12 Small Cloakroom Toilet Ideas That Feel Bigger

Designing a small cloakroom toilet can be challenging, but with smart planning and thoughtful décor, even the tiniest space can feel open, airy, and stylish. Small cloakrooms often suffer from cramped layouts and limited light, but clever design choices can dramatically enhance the sense of space. From light color palettes and wall-mounted fixtures to reflective surfaces and clever storage solutions, every element plays a role in making a small toilet feel larger than it is.

Incorporating mirrors, vertical storage, and minimalist accessories also helps maintain a clean, uncluttered look. Whether your cloakroom is a narrow corner under the stairs or a compact standalone space, these strategies will make it feel more spacious, practical, and visually appealing. In this guide to 12 Small Cloakroom Toilet Ideas That Feel Bigger, you’ll discover how to combine style and function, maximizing comfort and flow in a limited footprint.

1. Light and Neutral Color Palette

Using a light, neutral color palette is one of the simplest ways to make a small cloakroom feel bigger. Shades like soft whites, pale creams, light grays, or muted beiges create a sense of openness by reflecting more light. Dark or bold colors can make the space feel enclosed, so keeping walls, ceilings, and even doors light helps expand the visual perception of the room.

To add interest without cluttering the space, combine different finishes or textures in the same color family. For instance, matte walls with semi-gloss trim or subtle patterned tiles in neutral tones can create depth while maintaining a clean look. Accessories like hand towels, soap dispensers, or small artwork in complementary shades reinforce the cohesive palette without crowding the room. A light and neutral cloakroom instantly feels airy, fresh, and welcoming, proving that even tiny spaces can look and feel open with the right color strategy.

2. Wall-Mounted Toilet for Maximum Floor Space

Installing a wall-mounted toilet is a smart way to free up floor space in a small cloakroom. Unlike traditional floor-mounted toilets, wall-hung models create a floating effect that makes the room feel less cramped and more open. The exposed floor beneath adds visual depth, giving the illusion of a larger footprint.

Wall-mounted toilets also allow for flexible placement, which is especially helpful in awkwardly shaped or narrow cloakrooms. Combined with a slimline cistern concealed within the wall, they create a minimalist, clean-lined look. Pairing this with a floating vanity or small wall-mounted sink further enhances the feeling of openness while keeping surfaces easy to clean. Beyond aesthetics, wall-mounted toilets are practical. Adjusting the height is simple, making the space more ergonomic, and the streamlined design reduces visual clutter. This combination of functionality and style makes wall-mounted toilets ideal for small cloakrooms.

Read Also: 13 Earthy Modern Bathroom Ideas for a Warm, Minimal Feel

3. Use Mirrors to Create Depth

Mirrors are a classic trick for making small spaces feel larger, and cloakrooms are no exception. A well-placed mirror reflects light and creates the illusion of depth, visually expanding the room. Large wall-mounted mirrors or full-length vertical mirrors work especially well in narrow spaces.

Mirrors can also double as a design feature. Frameless mirrors enhance minimalism, while thin-framed or geometric designs add subtle style without overwhelming the room. For extra effect, pair the mirror with strategic lighting, such as wall sconces or LED strips, to maximize brightness. In addition to aesthetics, mirrors improve functionality in a small cloakroom, making it easier to check appearance or add a sense of symmetry. By incorporating mirrors thoughtfully, even the tiniest cloakroom can feel spacious, elegant, and comfortable.

4. Vertical Storage Solutions

Maximizing vertical space is essential in small cloakrooms. Tall, narrow cabinets, wall shelves, or recessed niches provide storage without occupying precious floor area. Vertical storage keeps toiletries, towels, and cleaning supplies organized while maintaining a clean, uncluttered look.

Open shelving works well for frequently used items or decorative accents, while closed cabinets hide clutter for a minimalist effect. Consider adding hooks or small racks on the walls for additional storage without sacrificing floor space. Using light-colored storage units maintains visual openness, while wooden or metallic finishes can add subtle warmth or contrast. By thinking vertically rather than horizontally, a small cloakroom feels more spacious and functional. Smart storage solutions prevent overcrowding, ensuring the space remains airy, tidy, and visually appealing.

5. Compact Floating Vanity

A compact floating vanity enhances both function and style in a small cloakroom. By suspending the vanity above the floor, you create more visible floor space, which gives the illusion of a larger room. Floating vanities also simplify cleaning by leaving the area underneath unobstructed.

Choose narrow, shallow designs to fit limited spaces, and consider integrated sinks for a streamlined look. Storage drawers or cabinets in a floating vanity keep essentials organized while maintaining minimal surfaces. Pairing the vanity with a wall-mounted faucet maximizes counter space and reinforces a modern aesthetic. Compact floating vanities come in a variety of finishes—from light wood to gloss white—allowing you to maintain brightness and cohesion with the rest of the space. This practical yet stylish solution is perfect for cloakrooms where every inch counts.

6. Large Tiles to Reduce Visual Clutter

Using large tiles on the floor and walls is a clever way to make a small cloakroom feel bigger. Larger tiles create fewer grout lines, which reduces visual fragmentation and gives the impression of a seamless, spacious surface. This approach works well for both floor and wall applications, helping to unify the space. Neutral or light-colored large tiles, such as cream, beige, or soft gray, amplify natural or artificial light, enhancing the feeling of openness. Matte finishes can prevent glare, while subtle stone or concrete textures add warmth and character without overwhelming the minimalist aesthetic.

