What we’ll cover…
- Space measurement: The importance of measuring a cloakroom for optimal fixture placement.
- Toilet styles: An overview of various compact toilet models, including wall-hung and close-coupled designs.
- Basin selection: Different basin types suited to small spaces, such as corner and pedestal basins.
- Design considerations: Tips on choosing fixtures to match the overall cloakroom aesthetic.
- Practical features: Suggestions to incorporate storage solutions and water-saving technologies.
Selecting the right cloakroom toilet and basin
Looking for a toilet and basin to go in your cloakroom, but not sure where to start? Don’t worry, there’s actually plenty of cloakroom toilets and sinks available in a range of designs that will maximise space and create a stylish look.
Just because your cloakroom is the smallest room in your home, it doesn’t mean style has to be compromised in any way.
With some research and planning, you can easily make the most of the limited space with the right toilet and sink.
Read on for more tips and advice about choosing a toilet and basin for a small cloakroom or bathroom.
Choosing a cloakroom toilet
Toilets are available in three main styles including close coupled, wall hung and back to wall. Within each style, there are toilets that are small enough to work perfectly well in your cloakroom.
Wall hung toilets and back to wall toilets offer the best space saving solution, as the cistern is concealed in the wall or a specially designed WC unit. A wall hung toilet is particularly ideal as it creates the illusion of more space by appearing to float above the floor. This also makes cleaning a lot easier too.
Close coupled toilets are available in compact and even corner designs, and are easier to install than a back to wall or wall hung style. When shopping for a cloakroom toilet, look out for short projection models. These feature a shorter depth than standard, helping to free up more floor space. Also, look out for toilets that have a slimline cistern to maximise space further.
Corner toilets are another stylish and practical space saving option for small or awkward shaped cloakrooms. These feature a triangular shaped cistern that fits into the corner of the room.
Milano Dalton Wall Hung Cloakroom Basin
Choosing a cloakroom basin
When choosing a basin for your cloakroom you will need to ensure it makes the most of the space, and is both functional and stylish.
Just because a cloakroom basin needs to be smaller than usual, it doesn’t mean it has to lack style. There are many different sink options to choose from including modern and traditional designs, floor or pedestal mounted options and an array of sizes too, so you’re sure to find something that suits your requirements without any trouble.
Wall hung basins are the best option for compact cloakrooms, as the wall mounted design enhances a sense of space.
A wall mounted basin can be fitted with a semi pedestal or a bottle trap; both options look equally stylish. For a contemporary look, opt for a small cloakroom basin which features square lines and a single tap hole, so you can choose from a wide range of basin mono taps to complete the look.
Corner basins are also perfect for compact cloakrooms, as the triangular design helps to make the best use of what could otherwise be wasted space.
For a chic, spa-style look, opt for a countertop basin and wall hung unit. Add the finishing touches with a high rise tap or a wall mounted tap.
Milano Toilet and Basin Combination Units
The toilet and sink combo
The combined sink and toilet unit is a great choice for anyone creating a new cloakroom. Providing a super practical and clever space saving solution for where space is really tight, a compact toilet and sink unit comes complete with a back to wall toilet, basin and concealed cistern. The unit hides the cistern and all pipework from view. A toilet and sink unit is also ideal for a cloakroom under the stairs.
At Big Bathroom Shop, toilets and basin sets are available in a range of designs and finishes including white gloss, oak and stone grey. The unit is supplied rigid to save time and hassle during installation.
The cloakroom vanity unit
Cloakroom vanity units are specially designed for small spaces, and they provide a practical storage solution too. A basin vanity unit is ideal for keeping toiletries or cleaning products neatly hidden away to ensure your cloakroom remains clutter free and organised. Vanity units come in a wide range of styles, sizes and finishes to suit any décor.
Combined toilet and basin vanity units can help to save space too. These feature a matching WC unit and vanity unit. The WC unit can be positioned on either side of the vanity unit or completely separately.
Bathroom furniture sets are a great option for creating a coordinated look. Make sure to choose furniture with a slimline design to help enhance a sense of space.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best type of countertop basin for a cloakroom is a narrow rectangular model, such as the Milano Elswick 450mm countertop basin from Big Bathroom Shop.
For more ideas and inspiration surrounding making the right basin choice for a compact bathroom or cloakroom area, consult our dedicated blog – The Cloakroom Basin Buyer’s Guide.
A traditional cloakroom vanity unit combines the functionality of a basin and adequate storage room into one piece of bathroom furniture, with a stylish classic appearance.
Generally speaking, cloakroom vanity units represent a versatile form of bathroom furniture, with a wide variety of components available in all sorts of styles and sizes.
For a more insightful look at traditional cloakroom vanity units and various other types, be sure to consult our Vanity Unit Buyer’s Guide.
Cloakroom vanity units do not need to be attached to a wall as a point of necessity, although wall hung vanity units are the most popular available style, and space might dictate they are the only type that will fit in a cloakroom.
As plumbing is required to deliver water for the sink and drainage for used water, installing a wall mounted cloakroom vanity unit allows for a simple fitting and a clean, clutter-free aesthetic.
Take a look at our Vanity Unit Buyer’s Guide for a detailed insight into the many different available types of vanity units, and the ideal style to select for your cloakroom space.
In most cases, you will not require permission to install a cloakroom suite, or any components such as downstairs toilets, provided you don’t need to make adjustments to your home’s exterior.
That said, it is still recommended to check with your local council before commencing with a potentially invasive project such as a downstairs toilet fitting or cloakroom suite installation.
If you need inspiration regarding some of the best cloakroom suites to consider for your home, take a look at our blog, Fabulous Downstairs Toilet Ideas.
Yes, a cloakroom suite within a downstairs toilet area will typically add around 5% value onto a property.
For inspiration surrounding the best options to create or enhance a small bathroom with cloakroom suites, explore our blog, Fabulous Downstairs Toilet Ideas.
John has a background in sports journalism, and lists content writing amongst his primary passions. He provides expert bathroom trends commentary and analysis, as well as offering meticulously researched answers to the most frequently asked bathroom posers.
