Ask the Experts: 13 Clever tips for making the most of a cloakroom - chances are your locker room is the smallest room in your home, but that does not mean it takes no less planning. In fact, in a space where every inch account, you'll need to think about your choice of sanitaryware and how to squeeze in a kind of storage, as well as how to heat and light space. That and much more, is covered here in our guide to maximize the look and functionality of your wardrobe
The professional advice from :.
Milena Cox Catalano
Keira Townsend Keir Townsend
Michael Linsky Sensio
Thomas Griem TG studio
Steve Birch Vogue
The professional advice from :.
Milena Cox Catalano
Keira Townsend Keir Townsend
Michael Linsky Sensio
Thomas Griem TG studio
Steve Birch Vogue
Violet & George
Why add a cloakroom?
cloakrooms enhance the comfort of your home. They keep separate family bathroom and guests are beneficial for those who are less able to use the stairs. "It has become more commonplace and essential for homes new buildings to have as many bathrooms as bedrooms, which sets the standard for old houses, which are being renovated, observes Milena Cox Catalano.
additional Lockers allow more families to have more privacy and space within the home, and they often become a point of differentiation against competing properties in the sale or rental of your home.
cloakrooms enhance the comfort of your home. They keep separate family bathroom and guests are beneficial for those who are less able to use the stairs. "It has become more commonplace and essential for homes new buildings to have as many bathrooms as bedrooms, which sets the standard for old houses, which are being renovated, observes Milena Cox Catalano.
additional Lockers allow more families to have more privacy and space within the home, and they often become a point of differentiation against competing properties in the sale or rental of your home.
Build Team
Slide a cloakroom under the stairs
space is often limited, so that the usual aim is for the locker room to take the least possible space. Using unused space under the stairs is one of the most popular ways to make room for a small cloakroom. "It is important to ensure that space is always comfortable and practical, leaving enough room to maneuver, and space for the plumbing," advises Cox. "Ideally, you need enough room that is comfortable and realistic for your family and guests to use.
Consult ideas for the installation of a bathroom in your loft
space is often limited, so that the usual aim is for the locker room to take the least possible space. Using unused space under the stairs is one of the most popular ways to make room for a small cloakroom. "It is important to ensure that space is always comfortable and practical, leaving enough room to maneuver, and space for the plumbing," advises Cox. "Ideally, you need enough room that is comfortable and realistic for your family and guests to use.
Consult ideas for the installation of a bathroom in your loft
Found Associates
More ways to make space for cloakroom
"to customers demand, we have divided large bathrooms to form a separate cloakroom of the bath-shower," recalls Keira Townsend Keir Townsend. "Conversions basement are also very popular, but to install a locker room at a height lower than the present drainage plumbing problems.
Alternatively it is possible to take some space away from the kitchen or living room. But this is only advisable if you are able to do so without compromising space, "warns Cox. "If you are planning an extension, it becomes the ideal situation to create a cloakroom.
"to customers demand, we have divided large bathrooms to form a separate cloakroom of the bath-shower," recalls Keira Townsend Keir Townsend. "Conversions basement are also very popular, but to install a locker room at a height lower than the present drainage plumbing problems.
Alternatively it is possible to take some space away from the kitchen or living room. But this is only advisable if you are able to do so without compromising space, "warns Cox. "If you are planning an extension, it becomes the ideal situation to create a cloakroom.
Chris Snook
location, location, location
to make installation as simple as possible, it is best to position locker room near the existing plumbing, for example, near a kitchen or directly below a bathroom upstairs. 'This means that the equipment can be shared, while minimizing the cost of plumbing and installation, "says Cox. "The distance from the toilet to the soil stack must also be considered in the context of building regulations.
to make installation as simple as possible, it is best to position locker room near the existing plumbing, for example, near a kitchen or directly below a bathroom upstairs. 'This means that the equipment can be shared, while minimizing the cost of plumbing and installation, "says Cox. "The distance from the toilet to the soil stack must also be considered in the context of building regulations.
partnership McQuin Interior design
What if the plumbing is not accessible?
If the plumbing is not available, there is the possibility of installing a toilet grinder, like Saniflo. "We avoid these if possible, said Townsend. "They need regular maintenance to avoid breakdown and generate an engine noise with the flush, which can disturb others sleep in the property.
Making sense of bath terminology planning
If the plumbing is not available, there is the possibility of installing a toilet grinder, like Saniflo. "We avoid these if possible, said Townsend. "They need regular maintenance to avoid breakdown and generate an engine noise with the flush, which can disturb others sleep in the property.
Making sense of bath terminology planning
a breath of fresh air
Extraction provides a way of clearing the air of unwanted odors. If you have no bathroom window, extractors are kept under control of the building, which will be highlighted during an inspection, for example when the property is for sale.
extraction can be a single fan unit connected to a ceiling air flexible tube dissipating through a vent on an outside wall. Or it may be an online system, which is a fan located in a midpoint in the flexible tube, rather than in the ceiling, said Keira. 'This is used when a ceiling fan would be considered dangerous, such as in a shower stall, due to the proximity of water.
