10 Under Stairs Bathroom Ideas: Creative Ways to Design a Stylish Under Stairs Bathroom

One of my funniest client requests ever? A couple once asked me to turn the awkward space under their staircase into a secret guest bathroom – complete with a hidden bookshelf door! I’ll admit, I rolled my eyes at first, but once we started sketching it out on my room planning tool, I realized how much potential that “dead” space actually had. Small spaces really do force you to think outside the box.

I’ve pulled together my 10 favorite under stairs bathroom decorating ideas from real projects I’ve done. These are practical, stylish, and sometimes a little quirky – all born from making the most of a tight spot.

1. Use Light Colours to Create Openness

Lighter shades like off-white, pale grey, or soft pastels bounce light around, making the small footprint feel less cramped. I learned this after accidentally painting one under-stairs bathroom navy – it looked like a cave! Light walls plus a statement tile on the floor can give depth without overwhelming.

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2. Built-in Storage Behind the Toilet

Think recessed shelves or shallow cabinets behind the toilet. It’s a lifesaver for keeping hand towels, cleaning supplies, and extra toilet paper out of sight but close to hand.

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3. Clever Lighting Placement

Since many under stairs spaces lack natural light, consider LED strips along skirting boards or under floating shelves. A well-placed spotlight can also draw the eye to a feature wall.

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4. Statement Sink

A small but bold sink – maybe in a bright ceramic colour or sleek stone – can act as the focal point. In one project I swapped a standard white basin for a hand-painted vessel sink, and guests always commented on it.

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5. Mirror Illusions

Mirrors can double the sense of space, especially if placed opposite the doorway. Bonus: they reflect more light – vital in these enclosed spots. I like using round mirrors with thin frames for a softer look.

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6. Pocket or Sliding Doors

Standard swing doors devour precious floor space. A sliding barn door or hidden pocket door can free up room and add style. It’s one of those tweaks I now suggest in almost all my small-space remodels.

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7. Bold Tile on One Wall

If you want personality without chaos, tile just one accent wall. Break up the monotony but keep the rest neutral. I once used geometric black-and-white tiles under a staircase – it instantly made the bathroom feel intentional.

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8. Wall-mounted Fixtures

Floating toilets and wall-mounted taps keep the floor clear, making cleaning easier and creating visual space. This approach also works wonders when planning unconventional layouts with my floor plan sketches.

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9. Natural Elements

Wood shelves, stone basins, or even a little potted plant can warm up the cool, tucked-away feel. Just remember that plants need either artificial grow lights or species that thrive in low light.

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10. Hidden Storage Under the Steps

If your stairs are deep enough, you can claim part of the risers for tiny cabinets or drawers accessible from inside the bathroom. I once integrated this into a project using my custom cabinetry layouts, and the client swore it changed their life by ending the ‘where’s the toilet paper?’ drama.

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FAQ

Q: Do under stairs bathrooms need special ventilation?

A: Yes! Because airflow can be limited, an extractor fan or discreet vent is a must to avoid dampness and smells.

Q: Can I fit a shower there?

A: It depends on your stair height and local building codes. Often you can fit a compact corner shower if you have at least 190cm clearance at the tallest point.