10 ideas to get your downstairs loo guest-ready

Usually the smallest room in the house, there’s no reason that the bijou size of the downstairs loo should dictate its style. Often reserved for guests or the occasional, ahem, quick dash, the downstairs loo gets less footfall and wear and tear than the rest of the home. These things considered, you can afford to be a little more avant-garde with your decor down here. So, if you’re planning on hosting drinks or a dinner party in the near future, take a look at these 10 ideas to get your downstairs loo guest-ready. 

Downstairs loo idea: a fresh lick of paint

If even in the downstairs loo wallpaper’s not your thing then you can always transform yours with a fresh lick of paint. Again, you don’t need to consider light and room orientation in the way that you usually would: you can assume it will be small with little natural light. This almost gives you carte blanche when it comes to choosing your bathroom paint colour. Join the black bathroom decor trend to lean into the small, dark cosiness of the downstairs loo or take a look at these modern small bathroom paint ideas for some up to date inspiration.

Downstairs loo idea: upcycle bathroom cabinets

If you don’t want to think about wallpapering or repainting the whole room, simply upcycling bathroom cabinets or shelving using leftover paint is not only an excellent and budget-friendly way to get your guest loo guest-ready, but it’s also a great way to use up leftover paint and create a cohesive colour scheme throughout your home.

Downstairs loo idea: wallpaper 

Wallpaper is a really popular option in the downstairs loo. Unlike other rooms, you won’t be spending too much time in here, so you don’t need to think about the colour psychology behind your colour choices too much. Just go bold! Take a look at our range of bathroom wallpaper for some inspiration or to make your life even easier, our range of self-adhesive wallpaper. In fact, you’ll probably only need one roll to get the job done making wallpapering your downstairs loo a cost-effective option that makes a huge impact.

Downstairs loo idea: matching towels

Matching, colourful or towels in keeping with your decor can work wonders in place of paint to tie together a look in your downstairs loo. It doesn’t feel very welcoming to dry your hands on mix-and-match towels that look as though they’ve seen better days. If those sound like yours, treat yourself and your guests to a brand new pair.

Downstairs loo idea: candles & diffusers

Few things make a guest feel more welcome than a richly scented candle in the guest loo. Not only do they create ambient lighting, but they can also set the mood for the evening. Scented candles can sometimes be too overpowering on the dining room table, masking the flavours and aromas of the food. But your favourite candle in the downstairs loo and hallway will set the scent for the evening.

Downstairs loo idea: nice hand soap & moisturiser

If we’ve learnt anything from the pandemic it’s that hand soap, moisturiser, and ideally, anti-bac are essential features in your guest loo. As with candles, they’re a sensory experience. Sure, anti-bac almost always smells like neat vodka, but opt for something more gentle and nourishing like honey or lavender for your soap or moisturiser. 

Downstairs loo idea: statement mirror

A large, statement mirror will not only act as a design feature in your downstairs loo but it will also make this small, often low lit room feel bigger. Not to mention it’ll make touch-ups between courses and ensuring sure you’ve not got spinach in your teeth, much easier.

Downstairs loo idea: a mini library 

Before mobile phones were invented, the guest loo library was a country home essential. The fact that there’s an entire genre of books dedicated to the past-time shows you the extent of its popularity. From fun facts to fan fiction, coffee table-esque picture books to ‘best ofs’, you’d be amazed at what you can learn on the loo. Give your guests something to stare at other than their phones with a miniature downstairs loo library. 

Downstairs loo idea: good lighting

And whilst your guests are checking themselves out, make them feel a little more confident by giving them some good lighting to do it in. You probably won’t have any plug fittings to use, so go for warm, ambient ceiling lighting. Alternatively, if hosting a dinner party, you could set the scene using candlelight.

Downstairs loo idea: those little essentials

Ok, this one is the advanced level. You’re entering the realms of hotel and club toilets but if you really want to ensure that your guests pay you and your loo another visit, keep your cupboards stocked with any essentials they might have forgotten. Sanitary products, deodorant, even a spare toothbrush and toothpaste in case you have any unexpected overnight guests. And it goes without saying, make sure you’ve always got plenty of loo paper. 

Have these 10 ideas to get your downstairs loo guest-ready inspired you to go for a full redo? Explore our bathroom paint colours and bathroom wallpapers and get decorating.