In addition to aesthetics, large tiles are practical—they are easier to clean and maintain in a compact space. By combining large-format tiles with compact fixtures and minimal décor, even the tiniest cloakroom can feel airy, streamlined, and visually expansive.

7. Use Glass Partitions or No Door

If your cloakroom connects to a hallway or another small space, glass partitions or omitting a door entirely can make the room feel more open. A clear or frosted glass screen allows light to flow freely, visually enlarging the cloakroom without compromising privacy. Even in tiny rooms, a glass partition creates a sense of continuity, preventing the space from feeling boxed in. For cloakrooms with sinks and toilet areas combined, a small glass divider can subtly separate zones while maintaining an airy, minimal feel.

This design also works in conjunction with mirrors and light walls, reflecting both natural and artificial light throughout the space. The result is a cloakroom that feels open, modern, and far larger than its actual dimensions.

8. Use Mirrors Strategically

Mirrors are one of the most effective tools for making a small cloakroom feel bigger. A large wall mirror or even a mirrored cabinet can reflect light, create depth, and make the space feel almost twice its size. Position mirrors opposite light sources or above the sink to maximize brightness. Frameless or thin-framed mirrors work best in modern, minimal designs, while geometric shapes can add style without overwhelming the compact space.

Mirrors also provide a functional advantage, offering a convenient surface for grooming in a small area. When combined with a light color palette, floating vanities, and wall-mounted fixtures, mirrors enhance both the practicality and perception of space, turning even the tiniest cloakroom into a stylish, open-feeling retreat.

9. Vertical Lighting to Add Height

Lighting plays a crucial role in making a small cloakroom feel larger. Vertical lighting, such as wall sconces or LED strips beside or above mirrors, draws the eye upward and emphasizes the room’s height. This technique creates an illusion of vertical space, making the ceiling appear taller and the overall area more open.

Soft, warm light works best in combination with light-colored walls and reflective surfaces like mirrors. Avoid harsh overhead lights that can cast shadows, making the room feel cramped. For a modern look, slim, minimalistic fixtures in brushed metal or matte finishes complement the compact space while enhancing functionality. By layering lighting—combining wall-mounted vertical lights with subtle ambient illumination—you create depth and dimension. Vertical lighting not only brightens the room but also transforms a small cloakroom into a welcoming, airy, and visually expanded space.

10. Slimline or Floating Storage

Storage can be a challenge in small cloakrooms, but slimline or floating cabinets maximize space without overwhelming the room. Wall-mounted storage units keep the floor clear, maintaining a sense of openness while providing practical space for toiletries, toilet rolls, and cleaning essentials.

Slimline cabinets work best in narrow cloakrooms, fitting neatly above or beside the toilet without encroaching on floor space. Floating shelving or cubbies also add visual interest and can display small décor items or functional accessories. Choosing light finishes, such as white, beige, or light wood, ensures the storage blends seamlessly into the design. With clever placement and minimal styling, slimline storage enhances organization and cleanliness, keeping the cloakroom uncluttered. The result is a small toilet that feels tidy, spacious, and thoughtfully designed.

11. Clear Glass Accessories and Minimal Decor

Minimal décor is essential in a small cloakroom to prevent visual clutter. Accessories made from clear glass, acrylic, or light materials maintain functionality without taking up visual space. Soap dispensers, toothbrush holders, or small storage trays in transparent finishes allow light to pass through, keeping the room airy.

Pair clear accessories with a light color palette, floating vanities, and wall-mounted fixtures for maximum openness. Avoid heavy or bulky décor items, which can overwhelm a compact layout. A single small plant or a framed print can add warmth without cluttering surfaces. By keeping décor minimal and transparent where possible, the cloakroom remains bright, spacious, and visually calm. Even a tiny toilet can feel luxurious, airy, and intentionally styled when accessories are carefully chosen.

12. Reflective Surfaces to Multiply Light

Reflective surfaces, such as glossy tiles, mirrored cabinets, or high-shine fixtures, amplify light and create a sense of space in small cloakrooms. When light bounces off shiny surfaces, the room appears larger and more open than it really is.

Glossy tiles on walls or floors are particularly effective, as are polished countertops and chrome or brushed metal fixtures. Combined with large mirrors and light color schemes, reflective surfaces create depth and enhance brightness. In addition to aesthetics, reflective surfaces are easy to clean and maintain, which is practical in compact spaces. Strategically incorporating shine throughout the cloakroom ensures the space feels modern, airy, and visually expansive without overcrowding it with furniture or décor.

Final Words

Even the smallest cloakroom can feel open, airy, and stylish with the right design choices. These 12 Small Cloakroom Toilet Ideas That Feel Bigger demonstrate that clever use of color, light, mirrors, and space-saving fixtures can transform compact spaces into functional, inviting areas. Floating vanities, wall-mounted toilets, vertical storage, and reflective surfaces all contribute to a sense of spaciousness, while minimal décor and smart lighting keep the room bright and uncluttered.