Cloakroom Design Ideas: Why Your Smallest Room Deserves More Attention

25 June 2025

An image of a cloakroom Cole and sons savuti wallpaper with black tiles below and orange concrete Kast sink — Cole and Sons Savuti wallpaper in a cloakroom in a Bristol home

Have you ever wanted to wallpaper your ceiling but didn’t want to commit to a large room? Or do you love dark colours but you couldn’t quite take the plunge. Your cloakroom is the ideal place to implement your bolder interior design choices without the pressure a larger room can give. Your cloakroom is a space your guests will visit so use it as a space to show your personality and let your imagination run wild. To help you get started we have put together our favourite cloakroom design ideas below

Osborne and little dog wallpaper cloakroom joseph king interiors bristol — Obsorne and Little wallpaper, Best in show

Bold Wallpapers. Go for big impact with prints and patterns

One of the easiest and most effective cloakroom design ideas is to go bold with wallpaper. Your cloakroom is a great place to try out prints and patterns that might feel overwhelming in a larger room. Use the wallpaper as a starting point, then pull colours from it for the woodwork, ceiling or tiles. Not ready to commit to fully wallpapered walls? Add panelling or tongue-and-groove below and just wallpaper above.

Cloakroom with mulberry home sporting life wallpaper and pink basin with large scale stone tiles below — Cloakroom in Bristol home with Mulberry Home sporting life wallpaper

Add Statement Fixtures to Your Cloakroom Design: Choosing Basins, Taps, and Lighting That Pop

Unique fixtures are one of the most fun cloakroom design ideas to experiment with. Opt for a coloured basin or an unusual tap. If a swan tap feels too much for your main bathroom but you’ve always wanted one, your cloakroom is the place.

Because they are usually small you can add luxury touches for less, such as premium wallpaper, high end taps and those tiles that you love. A single standout feature can have a big impact. If you don’t have space for a statement pendant try adding wall lights for visual interest and personality.

Dark and moody concealed cloakroom behind mirrored door joseph king interiors bristol — A dark and luxurious cloakroom in Bristol Georgian property behind a secret mirrored door

Colour Confidence: Embrace Deep Hues and Unexpected Tones

Rather than making it feel small and cramped dark colours can actually add a sense of opulence to your cloakroom. Think dark navy blues, deep forest greens or warm terracottas. Try colour drenching by painting the ceiling and woodwork in the same hue for a dramatic, cohesive look.

Cloakroom bobbin mirror with abstrace wavy tiles joseph king interiors bristol — Statement bobbin mirror in a cloakroom in a Bristol home.

Maximalist Touches: Mirrors, Artwork, and Accessories That Wow

Adding some maximalist touches can transform your cloakroom and really show off your style. Think about adding an oversized or unique mirror, a bold art piece or a gallery wall. You can add playful touches which you can easily change such as vibrant or patterned towels or a quirky shelf and soap dish. These elements will make an impact without the commitment of a statement wallpaper or a bold wall colour.

Final Thoughts

When designing your cloakroom, it’s important to strike a balance between style and everyday function. Avoid overcrowding by allowing standout elements room to breathe ensuring the space doesn’t feel chaotic. Choosing durable finishes that can withstand frequent use is important and don’t forget proper lighting and ventilation. These practical details will ensure your cloakroom not only looks amazing but will be useable and stand the test of time.

If you would like some help designing your cloakroom or have another interior design project you need help bringing to life please get in touch by calling 0117 923 8858 or emailing design@josephkinginteriors.co.uk to book an introductory call.