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Ideas for small cloakrooms


Cloakroom ideas: 15 tips for a downstairs toilet |

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(Image credit: Future)

It may be the smallest room in the home but a considered approach will give it impact. Properly designed and finished cloakroom ideas are a great addition to your home.  Whether you’re planning an under-stairs conversion, a new use for an unused utility room or an extension, a cloakroom is always worth the extra investment.

Well-designed cloakroom or powder room ideas will not only add value to your home, it could also be particularly handy when you’re entertaining. Or when children are playing out in the garden and you don’t want them rushing up and down stairs.

Cloakroom ideas

These clever bathroom ideas for your downstairs WC will help you revamp an existing cloakroom or make the most of unused space with an additional loo. It will punch above its weight in terms of household usefulness.

1. Modernize with marble 

(Image credit: Future)

Elegant and timeless, marble is one of the most popular and lusted after materials to use in a cloakroom or powder room Marble is naturally water-resistant and adds a luxurious spa-like feel to this small space, whether you have a modern room or a more traditional one. 

Marble might be an expensive option, but there are more cost-effective ways to source this desired material. Rather than quarrying fresh slabs for your marble bathroom ideas, interior designer Deborah Bass of Base Interior suggests seeking out reclaimed marble from places like eBay, then commissioning a specialist stone restorer to cut and polish. 

2. Keep it clean and simple

(Image credit: Future)

Hardwearing, easy to clean and dust-mite resistant, it’s little wonder polished concrete is so popular in cloakrooms. The industrial look is very on trend too, plus it holds the heat well so works brilliantly with underfloor heating.

Concrete is a low-maintenance, durable choice for most contemporary rooms. If sealed properly, it’s very hard-wearing and stain-resistant. Polished concrete tiles – and vinyl or porcelain lookalikes – can be laid by DIYers; poured concrete floors are best installed and polished by professionals. Concrete flooring can also be printed, stamped or stencilled.

3. Add life and vibrant with wallpaper

(Image credit: Future)

Cloakrooms don’t have the same steam and moisture issues as bathrooms, so can take bathroom wallpaper more easily, but it’s wise to choose splash proof, easy-to-clean surfaces for the floor and around the basin. 

‘In this small area you can have fun with bold wallpaper or bathroom tile ideas. A pattern on the walls or floor creates a striking scheme,’ says interior designer Cherie Lee. 'It’s a good idea to check the color, pattern and texture in the cloakroom light before you buy.’

4. Curate a cohesive theme

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Bold color might not be the first element you think of when planning a new cloakroom, but it should certainly not be an afterthought.  

A good cloakroom color scheme is essential for creating the look, feel and design you want in this diminutive space. And you can use everything from wallpaper to sanitaryware to accessories to create a unique look. 

Adding a statement hue to your cloakroom will really lift your whole space, bringing this practical space into line with the rest of your decor. The good news is there are so many colors to choose from. If painting or wallpapering isn't an option, you can also add color through details; brassware is guaranteed to make a decorative statement.

5. 

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Bathroom tiles have an important role to play in a cloakroom's design – and not just because they provide a practical solution to keeping walls and floors protected from soap and splashes. The latest tile trends encourage individualization – the choice is yours. There are so many tile options that allow you to express your personality, introducing just as much style to the cloakroom as you might in any other room of the house.  

‘Laying tiles on the diagonal is brilliant for adding interest and making a space feel larger by drawing the eye upwards,’ says Louisa Morgan, creative director, Mandarin Stone .

6. Go for a dark color scheme 

(Image credit: Polly Eltes / Future)

While decorating with a black color scheme can be tricky to get right, a considered approach will be rewarded by a simple but impactful cloakroom, no matter how big or small. 

What's more, the dark bathroom color palette will serve as a canvas for interesting objects and furnishings, as well as beautiful powder room wall decor, such as the mirror shown above. 

Plus, it will help to delineate the space, thus creating a 'zone'. You can always bring in touches of color with accessories and linen as and when you feel like it.

7. Build in a storage wall

(Image credit: Rowland Roques O'Neil / Future)

Think outside the box when it comes to clever ideas to stash your cloakroom basics.  

