- Big Visual Moves: Create a Focal Point
- Colour Strategies for Small Spaces
- Lighting That Flatters (and Fights the Slope)
- Fixtures with Designer Presence (and Small Footprints)
- Surfaces & Texture Play
- Mastering the Stair Slope
- Mirrors & Optical Tricks
- Doors & Entrances that Make a Moment
- Storage that Looks Designed (Not Squeezed In)
- Style Capsules to Copy
- Finishing Touches & Styling
- Budget-Friendly Upgrades with Big Impact
If you have a staircase in your home and there’s some space under it, make the use of it! It can be turned into a sitting zone, a reading nook, a wine cellar, a working space, a kids’ play space or even a powder room! I’d like to share some ideas on the latter as a guest toilet is a necessary thing in every home and designing this room on such a small amount of space may be very tricky.
Choose the style and color palette for the space – though it’s pretty small, it should be stylish, too. Such a powder room usually corresponds with the room on the outside and its colors for a cohesive look. Make a door that saves the space – it should be opened to the next room or it can be a sliding one. Go for materials you like – printed wallpaper, wall panels, elegant tiles – as this space won’t be super wet, you can not limit yourself to only tiles or concrete, for example. Adding a pop of color or an interesting pattern, like a vibrant backsplash or a patterned floor, can make the room cooler without overwhelming the space. Vertical stripes on the walls can make a tiny space appear taller. Adding a unique ceiling treatment can also help draw the eyes up.
A chevron feature wall turns this under-stairs toilet room into a little party. The pedestal sink, round mirror, and black fixtures keep it light, while the sunny towel and wood rolling cart warm up the pale hex tile floor. (@oakstorydesign).
Cottage-chic and a bit glam: sage wainscot, floral wallpaper, and a scalloped vanity with brass tap. The ornate mirror and warm wood floor make this tiny cloakroom feel like a jewel box tucked beneath the stairs. (@scottish_edwardian).
Clean and calm with spa vibes: a round backlit mirror, crisp white cabinetry, and a wood-seat loo on honey-toned boards. A trailing plant softens the slope and the small window brings in gentle, natural light. (@shayes_tiny_homes).
Classic never fails. Blue scenic wallpaper, a pedestal sink, and a brass sconce dress up this petite powder room just off the staircase. The vintage wood door adds character before you even step inside. (@jkath_designbuild).
Big Visual Moves: Create a Focal Point
The first time I tackled an under stairs powder room, I tried to play it safe. Beige paint, tiny mirror, zero drama—looked like a broom closet with a toilet. Second try, I picked one big move: a leafy mural on the tallest wall and a pill-shaped mirror that nearly touched the ceiling.
Colour-drenching works magic under a slope. When walls, trim, and even the low ceiling are one saturated tone, edges blur and the room feels intentional, not leftover. I’ve used deep green in one tiny WC and it read like a jewel box, not a cave.
If wallpaper scares you, go for a statement floor. Checkerboard porcelain or terrazzo gives instant personality and doesn’t fight the stair angle. One hero piece—like a sculptural basin or a brass sconce—should lead; everything else can be supporting cast.
A chic and tiny under the stairs powder room with bold wallpaper and paneling, a wall-mounted sink and a mirror in a vintage frame.
A tiny modern under the stairs pwoder room with bold tiles, a black wall-mounted sink and a catchy pendant lamp.
A rustic under the stairs powder room with reclaimed wood, a rustic wall-mounted sink, a small shelf and a geometric mirror.
A catchy under stair bathroom with white and printed tiles, white appliances and a small metal shelf for towels.
A small modern under stair powder room clad with geo print tiles, with simple white appliances and a mirror is amazing.
A vintage powder room under the stairs with botanical wallpaper, a mosaic tile floor, a corner wall-mounted sink and gold touches.
Decorate your powder room with dramatic floral wallpaper to make it really wow and edgy.
Colour Strategies for Small Spaces
People always ask, “Won’t dark paint make it smaller?” Honestly, the room is already small. A moody indigo or forest green wraps the under-stairs bathroom and hides odd angles like a cozy cloakroom under stairs. It feels deliberate, not cramped.
For airy vibes, I lean into soft greige or clay with matte walls and gloss tile. The contrast bounces light without shouting. A two-tone split with a painted dado line (about 90–100 cm / 36–40″) grounds the space and protects from scuffs.
