What is a Cloakroom?
01/10/2025
The term ‘cloakroom‘ can be a little confusing when it comes to bathrooms. While it traditionally referred to a place for hanging coats, in modern interiors it usually means a small ground floor bathroom with just a cloakroom toilet and sink.
Often referred to as a downstairs toilet or guest WC, cloakrooms are a common feature in many homes. They provide convenience for visitors and minimise traffic to the main bathroom. As home design continues to evolve, these compact spaces have become more than just practical. They are now considered important design elements, especially in homes where space is limited.
Why Are Cloakrooms So Popular?
The popularity of cloakrooms has surged in recent years due to shifting living habits. With more people residing in smaller homes or flats, particularly in cities, clever space management has become essential.
Rather than relying on one large family bathroom, many households now feature multiple smaller bathrooms, including compact cloakrooms. This trend has driven a wave of innovative, space-saving cloakroom fittings and products that blend functionality with style.
The demand for multi-functional solutions has never been higher. However, practicality alone isn’t enough. Modern consumers also expect aesthetic appeal and a cohesive design throughout all bathrooms in the home, cloakrooms included.
“Over the past few years, factors such as the cost of living and the economic downturn in housing developments have led more people to live in smaller spaces, especially in cities. This shift has significantly increased households with multiple bathrooms instead of one larger family bathroom.” – Frontline Bathrooms
Products to Transform Your Cloakroom
When it comes to designing small bathrooms, especially cloakrooms, flexibility and space optimisation are essential. Leading the way in bathroom innovation, there’s a growing trend towards customisable and modular product ranges.
“For small bathroom designs, we are seeing a rising demand in customisable, bespoke combinations where homeowners can mix and match products within ranges to suit their space and their needs. Whether that is multiple basin and worktop options to fit around awkward windows and walls, or a variety of sizes and colours so continuity can be achieved across multiple bathrooms and cloakrooms in one home.” – Frontline Bathrooms
A particular innovation gaining momentum is the use of floating vanities (also known as wall-mounted vanities), toilets, and basins. These units create an illusion of space by exposing the floor area beneath which visually expands a small room.
A standout product in this category is our Cabanes Cloakroom Basin. Specifically engineered for compact spaces, it offers more than just small dimensions:
- Integrated towel rail for practicality
- Elegant solid surface material for a luxury look and feel
- Perfect for cloakrooms and other tight bathroom spaces
The compact size, paired with thoughtful design elements such as the integrated towel rail, enhances convenience and creates a calming atmosphere. After all, small spaces shouldn’t mean sacrificing luxury or style.
Design Tips to Maximise Cloakroom Spaces
Beyond the right products, smart design tricks can transform a tiny cloakroom into a welcoming and stylish space:
- Light colours and reflective surfaces, like glass and mirrors, help bounce light around the room, making it feel more open.
- Large tiles minimise grout lines, creating a seamless, expansive appearance.
- Minimal fittings reduce visual clutter and boost openness.
These choices aren’t just about aesthetics, they’re about creating a comfortable, enjoyable experience in every bathroom space, no matter the size.
Cloakroom Fittings Supplier
Though small in size, cloakrooms play a significant role in both the functionality and atmosphere of a modern home. As space becomes increasingly valuable, especially in urban settings, cloakrooms are no longer mere afterthoughts.
Thanks to innovative designs such as floating vanity units and compact basins, along with smart visual strategies, cloakrooms are being reimagined as stylish, luxurious and highly practical spaces.
As bathroom distributors, we are dedicated to providing solutions that enable our retail partners to meet the evolving demands of their customers, whether that means a spacious master en suite or a thoughtfully designed cloakroom.