Good bathroom storage ideas for small spaces are essential to making both these aspects of the cloakroom work, but a limited or awkward-shaped space can create a challenge when it comes to making the best of any cloakroom.

‘Although hidden storage is practical, don’t be tempted to shut everything away,' says interior designer Deana Ashby. 'Instead use a combination of built-in cabinets and shelving to provide plenty of storage but without enclosing the space.’

8. Carve out a cloakroom under the stairs

(Image credit: Richard Powers / Future)

Often underused and unloved, the space under the stairs is the perfect place for a cloakroom. 

If it’s relatively simple to run water to this spare corner – if it sits next to the kitchen for instance – then it’s worth thinking about changing it into a cloakroom or an extra shower room. 

If you have three or less bedrooms, check with a local real estate agent first, though, to discover if this is what buyers in your area are looking for.

9. Use a bold wallpaper in a small cloakroom

(Image credit: Davide Lovatti / Future)

Wallpaper has gone through varying periods of popularity, but the latest trends are focusing on using wallpaper more liberally, choosing more daring and bold prints for your powder room.

This striking wallpaper idea would be perfect for a small cloakroom or powder room. The chances are you don’t have that much wall space and can go as bold as you dare. 

Contrary to popular belief, wallpaper and bathrooms do mix. This fierce scheme, designed by Studio Indigo , should be enough to convince you of that.

10. Adopt a country aesthetic

(Image credit: Polly Eltes / Future)

The best rural cloakrooms and powder rooms incorporate materials and textures that reflect the construction of the building, and also the rural views outside the window. 

There has been a resurgence of interest in rough-hewn materials and traditional craftsmanship for the country-style cloakroom. Artisan-inspired and hand-crafted bowls, cabinetry and accessories that epitomize traditional crafts, heritage design and timeless classics will add real character and personality to your space. 

‘The idea that less is more – and quality is preferable to quantity – is bringing about a return to natural materials,’ says Gill Few, channel manager at Kohler.

11. Make it mid-century modern

(Image credit: James Merrell / Future)

Although mid-century modern style was driven by advances in technology, it was also inspired by the natural world, and wood is the most widely used material for walls, furniture and cabinetry. 

Characterized by clean straight lines and flowing organic curves, mid-century design is all about simplicity, and styling is key, along with a lack of ornamentation and a limited color palette. 

(Image credit: Future)

The maximalist trend is all about embracing excess. More might be more, but the current trend for maximalism doesn’t equal mess.  

Instead, decorate your cloakroom with statement wallpaper and show-stopping color combinations. Think of your space as a carefully curated Aladdin’s cave of treasures, with each item on display even more fascinating than the last. 

13. Instil a sense of timelessness

(Image credit: Paul Raeside / Future)

White sanitaryware is a great choice for a traditional cloakroom as it goes with any wall color, giving you the flexibility to refresh your interior as and when you want to. 

Light colored walls – or trompe l'oeil wallpaper – always look sophisticated and will help to create a bright and airy cloakroom, perfect for a traditional home. Pair this with contemporary chrome or brass faucets to add a touch of timeless charm.

14. Introduce shimmer and shine with copper 

(Image credit: Polly Eltes / Future)

Copper is a great success in bathrooms and cloakrooms since it’s a conductive material that heats up quickly and retains water temperatures far longer than conventional ceramic designs.  

Copper baths and basins are available in various finishes, from highly polished copper with a durable coating to protect the lustre, to antique finishes that burnish over time and tin-plated finishes with a silvery vintage charm. 

‘The rich patina of copper is warm and inviting, and the coloring gets better and better with age,' says Joe Burns, director, Oliver Burns Interiors.

(Image credit: Simon Bevan / Future)

Much like paint effects, the tiles you choose can alter the look of a room. They can make a small bathroom look bigger than it actually is or add visual interest to a dull space. 

Unlike paint though, re-tiling a cloakroom can be costly and a hassle you won't want to have to repeat often, so it's important to choose bathroom tile ideas and designs that you won't tire of too soon and will last you for years to come.

Adding color and pattern won't necessarily make a small space feel smaller either. Chosen carefully, they can often give the space a cocooning, rather than cramped, feel.