Metal finishes matter more than you’d think. Warm brass or polished nickel adds tiny sparkles that read as light. If you’re mixing metals, repeat each finish twice so it looks chosen, not random. And yes, sample on the slope—colours shift hard under there.
A small vintage under the stairs powder room with dark green walls, a vintagw wall-mounted sink, a toilet, a basket and a tiny mirror.
A small boho powder room under the stairs with green walls, a shelf with decor, a toilet, a vanity and some pampas grass.
A pretty under the stairs powder room with black walls, a little wall-mounted sink, a colorful rug and some cool decor.
A small and cool under the stairs powder room with a navy accent wall, a printed floor, an open shelf with decor and a free-standing sink looks stylish.
Lighting That Flatters (and Fights the Slope)
My early mistake: a single downlight in the middle. It spotlighted the toilet like a stage prop. Not cute. Now I always layer lighting: one flush mount for ambient, plus vertical sconces at face height (about 150–165 cm / 60–65″) on each side of the mirror.
Warm bulbs help tiny rooms feel friendly. Aim for 2700–3000K and dimmable. I sometimes add a thin LED strip in a niche or under a shelf along the slope; it grazes texture and makes the angle look intentional.
If the ceiling is low, avoid heavy pendants. Ribbed or reeded glass shades diffuse glare and add texture without clutter. Motion sensors are great for guests and kids—hands full, lights on, no drama. A night-light mode saves everyone at 3 a.m.
A minimal under the stairs powder room with a green accent wall, a window, white appliances and a long shelf.
A cool under the stairs powder room with a parquet floor, a light blue wall, open shelves, a vanity with a sink and a window.
A contemporary powder room hidden under the stairs, with an arched door, a wall-mounted sink and some timber cladding the space.
A modern farmhouse powder room under the stairs, with a shiplap wall, printed wallpaper, an open shelf and some decor and greenery.
A small powder room with black and white decor, an artwork and a jute rug for a cozy feel.
A minimalist white under the stairs powder room with a shelf and a toilet plus a window and nothing else.
Fixtures with Designer Presence (and Small Footprints)
Compact doesn’t mean boring. A wall-hung toilet with a concealed cistern keeps the floor visible, which reads as bigger. Short-projection pans (roughly 48–52 cm / 19–21″ depth) are a lifesaver when the stair nosing steals your clearance.
For the vanity, floating wins again. I love a 30–35 cm (12–14″) deep micro-vanity with a round basin to soften edges. Wall-mounted taps reduce depth by a few precious centimeters, and honestly they look high-end.
Round forms are your friend in a room full of angles. Pill mirrors, arched niches, even a curved sconce shade will calm the geometry. Small detail, big impact. Lesson learned after one too many elbow knocks.
A powder room under the stairs with a mosaic tile wall, a free-standing stone sink, a toilet and a mirror in a dark-stained frame.
A modern neutral powder room with a sink-toilet combo, a mirror with a shelf and some lights.
A small under the stairs powder room with a blue accent wall, white brick clad and tiles, a wall-mounted sink, a mirror and a toilet.
Floral wallpaper is a trend for bathroom decor, and here it's rocked right with a vintage bowl sink and wooden furniture.
Surfaces & Texture Play
Texture is how small spaces feel rich. I like matte walls with a glossy tile backsplash to catch light by the mirror. Zellige or glazed subway adds shimmer without chaos; keep grout lines tight so it doesn’t get busy.
Floors do heavy lifting under stairs. Microcement or large-format porcelain reduces grout and makes the footprint look longer. If you need traction, a subtle honed finish beats shiny every time in a tiny WC.
Don’t skip “touch points.” A slim marble ledge over the concealed cistern, a timber shelf, a rattan basket—those natural textures warm up all the hard surfaces. It’s the difference between ‘rental basic’ and ‘boutique hotel powder room.’
An industrial under the stairs powder room with brick walls and white subway tiles, a printed tile floor and a wall-mounted sink.
A small under the stairs powder room with white and green tiles, a concrete floor, a wall-mounted sink and a small mirror feels very modern.
A tiny under stair powder room clad with white and grey glossy tiles, with modern white applainces and a tiny black shelf for storage.
A stylish brick wall is always a stylish solution.
Mastering the Stair Slope
This ceiling can be your nemesis or your superpower. Painting the slope the same colour as the walls helps it vanish. When I tried white ceiling + dark walls, the angle screamed at me. Never again.
