Selecting wallpaper for a downstairs toilet (or cloakroom) is one of the best ways to introduce bold British wallpaper into your home. Due to the smaller size of a cloakroom, luxury wallpaper or a statement designer wallpaper can create an eye-catching WC without overwhelming the space with too much pattern or colour.
Statement Florals with Designer Wallpaper
Whether you are renovating a Victorian property or modernising a 1970s house, beautiful wallpaper instantly elevates a small toilet space. In a downstairs WC, floral wallpaper adds drama and charm, turning a practical room into a space guests will love.
For a contemporary yet timeless feel, consider modern vintage-inspired floral wallpaper, like my Hemlock Collection. The bold pattern and rich colours (with a hint of poisonous peril) will transform even the tiniest cloakroom into a designer highlight.
My Hemlock Wallpaper in Bold Brassica was used so beautifully by Debbie in this small toilet space. I just love the warm yellow ceiling, muted dark green painted woodwork, the warm wood tones and the brushed brass fittings.
Dark & Dramatic Cloakroom Wallpaper Ideas
Many UK cloakrooms (called Half baths in the US) are in smaller, darker spaces—sometimes under the stairs or beside the front door with minimal natural light. Rather than fight the darkness, lean into it with a moody luxury wallpaper.
Pair dark wallpaper with reflective surfaces such as statement mirrors, metallic fittings, and gloss tiles. This balances the depth of colour while helping bounce light around the space. Adding a luxury bathroom-safe light fitting and high-quality finishes instantly transforms a downstairs toilet from a forgotten corner into a designer cloakroom.
My Bloomsbury Moth Super Wide Wallpaper added a glorious dramatic backdrop to Christine's US half-bath. Using the warm yellow tones found in the predominantly blue and green wallpaper, she built a colour story around this and introduced gold hardware, gold vintage mirror and warm tones in the marble vanity top.
Achieving the Luxury Bathroom Look
To create a cohesive luxury feel, pair your statement wallpaper with carefully chosen accessories:
- Perhaps, one of my statement eye-catching modern vintage wallpapers
- Find a metal colour and ensure all fittings use the same tone. I currently love brushed brass!
- Marbled vanity top - real or faux, just think of this as another layer of luxurious texture.
- Low VOC paints, such as Farrow & Ball. I love their Dead Flat Matt paint, as you can paint the walls and woodwork with the same tin of paint! Durable, Ultra-Matt finish which is scuff resistant, scrubbable & ultra matt! Perfect for wiping walls from soap splashes, toothpaste splats (and if you have a little boy - those diverging wees!).
This combination blends timeless British craftsmanship with a high-end designer aesthetic.
Luxury Cloakroom on a Budget
Investing in British-made wallpaper doesn’t need to be extravagant. My artisan wallpaper is designed and manufactured in the UK, printed to order on FSC-certified paper using eco-friendly HP® inks. Each roll is created with care, offering sustainable luxury without compromise.
Because cloakrooms are compact, a little wallpaper goes a long way. One 10-metre roll is often enough to transform your space—especially when combined with painted wood panelling or tongue and groove walls. This approach balances cost with impact, giving you a bold, beautiful designer cloakroom without overspending.
Unusual Styling Ideas for Your Downstairs Toilet
The finishing touches matter just as much as your wallpaper. Here are a few ideas to elevate your space:
Artwork
Adding artwork to your cloakroom wallpaper scheme is a simple way to make the space feel personal and unique to you. I love the idea of “shopping the house” — looking around your own rooms for meaningful pieces that tell your story. A framed print from a friend, a handmade plate from a pottery class, or even a lino cut made on a rainy Sunday afternoon can all bring character to your downstairs toilet.
What to Consider
- A favourite holiday photograph from years ago
- A framed piece of fabric from a beloved dress or shirt
- Collecting and displaying tin milagros for a touch of texture and charm
- A quirky collection of vintage seaside prints from a day trip
Feeling Crafty?
If you enjoy a creative project, print a series of photos from your phone in black and white. Place them in simple matching frames and create a gallery wall in your downstairs WC. This gives your cloakroom the feel of a curated designer space, while still being deeply personal.
Mirrors
A statement mirror enhances both style and light. Shop vintage or second-hand for something unique.
Where to shop:
- Facebook Marketplace
- Local charity shops
- eBay
- IKEA for simple Scandi styles
Pairing a modern mirror with floral wallpaper creates a layered, personalised look:
Feeling Crafty
Repaint a frame, spray it gold, or paint a motif onto a mirror using acrylic paint for a vintage vibe.
Hand Towels
Instead of traditional hand towels, consider using linen or patterned tea towels, or napkins. They’re easy to wash, rotate, and store while adding character to the cloakroom. I have to admit to stealing this idea from my mum, who always has a basket of crisp Irish linen napkins in her downstairs loo for guests to dry their hands.
Where to shop:
- Etsy (artisan and handmade designs)
- Dunelm (affordable and stylish tea towels)
- John Lewis (classic quality)
- Ferguson Irish Linen (Traditional heritage Irish linen)
- My own organic tea towel collection
Feeling Crafty
Embroider your own napkins or handpaint using fabric paint.
Final Thoughts
Your downstairs toilet or cloakroom is the perfect place to experiment with luxury British wallpaper. Whether you choose bold florals, dramatic dark designs, or a subtle artisan print, the right wallpaper transforms this often-overlooked room into a stylish statement space.