Cloakroom ideas that make the most of your small space and downstairs toilet
Find your ideal style whether that’s big, bright colour, one statement feature or timeless appeal with these beautiful cloakroom ideas
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
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. 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. 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.
3. Be bold with colour
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.
Buy now: Springfield yellow rubber roll, £56 per sq m, The Colour Flooring Company
4. Get creative with wallpaper
Image credit: Rachael Smith
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.
5. Build in clever storage
Image credit: Brett Charles
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.
6. 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
7. 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
8. Furnish to scale
Image credit: David Giles
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.
9. 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, £7.50 per roll, I Love Wallpaper
10. 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?
