Choosing wallpaper for a small toilet, cloakroom or half bath is one of the easiest ways to introduce a bold interior design moment into your home. I honestly believe that because these spaces are compact, you can be far more adventurous with pattern, colour and mood without it being overwhelming.
Luxury wallpaper can transform this practical space into a place with big impact that makes you smile every time you pop in there.
Does wallpaper look good in small bathrooms and cloakrooms?
Small cloakrooms (sometimes known as a 'half-bath' in the US) are the perfect place to use statement wallpaper. With less wall area to cover, luxury wallpaper becomes more affordable and far more impactful.
Pick a bold British wallpaper (particularly florals with dramatic colour palettes) adds personality to a room that is often overlooked. Instead of playing it safe, with neutrals and whites, a small powder room allows you to experiment with maximalist colour combinations and pattern layering.
This is why so many designers recommend using your strongest wallpaper ideas in the smallest rooms.
Small cloakroom featuring our Lords and Ladies Alchemist Yellow Wallpaper
Statement floral wallpaper for cloakrooms and WCs?
Yes, a bold floral wallpaper works beautifully in small toilets, whether you are restoring a Victorian home or updating a 1970s property or adding personality to a new build house. A bold floral design instantly elevates the space and turns a functional room into something special.
For a vintage inspired feel, oversized florals are especially effective. Designs like my Caustic Chrysanthemum collection will bring an unexpected pop of colour, expressive pattern that feels perfectly at home in a downstairs loo.
In compact spaces, colourful, more 'in-your-face' wallpapers feel intentional rather than overpowering.
I have a dark cloakroom, should I go dark and dramatic with my wallpaper?
Many UK cloakrooms are tucked under the stairs or positioned near the front door, often with very little natural light. Instead of trying to brighten these spaces artificially, lean into the mood.
Dark and dramatic wallpaper creates depth, atmosphere and a sense of luxury that works beautifully in small toilets. Deep blues, in particular, are set to dominate interiors in 2026, making them a great choice, because I feel that blue very dates.
Hemlock Wallpaper in Bold Brassica wallpaper with brass fittings and statement dragonfly drawer pull
I feel that one of the important things to consider for a dark space is how you have bounce the light around. Pair dark wallpaper with reflective surfaces such as mirrors, brushed brass fittings and gloss finishes, like glossy tiles, to balance the depth of colour and bounce light around the room. For example, I have a very dark hallway with no windows. I have painted it dark teal and hung some convex (fish-eye) mirrors, which unbelievably, have instantly given the space a sense of light.
Deep Blue Wallpaper Trends for 2026
Deep blue is emerging as one of the defining interior colours of 2026, with Dulux announcing it as their colour for 2026.
In Christine’s US half bath, my Bloomsbury Moth Super Wide wallpaper was used to stunning effect. Although the predominant colour of the wallpaper is blue, the yellow tones in the small Celandine flowers ws echoed through gold hardware, a vintage gold mirror and warm veining in the marble vanity top.
Using gold and brass metals against deep blue wallpaper can feel luxurious rather than heavy, even in a small room.
Bloomsbury Moth Wallpaper with marble, brushed brass and a statement mirror.
Luxury Cloakroom Wallpaper on a Budget
Creating a designer cloakroom does not need to be expensive. Because these spaces are small, one 10 metre roll of wallpaper is often enough to completely transform the room. Many people choose to combine wallpaper with tiles, painted panelling or tongue and groove on the lower walls, allowing you to invest in artisan wallpaper while keeping costs controlled.
Hemlock Wallpaper in Sloe Gin with matching subway tiles and contrasting paint colour.
Final Thoughts on Small Toilet Wallpaper Ideas
Your downstairs toilet/cloakroom is the ideal place to be bold. With less wall space to cover, you can experiment with dramatic florals, dark colour palettes and expressive wallpaper designs.
Whether you are drawn to deep blue wallpaper for 2026, statement florals or moody heritage patterns, the right wallpaper turns a small toilet into a confident design statement.
It is a small room with huge potential, so this is the place to have a little fun.
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