Tiny downstairs bathrooms can be a nightmare to style, organise and keep looking fresh, we’ve all been there. Add a lack of storage or natural light into the mix and you have a recipe for an unloved, overlooked space – neglect that guests can sense when they come around to visit. To dispel these worries and make the most of your downstairs bathroom we’re sharing 10 ideas for small toilets.
Whether a full refurbishment is in the works to claw back some additional room or you’re planning for a simple décor refresh, big thinking comes in handy for small toilets.
The perfect excuse to get adventurous
Not so sure? Let us explain: due to the small size of these rooms, you can afford to make riskier design choices. Why? For one, the dimensions make it feel like less of a drastic change and, second, it’s not a room that we spend too much of our time in. If worst comes to worst and you don’t like the design, it’s a lot easier to fix than a full-blown dining room style shift, for example.
And if we get a happier scenario, we might feel more empowered to infuse other rooms in the house with more out-of-the-box design inspiration. Maybe there’s a colourful maximalist deep inside you waiting for the permission to be let out!
Understand the space you’re working with
Before we get into the nitty gritty, and turn cramped into classy, let’s take a look at some of the basic principles that will set the stage for our small toilet decorating ideas. Think of it as setting up your canvas.
Your under stairs toilet is the perfect place to start experimenting with intriguing furniture and décor pieces, but we want to make sure that they fit the room, both spatially and aesthetically. This demands an intimacy of the bathroom’s layout and dimensions. It’s generally recommended that 70cm wide by 130cm long should be your absolute minimum.
Don’t forget to factor in the depth of your furniture, toilet, sink and leave room for clearance as your guests enter and exit the room. If your door opens inwardly, you might also want to get this changed. After all, what’s the use of a snazzy toilet if there’s no comfort involved?
10 small under stairs toilet ideas
1. Coax back space with slimline fixtures
Obviously, a well-planned small bathroom begins with choosing the right fixtures. Fortunately, nowadays there is so much on the market to look at. From a short projection toilet to a sink/dresser combo with built-in storage these ergonomic fixtures are more popular than ever and will help you cultivate a calming room with enough legroom.
2. Get eclectic with vintage finds
The downstairs bathroom is a fun place to display all of your décor oddities and vintage curiosities. Whether that’s a bespoke lamp, vintage statuette or comedic matt, these quirky ideas for small toilets present the perfect opportunity to play with unusual themes, ideas and contrasts.
3. Emulate the spa experience
There’s nothing wrong with a longing for the spa experience, but did you know that you can easily bring that feel of luxury home with you? A great place to start is by dressing a neutral bathroom with a tray. Much like coffee table décor, we’re going to want to fill the tray with faux flowers, a vase, trinkets and then any essentials like a lovely hand soap. Candles and a diffuser are also a winning combination and will infuse the room with a lovely scent, not to mention a relaxing ambience.
4. Source compact yet elegant furniture
Remember our hallway storage ideas? The same principles work for a cloakroom toilet. This means using slimline furniture that takes functionality and style to their logical conclusions – pieces that look stunning and fit into the smallest of spaces.
5. Go art deco
Art deco bathrooms are on the rise among homeowners, and who can blame them? If you’re looking to put a contemporary twist into your bathroom décor, this gorgeously unique style boasts geometric tiling that stimulates the mind and fixtures that command your attention.
6. Blend one room into another
Many of the most intriguing ideas for small toilets involve turning the room into the microcosm of a larger one. For example, if my small downstairs bathroom backed onto my kitchen – imagine it’s decked out with countryside classic Neptune worktops and showcases a feature wall papered in a chinoiserie pattern – I’d bring the wallpaper, colour motifs and style into the bathroom.
7. Be strategic with corners
Don’t neglect your corners! They can come in handy when planning out strategic storage options. Take this folding corner display unit from our Henlly collection – not only does it open up ample space for both toiletries and accessories, but also provides a lovely sight with the glossy sheen of its solid Mango wood foundation.
8. Make a statement with mirrors
As we all know, mirrors are an easy way to maintain the illusion of space. Opt for a theatrical frame and you can add a whole new element of drama that will elevate the room from a drab necessity to an exciting space worthy of admiration…. And mirror selfies.
9. Mimic hotel luxury with your tiling
There’s something special about how hotels do bathrooms. So, why not emulate them? Whether that’s via opting for a classic style sink or tiling the room with patterns that ooze opulence and sophistication, there’s no need to hold back from your aspirations.
10. Define the space with unique art prints
Your bathroom walls are handy real estate for your small toilet decorating ideas. From handmade craft pieces to a flurry of wall art, there’s truly no lack of directions you can go in. We particularly love those finishing details that have a functional twist – think embellished chrome hooks, a beautiful blind or a wooden towel holder.
Ready to redecorate your downstairs toilet?
Transforming a small under stairs toilet from cramped to classy is not only achievable but an opportunity to unleash creative and daring design choices. By embracing slimline fixtures, vintage finds, spa-inspired elements, and strategic storage solutions, you won’t recognise it – in a good way!