How do you decorate a downstairs cloakroom?

Decorating a downstairs cloakroom is not an easy feat, but with our help you can turn an unused space into a fully-functional workhorse. 

While it’s a good idea to use pale, neutral colors to create a feeling of space, don’t be scared of using bold wallpaper or tiling as a feature. 

Your cloakroom is somewhere you can have a little fun and create a talking point for guests, and with less surface to cover, you can consider treating yourself to that statement wallpaper or the beautiful tiles you’ve been hankering after. 

Reflective additions in the shape of attractive wall-hung stainless-steel or mirror-finish soap dispensers and loo-roll holders will give the room a touch of glamor. 

Choosing smart bathroom lighting ideas is important, too, as they will prevent the room from feeling claustrophobic. Try mirrored cabinets with integral lighting or – just for fun – colorful pendants.

Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens. Having worked in the interiors industry for a number of years, spanning many publications, she now hones her digital prowess on the 'best interiors website' in the world. Multi-skilled, Jennifer has worked in PR and marketing, and the occasional dabble in the social media, commercial and e-commerce space. Over the years, she has written about every area of the home, from compiling design houses from some of the best interior designers in the world to sourcing celebrity homes, reviewing appliances and even the odd news story or two.

Downstairs toilet ideas to make the most of your cloakroom

Unleash the potential of your cloakroom with these ideas that will turn your downstairs toilet into your new favourite space. Your downstairs toilet can often be a difficult space to style and may be squeezed into a small space under the stairs so can feel dark and forgotten.

Your small bathroom ideas can easily be translated to this space and allow you to unleash your creativity and make bold choices. In a small space it is important to balance both style and function to make the most of your downstairs toilet ideas. 

Lucy Henderson head of interior design at My Bespoke Room says, ‘Not only does the size make it feel like less of a scary commitment but it's also not a room people spend long periods of time in. The downstairs cloakroom is often the first step for clients to build up the confidence to take greater risks in the rest of their home.

‘Add to that, it's most commonly used by guests so it's a great opportunity to show your fun and extravagant side! After all, you've got yourself a captive audience so why not let your personality shine through.’ 

Downstairs toilet ideas

Your downstairs toilet is the perfect place to experiment with your bathroom ideas before using them in larger spaces. ‘Cloakrooms and ensuites are now part of our day to day living space, an integral part of the home and no longer considered a separate utility,’ says Helen Clark, head of marketing at Utopia Bathrooms .

‘Bolder colours, textures and materials are being used to link these spaces to the rest of the house, with stylish bedroom and living room accessories perfectly at home in an en suite or cloakroom. It’s not surprising that we should be paying more attention to these smaller spaces as the cloakroom is the one room where all visitors to the home are likely to spend some time.'

Discover how these cloakroom and downstairs toilet ideas can transform this crucial space.

1. Don’t be afraid to use furniture

(Image credit: Utopia)

Just because your downstairs toilet ideas need to fit in a small space doesn’t mean you can’t have furniture; just keep it compact. Furniture allows you to keep your cloakroom storage ideas tidy and organised which prevents the room from feeling cluttered or overwhelmed with toiletries. Make sure to buy pieces that suit the scale of your space.

‘Furniture works particularly well in these smaller spaces and is vital in providing out of sight storage for toiletries, spare loo rolls and cleaning materials,' says Helen Clark from Utopia Bathrooms. 'Try combining fitted and modular furniture so that usable space can really be maximised. A fitted WC unit and storage cabinet will hide any unsightly pipework and allow the pan to be sited in the perfect location and not just where the pipes are.'

2. Turn it into a cloakroom come gallery

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Luke White)

The downstairs toilet is a space that will be used by those that live in the home and guests on a regular basis. Shut away, your cloakroom can feel cut off from the rest of the house, so adding personalised touches can make it feel more connected to the rest of your home.

Once you have worked out which gallery wall ideas you want to use, adding artwork and photos brightens and adds some interest and can be a way to reflect your personality. Plus who doesn't love a nosey at old family photos!