Place tall items on the tall wall. Mirror, art, and the main sconce should all sit where headroom is kind. Use the low zone under the nosing for a slim shelf, a recessed niche, or just empty breathing space—clutter there looks cramped.
Trick for lift: run vertical beadboard or narrow battens up the high wall. Those lines pull the eye up, even when the ceiling is ducking down. It feels weirdly taller, and guests can’t quite tell why.
A small modern powder room with a grey accent wlal, printed tile on the floor, a wall-mounted sink and a mirror with a shabby chic frame.
A small boho powder room with colorful tiles, navy walls, a bowl-shaped sink and pampas grass is a lovely undet the stairs space.
A contemporary powder room done with geometric tiles, a pedestal sink, a wall-mounted shelf for storage.
A catchy under stari powder room clad with marble penny tiles, white appliances, a lit up mirror, an industrial shelf and neutral towels.
A tiny powder room under the stairs with white and grey glossy tiles, modern appliances and black fixtures.
A small powder room under the stairs with a bold tile, a wooden shelf, some decor and a pendant lamp is a cool soluton for a tiny space.
Mirrors & Optical Tricks
Go bigger on the mirror than your gut says. A tall pill-shaped mirror that nearly kisses the ceiling stretches the room visually. It also reflects that pretty floor or wallpaper, doubling your “wow” without more stuff.
Mirrored splashbacks behind micro-vanities are underrated. You gain depth and get a sneaky place for a shallow cabinet if you make it a mirror-door. Just keep the edges clean and repeat the metal finish on the frame.
If privacy allows, a reeded or fluted glass door borrows light from the hall. That “borrowed light” trick changed one of my gloomiest cloakrooms into a glow-up. Soft, blurry, very kind to small spaces.
A turquoise under the stairs powder room with white appliances, a radiator, some shelves, greenery and gold touches.
A small under stair guest toilet clad with white tiles, with a faux window, white appliances and a mirror in an ornated frame.
A vintage beach powder room with a blue framed mirror, an antique sink stand and even a potted plant.
A small white powder room under the stairs clad with white subway tiles, white appliances, a wooden shelf and a mirror in a stained frame.
Doors & Entrances that Make a Moment
Door swings can wreck a layout. Outswing or a pocket door frees precious inches inside, and no one gets trapped between door and basin. Ask me how I know. It was… a situation.
Make the door part of the design. Paint it the same colour as the walls for a secret-panel vibe, or go bold with a saturated hue that hints at the jewel box inside. A little brass knob that matches the tap ties it all together.
If you need privacy and light, choose reeded glass with a mid-rail. It looks intentional, not office-y. And add a slim bumper—tight hallways mean doors meet walls more often than we plan.
Storage that Looks Designed (Not Squeezed In)
Recessed storage is your best friend. A shallow niche above the concealed cistern, lined in the same tile as the backsplash, looks custom and swallows spare rolls. Add a tiny LED strip and it feels fancy.
Keep a slim, mirror-front cabinet at 10–12 cm depth for essentials. I’ve also used toe-kick drawers in a custom floating vanity—surprisingly roomy, oddly satisfying. Hidden brush holders and a built-in roll cubby keep the sightlines clean.
Hooks beat bars for tight rooms. Two stacked hooks on the least-visible wall handle guest towels without a bulky rail. Choose a towel with a small-scale stripe—yes, even patterns have scale in a tiny bathroom under stair.
Style Capsules to Copy
Scandi Calm. Pale oak vanity, white zellige splash, matte black tap, soft linen towel. Add a single branch in a stone vase, and it’s instant serenity. Works great with colour drench in warm white.
Japandi. Clay-toned walls, microcement floor, fluted vanity front, brushed brass hardware. Rounded pill mirror keeps it soft. I throw in a tiny stool—function plus that “spa” note.
Deco Glam. Emerald lacquer, scallop tile, brass globe sconces, ribbed glass door. It’s dramatic and a little extra, which small powder rooms love. Guests come out grinning, every time.
Industrial Chic. Charcoal walls, concrete basin, aged brass tap, vintage rug. Keep lighting warm or it feels cold. A tiny art print softens the edge.
Finishing Touches & Styling
Tiny rooms need tight editing. I style one tray with a pump soap, a travel-size hand cream, and a bud vase. That’s it. A chic bin and a slim brush that matches the hardware quietly do their job.
Art matters. Choose sealed prints or tile a mini art panel so humidity doesn’t win. I like quirky pieces—something that makes guests smile while they wash hands. It’s a powder room; you’re allowed to have fun.
