Beautiful Virgin Islands

Wednesday, Aug 27, 2025

Under stairs toilet ideas – and advice on how to get a loo installed

Under stairs toilet ideas – and advice on how to get a loo installed

Make space for another loo with our smart under stairs toilet ideas, with guidance on the permissions and plumbing you need

Stuck for inspiration for under stairs toilet ideas? When it comes to the littlest room in the house, every inch counts. Whether that’s space-saving fittings, bright colours to make it feel bigger or sleek storage for a streamlined look.

Perhaps you’ve a busy household and the family bathroom is always in high demand. Or maybe you’d like another loo for when family and friends pop by. If you have an under stairs cupboard that’s big enough, chances are that it can be adapted to create a downstairs loo.

A closet toilet is also a great staircase idea if you have young children, as it saves a trek up and down stairs whenever they need to visit. Plus it’s easier to access for elderly parents if it’s a struggle getting up and down stairs.

Under stairs toilet ideas


Before we launch into the decor of your under stairs toilet, it’s worth giving a little thought to its layout. This will largely depend on the size of your under stairs space and how much headroom available. You’ll need to be able to sit on the loo without hitting your head when you stand up. Think about door position, too, so that you don’t bash into the basin or loo as you enter.

So take a look at the space, and then consider how you could adapt the following designs to suit…

1. Open up the space with light colours




Most under-stairs cupboards tend to be quite dark and poky, with no window to bring in extra light. Make a small bathroom space feel bigger by using paler colours and glossy tiles that will reflect overhead light and bounce it around.

Tiles are a practical choice for walls near a basin. Start with a paler colour at the bottom to add a sense of space, introducing a darker shade as you go upwards. Tiling on the diagonal will add a pop of pattern without making the space feel too busy.

2. Try practical panelling




A traditional wall panelling idea will give your loo instant period grandeur, and the character the space is probably lacking. And, in spaces like under-stairs toilets, where there can be lots of awkwardly-placed plumbing, panelling is an easy way of hiding any unsightly pipework.

Don’t shy away from using dark colours in an enclosed space. Dark green, navy, grey or even black can look ultra stylish and using the same colour throughout can blur the edges of the room, giving the illusion of more space.

3. Save space with all-in-one loo and basin




Squeeze more into a tiny under stairs toilet by opting for a combined toilet and wash basin. Neat and compact, this clever all-in-one unit has a hand basin that sits on top of the cistern section, so that the whole unit takes up minimal floor space.

Another bonus of this arrangement is that your plumbing is all in one place, minimising the amount of exposed pipework you’ll need to box in. If you are choosing a wood finish like this one, we’d suggest you match it to any other timber in the space, such as the door (as seen here), floor or window ledge. Otherwise, in a small space, the design begins to look a bit messy.

4. Squeeze in a loo on a landing




If your home layout covers several levels, why not consider installing an under-stairs toilet on one of the upstairs floors to ease pressure on the family bathroom.This narrow downstairs toilet idea has space for a neat wall-hung basin, with a compact loo tucked under the stairs.

Opt for a colour scheme that complements your decor for a co-ordinated look. Choose floor and wall tiles that echo the floor covering so that one space flows seamlessly into the next.

5. Factor in some storage




Bulky furniture and fittings will crowd an under stairs loo, so downsize with neat, slimline storage that can slot into a small space. A compact basin with vanity unit underneath has space inside for storing loo rolls and cleaning products and will tuck neatly in under the stairs or into a tight corner.

6. Make a statement with a bold pattern




While it might be a functional space, a downstairs loo is a great place to show off a more daring decor. Have fun with a bold paint colour or flamboyant wallpaper pattern. You’ll only need a pot of paint or a roll of wallpaper, so it won’t cost a fortune and is a great opportunity to have a bit of fun.

7. Maximise space with floor-hung fittings




Keeping floors clear can create the illusion of space in close quarters by having more floor area on display. Opt for a neat wall-hung toilet and basin that can sit opposite each other in an under stairs space. The toilet cistern is concealed behind a false wall for a sleeker look and floors are easier to clean with no fittings to work around.

8. Slot in a shelf




Under stairs spaces tend to be quite tight, but boxed-in pipework and awkward angles can create small nooks and crannies that can be utilised for extra storage. Make use of spare space above a basin or behind the loo with bathroom shelving ideas. Paint to match walls for a seamless look, then stack with toiletries and spare towels.

9. Add shine with glossy tiles




Boost light levels in a small space by choosing high-shine tiles to add extra sparkle. Paler colours will create the illusion of space and a glossy finish will reflect more light.

Give classic metro tiles a twist by arranging horizontally and vertically rather than the more-regular brick format.

10. Be bold with dramatic black and white




Add wow with a chic monochrome look. Black and white is a classic bathroom colour scheme that will never go out of date and looks on-trend teamed with brushed gold bathroom fittings.

