After cloakroom ideas for a downstairs or en-suite loo? A cloakroom is just the place to experiment with a new style you might not be confident enough to try in a bigger room.
A great area to express your individuality and creativity, a separate loo can be a nod to your fun side, without changing the overall style of your house. However, balancing bold design and function can be tricky in such a small space. Take a look at these cloakroom ideas for your confined yet essential space.
Want more ideas for small spaces? READ: Optimise your space with these smart small bathroom ideas
1. Make a strong statement on the floor
Image credit: Colin Poole
Ever wanted to really express your decorating self but lacked the confidence to totally commit? Here’s your chance to be brave and experiment with styles and colours you might usually shy away from. If the space is verging on the small side, we recommend adding interesting to the floor instead.
Stay ahead of the trends. READ: Bathroom trends 2019 – the best new looks for your space
2. Maximise the space
Image credit: Tamara Cave
Rather than blocking off the entire width of the wall next to the cistern and pipes, use the unused space for storage. This little cubby hole is ideal for stashing spare loo rolls and hand towels – and when the door is shut, you’d never know it was there.
3. Be brave with pattern
Image credit: David Lovatti
Want to be braver with colour and pattern? The spare loo is the perfect place to experiment as it’s not a room anyone is going to be spending too much time in. If you like it you’ll be more likely to let loose with your creative side elsewhere in the home.
4. Go nautical
Image credit: Colin Poole
If you want to add some personality to your downstairs loo but still want it to look clean, simple and neutral, this nautical style is right on the money. The painted wood panelling and rope mirror bring a beach-cabin feel that’s fresh, vibrant and far from boring.
5. Use an awkward corner
Image credit: Alistair Nicholls
An awkward corner with a sloping ceiling often makes a great location for an extra loo, particularly if it’s next to your bedroom. Check where your waste pipes are, and if they run nearby, it should be possible to install a toilet without too much hassle.
Here the hinges and door handle give a country look that works well with the painted timber rafters.
6. Make it seamless
Image credit: Fraser Marr
Just because the loo is separate to the bathroom doesn’t mean it has to have a wacky design scheme. Sometimes it’s more appropriate for the two rooms to have a visual connection.
By using the same colours and materials on the walls and floor you’ll create a look that’s seamless. Here the glass door provides a subtle division of the space.
7. Add value to your home
Image credit: Mark Luscombe-Whyte
Adding an extra cloakroom to your home will not only ease pressure on your existing facilities when it’s busy, it can also add value if done well. It might take less space than you imagine, too.
If it’s relatively simple to run water to your box-room or smallest bedroom, if it sits above the kitchen or is next to an existing bathroom, for instance, then it’s worth thinking about changing it into a cloakroom, downstairs loo, or even a bathroom.
8. Be bold with blinds or flooring
Image credit: Rachael Smith
Who said colour blocking was only for fashion? It’s also very effective in this small cloakroom. Simplicity is key with a dramatic yellow floor which bursts out from the white back-drop and bathroom suite
The same bold colour is repeated in the botanical window blind to enhance the sunny effect.
9. Get creative with wallpaper
Image credit: Rachael Smith
10. Build in clever storage
Image credit: Brett Charles
11. Choose a floating vanity unit
Image credit: Jamie Mason
A floating or wall hung vanity unit will create the illusion of space and is handy for keeping storage baskets tucked beneath. Continue the clean and simple style with calming eau-de-nil metro tiling mounted half-way, fresh white walls.
A three-tiered mirror adds interest and a vintage twist. Spot the palm tree print in the reflection (on the opposite wall) which has tropical flavour.
Buy now: Similar Monza Wall Hung 1 Drawer Vanity Unit with Basin, £229.95, Victorian Plumbing
12. Keep it traditional
Image credit: David Cleveland
There’s no reason why your cloakroom can’t match the timeless classic elegance of the rest of your home.
This petite yet elegant cloakroom is a country dream scheme of nature-inspired prints with neutral plaids and muted colours creating a snug and rustic space. The iron coat rail makes the room traditionally fit for purpose for a quaint and practical finish.
Buy now: Similar Aster Straight Back Linen Chair, £100, the Cotswold Company
Buy now: Similar large cast iron acorn hook, £7.50, Period Features
13. Furnish to scale
Image credit: David Giles
14. Think smart
Image credit: Claire Davies
Make the most of the small square-footage. This narrow cloakroom uses a number of techniques to create smart wow factor. Add a hearty dose of texture with an exposed brick wall on one side to inject depth and urban personality, faux brick wallpaper will have the same effect. Patterned floor tiles in similar tones marry the scheme together.
Buy now: Similar warehouse photographic brick effect wallpaper, £10 per roll, I Love Wallpaper
15. Keep it classic in a downstairs toilet
Tongue-and-groove paneling visually frames this stylish cloakroom and the handy shelf at the top acts as a mantelpiece to a host a selection of glass vases. The eau-de-nil colour is a relaxing choice and works beautifully with the period tiling in the compact space.
Buy now: Henley Cool tile, £43.95 price per sq m, Topps Tiles
Will you be giving your space a revamp using these cloakroom ideas?
