22 cloakroom ideas to maximise your space

1. Choose a compact vanity unit

A small cloakroom can quickly feel cluttered, which is why compact vanity units are so handy. A slim unit gives you a handy spot for handwashing, plus hidden storage for essentials such as toilet rolls and cleaning products.

Go for a wall-mounted style if you want a modern look that can help your bathroom appear larger, but you will have less storage space than a freestanding unit.

2. Go bold

Cloakrooms are the perfect place to experiment with colour and pattern. Instead of defaulting to all‑white, which can sometimes feel a little clinical, bolder shades can create a warm, cocooning atmosphere.

Deep tones and rich wallpapers can turn a tiny cloakroom into the most characterful corner of your home, whether you lean into moody greens, charcoal blues or warm terracottas for a cosy feel.

And if you’d prefer something brighter, jewel‑like corals and sapphires or softer pastels such as blush pink or mint can bring a lift of colour without overwhelming the space.

3. Make use of mirrors

Mirrors can add depth to walls and will reflect light, two attributes which can make a small cloakroom feel larger. You'll probably install a mirror above your basin, but for the best results consider installing a second decorative mirror on another wall of your downstairs toilet to bounce as much light around as possible.

4. Hang some fun artwork

Installing artwork artwork is one of the easiest ways to bring personality into a cloakroom. Because it’s a space every guest is likely to visit, it’s the perfect spot to showcase something a little unexpected, whether that’s a bold print, a playful slogan or a calming landscape.

Art instantly softens harder bathroom surfaces and makes the room feel more lived‑in and considered. Even a single framed piece can shift the whole mood, turning a purely practical downstairs toilet into a space with real character.

5. Lay down some vinyl flooring

Your cloakroom may be small and an awkward shape, so making sure you have flooring that's easy to lay is important. Vinyl flooring is a great idea if you need to cut around pipes or tricky shapes, and boring patterns are a thing of the past. Our range includes herringbone, monochrome or mosaic styles ready to jazz up your floor.

6. Wonderful wall panelling

Wall panelling can help create a feeling of space. In a small room, even a half‑height design can add interest and help break up plain walls. Vertical styles, like tongue and groove, can be the perfect choice as they draw the eye upward and make the room feel taller. Choose a contrasting paint for your panelling to add extra depth and character or pick a shade from the same colour family for a cohesive look.

Read more in our article on how to fit wall panels.

7. Install sliding or bi-fold doors

When you’re working with a very small cloakroom, every inch counts. Standard doors can be tricky as you might not want them opening into a corridor, but you may not have room for them to open inside the cloakroom either. That’s where sliding doors come in. These doors are fitted on a rail and move side to side rather than outwards, so door opening widths are no longer a worry.

8. Statement wall lights

Wall lights are a wonderful way to add atmosphere to a cloakroom without taking up any extra space. A slim pair placed either side of the mirror, or above the toilet, gives a soft, even glow that feels much warmer than a single ceiling light. It’s also ideal in narrow rooms where overhead lighting can look harsh. Ribbed glass, sphere shades and brass or matte black finishes all work brilliantly for creating a stylish, space‑saving look.

9. Wall hung units & toilets

Wall hung vanity units and toilets leave the floor space beneath empty. This will increase the size of visible floor space, which will in turn help your bathroom appear larger and more spacious.

10. Choose a compact shower enclosure

If you’re lucky enough to have a slightly larger cloakroom, consider installing a compact shower enclosure. A second shower is ideal for when guests come to stay, or for families who don’t want to fight over the bathroom in the morning. Corner or quadrant enclosures can fit into small spaces and sliding doors mean you won’t need to worry about door opening widths.

11. Small wall hung basins

In a small cloakroom, the basin you choose can make all the difference. A wall hung basin in a compact design keeps the space feeling open while still giving you a practical spot for handwashing. Just make sure to look for styles with a narrow projection so they don’t jut into the room.

12. Reduce clutter with the right accessories

Too much clutter in a cloakroom will make it feel cramped and claustrophobic, so getting the right accessories to store everything is key. Use a wall hung soap dish or dispenser to prevent soap bottles cluttering up your basin, install a towel ring and fit a wall mounted toilet brush holder. Buying accessories from the same range is also an easy way to tie together the look of your bathroom, providing you with a seamless aesthetic.

13. Colourful storage units

Gone are the days when all bathroom units were white. Bathroom furniture units are now available in a huge range of different colours. Although you might want to be more conservative in your main bathroom, as we’ve already stated, your cloakroom is a great opportunity to be bold with different styles. Whether it’s pink, green, or a deep blue, there’s a huge scope of different furniture, floor, wall and tile combinations to choose from.

14. Go bold with feature wallpaper

You don’t spend as much time in your cloakroom as you do your main bathroom, so why not take the opportunity to go bold with fun styles? Bathroom wallpaper will transform a plain cloakroom wall into one that’s vibrant and expresses your own style and individuality.

From brick effect, to floral and textured wallpaper, whether it’s every wall or just a feature, bathroom wallpaper can add an exciting new dimension to your décor.

15. Heated towel rail

A compact heated towel rail is a simple touch that instantly elevates a cloakroom. It brings a little everyday luxury to the space, keeping hand towels warm, dry and neatly displayed. With slim designs and stylish finishes available, it also doubles as a sleek feature that makes even the smallest cloakroom feel more polished.

16. Go light

White can make a small cloakroom feel bright, but if you’re worried it’ll look too stark, you can soften it with warm undertones and natural textures. Think creamy whites, soft greys, and earthy tones. These shades keep the room feeling open while still adding warmth. Pair it with natural textures like wood , stone, and terrazzo to complete the look.

17. Use a toilet-basin combo

In really tight cloakrooms, a toilet–basin combination unit is a smart, space saving solution. The compact design keeps everything in one streamlined block, freeing up floor area and making the room feel more open. It’s practical, tidy and ideal for awkward layouts.

18. Tile halfway up the wall

Half‑height tiling is a great way to add character without overwhelming a small space. It protects the walls where you need it most, while leaving the upper half free for colour, wallpaper or artwork. Choosing a contrasting shade above the tiles helps add depth and personality to even the tiniest cloakroom.

19. Make use of corners

If you don’t have much wall space you may want to look to the corners for extra room. A corner basin or floating corner shelf can save you precious floor space and completely change up the layout. 

20. Colour drench for a cosy feel

If you love a colour, try taking it across the walls, ceiling and woodwork. Colour drenching creates a wrapped, cocooning feel that works brilliantly in a small cloakroom. Deep greens, blues and terracottas are especially good for creating a warm, inviting space.
And if you want to add some texture, you could always wallpaper one wall in a design  that echoes your chosen shade.

21. Build recessed wall shelving

If your cloakroom has a recess or an unused niche, you could turn it into wall shelving. It’s a clever way to add storage without taking up any extra space. These slim built‑in shelves keeps everyday essentials close by and are great for adding decorative touches like plants, books and baskets. 

22. Statement floor tiles

A patterned floor is an easy way to bring personality into a cloakroom. Because the space is small, patterned tiles can make a big impact without feeling too busy. Monochrome patterns, mosaics, or geometric designs are all perfect for adding interest.