Scent is the last layer. A reed diffuser with a light, clean note is friendlier than a heavy candle in small spaces. Brand the room with that scent and people will remember it as “the nice one under the stairs.”
Budget-Friendly Upgrades with Big Impact
If money is tight, start with the trifecta: paint drench, new mirror, better lighting. That combo can transform an under stairs bathroom weekend-fast. I’ve done it with under €250 using ready-made pieces.
Swapping hardware is a close second. Matching tap, handle, hook, and holder in one finish looks custom. Add peel-and-stick wallpaper on the tall wall or a removable floor stencil if you rent. It’s not forever, but it feels like it.
When splurging, splurge on the sconce pair or the mirror. They lead the mood and won’t date as quickly as a trend tile. Learned the hard way with a very loud floor I loved for three months.
A modern powder room under the stairs clad with grey tile, a wall-mounted toilet, a black bowl sink and a mirror.
A modern powder room under the stairs with black tiles, a stained wall-mounted vanity, potted greenery and a shelf with a mirror.
A modern powder room with greige walls, a taupe vanity, a toilet and some artwork under the staircase.
A modern white powder room under the stairs with white tiles, a white vanity with a bowl sink and some cool decor.
A small modern powder room with white subway and printed black and white tiles, a wall-mounted vanity and a mirror.
A small powder room under the staircase with a wall-mounted sink, a stained cabinet, whitewashed beams, a mirror in a vintage frame.
A small under the stairs powder room with a grey accent wall, a wooden shelf with decor and a toilet plus a marble tile floor.
A small under the stairs powder room with brick clad imitation, a small wall-mounted sink and a mirror with rounded corners.
A small under the stairs powder room with hexagon tiles, a wall-mounted sink and a toilet, a shelf with some lovely decor.
A small under the stairs powder room with turquoise walls and paneling, a printed floor, a wall-mounted sink, a hanging round mirror.
A small under the stairs powder room with white subway and printed tiles, an open shelf, some decor and a stool.
A teal powder room with white appliances, an open shelf, a mirror hanging, some decor and a radiator.
A tiny black powder room under the stairs clad with skinny and herringbone tiles, a wall-mounted toilet and a sink is a great idea.
A tiny white under the stairs powder room with white appliances including a bowl sink, a stained cabinet and some greenery.
A vintage powder room under the stairs done with bold tile and whimsical wallpaper plus white appliances is lovely.
A vintage powder room with printed wallpaper, a white radiator, a wall-mounted sink and some lights is amazing.
A white minimalist powder room with a window, light-stained wood, a vanity, white appliances and a small lamp.
A white under the stairs powder room with grey subway tiles, a floating vanity, a mirror cabinet and a glass shelf.
An under the stairs powder room with black walls, a bowl wall-mounted sink and some lights is a cool idea.
A cozy little powder room done with warm-colored tiles, a glass shelf and everything necessary.
A creative nautical under stair powder room with a cool artwork right on the wall, a free-standing sink and a window.
A minimalist powder room with a mirror and a sink plus toilet combo - you won't need more.
A minimalist under stair powder room done in white, with floating appliances and a rectangular mirror plus a striped towel.
A modern under stair powder room with graphite grey walls, printed tiles, a window with artworks and black appliances.
A modern under stair powder room with navy walls and white subway tiles, white appliances and an artwork is a stylish and contrasting idea.
A powder room styled with white tiles and vintage printed wallpaper for an elegant vintage feel.
A pretty under stair powder room with auqa blue and printed tiles, white appliances, potted plants and a tiny faux window.
A refined powder room with an arched door, a stained vanity with drawers, a mirror in a gold frame under the stairs.
A simple and modern under stairs powder room with white floating appliances, a round mirror, a small shelf and some towels.
A small and elegant powder room with grey walls, a window, tiles on the floor, a vintage vanity with a sink and a pouf.
A small and pretty under stair powder room with pink chevron tiles, speckle wallpaper, a blue floating vanity and a small sink.
A small and refined powder room with mauve floral wallpaper, a vintage flower-inspired sink and a printed towel.
A small contemporary powder room in all-white is a great idea to make the space look larger.
A tiny moody powder room under stairs, with mauve walls and wainscoting, white appliances and a catchy mirror is amazing.
Colorful geometric wallpaper to make the space catchy and sliding doors for space saving.
Go for wallpaper in the powder room, it's a hot trend and this space won't get too wet.