Making a Miniature Toilet

No miniature bathroom is complete without a toilet — and it is one of the most fun pieces to make. There is something wonderfully funny about a tiny toilet with a proper tank, a lift-up lid and a little flush button. Visitors to your miniature house always smile the biggest when they spot it.

Step by Step

Step 1 — Form the Bowl Shape

Cut a small oval of cardboard for the base of the bowl. Build up the sides by gluing strips of cardboard or rolled paper around the edge to create a rounded bowl shape. The front should be slightly wider and the back narrower where it meets the tank. Smooth the outside with a layer of glued paper to cover any rough edges and give it a clean surface.

Step 2 — Create the Tank

Cut a small rectangular box shape from cardboard — this is the cistern that sits behind the bowl. It should be taller than the bowl and roughly the same width. Fold and glue the cardboard into a neat box. Cover it with paper to smooth the surface. Glue the tank to the back of the bowl so they form one connected piece.

Step 3 — Add the Seat and Lid

Cut an oval ring from thin cardboard for the toilet seat — cut out the centre to make a ring shape. Then cut a solid oval the same size for the lid. You can glue the seat flat onto the bowl rim. The lid can be glued flat on top of the seat (closed position) or propped up at an angle (open position) with a tiny piece of cardboard as a hinge. An open lid adds a playful touch.

Step 4 — Attach the Flush Button

Glue a tiny bead, button or small circle of cardboard to the top of the tank as a flush button. This one small detail makes the toilet look immediately recognisable and complete. You can also add a thin strip of cardboard along the top edge of the tank as a lid. Keep it simple — toilets are straightforward shapes and the charm is in the clean lines.

Step 5 — Paint White

Paint the entire toilet with two coats of white paint, letting the first coat dry before adding the second. A smooth, bright white finish gives it that porcelain look. Once dry, place the toilet in your miniature bathroom — usually against a wall with a little space on each side. You can add a tiny roll of toilet paper beside it for the finishing touch.