‘The downstairs cloakroom is the perfect room to display some of your favourite artwork,' says Lucy Henderson from My Bespoke Room. 'Choosing the same frames for your gallery wall is also a great way to link the pieces together, even when they are different styles and colours like they are here. Take care when hanging artwork in a bathroom though as without proper ventilation, humidity can build up behind the frames.’ 

3. Use bold and beautiful wallpaper

(Image credit: Future PLC)

Unlike in the bathroom, your downstairs toilet ideas won’t be at risk of condensation from showers or baths, which can affect the sticking power of wallpaper. Let your imagination run wild and use the maximalist wallpaper or other bathroom wallpaper ideas you’ve been afraid to use. 

Lucy Henderson from My Bespoke Bathrooms says, ‘You'd be forgiven for thinking that in a small room you should opt for light, bright and unfussy walls. Forgiven yes, but also wrong! Pattern actually provides depth, tricking the eye into thinking that the space extends beyond.’

Jo Oliver, director at The Stone & Ceramic Warehouse agrees, she says, ‘Combining bold patterns in a downstairs cloakroom is a great way to add interest in what can be a dull room.  Don’t be afraid to use dark colours to create drama and have fun with quirky wallpapers. ’

4. Install heated towel rails

(Image credit: Future PLC/DAVID GILES )

Keeping your downstairs toilet well heated is important especially during the winter months. Due to it often being a compact space, a heated towel rail could be sufficient to keep the whole space toasty and they come in an array of shapes, styles and sizes to match your downstairs toilet ideas and small bathroom colour ideas. Underfloor heating is another great option and prevents any head scratching about where to fit in a radiator and frees up more wall space for storage.  

Nick Duggan, director at the Radiator Centre says, ‘Wall hung towel rails are ideal for downstairs toilets, freeing up floor space while providing valuable storage for towels, keeping them dry and warm. Alternatively, choosing a mirrored radiator such as the SuperMirror shown below, will help to bounce light around the room, creating a feeling of added space, even in the smallest of bathrooms.

5. Use wall hung toilets

(Image credit: Future PLC)

To make the use of  your downstairs toilet ideas, maximise the floor space as much as you can. Wall hung units and toilets not only look great but are often slimline so won’t dominate the room. Being hung on the wall cleaning is easier and storage baskets can be used underneath to hide any unsightly clutter. 

‘The trick with a smaller cloakroom is to maximise the visible area of the floor, as this creates the impression of space,’ says Phil Etherden, managing director at The Albion Bath Company . ‘Wall hung toilets and basins are an ideal solution. Just because the room is small though, it doesn’t mean you can’t make a statement and adding metallic touches is a great way to do this. They’re ideal for creating a focal point and adding structure and glamour to a bathroom scheme.’

6. Double up on tiles

(Image credit: Future PLC)

To make the most of a small bathroom layout, use the same tiles for your walls and floor to provide cohesion to your space and make it feel bigger with a continuous flow. 

‘Using the same tiles on the walls, floor and countertop will also enhance the feeling of space by creating a continuous look. Large-format designs mean fewer grout lines, and therefore less maintenance and cleaning. Slab tiles are ideal for creating a striking, high-end look, and can often make smaller rooms appear larger thanks to their seamless appearance,’ says Jo Oliver from The Stone & Ceramic Warehouse.

7. Have fun with tiles

(Image credit: Future PLC/ James Merrell)

Small bathroom tile ideas can be used to bring a small space to life and can even become the focal point of your downstairs toilet ideas. Hexagonal tiles work especially well in more modern spaces and opt for small tiles to match the smaller room and provide cohesion. Take a risk with the colour and pattern of your tiles, and feel free to experiment with the size and shape of your tiles too.

‘Tiles are beautiful pieces of art on their own and have the power to utterly transform a room,’ says Diane Hyde, marketing manager at Craven Dunnill . ‘If you’re looking to experiment with bold colours and decors and inspired layouts and patterns, the bathroom is the perfect space to make a distinctive design statement that is uniquely individual. Bringing texture up onto the walls through tiles adds tactility and allows light to beautifully reflect off the glazes, bringing vitality to a space. 

‘Whether you’re looking to go bright and bold or simple and classic, our tile offering comes in a whole range of elegant designs to suit all types of homes.’ These blush pink tiles, £47.51 per m², Craven Dunnill , are a stylish option that will go with a lot of your small bathroom tile ideas. 

