Cloakroom ideas uk
Downstairs toilet ideas: Cloakroom designs for small spaces
Make more of a compact cloakroom or en-suite loo with our smart downstairs toilet ideas. 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.
Downstairs toilet ideas
If you are working with a small, possibly awkward downstairs toilet or cloakroom, clever storage ideas and space-saving fittings are essential. Fold away cabinets and chests or towel rails under basins are just two ideas that could save you valuable inches in a tiny cloakroom.
Use your bathroom idea to express your individual style: Fun, bold wallpaper, a wall mural or a printed blind will add flair and creativity to your room. Add contemporary touches, such as statement fittings in bold chrome, or exposed brick walls for an edgy, industrial feel.
Take a look at these cloakroom and downstairs toilet ideas to transform your confined yet essential space.
(Image credit: Future PLC/ Colin Poole)
Ever wanted to really express your decorating self but lacked the confidence to totally commit? This small space is the perfect place to try something more daring. Here's your chance to be brave and experiment with styles and colours you might usually shy away from. When the space is verging on the small side, we recommend adding interesting to the floor instead of the walls to avoid making it feel too enclosing.
2. Keep it classic in a downstairs toilet
(Image credit: Future PLC/ Rachael Smith)
A tongue-and-groove wall panelling idea 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.
3. Opt for a space-saving corner sink
(Image credit: Future PLC/ Claire Davies)
Look for smart solutions to save space in a very limited cloakroom.
Utilise a corner sink to free up valuable space to move around in. This downstairs idea is especially effective if your door opens directly onto the sink – the smaller the design, the less restrictive it feels. Seek a corner storage unit to sit beneath the sink to save further space.
4. Build bespoke storage
(Image credit: Future PLC/ Jamie Mason)
If starting your cloakroom design from scratch consider building bespoke storage to make it feel less imposing. A recessed cubby hole helps to emerge the storage into the wall, making it more streamlined. Adding lights above helps to create the perfect spot to display bathroom essentials which enhance the scheme, such as house plants, scented candles and luxury products.
5. Get creative with chalkboard paint
(Image credit: Future PLC)
Chalkboard paint is the gift that keeps on giving, allowing you to change the outlook as and when you feel like it. As a downstairs toilet idea it creates an opportunity to write welcoming messages for guests or memorable famous quotes to ponder while using the room.
It's a great idea or a family bathroom to add an element of fun to toilet training.
6. Choose a sliding door to save space
(Image credit: ripples)
Look for space-saving designs to be smart within limited spaces, such as this sliding door solution. While it's highly advised to choose an outward opening door in a small cloakroom to make the room feel bigger, that can prove tricky when the room in question is located in a hallway beneath the stairs.
An outwardly opening door could prove hazardous to passing members of the household and quests. When space is really tight try a sliding door instead, to mean the door takes up literally no space inside or out.
7. Transform the space with a bold theme
(Image credit: Future PLC/ Georgia Burns)
A small space is the ideal place to unleash your creativity when it comes to a decorating scheme. As this compact cloakroom proves, with a wild safari animal theme. Using a captivating wallpaper on all walls, hanging framed animal prints and dressing all levels with house plants solidly cements a theme.
This on a larger-scale might feel too overwhelming, but in this simple and smalls pace it helps to add definition.
8. Add value to your home
(Image credit: Future PLC/ 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 to your home 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.
9. Be bold with blinds or flooring
(Image credit: Future PLC/ 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 idea to enhance the sunny effect.
10. Get creative with wallpaper
(Image credit: Future PLC/ Rachael Smith)
The cloakroom is a good place to express your creativity as this flamingo wallpaper proves. The Cole & Son Flamingos 66/6042 wallpaper 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.
11. Build in clever storage
(Image credit: Future PLC/ Brett Charles)
Space is nearly always limited in a cloakroom, meaning you need to seek smart bathroom storage ideas. 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.
12. Choose a floating vanity unit
(Image credit: Future PLC/ 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.
13. Maximise the space
(Image credit: Future PLC/ 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.
14. Be brave with pattern
(Image credit: Future PLC/ 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.
15. Utilise an awkward corner
(Image credit: Future PLC/ 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.
16. Make it seamless
(Image credit: Future PLC/ 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.
17.
Furnish to scale(Image credit: Future PLC/ 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.
18. Think smart
(Image credit: Future PLC/ 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.
19. Uniform with one paint shade
(Image credit: Future PLC)
In a particularly small downstairs loo where you want to embrace a darker paint shade, we'd recommend painting any wooden vanity units and cupboards in the same shade to help uniform the look.
The one tonal colour pallet helps to balance the room, ensuring less distraction and therefore making it feel more streamlined.
20. Keep it traditional
(Image credit: Future PLC/ 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 flagstone flooring is a practical yet pleasing flooring solution. The iron coat rail makes the room traditionally fit for purpose for a quaint and practical finish.
How much value does a downstairs toilet add?
