When you have a small cloakroom, design options can feel limited. With less space to play with, it can be easy to feel like your cloakroom is destined to be much like any other small cloakroom in the country. This really isn’t the case, though. With a bit of thought, planning and design inspiration, you can beautifully personalise a small cloakroom. As the washroom that visitors tend to actually see, you could argue that a personalised cloakroom is really important! We look at the best ideas for layout, storage, colour and accessories to inspire you.
Layout
This is one part of the design process that you may not have much scope to change. In a small cloakroom you are likely to be limited by the existing plumbing infrastructure. There are key pieces of bathroom furniture that must be included, and so your layout can’t practically be too radical. However, there are factors that afford flexibility.
Lighting
Even the smallest of cloakrooms will benefit from different levels of lighting. Ceiling spotlights provide a general wash, while wall or recessed lighting adds atmosphere and interest. Coloured LEDs are fun and help to give the space a more personal feel.
Mirrors
Choose a large mirror to reflect natural light and make your small cloakroom feel larger. A lit mirror has the added benefit of adding another light source for the room. Alternatively, style your mirror to support a personal design scheme through your choice of colour or material.
Storage
While a cloakroom is not the main bathroom space, you’ll be surprised at how useful ample storage is in this room. You may assume that smaller cloakrooms simply do not have the capability, but by choosing clever solutions and designs you’ll be able to maximise storage here.
Space saving
For small cloakrooms it is often worth going for bespoke furniture. A vanity unit or basin surround that fills an alcove maximises drawer or cupboard space underneath. To create the illusion of floor space, try a floating unit to keep the flooring visible.
Use height
Small floor area but high ceiling? This is common in the small cloakrooms of period properties. If this is your space, use the room at height. Overhead shelving can store items without getting in the way of daily use.
Curved shapes
Furniture with bold curves take up less floor space than angled pieces. You’ll still enjoy the storage functionality of drawers or cupboards, but you won’t be bumping into corners in a smaller space!
Colour
This is often the first design feature to come to mind when we think about a room, even the smallest of them! The great thing about small cloakrooms is that it’s not going to cost you a huge amount in either time, paint or paper to decorate. So why not express yourself?
Bold and dark
Instinct tells us that a small room shouldn’t be dark. However this really is not the case. A small cloakroom can look utterly striking in a bold or dark colour palette. By colour drenching a small room, it can feel comforting and welcoming. Navy blue and gold tones create a sense of drama that add a personal touch to the space.
Light and neutral
Classically light, neutral tones don’t need to be devoid of personality, however. Go for rustic, earthy accessories to build on the neutral base and create something a little different. Or invest in high quality materials like marble for flooring and surfaces. This keeps a small light room feeling utterly luxurious.
Texture
As important in a small room as in a large one, including texture ensures the space doesn’t feel flat or dull. Texture building techniques give your cloakroom depth and makes your whole decor scheme more intentional.
Wallpaper
A small cloakroom is the ideal place to indulge in busier styles of wallpaper. The ones that you might not get away with in a larger room. Cover every wall for a really bold look, or even try contrasting two different prints for effect. A beautiful wallpaper can lift the room to feel luxurious and designer.
Tiles
Contrast painted walls or wallpapered areas with tiles. Whether you choose floor tiles, stick to tiling around the wash basin, or choose to tile a whole wall, this is a great way to add contrast. Gloss finishes are great for reflecting natural light, while matt or rough finished tiles sit well within coloured design schemes.
Accessories
There may not be much room for candles and bookcases, but a small cloakroom can still be accessorised well. It is these details that give the opportunity to add mementos from your history, your family and your interests. Accessories are what makes a room truly personal. It’s a balancing act though, as too much can quickly make the room feel cluttered and untidy.
Gallery wall
Yes, the wall space may be limited, but a small cloakroom wall looks amazing when it is hung wall to wall with images. These might be family photos, music posters, or paintings from global travels. The more the better to fill the wall space with interest and personality.
Greenery
There is no room in the home that can’t benefit from greenery, and this goes for small cloakrooms too. Add small succulents in a recessed shelf, or hang a trailing plant from a high shelf to include greenery that doesn’t get in the way.
As the saying goes, good things come in small packages. There’s no reason that your small cloakroom can’t have a luxurious, funky, or soothing feel that makes it personal to you. Contact our design team to start rejuvenating your space.