There are many different types of washroom soap dispensers that come in a variety of styles, colors and designs. For home use, they usually come in a container that has a button, lever, or pump to dispense the soap. They are usually placed on the counter top but there are wall dispensers as well, although those are more commonly seen in commercial environments. Some more advanced models have motion sensors to dispense the soap.

Wall-mounted versions are the washroom soap dispense people usually think of. They are found in public washrooms, are often made of plastic, and use a button that is pumped to dispense the soap. Most are usually generic in appearance but in higher-end locations, such as nice restaurants, they can come in more elegant designs.

For home use, the most commonly available dispenser is the pump dispenser. It can be refillable or bought for a one time use. The one-off dispensers are usually plastic and come with a screw top pump or button dispenser.

Refillable washroom soap dispensers are made from a wide variety of materials. They are typically made from ceramics, metal, or plastic, but they also come in glass, crystal, porcelain, and wood. Most units have a removable top that has a pump or nozzle. Some classier dispensers have an antique lever or button to press to make the soap come out.