'A downstairs toilet can be one of the best additions you can make when looking to add value to your home' advises director of Benham and Reeves , Marc von Grundherr. 'Not every addition to the home will hold the same value in the eyes of a buyer but anything that provides more space and convenience is sure to be a good investment.
'
'A downstairs toilet does just that and can be a vital feature for many homebuyers looking for a larger family home. It can add as much as 5 per cent to the value of your home which equates to nearly £13,000 on the current average UK house price. However, it only cost around £3,000 on average to add, meaning you’re left with nearly £10,000 in added value.'
Can you put a downstairs toilet anywhere?
In principle you can put a downstairs toilet anywhere you can feed plumbing to, meaning near a kitchen is the most practical. 'The most popular location for a new cloakroom in a home is under the stairs' explains senior designer from Ripples London , Jo Sangster. 'Generally, this is a very poorly used space within houses and it can be renovated into a great little cloakroom utilising the space under the slope for the WC, with the basin at the other end of the room.'
Jo goes on to explain, 'There are more and more design led products available on the market to suit compact spaces, including micro-basins and smaller-sized WC's with concealed cisterns.
We would normally recommend a good space being approximately 80 by 120-140cm but this will of course all be dependent on head heights and door positions. I would always recommend that a door opens outwards as this will make the space feel larger and much easier to use'.
Will you be giving your space a revamp using these cloakroom ideas?
75 Beautiful Cloakroom Ideas and Designs - December 2022
Herne Hill Home
Imperfect Interiors
The cloakroom of the Edwardian Herne Hill project in London was wallpapered in House of Hackney Limerance wallpaper which contrasted with the dark skirting, architraves & ceiling. This added drama to the the downstairs loo.
Edwardian Village House
Studio Hooton
The blush pink handmade tiles and statement marble vanity in the downstairs cloakroom followed the play on contemporary and modern seen throughout the rest of the house and reflected the style of the upstairs bathrooms.
BATTERSEA TOWNHOUSE
Indie & Co.
This is an example of a contemporary cloakroom in London with a wall mounted toilet, multi-coloured walls, a wall-mounted sink, grey floors and wallpapered walls.
Sponsored
München
BANOVOAverage rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars8 Reviews
Badplanung & Badsanierung | München
Victorian Country House
Laura Passey Interiors Ltd
Guest WC
Photo of a medium sized classic cloakroom in Surrey with brown cabinets, a one-piece toilet, ceramic flooring, marble worktops, blue floors, black worktops, a freestanding vanity unit and wallpapered walls.
Haymarket, Bathroom design
Amy Shirlaw Interiors
A small but fully equipped bathroom with a warm, bluish green on the walls and ceiling. Geometric tile patterns are balanced out with plants and pale wood to keep a natural feel in the space.
Sponsored
München
BANOVOAverage rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars8 Reviews
Badplanung & Badsanierung | München
Coates Place
ZAC and ZAC - Photography
Ⓒ ZAC+ZAC
Photo of a small contemporary cloakroom in Edinburgh with a wall mounted toilet, black tiles, a wall-mounted sink, black floors and a floating vanity unit.
Edgbaston Cloakroom
Bayswater Interiors
We designed an update to this small guest cloakroom in a period property in Edgbaston. We used a calming colour palette and introduced texture in some of the tiled areas which are highlighted with the placement of lights. A bespoke vanity was created from Caeserstone Quartz to fit the space perfectly and create a streamlined design.
Crooksbury
Hallpark Construction
Cloakroom
Design ideas for a small contemporary cloakroom in London with flat-panel cabinets, a wall mounted toilet, ceramic tiles, ceramic flooring, onyx worktops, grey floors, grey cabinets, grey tiles, white tiles, an integrated sink, white worktops and a floating vanity unit.
Townhouse renovation
Laura Jayne Design
This is an example of a classic cloakroom in Kent with green walls, dark hardwood flooring, a wall-mounted sink and brown floors.
Out of the Box
Scenario Architecture
Inspiration for a contemporary cloakroom in London with green tiles, multi-coloured walls, a wall-mounted sink and wallpapered walls.
Gamlingay Cloakroom
KV Innovations
Contemporary cloakroom in Cambridgeshire with flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, white walls, a wall-mounted sink, wooden worktops, white floors, brown worktops and a floating vanity unit.
Bathroom
Burbeck Interiors ltd
Inspiration for a medium sized classic cloakroom in London with a one-piece toilet, multi-coloured walls, light hardwood flooring, a console sink, beige floors and tongue and groove walls.
Queen Elizabeth II's 15 Wardrobe Rules
EsquireFashion
The book Inside Out: The Queen, the Valet and the Wardrobe by Angela Kelly, a designer and personal assistant to Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain, was published in October. From it, we learned how royal outfits are chosen, who breaks in Her Majesty's shoes, and whether the British monarch is prone to experiments when it comes to clothes.