9. Make a strong statement on the floor

(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.

10. 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 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.

The panelling also adds textural interest so it can still remain a focal point even when it has a more neutral colour. 

11. 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.

12. 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. There are plenty of bathroom cabinet ideas to keep your space stylish. 

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.

13. 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, and there are plenty of chalkboard ideas if you get stuck for inspiration. 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.

14. 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.

15. Transform the space with a bold theme

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Georgia Burns)

A small space is an 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 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.

16. 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.

17. 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. Don't be afraid to use two bold colours and colour block that way, think dark blue flooring and mustard yellow blinds. 

18. 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.

Natalie Bird, brand marketing manager at Roca says 'It’s amazing how little space is actually required. According to building regulations, at the very minimum it needs to be 70cm wide by 130cm long for just the WC though it should be bigger to add a basin and any storage or heating. The bigger the better in terms of comfort.'

19. 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.

20. 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.

21. 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 and bathroom floor tile ideas in similar tones marry the scheme together.

22. 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.  Once you have decided on your bathroom paint ideas, having one tonal colour pallet helps to balance the room, ensuring less distraction and therefore making it feel more streamlined.

23. 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 do I make my downstairs toilet look nice? 

Lee Trethewey, interiors expert at Sustainable Furniture recommends softer colours in pinks, blue, greens and grey; and there are plenty of grey bathroom ideas. 'Incorporate these colours by adding coloured towels and a floor mat, and match them with any art on the walls.'

‘To make a downstairs toilet look nice, and to maximise the space, I recommend using minimal bathroom product,’ says Warren Kinloch, bathroom expert at Bathroom Deal . ‘For example, ‘floating’ products are great, including a floating sink basin without storage and wall mounted toilets without a tank. 

‘Panelling is also a popular design choice which creates the illusion of height within a small downstairs bathroom. Having this midway up the wall not only allows you to add colour and your own personal style to the panelled area, but enables the room to feel less claustrophobic. I’d also recommend adding a large, but thin, mirror on one wall to further create the illusion of added space.’

How much value does a downstairs toilet add? 

‘Reportedly, a downstairs toilet will add about 5% onto the value of your home. This is down to the ease of having this placed on the ground floor, so you don't have to go upstairs to simply use the toilet. It also opens up a home to more potential buyers. Many home buyers will not look at a home without a downstairs toilet if they are planning for the property to be their ‘forever home’ or if they have elderly relatives that wouldn’t be able to walk upstairs to access the toilet,’ says Warren Kinloch from Bathroom Deal.

Another bonus is that your downstairs toilet ideas usually won’t require planning permission - unless it is part of an extension - meaning you can get stuck in without having to wait for any approval. 

'However, you may need building regulations approval if you're connecting new drainage or altering the central heating pipework. If you're unsure, we recommend clarifying this with your local planning authority or council,' says Polly Shearer, bathroom expert at Drench , 

What are space saving measures I can include in my downstairs loo? 

‘Storage is essential in a downstairs bathroom,’ says Ann Marie Cousins, founder of AMC Design . ‘Often these rooms are more compact, so use every nook and cranny available and consider a wall mounted loo and vanity unit with storage underneath. Wall mounted makes the room feel bigger as the eye is drawn to the corners. Make sure you think about what you need to store in there. 

‘If it’s only extra loo rolls and smaller items, opt for a small unit - don’t buy larger for the sake of it. It is also important to think about the tile scale relative to the size of the bathroom. A reduced number of grout lines can help create a sense of space. Small tiles like penny tiles are great for floors but walls need more character.’

Will you be giving your space a revamp using these cloakroom ideas?

5 best layouts + organization tips

Do you need it?

Small dressing rooms are comparable in functionality to solid closets: what to choose from this? When answering this question, the ergonomics of the dressing room should be taken into account. It should be convenient for a person inside to move around, respectively, the minimum width of such a space is 150 cm (shelves, clothes on hangers will take ~ 60 cm). Accordingly, if the choice is between a narrow dressing room and a closet, choose the latter.

