12 Design Ideas for a Small Downstairs Bathroom

 It’s easy to feel that a small bathroom space can’t make an impact in your home. You might feel stuck creatively and decide to focus on other rooms in your house, but putting time and effort into your cloakroom can help increase the value of your home. It’s also the bathroom that your guests will use the most, so it’s worth making sure that it matches the rest of your home.

Colours, furniture and fittings play an even more important part in a small space, as they can either make it feel claustrophobic or open it up. 

Our design experts put these 12 ideas together so that you can design a downstairs bathroom that you’re proud of.

1. Choose light colours for your walls

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It’s common knowledge that lighter colours tend to be more effective in making a room look larger. And as Interior Designer Tanya Peters points out, “‘A light wall colour will allow the natural light to move around the space.” Here are some excellent colour choices for your bathroom walls:

• Creams, whites and beiges
• Pale, pastel blues and greens
• Light grey 

If you want to add brighter colours, you can do so in accents. These will create a sense of depth and add a touch of sophistication, but you need to make sure that the overall colour scheme is unbroken light.   

2. Use mirrors to make the space feel bigger

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Mirrors are a great trick for making your bathroom feel bigger.  By placing them opposite a natural light source or next to light fixtures, you can amplify the perception of depth and create the illusion of a larger space. 

Mirrored cabinets are also a great way to achieve this effect, providing extra storage space at the same time. 

3. Mix different types of lighting & make the most of natural light

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The best lighting can brighten up your bathroom, making it feel bigger and more welcoming. The wrong lighting can make it look dark and cramped.

Here are some tips to help you plan your lighting:

• Make the most of natural light by keeping windows clear and using frosted glass for privacy.
• If you don't have windows, think about installing a skylight.
• Mix different types of lighting, like general, task, and accent lighting, to add depth.
• Place ceiling lights, vanity lights, and wall sconces carefully to remove shadows and light the room evenly.
• Choose lights with a high Colour Rendering Index (CRI) to make colours appear brighter.

4. Make use of empty space by decorating vertically

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Designer Natalia Miyar describes that “'Decorating vertically allows you to utilize different levels and is a great way to make use of empty space in a scheme.”  You can make the most out of your bathroom, by including these features:

• A wall-mounted toilet brush to keep the floor clear
• A wall-hung toilet to creates a feeling of more space
• Wall-mounted, long cabinets to minimise clutter
• Plant walls to integrate nature without the need for plant pots  

5. Install a cloakroom basin

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A cloakroom basin, also known as a wall-hung basin, is specifically designed to fit into tight spaces like corners. This allows you to make efficient use of space and create a more streamlined bathroom layout.  You can also incorporate extra storage solutions underneath it. 

6. Minimize clutter

In a small bathroom, clutter is your worst enemy. Even the cleverest tricks to maximise light and save space won’t work if your room is packed with too many things.

Opt for wall-mounted vanities and mirrored cabinets to keep surfaces clear and tidy. Stylish containers are your best friend for organising essentials. To add some visual breathing space, consider open shelving - it breaks up the room and adds a sense of airiness while keeping everything within easy reach.

7. Choose reflective materials that bounce light around the room

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The materials you choose can play a major role in how your small bathroom feels. Opt for reflective surfaces such as glossy tiles, glass, and metallic accents. These bounce light around and add depth. 

Contrasting smooth, reflective materials with tactile finishes (like natural stone or textured tiles) can create a dynamic balance. This mixture of textures makes the room feel layered and thoughtfully designed, not just squeezed into a box.

8. Build a feature wall to make it visually striking

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We love the idea of a feature wall to make the bathroom artistic and visually pleasing. A small bathroom is the perfect place to do it, as you don’t have the luxury of adding tonnes of furniture or a big freestanding bath as visual centrepieces - you have to get creative. We particularly like this wood paneling, Japandi inspired bathroom design. You could also look at having one wall in a patterned wallpaper or a contrasting colour as an option.

9. Use clever zoning for functionality

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Even a small bathroom can benefit from zoning - the process of dividing the space into functional areas. Use different flooring or tile patterns to distinguish the shower from the sink area. By visually separating different functions, you give the impression of a larger, more structured space. 

Zoning also provides a subconscious sense of order, which is soothing and makes the bathroom feel more user-friendly. For example, a distinct backsplash behind the sink can act as a design feature, while a different tile pattern in the shower zone separates wet and dry areas.

10. Choose glass panels instead of shower curtains

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In a small bathroom, bulky shower curtains or solid partitions can cut the room in half visually, making it feel cramped. Opt for a frameless glass shower screen instead. Glass panels maintain the visual flow, making the entire room feel more open and connected. 

This technique allows light to pass through freely, keeping the space bright and airy. A clear shower enclosure feels less obtrusive and extends the sightlines, making the bathroom seem larger than it is.

11. Create a sense of movement with patterns

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Patterns, when used thoughtfully, can add life and movement to a small bathroom. Horizontal stripes on the walls or flooring can visually elongate the space, while diagonal patterns create an interesting dynamic that draws attention away from the room’s size. 

Geometric tiles in small doses can also add character without overwhelming the senses. Just be mindful to use patterns sparingly, as too much can make a small bathroom feel busy.

12. Choose quality finishes for a luxurious feel

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Investing in high-quality finishes is crucial for making a small bathroom feel luxurious. Since you’re dealing with a limited area, upgrading the fixtures like taps, showerheads, and handles can make a big impact. Opt for polished chrome, brushed brass, or matte black finishes to introduce a modern edge and elevate the space. 

Luxurious touches, like a high-end vanity or premium tiles, can make even a small bathroom feel like a high-end retreat. It’s all about quality over quantity.

Making your small bathroom work for you: Don’t forget that we offer our very own bathroom design service for just £100 a pop - refunded in full if you choose the design we provided!.