'Alternatively, the extraction could be a centralized system if you are building more of a bathroom / changing room at the same time, in which a number of bathrooms can be broken down by the same fan located remotely, say, an empty rooftop. The advantages are that there is no ceiling fans noise in the dressing room itself. "
Extraction provides a way of clearing the air of unwanted odors. If you have no bathroom window, extractors are kept under control of the building, which will be highlighted during an inspection, for example when the property is for sale.
extraction can be a single fan unit connected to a ceiling air flexible tube dissipating through a vent on an outside wall. Or it may be an online system, which is a fan located in a midpoint in the flexible tube, rather than in the ceiling, said Keira. 'This is used when a ceiling fan would be considered dangerous, such as in a shower stall, due to the proximity of water.
'Alternatively, the extraction could be a centralized system if you are building more of a bathroom / changing room at the same time, in which a number of bathrooms can be broken down by the same fan located remotely, say, an empty rooftop. The advantages are that there is no ceiling fans noise in the dressing room itself. "
TG-studio
space savers
When you create a dressing room, space is often limited and every inch account . "We often use short projection WCs, which are 20cm shorter than the standard size, but work perfectly well in this space," says Thomas Griem TG Studio. "The selection of a small sink that is practically usable is important. And although there are few required storage cloakroom, we enable a niche above the toilet as a minimum.
If installing a cloakroom in a narrow and difficult space, consider installing a sliding door to save space in the hallway or in the dressing room itself - . this will make the room feel much larger than it is
When you create a dressing room, space is often limited and every inch account . "We often use short projection WCs, which are 20cm shorter than the standard size, but work perfectly well in this space," says Thomas Griem TG Studio. "The selection of a small sink that is practically usable is important. And although there are few required storage cloakroom, we enable a niche above the toilet as a minimum.
If installing a cloakroom in a narrow and difficult space, consider installing a sliding door to save space in the hallway or in the dressing room itself - . this will make the room feel much larger than it is
Keir Townsend
Create the illusion of more space
key to give a greater sense of space is to maximize the visible area of the ground, so as much as possible hang on the walls. "If you have any partition walls, you might be able to use their thickness milling bathroom cabinets or even a slimline tank toilet, 'advises Townsend. "The more you can mill more the illusion of space. You will need to strengthen the walls of gaining weight, so early investigation is advisable to see what is possible. "
large tiles are also recommended, as many grid lines of small tiles will make the room seem smaller. In addition, the use of a mirror to convince your eye that the room is larger than it is actually. "We do not recommend a large mirror covering an entire wall, because it makes people feel uncomfortable. instead, use semi-reflective materials that reflect light. the mirrors must be maintained above the basin, "added Townsend.
key to give a greater sense of space is to maximize the visible area of the ground, so as much as possible hang on the walls. "If you have any partition walls, you might be able to use their thickness milling bathroom cabinets or even a slimline tank toilet, 'advises Townsend. "The more you can mill more the illusion of space. You will need to strengthen the walls of gaining weight, so early investigation is advisable to see what is possible. "
large tiles are also recommended, as many grid lines of small tiles will make the room seem smaller. In addition, the use of a mirror to convince your eye that the room is larger than it is actually. "We do not recommend a large mirror covering an entire wall, because it makes people feel uncomfortable. instead, use semi-reflective materials that reflect light. the mirrors must be maintained above the basin, "added Townsend.
TG-Studio
Perform
always try to create a sort of focal point, because it will hurt the feeling of being in a confined space. "For example, we designed a backlit basin made of recycled glass, available in a range of colors, which gives a wonderful glow and is a real point with clients and their guests speak, said Townsend.
"Another trick is to create a box by treating all surfaces, including the ceiling and door with wooden panels; making it the most special piece, "advises Griem. "I also like to use low light levels in small spaces, so do not make you feel claustrophobic.
Get advice on the use of wood in the bathroom
always try to create a sort of focal point, because it will hurt the feeling of being in a confined space. "For example, we designed a backlit basin made of recycled glass, available in a range of colors, which gives a wonderful glow and is a real point with clients and their guests speak, said Townsend.
"Another trick is to create a box by treating all surfaces, including the ceiling and door with wooden panels; making it the most special piece, "advises Griem. "I also like to use low light levels in small spaces, so do not make you feel claustrophobic.
Get advice on the use of wood in the bathroom
ISTANA INTERIOR DESIGN
Let light
Changing rooms are more likely to be the smallest room in the house and still suffer from a lack of natural light or no light window at all. "Lighting a cloakroom, like a bathroom, needs careful planning to ensure safety, purely due to the addition of electricity in a room where water is used," advises Michael Linsky Sensio Lighting.
"To help make it easier to identify suitable products for use in this room, the IEE Wiring regulations identified specific areas in the room that indicate the type of electrical equipment that can be installed. an electrical product used up to 60cm around a sink, for example, requires a minimum IP44 rating.
Changing rooms are more likely to be the smallest room in the house and still suffer from a lack of natural light or no light window at all. "Lighting a cloakroom, like a bathroom, needs careful planning to ensure safety, purely due to the addition of electricity in a room where water is used," advises Michael Linsky Sensio Lighting.