One of the ideas for a small cozy dressing room is a deep closet, in English it is called reach in closet system. It is usually located in a niche, it is distinguished by its large capacity and ease of use.

See also

Storage ideas without cabinets

If there is enough width for movement, you can equip a full-fledged small dressing room.

Its benefits:

To make the dressing room as ergonomic and comfortable as possible, follow the designers' advice:

  1. Use the full height. In every house there are things that get 1-2 times a year. Their place is under the ceiling.
  2. Don't make extra shelves. The lower one, for example, is useless - put shoes or boxes directly on the floor.
  3. Plan your filling ahead of time. To do this, you need to know exactly what and in what quantity you need to store.
  4. Make a sliding door. Or a curtain. Or abandon it altogether in order to save space.
  5. Order an individual project. Only custom-made furniture takes into account all the nuances of the room and allows you to use every valuable centimeter of space.

Which closet layout would be best?

See also

20 great ideas for small wardrobe storage

It is impossible to say for sure which design of a small dressing room will suit everyone. Depends on the area and dimensions of the allocated premises, the number of things in storage.

A small dressing room can be organized in five ways - choose the one that suits you best.

Linear

Usually used in niches, looks like a closet or reach in closet system, separated from the room by curtains, sliding doors. In some cases, even a small stylish dressing room without doors looks good - for example, if it is located behind the bed and a partition separates it from the bedroom. Shelves along one wall are also often mounted in long, elongated spaces.

Corner

L-shaped plan is suitable for both long and square rooms. The dressing room is considered more spacious, because 2 walls are occupied at once.

U-shaped

think so that nothing intersects.

Parallel

The arrangement of two rows opposite is possible only in dressing rooms not less than 2 meters. It is appropriate to decorate the far wall with a mirror or fix an ironing board.

Circular

Shelves, rods and drawers are installed around the perimeter, including the space above the door. Suitable for wardrobe rooms of at least 4 square meters (2*2).

Where is the best location?

Arrangement of a small dressing room begins with the choice of location. If the apartment already has an empty pantry, it is easiest to use it. The pantry is usually located in a convenient area, already separated by a door, has lighting. In other cases, you will have to use living space for a dressing room.

See also

15 ideas for storage in a small bedroom

The most commonly used option with zoning the bedroom. The design of the room is initially designed taking into account the location of a small dressing room. It is placed behind the bed or at the entrance, depending on the layout of the room. The bedroom will become smaller, but you will be able to store all the clothes, shoes and other necessary items in a place hidden from prying eyes.

The advantage of a dressing room in the bedroom is an intimate setting in which you can change clothes in peace.

The second most popular example of the placement of dressing rooms is the entrance hall or corridor. Usually there is little furniture and enough space for cabinets. In a spacious corridor in a square or close to a square shape, with the help of partitions or compartment doors, a niche is separated and shelves are placed in it. Narrow elongated is only suitable for a large closet.

How to organize the internal content?

See also

Ironing board storage ideas for a small apartment

A small dressing room should be thought out to the smallest detail: you have to not only choose the right elements, but also correctly position them relative to each other. Drawers should open, clothes on hangers should be conveniently removed and returned back.

You should start with the bars: the free space under them depends on the things that are stored on the hangers. Dresses, long coats - 150-160 cm, shirts - 90-100 cm, trousers - 65-75 cm. hang clothes or take them out, and lift them back when the process is completed.

Mandatory attribute of the dressing room, even in the mini version - drawers. Inside it is convenient to store underwear and other clothes that do not require storage on a coat hanger.

There are never too many additional shelves: shoes, boxes with the necessary things, accessories are put on top.

When arranging storage up to the ceiling, be sure to think about exactly how you will get and put into place items from the top three shelves. It is logical to place here a small stepladder, which facilitates the task.

Don't forget the basic usability element: light. Lucky if the dressing room has a window. But more often closed spaces are reserved for storage, so lighting is mandatory here even in the daytime. High-quality illumination will be provided by several recessed spots or directional lamps on the bus.

Useful ideas for easy storage

See also

How to store things in a small hallway?

The organization of a small dressing room is no different from a large one. To make it convenient and intuitive to use, consider compartments for each type of clothing and accessories: trousers, shirts, underwear and socks, belts, bags, watches.

