Don't Forget The Shitter
The downstairs toilet is often one of the most overlooked rooms in the home. Because it's usually small and used mainly by guests, many people leave it plain and practical. But a cloakroom or downstairs loo is actually the perfect place to have a little fun with your interiors.
Small spaces are less expensive to decorate, making them ideal for experimenting with bold colours, striking wallpaper and quirky accessories that might feel overwhelming in larger rooms. With a few thoughtful touches, you can transform a boring cloakroom into a memorable space full of personality.
Be Brave with Wallpaper
If you've been nervous about using patterned wallpaper elsewhere in your home, the downstairs toilet is the perfect place to start. Bold florals, tropical prints, vintage-inspired designs or whimsical animal patterns can instantly create a wow factor.
Because the room is small, you can embrace designs that might feel too dramatic in a living room or bedroom. Guests often appreciate discovering an unexpected splash of personality behind a cloakroom door.
Don't Forget the Ceiling
Most people paint their ceilings white without giving them a second thought. However, painting the ceiling in a contrasting colour can completely change the feel of a room.
Deep navy, forest green, rich burgundy or even a playful pink can create a cosy and luxurious atmosphere. In rooms with patterned wallpaper, matching the ceiling to one of the wallpaper colours can create a beautifully cohesive look.
The ceiling is sometimes referred to as the "fifth wall" by interior designers, and it's a fantastic opportunity to add extra character.
Add Shelves for Style and Storage
Wall shelves are both practical and decorative in a cloakroom. They provide useful storage while creating opportunities to display beautiful accessories.
A few carefully styled shelves can hold:
- Small plants
- Scented candles
- Decorative ornaments
- Framed artwork
- Reed diffusers
- Interesting books
Even a single shelf above the toilet can make the room feel more considered and inviting.
Introduce Quirky Ironmongery
Sometimes it's the smallest details that make the biggest difference. Swapping standard hardware for something more unusual can instantly elevate the space.
Consider:
- Decorative toilet roll holders
- Vintage-style towel rings
- Cast iron hooks
- Antique brass fittings
- Animal-themed hardware
These finishing touches help create a room that feels thoughtfully designed rather than purely functional.
Bring in Some Greenery
Plants have a wonderful way of making any room feel more alive. Even if your cloakroom doesn't have a window, there are several low-light plants that can thrive indoors.
Trailing plants on shelves, small potted ferns or artificial greenery can soften hard surfaces and add texture to the space.
If natural plants aren't practical, high-quality faux plants can achieve a similar effect without the maintenance.
Create Interest with Metal Wall Plaques
Wall art doesn't have to be limited to framed prints. Decorative metal wall plaques can add texture, character and a touch of humour to a downstairs toilet.
Animal-themed designs, vintage-inspired signs, botanical motifs or quirky decorative plaques can become a talking point for guests and help reflect your personality.
They're particularly effective when combined with bold paint colours or patterned wallpaper.
Layer Different Textures
The most interesting rooms combine a variety of textures. Think smooth painted walls against rustic wood shelves, metal accessories paired with soft towels, or glossy tiles alongside woven baskets.
Mixing materials creates visual depth and prevents a small room from feeling flat or uninspired.
Small Room, Big Personality
A downstairs toilet may be one of the smallest rooms in your home, but that doesn't mean it has to be the most boring. In fact, its compact size makes it the perfect place to showcase your creativity.
Whether it's a dramatic wallpaper, a boldly painted ceiling, quirky ironmongery, decorative shelves or eye-catching metal wall plaques, small changes can have a surprisingly big impact.
At Skinny Pig Interiors, we believe every room deserves a little personality—even the smallest one in the house.