Small bathrooms need big thinking, and downstairs toilets can be difficult to style, but there are many ways to make the most of available space. You won't regret it if you do, as a cloakroom not only adds value to your home, it adds massive convenience. Utilise bold features and clever storage tricks to make your downstairs toilet stand out.

The key thing to consider when styling a downstairs toilet or cloakroom is creating a space that is comfortable and inviting to use. This can be achieved by making use of open space and choosing tiles that reflect the style of your home. What you really don't want is to be unable to sit or stand without being hunched over below a sloping ceiling.

One way to make the most of a small cloakroom is by using a corner toilet. This will save precious floor space and make the room feel less cramped. You can also install a wall-mounted sink to further free up space. Keep taps unobtrusive and choose a sleek, modern design to avoid overwhelming the small area.

If you're limited on natural light, consider using a bright colour scheme to create a sense of space. Pale blues and greens are ideal for creating a relaxed and calming atmosphere. If you have the luxury of a window, hang some sheer curtains to allow in natural light and give the illusion of more space.

When it comes to storage, think outside the box. Get creative with shelving and cupboard space to store all of your essentials. You can also use a cloakroom as a dumping ground for coats, boots and bags. Install some hooks on the back of the door to create extra hanging space.

Think Creatively About Saving Space

Many downstairs toilets have an awkward shape, especially if they are tucked away under the stairs, and when designing your cloakroom it is important to make use of every nook and cranny in order to make the most of the limited space available. You need to be creative with the fittings and storage you choose. Wall hung toilets are becoming increasingly popular in cloakrooms and small bathrooms as they free up valuable floor space. The same could be said of a floating vanity unit which looks stylish and again keeps your floor space free.

Using sliding doors rather than hinged ones is another great way to save space as is mounting storage on the walls.

Make Small Spaces Feel Bigger

You may also want to consider using light colours as these can help to give the illusion of more space. Natural light is also a great way to make a small room feel larger, so try to find a cloakroom design that allows for this.

Uncluttered spaces always look larger, so try to keep surfaces clear and free from too many items. If you have any wall space, consider hanging a mirror as this will reflect light around the room and create the illusion of space.

Injecting some life into the room with some plants or flowers can also help to make it feel more welcoming.

Decorating your downstairs loo

Your choice of tile makes quite a big difference to the look and feel of your downstairs cloakroom . If you're going for a traditional look, then a simple tile in a classic design can really help to set the tone. For a more contemporary feel, you might want to consider using something a bit more funky or interesting.

Whether you go clean and simple, or opt for a funky pattern you will probably want to use light colours to help open up the space. White is always a safe choice, but pale blues and greens can work well too. If you have a bit more space to play with, try using a darker shade on the floor to create a cosy feeling.

You may think feature walls are only for large spaces but they can really help to add interest to a small room like a cloakroom. Stick to one wall and make sure the design ties in with the rest of the room. A busy pattern might be too much, but a subtle design can really help to inject some personality into the space.

Recessed lighting is a great option in a downstairs toilet because it doesn't take up any valuable wall space. If you have a cabinet above the basin, try installing a light inside so that it's really easy to see what you're doing.

When choosing accessories for your cloakroom, think about what you might need on a daily basis. A good-sized mirror is always handy, as is somewhere to hang your towel. A shelf above the toilet can be a great place to store toiletries, and a basket under the sink is perfect for keeping cleaning supplies out of the way.

With these tips in mind, you should be able to create a stylish and functional cloakroom that really works for you and your family.

FAQs

What is a cloakroom toilet?

A cloakroom toilet is a small toilet that is typically used for guests. It is usually located near the entrance of a home, so that guests can use it when they arrive.

Why are cloakroom toilets important?

Cloakroom toilets are important because they provide a place for guests to use the toilet without having to go into the main part of the house. This can be helpful if you want to keep your main bathroom clean and free from clutter.

How can I make my cloakroom toilet look stylish?

There are many ways to make your cloakroom toilet look stylish. You can choose a cool tile design for the floor and walls, or go for a funky wallpaper. You can also use light colours to help open up the space. You may also want to consider using recessed lighting or a mirror to help reflect light around the room. Adding some plants or flowers can also help to make the space feel more welcoming.

How can I make my cloakroom toilet feel bigger?

There are a few things you can do to make your cloakroom toilet feel bigger. You can use light colours to help create the illusion of more space. You can also try using a mirror to reflect light around the room. Injecting some life into the room with some plants or flowers can also help to make it feel more welcoming.

What are some of the most popular cloakroom toilet designs?

Some of the most popular cloakroom toilet designs include traditional, contemporary, and bohemian styles. Traditional designs usually feature classic tiles and colours. Contemporary designs often use more funky and interesting tiles. Bohemian styles usually involve injecting some personality into the space with colourful accessories and plants.

How can I make sure my cloakroom toilet is functional?

When planning your cloakroom toilet, it is important to think about what you will need on a daily basis. A good-sized mirror is always handy, as is somewhere to hang your towel. A shelf above the toilet can be a great place to store toiletries, and a basket under the sink is perfect for keeping cleaning supplies out of the way.

Where do you put a downstairs cloakroom?

The best place to put a downstairs cloakroom is near the entrance of your home. This will make it easy for guests to use when they arrive. You may also want to consider putting it near the kitchen or dining room, so that it is convenient for guests who are visiting. Another popular location is under the stairs

How small can a cloakroom be?

A cloakroom can be as small as a few square feet, but it is important to make sure that it is big enough to function effectively. You should try to allocate at least five square feet for the space, and more if possible.