Lower shelves for shoes. It is convenient to put out-of-season things in boxes and clean them to the very top.

If your closet has more clothes that are stored on the shelves, make more drawers and go for a vertical storage system. Things are folded into compact rectangles and placed on the "end" in rows.

Folding this way saves space and keeps order. You can be sure that one thing will not pull several others along with it (as is often the case when storing in piles).

The last detail is the layout logic. The most used things are stored at eye and hand level, the upper shelves under the ceiling are reserved for seasonal or rarely needed things. At the very bottom are items that are not needed every day, but should remain available.

We hope that among the photos of small wardrobes in the article, everyone will find the perfect option for themselves!

75 design and decoration ideas for small dressing rooms

Most of the apartments are created according to standard designs, and their area is often limited. When choosing a location for the dressing room, you should consider the key positive and negative points of all options. It makes no sense to allocate almost half of the living space for a wardrobe, cramping the rest of the room. Before deciding on a place for a small wardrobe, you need to select and create its convenient layout.

Wardrobe rooms are an unlimited number of options for organizing the storage of clothes and accessories.

The utility room can be converted as a separate wardrobe, or the corner part of the room can be equipped. This layout creates an individual shape of the room. A small dressing room, which is built into an ordinary hallway, clearly represents a way to disguise the communication systems installed there. In addition, when organizing a wardrobe, you can visually change the layout and align the walls of the apartment.

Properly placed in them, things will retain their shape and last longer.

The modular type of rooms for things has certain advantages among others. Including:

Even on 4-6 m2, cabinets for storing boxes and brackets for things can be accommodated.

It is not at all difficult to think over the design and implement the project of a dressing room.

Proper arrangement of an individual dressing room allows you to effectively use the space of the room.

The advantages of a small wardrobe are:

Designate a part of the space in any of the rooms or use the closet and make your dream come true.

Contents

Looking for a wardrobe

Even with an economical approach to arranging an apartment, there are various options for choosing a place for a compact wardrobe. Under this territory, several square meters can be equipped. Usually this is the living room, bedroom, or hallway.

With proper distribution of living space, you can get rid of bulky cabinets and chests of drawers, creating a cozy and functional dressing room.

See alsoHow to start the transformation and decor of the hallway

How to furnish small dressing rooms?

Wardrobe is an integral part of the interior of any home. In order to comfortably and efficiently equip dressing rooms of small sizes, you can choose a ready-made design project. However, when creating such a room, it is worth considering some nuances regarding functionality, type of lighting and ventilation system.

A small dressing room in a modern style.

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Ventilation and light

To store textiles, you need good ventilation, which will not allow mold and other fungi to start on the shelves. Of course, it is better to choose clothes for any significant event in a comfortable environment.

The design of this room does not have to be strictly utilitarian.

There are several options.

  1. Designing an individual ventilation system is a somewhat expensive, but effective way to create a wardrobe microclimate.
  2. Installation of an extractor hood similar to bathrooms - has an affordable price.
  3. Air conditioning installation is the best option for a variety of wardrobe types.

One of the main rules: the ratio of closed and open surfaces should be 50x50, in which case it will look neat.

Keep in mind that often small storage rooms do not have windows. Therefore, well-installed lighting plays a huge role. Lighting planning, as a rule, is carried out at the stage of project formation. For a quick and comfortable search for things, in addition to the traditional ceiling light, it is worth focusing on the illumination of items of clothing stored in this room.

Shoes can be stored both on open racks and in closed ventilated boxes.

An excellent option would be spotlights, contour lighting from LED strip for shelves. On drawers, with the help of an adhesive base, you can fix stand-alone lamps. They have an automatic on / off option, which is activated depending on whether the drawer is open or closed.

Store infrequently used items in corners, out-of-the-way places and on top shelves.

It is recommended to install LED lamps equipped with convenient holders in the form of a clothespin in the corners. Due to the height adjustment and the ability to position them at different angles, it is recommended to choose a spectrum of natural daylight.

Lighting in the dressing room should be bright. With any amount of natural light, you need to install a backlight.

