we just paid someone to remove ours. The 1980 toilet underneath was so small that when we tried to replace it we couldn't find anything that would fit. And the kids knocked stuff into the toilet ALL the time.

Don’t do it. Instead, get a toilet that has the flush on the side instead of on top. Koehler cimmaron has this. Use the toilet tank top as extra counter space.

Also, get a spacious vanity (not pedestal sink) and a medicine cabinet, not a mirror. Holds tons more stuff in a small space.

IKEA godmorgon vanity holds a ton and looks good. Pottery barn and restoration hardware have great medicine cabinets, both inset and wall mounted.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We have a small bathroom that's tight on space. Thoughts on doing something like this with the countertop?

We did this in one small bathroom and I grew up in a house with one. It’s called a banjo top. I like the added space.

Does the banjo top make it difficult to service the toilet?

We have these counters in 2 bathrooms. We call them pork chop counters. They make it so difficult to repair/maintain the toilet tanks!! They are a pain in the butt!

+1. Our small, Alexandria-based architect suggested this too. We should’ve dumped her then. She was a mess!

I don't think it looks dated at all and think it's a strong advantage for small bathrooms to have banjo counters. If there's not room for a double-wide vanity to have ample counter space, this is the next best thing. I only wish buying this type of counter shape were easier.

I grew up in a house with an extended counter like that. Ours had a hinge (maybe a piano hinge? You could barely see it) to access the toilet if necessary. I don't know if you could do that with stone; our counter was Formica. We never had trouble dropping things in the toilet.

Have that with a low profile Toto. Do not care if it is dated. No problem with the toilet servicing, the extra space is worth it.

Nice bit of space.

OP, what I would do instead is between studs I would do a bump in and put built in shelves, about 18" tall (3 shelves). Frame it with some nice trim and have the lower shelf come out a little like a window sil and you will have a really nice but of extra space.

I'm not a fan. All I can think about is the times when someone doesn't close the toilet lid before flushing so all of the toilet mist is coating whatever is on that shelf.

Also, we had one like this in an apartment years ago and it was a pain for the maintenance guy to service.

Our ski place has one and it’s a pain to access the tank and dust seems to get under there more than anywhere else.

Maybe install a smaller sink to give yourself more counter space—I did that in my kids’ bathroom and it does make a difference.

We had this in our last home. The extra space was nice, but agree with the comment about the toilet tank. The one or two times you have to get into the tank, it’s so annoying.

Hate that look. And how would you fix tank problems with that there?

I have a similar space and instead of expanding the countertop- we have a small shelf like 6" above the top of the toilet. That gives enough room to service the toilet, and allows for permanent space for storage etc.

Anonymous wrote:Where did you get your custom vanity made?

Our general contractor had an awesome woodworking guy. Alas, both are now retired. But there must be others out there.

Where did you get your custom vanity made?