Top 10 Cloakroom Design Tips from an Architect

Think cloakrooms are dull utility spaces? Think again. A well-designed downstairs loo is one of the most underrated style opportunities in any home and one of the most useful. Small in size, big in impact: the cloakroom is your chance to get bold, embrace drama, and have a bit of fun. Here’s how to make your tiny toilet the most-talked-about room in the house:

1. Wallpaper Like You Mean It

This is not the place to be shy. Cloakrooms are perfect for wild, oversized wallpaper prints you might not dare use elsewhere. Think jungle murals, moody florals, or graphic stripes. It’s a small space, lean into the drama.

2. Windowless? Embrace the Darkness

No natural light? That’s a gift. Deep navy, charcoal or bottle green can make a windowless room feel atmospheric and luxurious, not claustrophobic. Pair it with warm lighting and reflective finishes for a cocooning effect.

3. Under the Stairs = Design Gold

The awkward void under your staircase is crying out to be useful. It’s a natural home for a cloakroom. Just check the head height and position it near existing plumbing for ease.

4. Pocket Doors are Game-Changers

Standard doors eat up precious floor space. A pocket door slides away into the wall cavity, giving you more room to move and a cleaner finish in tight corridors.

5. Heat from Below

Underfloor heating is ideal here. It keeps feet warm, eliminates the need for a bulky radiator, and frees up wall space for mirrors, art, or storage.

6. Small Sanitary Ware, Big Impact

Look for short-projection toilets and compact basins. Wall-mounted options look sleek and maximise the sense of space. A corner sink can work wonders in tight layouts.

7. Storage Matters

Even the tiniest cloakroom needs a place to hide essentials. Go for slim shelves above the door, a mirrored cabinet, or even bespoke joinery to tuck things away neatly.

8. Hardware with Personality

Make it yours with distinctive hardware. Brass, black, bronze, or even matte white finishes on taps, handles, and robe hooks can turn basic fittings into design features. Don’t default to chrome unless you really mean it.

9. Mirror Lighting is Everything

In small, low-lit spaces, lighting built into the mirror is your best friend. It’s flattering, space-saving, and provides even, direct light where you need it most. Bonus: it feels high-end with very little effort.

10. Design It Like a Powder Room, Not a Cupboard

This room deserves love. Add a scented candle, a beautiful hand towel, and a surprising piece of art. This is often the only room guests will use so make it memorable.