How To Make A Tiny Bathroom Stand Out

UK homes are full of quirky nooks and crannies – and most of them, we might add, are in the bathroom. But don’t knock a tiny loo; these compact spaces are ripe for your more wayward designs. ‘A small toilet is a place every guest will experience,’ Hannah Cecil Gurney, Director at de Gournay, says in conversation with Vaughan Designs. ‘There is a wonderful opportunity to surprise them with something they weren’t expecting.’ Below, we round up some of our favourite tiny loo ideas for your home, plus the experts’ advice on how to give even the smallest of spaces the biggest of personalities.

Small Bathroom, Big Impact: The Case For A Tiny Loo

Even the smallest spaces in a home serve a purpose. And if said space happens to be under the stairs, tucked into the kitchen or just shy of the front door, it’s usually a very compact, tiny loo (otherwise known as a cloakroom).

The cloakroom is one of the most outward-facing spaces in your home – saving guests from trekking upstairs on their search for the toilet. In other words: this is the room most of your guests will see when they come over. ‘A guest loo may be one of the smallest rooms in the house, but it can also be one of the most memorable,’ confirms James Lentaigne, Creative Director at Drummonds. This, he says, makes it the perfect canvas for any big, bold design ideas you might want to try. ‘Because it’s a space you only spend a short amount of time in, you can afford to create a stronger sense of atmosphere and personality with an unusual wallpaper, rich colour, beautiful stone or distinctive lighting. Often, it’s these unexpected spaces that guests remember.

‘Don’t approach a tiny loo as a lesser version of a full bathroom,’ he adds. ‘Without a bath or shower dictating the layout, there is often much more decorative freedom. Embrace that. It’s a brilliant place to experiment with colour, pattern, art and materials while still connecting to the character of the rest of the home.’

They don’t come without their challenges though. ‘Small cloakroom spaces can come with limited space, little storage, a lack of warmth and, quite often, very little natural light,’ says Catchpole & Rye. But when designed well, a tiny loo can easily become the star of the home. ‘They can be a room of surprise, joy and warmth, making an impression far greater than its size might suggest. Every detail matters in these smaller spaces, so it is worth choosing each piece carefully, from characterful fittings to playful colours and unexpected details. Together, they can transform even the smallest of cloakrooms into a memorable space that will surprise and delight guests.’

What To Know Before Decorating

Start with the practical bit: size, scale, fittings and navigation. ‘Assess the dimensions of the small space and how the WC, handbasin, brassware and potentially storage will fit within the configuration, along with the hidden plumbing,’ emphasises Yousef Mansuri, Director of Design at C.P. Hart. ‘Also consider the door – if it opens inwards, how will that affect where the basin is situated in the smaller room? Or, is it possible to have the door opening outwards instead, thus enabling the entire space to be used?’

Once you’ve figured out the space, it’s simply a matter of making it your own. And while it might be a small space, Hannah says ‘the challenge is not the size, but the restraint. Small rooms often invite cautious design, yet they reward the opposite.

‘There is often an instinct to keep a small room pale, minimal and relatively plain in the hope of making it feel larger and also unimportant,’ she continues. ‘A tiny loo is the ideal setting for richly layered wallcoverings, ornamental lighting, and immersive decoration. In a space this intimate, every surface and element contributes to its identity – walls, ceilings, and the ambience created by beautiful lighting.’

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Tiny Loo Ideas To Inspire You

de Gournay

Catchpole & Rye

C.P. Hart

Ripples

Drummonds

Sims Hilditch

House of Hackney

Turner Pocock

Max Rollitt

Drummonds

How To Level Up A Tiny Loo

Be Fearless With Decoration

Don’t be put off by the size of the space – a tiny canvas is perfect for making a big statement. ‘A small space can take much more decoration than people sometimes imagine,’ says Hannah. This, she says, makes it perfect for bold patterns and rich colours. ‘A scenic or hand-painted wallcovering can completely transform the room.’

Start by ‘pattern drenching with a heritage wallpaper,’ suggests Jessica Clayworth, Lead Designer at Morris & Co. ‘This is a great way of injecting personality into a tiny downstairs loo. Using bold, dark moody colours will transform a small, enclosed loo into a cocooning and atmospheric space.’

This ‘cocoon’ concept is exactly what you want to go for, agrees Hannah. ‘Embrace immersion rather than scale,’ she instructs. ‘Wrapping walls, and even ceilings, in a cohesive design creates a jewel-box effect that transcends the room’s walls.’

Choose Your Fixtures Wisely

The practical details are just as important. ‘Whether decorated with a bold wallpaper or given a fresh lick of paint, the essential elements remain the same: the toilet, the basin, and the brassware,’ emphasises Yousef, ‘The basin, especially, is often the first feature that catches the eye when the door opens. It can instantly elevate the space from purely practical to beautifully considered.’

‘You’ll want to find a basin that’s big enough to not splash water everywhere, and offers some kind of storage solution,’ adds Emily Lack, Sales & Design Consultant at Ripples Walton-on-Thames. ‘Then you have to find the right tap that fits the rest of the vibe but isn’t too big.’

The toilet itself, naturally, is also a big consideration when planning the space. Catchpole & Rye suggests a high-level cistern for a tiny loo, as it ‘draws the eye upwards and makes use of the room’s height, rather than allow every element to sit at the same level and feel cramped.’

Morris & Co

Invest In Good Lighting

Many cloakrooms lack one distinct feature: a window. This makes lighting a crucial part of the design process. ‘Light brings depth, character, and atmosphere,’ emphasises Hannah. ‘In a room with few elements, every detail should earn its place and contribute to the overall composition.’

But don’t limit yourself to just the big light, says James. ‘Wall lights around a mirror will create a much softer effect than relying solely on overhead lighting.’ And for some extra shine, he says ‘a decorative mirror can reflect light and add depth.’

Don’t Leave Things On The Side

There aren’t many places to hide with a tiny loo – meaning every cupboard, shelf and toilet roll holder has to earn its keep. (And stop random bits of clutter from accumulating on the side.) ‘Accessories are often overlooked in bathrooms. The last thing you want is a stunning new space and a toilet roll just sitting on the floor or a ledge,’ explains Jo Sangster, Senior Sales & Design Consultant at Ripples London. ‘Always make sure you have a toilet roll holder, towel rail and a space for hand soap.’

Hidden storage is also ideal for squirreling away bits and pieces. ‘Even in a small loo, it’s worth considering where you’ll keep spare toilet rolls, cleaning products and other essentials,’ reminds Kalli Karella, Sales & Design Consultant at Ripples Towcester. ‘Clever storage solutions – like a skirted sink, mirrored cabinets or compact shelving – can keep the space feeling tidy without compromising on the overall design.’