Cloakroom ideas: How to decorate your downstairs toilet

Cloakrooms - and downstairs toilets -  are often the smallest rooms in a house.

Despite their size, these rooms can have a big impact on the overall aesthetic of a home. Decorating a cloakroom can be a fun and rewarding project, but it can also be challenging due to the limited space.

In this blog post, we will provide tips and ideas on how to decorate a cloakroom.

Juliet Murphy Photography PTTG Baronsmead Road 5 1

Choose your theme

When decorating a cloakroom, it is essential to have a clear vision of what style or theme you want to achieve. This will help you make decisions about the colours, patterns, and materials you will use. Some popular themes for cloakrooms include nautical, vintage, industrial, and minimalist.

Given its size, this is also an opportunity for you to experiment with new decor or colours trialling what works in your home before applying this to other rooms. 

You may also wish to go for a more whimsical theme that might not work elsewhere in your home.

Select the Right ColoUr Scheme

The colour scheme you choose for your cloakroom can make a big impact on the overall look and feel of the room. It is important to choose a colour palette that complements the rest of your home while also creating a cohesive look. Lighter colours can help make a small space feel more open and airy, while darker colours can create a more dramatic and intimate atmosphere.

Install a Statement Sink

A statement sink can be a great way to add personality and style to your cloakroom. There are many different sink styles and materials to choose from, including pedestal sinks, vessel sinks, and wall-mounted sinks. Depending on the style you are going for, you can choose a sink that is sleek and modern or one that is more ornate and traditional.

Wall-mounted sinks can also help maximise the amount of visible floor area, helping to make an area feel more spacious. 

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Add Eye-catching Wallpaper

Wallpaper can be a great way to add visual interest and texture to a small space like a cloakroom. Choose a pattern or design that complements the rest of the room's decor and colours. Depending on your preferences, you can choose to cover all the walls or just one accent wall.

In this stunning Hammersmith home we decorated for Brook Copp-Barton, we papered the cloakroom with Lioness Palms by Common Room wallpaper - based on a drawing found in the archives of the Victoria & Albert Museum. 

Consider a Unique Mirror

A unique mirror can be a great way to add personality and style to a cloakroom. There are many different mirror shapes and sizes to choose from, including round, square, and oval. You can also choose a mirror with a decorative frame or one that is backlit for a modern look.

Add Artwork or Decorative Accents

Artwork and decorative accents can add a finishing touch to a well-decorated cloakroom. Consider adding a piece of art that complements the room's colour scheme and theme. Other decorative accents like candles, plants, and decorative trays can also add visual interest and texture.

Upgrade the Lighting

Lighting is another essential element in a cloakroom's decor. To create a warm and inviting atmosphere, consider installing sconces or pendant lights. These can be used to highlight a statement sink or artwork, or to create a cosy ambience.

Juliet Murphy Photography PTTG Baronsmead Road 4 v2

Add Functional Storage

Storage is often a challenge in small spaces like cloakrooms. As well as hooks for coats and jackets, to maximize the space you have, consider adding functional storage solutions like shelves, cabinets, or baskets. These can be used to store extra toilet paper, towels, and other bathroom essentials.

Choose the Right Flooring

The right flooring can make a big impact on the overall look and feel of a cloakroom. Consider choosing a durable and moisture-resistant material like tile or vinyl. You can also choose a pattern or design that complements the room's decor and color scheme.

Don't Forget the Details

The little details can make a big difference in a well-decorated cloakroom. Consider adding decorative accents like hand towels, soap dispensers, and trash cans that complement the room's decor and color scheme. You can also add a decorative rug or mat to add warmth and texture to the space.

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In conclusion, decorating a cloakroom can be a fun and rewarding project. By following these tips and ideas, you can create a functional and stylish space that will impress your guests. Remember to choose a clear theme or style, select the right colour scheme, add a statement sink, eye-catching wallpaper, a unique mirror, functional storage, artwork or decorative accents, upgrade the lighting, choose the right flooring, and don't forget the little details.

With these elements in mind, you can transform your cloakroom into a beautiful and inviting space.