Go for a fully-tiled under stairs loo, with small-scale tiles on the top section of wall and large format tiles on the lower section. Continuing wall tiles onto the floor will give a more seamless look and will be easier to keep clean too.

Do I need planning permission for an under stairs toilet?


While you shouldn’t need planning permission for an under-stairs toilet, you do need to check Building Regulations with your local council before installing one.

“You’ll also need to run electrics into the room for lighting and a ventilation fan,’ says Ideal Home’s Amy Cutmore, ‘since most under stairs spaces don’t have a window.’ Use a qualified NICEIC-approved electrician to ensure all works are compliant, certified and safe

Newsletter

Related Articles

Beautiful Virgin Islands
0:00
0:00
Close
Manhunt in Australia: Armed Anti-Government Suspect Kills Police Officers Sent to Arrest Him
China Launches World’s Most Powerful Neutrino Detector
How Beijing-Linked Networks Shape Elections in New York City
Ukrainian Refugee Iryna Zarutska Fled War To US, Stabbed To Death
Elon Musk Sues Apple and OpenAI Over Alleged App Store Monopoly
2 Australian Police Shot Dead In Encounter In Rural Victoria State
Vietnam Evacuates Hundreds of Thousands as Typhoon Kajiki Strikes; China’s Sanya Shuts Down
UK Government Delays Decision on China’s Proposed London Embassy Amid Concerns Over Redacted Plans
A 150-Year Tradition to Be Abolished? Uproar Over the Popular Central Park Attraction
A new faith called Robotheism claims artificial intelligence isn’t just smart but actually God itself
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner Purchases Third Property Amid Housing Tax Reforms Debate
HSBC Switzerland Ends Relationships with Over 1,000 Clients from Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Qatar, and Egypt
Sharia Law Made Legally Binding in Austria Despite Warnings Over 'Incompatible' Values
Italian Facebook Group Sharing Intimate Images Without Consent Shut Down Amid Police Investigation
Dutch Foreign Minister Resigns Amid Deadlock Over Israel Sanctions
Trump and Allies Send Messages of Support to Ukraine on Independence Day Amid Ongoing Conflict
China Reels as Telegram Chat Group Shares Hidden-Camera Footage of Women and Children
Sam Nicoresti becomes first transgender comedian to win Edinburgh Comedy Award
Builders uncover historic human remains in Lancashire house renovation
Australia Wants to Tax Your Empty Bedrooms
MotoGP Cameraman Narrowly Avoids Pedro Acosta Crash at Hungarian Grand Prix
FBI Investigates John Bolton Over Classified Documents in High-Profile Raids
Report reveals OpenAI pitched national ChatGPT Plus subscription to UK ministers
Labour set to freeze income tax thresholds in long-term 'stealth' tax raid
Coca‑Cola explores sale of Costa coffee chain
Trial hears dog walker was chased and fatally stabbed by trio
Restaurateur resigns from government hospitality council over tax criticism
Spanish City funfair shut after serious ride injury
Suspected arson at Ilford restaurant leaves three in critical condition
Tottenham beat Manchester City to go top of Premier League
Bank holiday heatwave to hit 30°C before remnants of Hurricane Erin arrive
UK to deploy immigration advisers to West Africa to block fake visas
Nurse who raped woman continued working for a year despite police alert
Drought forces closures of England’s canal routes, canceling boat holidays
Sweet tooth scents: food-inspired perfumes surge as weight-loss drugs suppress appetites
Experts warn Britain dangerously reliant on imported food
Family of Notting Hill Carnival murder victim call event unmanageable
Bunkers, Billions and Apocalypse: The Secret Compounds of Zuckerberg and the Tech Giants
Ukraine Declares De Facto War on Hungary and Slovakia with Terror Drone Strikes on Their Gas Lifeline
Animated K-pop Musical ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Becomes Netflix’s Most-Watched Original Animated Film
New York Appeals Court Voids Nearly $500 Million Civil Fraud Penalty Against Trump While Upholding Fraud Liability
Elon Musk tweeted, “Europe is dying”
Far-Right Activist Convicted of Incitement Changes Gender and Demands: "Send Me to a Women’s Prison" | The Storm in Germany
Hungary Criticizes Ukraine: "Violating Our Sovereignty"
Will this be the first country to return to negative interest rates?
Child-free hotels spark controversy
North Korea is where this 95-year-old wants to die. South Korea won’t let him go. Is this our ally or a human rights enemy?
Hong Kong Launches Regulatory Regime and Trials for HKD-Backed Stablecoins
China rehearses September 3 Victory Day parade as imagery points to ‘loyal wingman’ FH-97 family presence
Trump Called Viktor Orbán: "Why Are You Using the Veto"
×