Cloakroom ideas that make the most of your small space and downstairs toilet

After cloakroom ideas for a downstairs 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, your downstairs 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

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. Add value to your home

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. I 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.

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.

Buy now: Springfield yellow rubber roll, £56 per sq m, The Colour Flooring Company

4. Get creative with wallpaper

The cloakroom is a good place to express your creativity– this flamingo wallpaper catches the eye, is an on-trend motif and is effective in the small space. A pretty mirror, lighting and accessories add to the feminine style while metro tiling with dark grout balances the look. Once fashions change this small space can be easily updated with just a few rolls of fresh wallpaper for a whole new look.

Space is nearly always limited in a cloakroom, so these cupboards and shelves built around the toilet not only creates essential storage but also hides the cistern for a streamlined finish. Whitewashed or weathered timber creates a rustic, coastal look enhanced by marine blue-coloured soft towels.

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

Large items of furniture can dwarf a cloakroom so always buy pieces that suit the scale of your space. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t add lots of personality. Paint a vanity unit in your favourite colour, this one fits the space perfectly and is complemented with classic wallpaper and tiles to letting the washstand take centre stage.

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