A narrow cloakroom succeeds when you prioritise sight lines and vertical storage over cramming in fixtures. The studio’s approach treats a narrow footprint as a constraint that sharpens design decisions: every element must earn its place, and the illusion of space comes from material restraint and clear sightlines, not tricks. This guide shows how.
Why narrow cloakrooms demand a different design approach
A narrow cloakroom is defined by its depth-to-width ratio. Unlike a square or wide space, you cannot arrange fixtures around the perimeter comfortably; instead, you are working with a single sight line. This means every material choice, colour, and fixture placement is visible at once. The studio’s work on residential and commercial projects—including the London Embankment Apartment and Fruittii Hair Salon—reveals that narrow spaces are not smaller versions of conventional rooms; they are fundamentally different design problems. Success depends on understanding that constraint, not fighting it. A mirror placed poorly in a narrow cloakroom makes the space feel cramped rather than generous. A poorly chosen wall colour creates a tunnel effect. Conversely, decisions that work in a narrow space often feel restrained and permanent, which is why the studio’s quiet-luxury approach suits them so well.
What material palette actually makes a narrow space feel larger?
Material restraint is not minimalism for its own sake; it is clarity. A narrow cloakroom with three wall colours, two floor materials, and mixed finishes reads as busy and cramped. The studio’s approach uses one dominant wall colour—typically a warm neutral or soft grey that reflects light without being clinical—and extends it fully, including above any fitted elements. This continuity removes visual breaks that interrupt the sight line. Flooring should be a single material: concrete, terrazzo, or natural stone in a consistent tone create a calm base. Avoid patterned tiles or contrasting grout lines in narrow spaces; they fragment the floor visually and reduce the sense of flow.
Finishes matter as much as colour. High-gloss or reflective surfaces bounce light and can amplify the sense of narrowness; a matte or subtly textured finish feels more grounded. The London Embankment Apartment demonstrated that a narrow cloakroom lined in a single, warm-toned plaster finish reads as intentional rather than cramped. Joinery—shelving, hooks, coat rails—should be integrated into the wall plane rather than applied. A coat hook that sits proud of the surface adds visual clutter; one recessed into a continuous wooden or plaster plane becomes part of the architecture.
How should you arrange fixtures in a genuinely narrow footprint?
In a narrow cloakroom, the depth of a single fixture determines whether the space functions. A basin that projects 45 cm into a 120 cm-deep space leaves barely 75 cm for standing room. The studio’s Discovery and Concept stages always begin with measuring actual usage: how many people use the space, what they need to store, and how long they spend there. A commercial cloakroom—like those at Tone at Canary Wharf—demands speed and reliability; a residential cloakroom in the Witham Project needed to accommodate both daily family use and occasional guests. These constraints shape the layout entirely. In a narrow space, choose a shallow basin (40 cm depth rather than 55 cm), wall-mounted taps to minimise counter clutter, and vertical storage above rather than below. A tall, narrow mirror (positioned to reflect light toward the entrance) is more functional than a wide, shallow one.
Coat storage must be vertical. A coat rail or hooks should run the full depth of the wall, so garments hang straight and do not project into the walking space. Shelving above the rail for bags or hats keeps items off the floor. The Keystones Estate Agent project showed that even in a commercial cloakroom with high turnover, a single rail with ten well-spaced hooks and two floating shelves handles more than a compact cupboard would, because the items remain visible and accessible without opening a door. Doors themselves are a problem in narrow spaces; if you must have a cupboard, slide doors take up far less swing space than hinged ones, and the interior should be lit automatically so items are visible without reaching into shadow.
What lighting prevents a narrow cloakroom from feeling dark?
Narrow cloakrooms are typically windowless or have a small, north-facing window; artificial lighting is everything. Poor lighting makes even a well-designed space feel mean. The studio’s approach uses layered lighting: a primary source that is bright and colour-accurate (ideally 300–400 lux on the mirror), a secondary ambient source that softens the space, and no directional downlights that create harsh shadows. A light source positioned above the mirror should be bright and slightly warm (3000K colour temperature), so the face is properly lit without shadow under the cheekbones. A secondary wall-mounted light or a subtle uplighter in a corner softens the overall effect and prevents the narrow space from feeling like a corridor. In the Beaulieu Dental Practice, overhead fluorescent lights were rejected in favour of a subtle combination of mirror lighting and an indirect wall wash, which made the space feel calmer without sacrificing clarity.
Avoid downlighters or spotlights in a narrow cloakroom; they create pools of bright light and shadows that fragment the space. Instead, choose diffused ceiling or wall sources. If space is very tight and ceiling height is limited, a thin linear light recessed into a soffit above a mirror provides even illumination without taking up depth. The wall colour you choose interacts directly with lighting: a cool grey will feel clinical under cool white light, while a warm taupe will feel comfortable. Test your chosen finish under the actual colour temperature you plan to install before finalising the scheme.
Why the Concept, Design & Specification stages matter for narrow spaces
Narrow cloakrooms are not spaces where you can iterate on site. Every measurement, fixture depth, lighting position, and material finish must be resolved during Concept, Design & Specification before fabrication and installation begin. The studio’s process treats this stage as critical for constrained spaces. During Discovery, you establish the exact dimensions, natural light, existing plumbing and electrics, and intended use. During Concept, you sketch multiple layouts, testing sight lines and movement; this is where decisions about whether a wall-mounted or floor-standing basin work are made. During Concept, Design & Specification, every dimension is confirmed, finishes are physically sampled in the actual space under the actual light, and coordination drawings ensure fixtures arrive ready to install without site adjustment.
Why does this matter? In the Witham Project residential cloakroom, a wall-mounted basin was chosen over a vanity unit during Concept because it maximised floor space and kept the sight line clear. During Concept, Design & Specification, the exact height was tested with actual users, the waste and supply pipes were routed vertically to minimise disruption to the plaster finish, and the mirror was sized to reflect light toward the entrance without causing glare. On Reveal, the space functioned exactly as intended because no site adjustments were needed. A narrow cloakroom designed by remote measurements or guesswork almost always disappoints; spaces designed with rigour in the early stages feel purposeful and durable.
What finishes and details make a narrow cloakroom feel permanent rather than temporary?
A narrow cloakroom will be used daily, and wear will show quickly if the design is not thought through. The studio’s approach prioritises durable, tactile finishes that age well. Painted plaster (rather than wallpaper or tile) on the walls creates a unified surface that can be retouched; a quality paint finish in a warm, soft colour lasts longer than trendy shades and feels less dated after five years. Natural stone or concrete flooring resists wear better than vinyl or laminate; it also feels more substantial under foot, which contributes to the sense of a considered space. Joinery should be in solid timber or plywood with a natural oil or lacquer finish, not MDF veneered in walnut effect—the real material will age elegantly, while veneer chips and peels. Brass or bronze fixtures (taps, soap dispensers, towel rails) develop a patina that looks intentional; chrome or stainless steel shows fingerprints and water spots immediately. In the Fruittii Hair Salon, simple brass wall-mounted hooks and a mirror frame chosen during Concept, Design & Specification have worn beautifully over time, while cheaper alternatives would have needed replacing within two years. This is the difference between a cloakroom that feels temporary and one that feels permanent.