Let’s face it, when most of us think of a downstairs look we imagine a cold, uninviting space the size of a cupboard, banging our elbows as we try to manoeuvre in and out, toilet roll stored in a pile on the floor, the occasional spider, the odd broken tap, and if you’re really unlucky a damp hand towel (ewww, nothing worse). Ok, ok, they’re not all that bad. But how often do you come skipping back from your downstairs loo experience thinking “I can’t wait to go back there again”?

This space may be tiny, it may be functional, but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be beautiful.
This isn’t a place you are going to spend time and linger so that’s even more reason to make an impact with your decor. There’s probably not much you are going to be able to do with the physical space and lay out but that’s no excuse to not try. So what can we do to improve Britain’s downstairs loos?

The best downstairs loo on Insta by Beetrootandblack

1. Privacy matters

So make sure your door closes properly and has a lock. You may be comfortable peeing behind an unlocked door in your own home but it’s unlikely your guests will be. I’m so guilty of this. I have been in our current house for 5 years, the lock has never worked. I don’t know how many times people ask to use the loo and then I hear them struggle multiple times to work the lock, knowing their attempts are futile. Sometimes I find myself apologetically shouting out to them that it doesn’t work. So they reluctantly give in and probably pee faster than they’ve ever peed before. I guess I’ve always thought if they’ve just asked to use the loo why on earth would they think I’m going to suddenly burst in on them?? Who would do that? Anyway, I’m digressing. So, if you want to make a good first downstairs loo impression, give them some privacy and fix the lock (note to self).

2. Put in a radiator or heated towel rail

Making your room physically warm will really help with creating a stylish atmosphere. It’s relatively inexpensive (half a day’s labour for a plumber) and it will contribute stylistically to the room too. There are loads of great, compact options these days for rads and towel rails. And it will address the gross damp hand towel issue.

3. Lighting

You don’t need operating theatre-style task lighting for what goes on in your downstairs loo. So if you can, avoid harsh, overhead lighting that will cast unflattering shadows. Soft wall lighting will create the perfect ambience and a more flattering light particularly if you have a mirror and will be carefully studying your pores as you wash your hands.

4. Go bold with your colour

This room is likely to be small, with a small window so there is really absolutely no point in painting it white. You’ll only make it feel smaller, darker and more unwelcoming. You can read more about why in my how to choose a paint colour blog here. So why not embrace the small dark space and go for a dark, rich colour that will add a touch of luxury to the feel of your room?

5. Wallpaper

It is the easiest way to make an impact in this room, whatsmore, you won’t need very much so it won’t cost the earth. Go bold and dramatic with a large print. You don’t have to be scared of colour or wallpaper in this room as you’re never going to spend very long in here.

6. Create a stylish backsplash

Tiles are a great way to add a beautiful decorative touch. And like with the wallpaper as you won’t need very many this can be relatively inexpensive or you can afford to go for something really top-end.

7. Think about your touchpoints

If replacing your toilet and basin isn’t necessary or in budget, then consider replacing elements of them that you come into contact with, such as the toilet seat, flush and taps. The look and feel of these items are what makes a huge difference to the design. Because you physically touch them it’s well worth allocating a chunk of your budget to these.

8. Make it smell good

This is an absolute must. Use a windowsill or create a shelf to display a diffuser or scented candles. Particularly if you use one of those stick-on toilet cleaners, the chemical smell can be really overpowering so you’ll need something to help neutralise that.

9. Keep clutter off the floor

In a small space, this is really important. Keeping the floor clear of clutter will make the space feel bigger as you can see more of it. So get some wall-mounted storage or baskets for spare toilet rolls and cleaning products. And if you are replacing your sanitary ware a wall-mounted loo and toilet brush holder will do wonders for making the room look bigger.

So there you are. Whatever your budget there is plenty that can be done to make the downstairs loo experience one your guests (and you) will enjoy. In fact, writing this has really got me thinking about mine, I’m thinking wallpaper and flooring. But first things first, I must get that lock fixed. What are your plans for your downstairs loo?