Katerina Baeva
The Queen of Great Britain Elizabeth II very carefully selects the people who are responsible for her wardrobe, and the rotation of employees in this position is negligible. Her Majesty's previous head valet, Miss Peggy Hoat, served 35 years in her position. The current one, Angela Kelly, has been in this position as personal assistant since 2002, having served several years before the Queen. At the end of October, she released The Other Side of the Coin: The Queen, the Dresser and the Wardrobe, which tells not only about the style of Elizabeth II, but also about her personal relationship with her - of course, with the full royal blessing.
Angela Kelly met Her Majesty in 1992 while working as a housekeeper at the British Ambassador's residence in Germany. She aroused the Queen's interest because she refused to tell her which guests would arrive at the event after the royal couple, citing her confidentiality agreement. To dress up for her interview with the Queen, Kelly, a recently divorced mother of two, sold her washing machine.
Angela Kelly is Her Majesty's first own fashion designer. Before her, the court used the services of various British fashion designers, buying or ordering outfits for the queen from them. Interestingly, Miss Kelly herself, “a simple girl from Liverpool”, has no special education. Since childhood, she learned to sew, embroider, hem and cut from her mother, who worked as a ladies' dressmaker. Now Kelly's duties include not only taking care of the royal wardrobe, choosing the right outfits and combining them with jewelry, but also creating her own images for Her Majesty. It is Angela who is always responsible for the royal total look.
The role of a valet involves helping the queen dress, however, according to Miss Kelly, Elizabeth II prefers to dress herself, and her assistants only lay out or hang clothes for her to make it easier to get dressed.
In her early years, Angela, who started out as Peggy Hoat's head valet's assistant, used an ironing board as her main work tool. In her free time from ironing, she needed to study the royal wardrobe - both official and private. Angela had another, personal goal - to get rid of her strong Liverpool accent, and she turned to the Queen herself with a request to recommend her an eloquence teacher. "You should have seen the expression on her face!" Miss Kelly recalls. Of course, Angela was not given any lessons in eloquence. "Just speak slower," the Duchess of Grafton advised her.
Building a basic spring wardrobe following the example of English influencers
3 April 2021 | Valeria Parfenova
British girls know exactly how to hide from the treacherous spring wind and look stylish at the same time.
We repeat their images and suggest where to find things for them
More inspiration and current news in U magazine's Telegram channel. Subscribe!
There are many differences between the style of girls from Russia and England: if we are ready to sacrifice comfort for the sake of beauty on special occasions, then British women do not intend to change their relaxed style, if this does not apply to business meetings. But what definitely unites us is the weather and its changeability: the rain is followed by snow, immediately after the bright sun creeps out, and the next moment dark clouds again cover the sky. Therefore, in matters of style (and warmth of images), we boldly rely on the recommendations of fashion bloggers from the UK. Here are some examples of such cozy bows for spring.
Blue coat + cream silk scarf
In the east of England, in the city of Norwich, an employee of the international communications agency Patriksson and part-time author of the fashion blog Brittany Bathgate lives.
The girl is followed by 410 thousand subscribers, and we are among them: discreet images with basic coats, jersey in piercing shades, basic jeans, smooth leather boots and unusual bags want to be repeated without hesitation. From the latter, a combination of a blue overcoat with a turn-down collar, a cream silk scarf casually tied around the neck, blue jeans with high lapels and a Jil Sander Chelsea. We do not deny that wide models of denim trousers and models with scuffs are in fashion now, but a pair of straight cuts in the closet will not be superfluous. Chelsea Jil Sander, matchesfashion.com; Dior silk scarf, dior.com; Balmain blue jeans, balmain.com; Kiton cashmere coat, tsum.ru
Light total look with dark shoes
Brighton-based art director and creative consultant Alexis Foreman shows hundreds of thousands of his followers ideas for laconic combinations of basic items that almost everyone has in their wardrobe. Unlike other fashion influencers, Alexis doesn't hide the clothing brands she wears.
On the pictures of each of his images, he marks brand accounts: not one under the other in the corner of the photo, but all over the picture so that users can click and follow the link. One of the girl’s recent outings is a combination of snow-white trousers, a cream knitted long sleeve, an oversized ecru coat with a dropped shoulder line and a voluminous woolen scarf. All attention is on shoes: Alexis boldly added black Birkenstock clogs and tight dark socks to the light total look. Scarf Brunello Cucinelli, tsum.ru; Birkenstock London clogs, birkenstock.ru; coat Isabel Marant Etolie, tsum.ru; Pinko faux leather trousers, pinko.com; sweatshirt Sandro, sandro-paris.ru; Calzedonia cashmere socks, calzedonia.com
A bright hat, sweatpants and a classic black coat
Formerly a fashion editor, now a blogger and curator of the inspirational @remotely.co Instagram account, Lucy Williams lives in London and knows exactly how to escape the biting cold wind. Unlike other fashion influencers from England, the girl adds bright colors and unusual cuts to her looks, although she follows the less is more rule.
