Cloakrooms
When it comes to making the most of every inch in your home, a well-designed cloakroom can make a big difference. At ColeRoberts, we understand that the smallest spaces can deliver the greatest convenience, especially when they’re crafted with thoughtful design, impeccable style, and the quality we are known for. Whether you’re considering a new cloakroom as part of a refurbishment or simply want to upgrade an existing downstairs WC, our team can guide you throughout the entire process.
What Is a Cloakroom?
Traditionally, the term cloakroom referred to a place where visitors left their coats and hats upon entering a home. While that meaning has largely fallen out of regular use in interior design, the name has endured in domestic architecture. In modern homes, a cloakroom bathroom usually refers to a small bathroom, often located on the ground floor, that includes just the essentials: a toilet and a wash basin.
In practical terms, a cloakroom is your guest WC or downstairs bathroom. Unlike larger bathrooms and ensuites designed for personal grooming and bathing, a cloakroom is compact by nature and geared towards convenience. It’s designed to provide a tidy, functional space for visitors and household members without the need to go upstairs to the family bathroom.
Key Features of Cloakroom Bathrooms
Despite their modest size, cloakrooms are far more than just “toilet rooms”. With clever design and the right fixtures, they can be as stylish and well-appointed as any larger bathroom space. Typical features include:
Compact Toilet Suites
A cloakroom is centred around a space-saving toilet, often with wall-hung or back-to-wall options to maximise floor area and create a cleaner visual line. These designs help the cloakroom feel more open and are easier to clean around and beneath.
Small Wash Basin or Vanity Unit
A carefully selected basin or vanity gives you room to wash hands and freshen up. Options range from corner basins that make use of awkward spaces to sleeker integrated vanity units that include storage.
Smart Storage Solutions
Even in a tiny cloakroom, clever storage can make all the difference. Wall-mounted cabinets, recessed shelving, floating shelves above the toilet and mirror cabinets are all ways to keep essentials within reach without cluttering the room.
Mirrors and Lighting
Mirrors are essential in small spaces, helping to reflect light and create the illusion of a larger room. Combined with carefully placed lighting, they can lift a cloakroom from purely functional to inviting and stylish.
High-Quality Finishes
Tiles, paints, taps, and accessories all contribute to the overall look and feel. A patterned floor tile, interesting wall texture, or bold colour can personalise the space and even make the cloakroom a design highlight of your home.
Cloakroom vs Ensuite – What’s the Difference?
You may wonder how a cloakroom differs from an ensuite bathroom, especially since both serve as additional facilities in a home.
Purpose and Use
A cloakroom is typically a guest WC or downstairs toilet, designed for quick use and convenience. It usually contains only a toilet and basin, making it perfect for visitors and everyday household use without sending guests upstairs.
An ensuite, by contrast, is attached to a bedroom and is a personal space for bathing and dressing. Ensuites can be almost as fully featured as a main bathroom, often including a shower, bath, toilet and basin, depending on the size of the room.
Why Choose ColeRoberts for Your Cloakroom?
A cloakroom may be small, but the benefits of having one in your home are significant. And when it comes to design, installation and finish, ColeRoberts is here to turn even the most compact space into something special.
Expertise You Can Trust
With over 45 years’ experience in interior design, we have an eye for detail and a deep understanding of how to maximise useable space. Whether you want a sleek contemporary minimalist cloakroom or something that echoes classic British styling, we know how to bring your vision to life with practical expertise and refined taste.
Beautiful Showroom Inspiration
Visit our Loughborough showroom to see first-hand a wide range of bathroom styles and fixtures. From modern to traditional and everything in between, our displays are designed to inspire and help you imagine what’s possible in your own home. Our designers are on hand to explore layout options, suitable fittings, and finishes that will work best in your cloakroom space. team takes care of every detail with precision and care.
Bespoke Design Approach
Not all homes are the same, and neither should their cloakrooms be. We take time to understand your space and lifestyle, ensuring the cloakroom we design fits perfectly into your home layout and meets your functional needs. We tailor our solutions to your space, meaning if you have an awkward spaces we can work around this to guarantee a cloakroom that works for you.
Quality Products and Finishes
We work with leading bathroom brands and high-quality materials to ensure longevity and performance. From toilets and basins to tiles and taps, every part of your cloakroom reflects craftsmanship and quality that’ll stand the test of time.
Seamless Project Management
With ColeRoberts, your cloakroom project is handled with professionalism from start to finish. We manage the design, installation and finishing touches, coordinating trades and overseeing every stage so you can relax and enjoy the transformation of your home.
Make the Most of Small Spaces
Cloakrooms might be compact, but with the right design they can be both stylish and highly functional. Whether you’re planning a new build, renovation or simply want to add a downstairs WC that adds value and convenience to your home, ColeRoberts can help guide you through every decision and detail.
From clever storage ideas and smart sanitaryware choices to lighting and finishes that lift the space, we’ll make sure your cloakroom is much more than an added room in your home. Get in touch today to start the journey towards a beautiful, practical cloakroom that suits your home and lifestyle.
