Tiny space makeovers: original ways to transform your cloakroom

Make a big impact in a small space

Don't let the smallest room in your house go unnoticed. A downstairs toilet may be less than three metres square, but that doesn't mean you can't have fun and be adventurous with colour, pattern and practicalities. Whether you prefer bold and colourful statement tiles or timeless floral prints that are pretty in a petite space, click or scroll through and check out these perfect powder room and cultivated cloakroom ideas that will put a stamp on the pocket-sized space. 

Two-tone a tiny cloakroom

This cupboard under the stairs has been cleverly turned into a dinky cloakroom that maximises space. Grey and white tiles create a smart two-tone effect that increases the sense of space. A tiny sink with a black tap slots neatly into the corner, while a picture ledge above the toilet offers 'out of the way' slim storage for toiletries. 

Work in wave-like wallpaper

The wave-patterned wallpaper completes the breezy theme. It’s called Sprigs on Ocean​ and gives the tiny loo a California-cool vibe. Painted aqua-toned woodwork continues the freshness while a dark floor anchors the space. 

Hone in on heritage style

Installing panelling to a downstairs cloakroom adds interest and style to a small room with boxed-in features. Continue the traditional vibe with rich colour and nostalgic flooring. White fixtures and a grey chevron splashback will balance out the dark tones and echo the herringbone pattern on the floor. 

Pick out period details

Complete the tasteful, charming look with brass fixtures and a pair of light sconces on either side of a circular mirror. The wall-mounted items are perfect for a small and traditional space that harmonises the period decorating scheme perfectly. 

Pack a punch with wallpaper

Cate Holcombe chose fun and colourful wallpaper with a white background to decorate her tiny cloakroom, coordinating with the white sink and toilet. A deep inky blue on the ceiling picks out the wallpaper tone and makes a unique and interesting feature. 

Feature interesting finds

A sink skirt with discreetly concealed magnets hides away a wire storage rack, while above an incredible mirror made from vintage cobblers' shoe moulds adds a touch of artisanal texture and character to the jazzy little nook. Where else could you hang a mirror so unique!?

Make it multifunctional

Double the use of your downstairs loo by adding a practical utility area. A wall-mounted shelving combination will organise your laundry set-up. Two striped green shower curtains that look smart and fresh will hide the mini washroom when not in use, turning it back into a toilet.

Choose narrow storage

Plan the small space perfectly with plenty of innovative solutions. Install a worktop over the washer-dryer to create a folding area. Make sure there is space to slot in a foldable drying rack when not in use. Then use slim open shelves to keep laundry products and colourful towels tidy and to hand. 

Lighten the look with pretty pink

Land of Laurel added lashings of light and storage to their tiny half-bathroom. Shiplap walls have been painted a powdery shell pink, while a grey marble mesh mosaic floor tile adds character. The tiny ceramic sink has been jazzed up with a black traditional-style tap, while the chrome bath accessories add further chic. 

Go for open-shelving

The main feature of this pale but pretty cloakroom has to be the layers of open shelving, colour-matched to the pink backdrop and mounted above the toilet. The four shelves have been styled to the max with everything you could need to freshen up, finished with plenty of pretty green house plants that offset the monotone colour.  

Choose smart navy tiles

Glossy navy blue tiles will smarten up your cloakroom with an on-trend vibe. These Pickett bevelled tiles add art-deco texture, while grey animal print wallpaper makes a quirky addition to the small space. A trailing plant adds to the exotic style. 

Break up block colour

A mounted shelf slotted between narrow walls breaks up block colour and makes use of the small space. The white mounted circular basin and gold taps add to the coordinated kitsch. 

Add interest with paint effects

Emerald green arches highlight the cloakroom windows that are then echoed and enhanced by a cleverly chosen lozenge-shaped mirror.  Exotic artwork adds interest with perfectly matched tones, while a gold shelf adds a touch of luxe charm. 

Pick pretty florals

For her fifth One Room Challenge, The House That Will designed a pretty downstairs loo around a beautiful floral wallpaper. Norma says  "Our loo is a small room, so I didn't want to overwhelm the space with too much busyness. For that reason, I decided to let the wallpaper be the main feature and let everything else play a quieter role. So all the woodwork was painted the same warm grey colour in an eggshell finish, including the new sink cabinet."

Wood panels protect walls

Beaded panelling in soft grey balances the floral print and ties in with a traditional small cloakroom sink. A gold mirror fits in the space above perfectly and adds a touch of opulence to the classic, timeless scheme. 

Bring in a shower

A small downstairs bathroom can make an ideal shower room if you don't already have one upstairs. Reinvent a downstairs cupboard or erect a partition wall that creates an enclosure. Narrow cloakroom furniture will slot into the leftover space neatly. Classic white tiles with grid pattern black grout will maximise the modern space. 

Use walls wisely

Clever storage will remove toiletries and towels from the floor, which helps keep small rooms tidy. Go for furniture with added hooks and use soap dishes and shower storage with suction cups. Turn the unused space behind the toilet into storage with open shelves that fit over the cistern. 

Install an urban jungle

Create a moody and atmospheric downstairs toilet like The House At The Junction. Cole & Son Palm and Jungle wallpaper will transform the tiny toilet into a dark and mysterious night-time forest. A contemporary boxed-in toilet with rich wood continues the organic theme. 

Reflect light with mirrors

Slim jade tiles tie into the wallpaper tone to create an elegant splash-back. Note there are two mirrors in this tiny space; mirrored storage behind the toilet and an antique wood framed mirror. This increases the sense of space and reflects as much light as possible in the dark scheme. 

Feature fabulous tile designs

Colourful geometric tiles make a striking feature-wall splashback in a narrow cloakroom. We love this pick 'n' mix tiled wall with an angular pattern in orange and cream colours. Paint the door with a marmalade tone and introduce lush greenery into the mix. 

Freshen up with turquoise

Tanya, creator of Dans Le Lakehouse, wanted to create a turquoise and copper powder room that glowed. A built-in vanity melts into the soft aqua-painted space, while the rose gold hammered nickel sink, circular mirror and bubble effect light create an incredible metallic display that makes the room.

Inject personality with antique furniture

Instagram influencer Hayley Stuart transformed her monochrome downstairs loo into a colourful bohemian-style cloakroom using a combination of Graham & Brown green paints and vinyl tile-effect floor stickers. A glorious antique storage cabinet has been beautifully restored and upcycled with coral pink paint and used to display lush contemporary house plants in bold and striking pots. 

Create spacious illusions

Make the most of the small space by inserting a wall-hung vanity with a cleverly hidden storage drawer. Then continue the feature tiles to the floor – the extended vertical lines will add an optical illusion of higher ceilings in the pocket-size powder room. Black matching door furniture, fixtures and bathroom accessories look contemporary and coherent. 

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