Designing a small cloakroom toilet can seem challenging, but with the right approach it becomes both stylish and functional. For this project, we revisited a client we had previously worked with on her family home. This time we tackled a compact space and redesigned it with rich green paint, elegant wall panelling and brass fixtures. With these small cloakroom toilet design ideas, you can turn even the smallest room into a bold, beautiful feature of your home.
The Design Brief
A crucial part of this project was our client’s detailed cloakroom design brief. She had a clear idea for the space, which helped us move quickly through the design. She gave us her preferences for colours, fixtures and the overall look, so we could create a design that matched her needs and style. When clients take the time to share specific ideas, it helps us deliver results faster and more efficiently. It is one of the reasons online interior design works so smoothly for a project like this.
Going Bold with Green: Little Greene’s Dark Brunswick
We chose Little Greene’s Dark Brunswick Green, a deep, rich shade that sets the tone for the whole room. While dark colours might seem risky in small spaces, they can create a cosy, intimate feel when paired with the right lighting and accents. If you like this look, our edit of the best green paint shades covers more of our favourites for interiors like this.
When approaching small cloakroom toilet design, don’t be afraid to experiment with bold colours like deep green and pair them with luxurious brass fixtures.
Why green works – dark colours like this add depth and warmth, turning a basic space into something special. Combined with brass fixtures, the green creates a luxurious contrast that makes a functional area into a design feature. When approaching a small cloakroom toilet design, don’t shy away from bold colours, they can work wonders in creating a rich, defined space.
Classic Panelling: A Refined Touch
image credit: House Designer
A standout feature of this cloakroom is the classic wall panelling, painted in the same rich green. Panelling adds texture and elegance, giving the room a polished, high-end look that feels more substantial than plain walls. There are plenty of ways to use it in other rooms too, as we cover in our wall panelling ideas.
Why panelling works in small spaces – it adds character and draws the eye upward, enhancing the sense of height in a small room. It is a simple but effective way to give your cloakroom a structured, refined look without overwhelming the space.
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Brass Fixtures: Adding a Touch of Luxury
image credit: House Designer
To complement the dark green walls, we selected brass bathroom fixtures from Lefroy Brooks. The brushed brass taps and high-level lavatory add a touch of opulence, while the wall-mounted basin mixer with white levers provides a fresh contrast. The traditional pull-chain toilet nods to classic design while keeping the overall look elegant. It is a quiet-luxury approach that we return to often, as we explain in our take on quiet luxury interiors.
Why brass works – brass fixtures introduce warmth and shine to the cool tones of green and white porcelain. This combination creates a luxurious yet inviting feel, ideal for small cloakroom toilets that need both style and practicality.
A Modern Sink and Mirror Combo
Bathroom Mirror by John Lewis
For the basin, we chose a concrete sink in Ella & James’ Positano Sunset colourway, bringing a soft blush tone to balance the bold green walls. The sink’s clean lines keep the look sleek, while the colour adds a subtle pop that lightens the room.
The finishing touch is a simple bathroom mirror from John Lewis, which adds soft lighting and a fresh feel. Its circular shape contrasts beautifully with the traditional high-level toilet, blending modern and vintage styles.
Why this works – mixing vintage brass fixtures with modern elements like a round mirror and concrete sink gives the room a layered, dynamic feel. This combination works well in small cloakrooms, where every design choice needs to maximise both style and function.
Flooring and Lighting: The Perfect Finishing Touches
image credit: House Designer
To ground the space, we chose Studley Earth Engineered Oak flooring, which adds warmth and ties in with the rest of the downstairs area. The natural wood tones work well with the rich green and brass accents, completing the look.
For lighting, we opted for the Elstead Hinkley Collier ceiling light in heritage brass. This fixture provides a soft, even glow and complements the brass fixtures, keeping the room bright and welcoming despite its size.
Lighting tip
Elstead Hinkley Collier ceiling light
In small spaces, lighting should enhance the room without overpowering it. A combination of an LED mirror and a ceiling light is ideal for brightening a cloakroom without losing its intimate, cosy feel.
Our design tip
Don’t be afraid to go bold in small spaces. Rich tones like green, paired with luxurious bathroom fixtures and textures like wall panelling, can turn even the tiniest room into a striking feature. With the right choices, your small cloakroom toilet design can be both functional and stylish.
Design Your Own Cloakroom With House Designer
Whether you are reworking a downstairs loo or planning a whole home, our designers can help you get the most from every room, however compact. You work directly with your own designer, entirely online and on a flat fee, with a plan you can hand straight to your builder. Explore our online interior design service, or book a free consultation to talk through your space.
About the author
Interior Designer
Jade Spain is an Interior Designer at House Designer with a First Class degree in Interior Design from De Montfort University. She has a particular love of Scandinavian and modern design, and a talent for making everyday spaces feel considered, practical and beautifully put together.