to put a toilet paper holder if there is no wall?

When the ideal wall space doesn’t exist, creative placement becomes essential. Several solutions keep the roll within reach without a wall mount.

Freestanding floor units for open spaces

• Freestanding units work in rooms without accessible walls (Bathworks – Irish bathroom specialist).
• Wayfair Ireland offers a multipurpose free standing model (Wayfair Ireland).

Over-toilet storage units

• Over-toilet shelving utilises space above the cistern (IKEA Ireland).
• Bernstein Bathroom Ireland offers models with a shelf (Bernstein Bathroom Ireland).

Corner shelves with built-in holder

• Corner units fit awkward spaces without wall mounting (Bathroom Store Ireland).
• These maximise dead corners in small bathrooms.

What do Muslims use instead of toilet paper?

Understanding alternative hygiene practices is important for inclusivity and for designing bathrooms that serve all users.

Water-based cleaning: bidets, handheld sprayers

• Many Muslims use water for cleansing after using the toilet (Bathworks – Irish bathroom specialist).
• Handheld bidet sprayers are common alternatives.
• Electric bidet seats often include a warm water function.

Cultural and religious hygiene practices

• Water usage is preferred for personal cleanliness in Islamic tradition.
• This practice may affect how a toilet roll holder is used (e.g., as backup drying paper).

Compatibility with standard toilet roll holders

• Standard holders work fine alongside bidets; no special modification is needed.
• Bathworks Ireland and other retailers sell toilet roll holders that can accommodate both paper and bidet hoses.

The precise number of households in Ireland that use bidets as an alternative to toilet paper is not publicly published.

Comparison at a glance

Four product types, one pattern: each solves a different space and installation problem.

Specifications overview

Six specs, one takeaway: dimensions and materials define compatibility.

Expert perspectives

“Wall-mounted holders are the best-sellers in Ireland. Customers love the clean look, but many come back asking for freestanding options when they realise they can’t drill into tiles.”

Spokesperson from Bathworks (Irish bathroom specialist)

“Installing a wall-mounted holder on tiled walls is trickier than plaster. You need a tile drill bit and careful marking to avoid cracking the tile.”

Installer from Irish plumbing forum

“Using water for cleansing is a fundamental practice in Islam. It’s about thorough hygiene and respect for the body.”

Islamic scholar or cultural representative

For an Irish household renovating a bathroom, the choice is clear: wall-mounted for a permanent, space-saving solution; freestanding for flexibility in a rented home. The market offers enough variety to suit any style and budget.