Cloakrooms: How Small is Too Small?
A cloakroom bathroom is a brilliant way to add convenience to your home, but when space is tight, it’s easy to wonder how small is too small. Whether you’re remodelling an existing cloakroom or transforming a cupboard, understairs area, or other unused corner into a practical space, the key is clever design and planning.
Where to Start
Working With an Existing Cloakroom
If you already have a cloakroom bathroom, your space is likely already defined—unless you’re planning to knock through into the next room. Even so, there’s plenty you can do to update the look and feel, making it work better for your household without needing a full renovation.
Creating a New Cloakroom
Starting from scratch? Then the first thing to do is figure out what you’re working with. Even the smallest nook can often be transformed into a cloakroom, but it’s important to check what’s legally and practically possible before diving in.
Understanding the Rules
Small spaces can be mighty, but they still need to meet building regulations. Here’s what you need to know:
Planning Permission: Adding a new toilet requires building regulation approval, so it’s worth speaking to your local authority early on.
Ventilation: Your cloakroom must have proper ventilation—this could be a window that opens or a mechanical ventilation system.
Basin Requirement: If there’s a toilet, there must be a basin with hot and cold running water. It’s non-negotiable.
Space Standards: Even in a tiny cloakroom, you’ll need at least 600–700mm between the door and the edge of the toilet seat. Ideally, your door should open outwards to maximise the usable space inside. A width of 1 metre is the sweet spot for comfort and practicality.
These rules might sound restrictive, but they’re there to make sure your cloakroom isn’t just functional but comfortable too.
Clever Design for Small Spaces
Maximise Your Layout
When space is at a premium, it’s all about making every inch count. Compact designs can help you achieve a cloakroom that feels surprisingly roomy. Consider these layout tips:
Corner Placement: Positioning the basin in a corner can free up much-needed floor space.
Wall-Mounted Fixtures: Floating basins and toilets give the illusion of space by keeping the floor clear.
Efficient Door Options: An outward-opening or sliding door can solve many layout headaches.
Choose Space-Saving Fixtures
At Hugo Oliver, we’ve got solutions designed specifically for small spaces. Here are a few options to consider:
Compact Basins: A small basin can tuck neatly next to the toilet, leaving more room to manoeuvre.
Slimline Toilets: The Aerial Compact Close Coupled Toilet projects just 610mm from the wall, making it ideal for narrow spaces.
Concealed Cisterns: A back-to-wall toilet with a concealed cistern can make a real difference. While installation requires a bit more effort, the streamlined look and extra space it creates are worth it.
Smart Storage Solutions
Clutter can quickly overwhelm a small cloakroom, so keep storage streamlined. Consider floating shelves, wall-mounted cabinets, or slim storage units that take advantage of vertical space without encroaching on the floor.
Finishing Touches
Light and Colour
Small spaces benefit from light, airy colours that reflect natural or artificial light. Whites, creams, and soft pastels are safe bets, but don’t shy away from adding a splash of personality with a bold feature wall or patterned tiles.
Materials That Work Hard
Glossy tiles, mirrors, and reflective surfaces help bounce light around, making your cloakroom feel bigger than it is. Durable, high-quality materials will also stand up to the wear and tear of a busy household.
A Little Space, A Big Impact
A small cloakroom doesn’t mean compromising on style or comfort. With thoughtful planning, space-saving fixtures, and clever design choices, you can create a practical and stylish addition to your home—even in the smallest of spaces.
At Hugo Oliver, we specialise in helping homeowners make the most of their bathrooms, big or small. From compact basins to slimline toilets, our range of space-saving solutions is perfect for cloakrooms of every size. Visit us to explore our collection and chat with our team about transforming your space.
