Things To Consider When Installing A Cloakroom

What is a cloakroom?

In many cultures a cloakroom is a room used by people to hang their coat – and only that! Here in the UK however the word ‘cloakroom’ is often used to describe a ground floor toilet area. This became fashionable in the Victorian era – they were initially installed in fashionable and up-market establishments as ‘ladies cloak rooms’ where on arrival ladies could remove their coat and freshen up. Nowadays cloakrooms can be found in many business establishments and homes alike.

Why is a cloakroom so useful?

• No need for older, very young, or less mobile persons to use the stairs for an upstairs bathroom.
• Less wear and tear on your bathrooms.
• When you have guests there is no need to tidy up upstairs before they visit!
• Handy for when you are in the garden.
• Adding a cloakroom could add 5% to the value of your home.

What do I need to consider when planning my cloakroom?

The smallest width of the room should be no less than 85cm with a length of 140cm, but you need to check that you have enough room for your knees when sitting on the toilet and room to stand at the cloakroom basin without the toilet pan getting in the way. To save space there are combination cloakroom vanity units available.

If possible a cloakroom is best fitted on an outside wall to benefit from natural light and ventilation. However if this is not possible the use of good lighting and extractors can overcome this.

Also, to save costs, a new cloakroom should be fitted near existing water and soil pipes.

How can the cloakroom be heated?

The most popular way of heating the room is by a towel radiator, either connected to the heating system or an electric one. However, if you do not have much space under floor heating is a good alternative.

The importance of good cloakroom mirrors

When your guests use the cloakroom they may want to check their make-up, hair, or general appearance – so ensure you have a good sized mirror with flattering lighting!

For example, a down light will light the cloakroom basin but will cause shadows under the eyes, however, integrated lighting in the cloakroom mirror will give a more realistic reflection.

Fittings in the photographs are supplied by:
– Traditional style fittings and radiator by Bayswater Bathrooms.
– Other radiators are from the Essentials range from Ideal Bathrooms.
– All other fittings from Tavistock Bathrooms.

At Simon Turner Showrooms, we have experienced bathroom designers and fitters available to assist you with their cloakroom ideas, making the right decision about your new cloakroom design, and installing it for you too. Our teams like nothing more than making the most of small spaces (we have a lot of experience especially in designing for small bathrooms).

If you want to find the right solutions for your cloakroom, we can help create something that is not only functional but looks great as well.