"To help make it easier to identify suitable products for use in this room, the IEE Wiring regulations identified specific areas in the room that indicate the type of electrical equipment that can be installed. an electrical product used up to 60cm around a sink, for example, requires a minimum IP44 rating.
Sensio Lighting Ltd
areas requiring illumination
Consider the light of the general part, which in most cases would be a ceiling light. "the last COB (Chip on Board) LED ceiling floodlights make a great alternative to a severe single pendant light. COB technology closely compact high number of small LED chips, creating the effect of a lighting module, as opposed to visible points from individual diodes "advises Linsky .
The next area to consider is lighting the pool, the best lighting on both sides to remove unflattering shadows. Buy with integrated lighting locker mirror, and look too for those with a demisting pad to ensure it remains clear in what could be a torrid atmosphere if the changing room doubles as a shower room downstairs.
"Finally, can be dark patches in the locker room that require additional lighting, both inside cabinets, lighting floods through the floor or over a coat hanger" says Linsky. It nifty rechargeable suggests LED lights as they require no wiring.
Consider the light of the general part, which in most cases would be a ceiling light. "the last COB (Chip on Board) LED ceiling floodlights make a great alternative to a severe single pendant light. COB technology closely compact high number of small LED chips, creating the effect of a lighting module, as opposed to visible points from individual diodes "advises Linsky .
The next area to consider is lighting the pool, the best lighting on both sides to remove unflattering shadows. Buy with integrated lighting locker mirror, and look too for those with a demisting pad to ensure it remains clear in what could be a torrid atmosphere if the changing room doubles as a shower room downstairs.
"Finally, can be dark patches in the locker room that require additional lighting, both inside cabinets, lighting floods through the floor or over a coat hanger" says Linsky. It nifty rechargeable suggests LED lights as they require no wiring.
Nia Morris Studio
Heat locker room
thought is mainly given to the sink and toilet when it comes to planning a cloakroom. However, with limited space available, it is essential that the initial designs include heating to avoid it being left as an afterthought. "Because space is quite compact, you can find that a warm towel will provide enough heat. However, it is important to check this before you make your purchase, "advises Steve Birch Vogue.
"Embrace warmer towel wall design, which allows you to keep space free ground. If you are having trouble finding a hot model towel depending on the space you have, look to have a custom option to meet your needs and requirements. "
Electric underfloor heating is ideal for compact areas of the house, and pair it with a small electric towel warmer can often be the perfect solution. "When used as the primary heating source, he makes the layout of a room much easier to plan, because it eliminates the need to think about where the radiator can be installed and where the sanitaryware should be positioned . It also maintains a free wall space for storage, "says Birch.
thought is mainly given to the sink and toilet when it comes to planning a cloakroom. However, with limited space available, it is essential that the initial designs include heating to avoid it being left as an afterthought. "Because space is quite compact, you can find that a warm towel will provide enough heat. However, it is important to check this before you make your purchase, "advises Steve Birch Vogue.
"Embrace warmer towel wall design, which allows you to keep space free ground. If you are having trouble finding a hot model towel depending on the space you have, look to have a custom option to meet your needs and requirements. "
Electric underfloor heating is ideal for compact areas of the house, and pair it with a small electric towel warmer can often be the perfect solution. "When used as the primary heating source, he makes the layout of a room much easier to plan, because it eliminates the need to think about where the radiator can be installed and where the sanitaryware should be positioned . It also maintains a free wall space for storage, "says Birch.
James Hargreaves Bathrooms
Increase the heat
It is important to calculate the heat needed for your locker room, and the best way to do this is using a BTU calculator. "Many of radiators and hot towels manufacturers now offer this feature on their website to ensure that the model chosen is the correct output," says Birch. "By simply entering a few details into the calculator, including in any room of the house that you work with, room dimensions, and if the windows are single or double glazing, you will be provided with all the information you need.
although a BTU calculator only provides a fairly accurate result, it is also important to take other factors into account, as if the house has a wall insulation how hollow and adjacent rooms are heated, as this can affect the overall result. "Do not be fooled into thinking that just because it is a small bathroom, it will not need a lot of heat. If it is poorly insulated, you might need a more powerful radiator that you initially thought, "said Birch.
Tell us ...
Have you created a space for a small dressing room in your house? Share your tips in the comments below.
It is important to calculate the heat needed for your locker room, and the best way to do this is using a BTU calculator. "Many of radiators and hot towels manufacturers now offer this feature on their website to ensure that the model chosen is the correct output," says Birch. "By simply entering a few details into the calculator, including in any room of the house that you work with, room dimensions, and if the windows are single or double glazing, you will be provided with all the information you need.
although a BTU calculator only provides a fairly accurate result, it is also important to take other factors into account, as if the house has a wall insulation how hollow and adjacent rooms are heated, as this can affect the overall result. "Do not be fooled into thinking that just because it is a small bathroom, it will not need a lot of heat. If it is poorly insulated, you might need a more powerful radiator that you initially thought, "said Birch.
Tell us ...
Have you created a space for a small dressing room in your house? Share your tips in the comments below.