See alsoDesign of a hallway in a private or rural house

Design of a small dressing room

A small dressing room, as a rule, is designed in a rectangular, square or corner form. The most optimal layout for compact apartments is a corner room for things. It is necessary to competently and ergonomically plan the interior space for its maximum capacity of useful things.

The internal ergonomics of all shelving units, shelves and cabinets is an art.

Corner wardrobes visually occupy the minimum amount of usable space. Doors installed in square and rectangular counterparts occupy a significant area and clutter up adjacent sections.

Dressing room design should be primarily practical.

See alsoDetails of hallway design with mirrors

Compact and small wardrobes from the pantry

From the closet you can make an excellent wardrobe. How to convert a pantry into storage space? It is enough to carry out a simple repair, and you will have a separate room for clothes. By installing the lighting system, painting the walls, laying the floor and purchasing furniture, you get a wonderful dressing room. It is worth remembering to install a door between the bedroom and the wardrobe. The perfect solution would be doors in the form of swing doors.

Sliding doors (or curtains) are more suitable for mini dressing rooms than swing doors, although they require more complex installation.

Today, there are many options for transforming an ordinary pantry into a comfortable wardrobe. These design projects allow you to significantly save space in the room, making the wardrobe the most effective place.

Take care of uniform lighting with spot LEDs and a convenient location of the switch.

See alsoFeatures and design difficulties of a small corridor

Small wardrobes built into the bedroom are the most common. Abroad, such rooms are designed in advance, at the planning stage of the house. Compact placement of things will allow you not to spend additional meters.

With the help of a dressing room, you can increase the comfort of your home.

When zoning a bedroom into a sleeping place and a dressing room (for the second one, the area near the wall is used) is fenced with a screen or a plasterboard structure with a door.

Open wardrobe, minimalist style.

See alsoThe design of the entrance hall in Khrushchev: the choice of finishes and visual techniques for expanding the space

Modern design of small dressing rooms

The modern design of small dressing rooms is created in such a way that absolutely all the things that are stored in them can be found quickly and without problems. Visibility and accessibility is achieved through the use of specialized devices for the orderly arrangement of things, shoes and household electrical appliances.

Optimal dimensions can vary from 2 to 6 square meters. m.

See alsoDesign of the hallway of various layouts

The design of a dressing room of small dimensions can be realized with the help of multifunctional structures. To solve this problem, cabinet furniture is installed. Retractable hangers can act as specialized devices, with their help you can place a much larger number of things than usual. Near the high shelves it is desirable to fix the mirror. Thanks to him, the room will become convenient and comfortable.

For the classics, wood is used, the wood texture in black color looks very strict and elegant.

Clothing and footwear are usually stored in a variety of storage systems. Bars with shoulders can act as such functional elements. Due to their neutrality and versatility, they will perfectly fit into any interior.

Light open wardrobe in a classic style.

You can hang regular shelves and hooks to store clothes. It is best to arrange shelves for convenience and quick access to things at eye level.

A free corner in the apartment can be used as a dressing room by installing shelves and frameless storage systems on profiles.

If the height of the closet allows, you can fix the multi-tiered shelves along the entire height of the wall. Comfortable access to the highest shelves will provide a ladder.

An open wardrobe saves time for choosing clothes, and also provides the right conditions for storing clothes.

As a result, a magnificent dressing room is constructed from an ordinary pantry. A wardrobe instead of a pantry is a harmonious part of the apartment, without taking up additional space. It is convenient to store all the clothes, shoes and accessories of your family in it.

Open shelves and hangers in a small dressing room from the pantry.

See also How to decorate a hallway in a modern style

How to make a small dressing room with your own hands

The project of this room should be created with the most efficient use of every centimeter of usable area.

Fixing all the selected shelves in the dressing room with your own hands is not difficult.

Wardrobe needs:

It is best to choose the far wall of the room, taking into account the fact that the plasterboard partition being erected will perfectly "fit" into the interior of the room. In such a room, you can build shelves to your taste.

Small family dressing room with a soft ottoman instead of a bench.

Maximum functionality can be achieved through the rational arrangement of shelves, their height should be marked in advance, taking into account the growth of family members, so that you do not have to reach for things and shoes.

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