On the other hand, those who choose to let the paper fall towards the wall also have their reasons:
- Neater appearance: the roll looks more discreet because the edge is hidden.
- Protection against pets and children: if there are cats, dogs or small children at home, it is more difficult for them to unroll all the paper while playing with it.
- Less waste: some claim that this position tends to use less paper than necessary.
- Minimalist style: many people simply find it more elegant.
The patent that reveals the original answer
Here’s the fact that has surprised millions of people worldwide. In 1891 , an American inventor named Seth Wheeler registered the patent for perforated roll toilet paper as we know it today. This document, cataloged as US465588, includes detailed illustrations of how the product should be used.
And the images are quite clear: in the original patent drawings, the toilet paper appears to be falling out from the front of the roll , that is, outwards and not towards the wall. Wheeler designed the system so that the perforated sheets would be easy to pick up and separate, and to achieve this, the paper had to hang from the front.
When this document came to light and went viral on social media, many people were shocked to discover that, technically, there was an “official form” proposed more than 140 years ago by the inventor himself.
Does this mean there is only one correct answer?
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