In a cost-of-living crisis, where adding value to a home may feel paramount to many, homeowners are seeking creative ways to transform their small water closets and bathrooms into functional, spacious, and value-adding spaces.

Recent data reveals a significant surge in interest, with Google searches for ‘small bathroom ideas’ spiking by 16% in the past 30 days, reaching a staggering 31,000 searches.

To address this growing demand, Warren Kinloch, a Bathroom Expert at Bathroom Deal, has compiled a comprehensive list of expert tips on how to make tiny toilet rooms feel bigger and boost the value of your home.

1. Under-stairs toilets

“One ingenious way to maximise space and add value to your property is by converting the often-underutilised under-stairs area into a functional toilet room. Under-stairs toilets can be a brilliant addition to any home, especially if you have limited space. To make the most of this area, I’d recommend installing compact fixtures, such as a wall-mounted toilet and a corner sink. These space-saving choices not only make your toilet room feel more open but can also add around £5,000 to £10,000 in value to your property, depending on your location and the quality of the installation.

Make sure to choose light and neutral colours for walls and fixtures to create an illusion of spaciousness. As you won’t have a window, it’s key to keep things looking as bright as possible. Soft pastel hues like baby pinks and sage greens can add a refreshing touch, whilst remaining on-trend. Another secret space-creating hack is to use glossy tiles on the walls to reflect light and make the room appear brighter and larger.”

2. Downstairs Cloakrooms

“Downstairs cloakrooms are a hidden gem when it comes to increasing the convenience and value of your home. For a downstairs cloakroom, opt for a wall-hung toilet and a small corner sink to maximise the available space. This is estimated to add approximately £7,000 to £15,000 in value to your property. Keep the décor light and neutral to create an inviting atmosphere, and you’ll have a functional space that’s sure to impress guests.”

3. One-Quarter Toilets

“One-quarter toilets, also known as powder rooms, are small spaces that typically include a toilet but lack a sink. These are common in Edwardian and Victorian houses, in which the sink sits separately in the main bathroom. To add a sink to a one-quarter toilet while creating space, consider a wall-mounted or pedestal sink. These options free up valuable floor space and can add around £3,000 to £7,000 in value to your property, as you essentially create an extra water closet if you already have a toilet in the main bathroom.

In terms of design, use light-coloured tiles and fixtures to make the room feel more open. Think neutral palettes and avoid dark colours where possible. Mirrors can also enhance the illusion of space and brightness, so if you have space for one, I would recommend including it. A frameless mirror works well, as it makes the space feel more open as opposed to having a thick frame which can contribute to a more claustrophobic feeling.”