Does Cloakroom Mean Toilet

Does Cloakroom Mean Toilet?

A cloakroom is practical for visiting guests. Cloakrooms have existed since indoor plumbing. Cloakrooms are more popular in British homes. So this leads us to the question of what is a cloakroom and why is a toilet called a cloakroom?

What is a cloakroom?

A cloakroom is a toilet on the main floor of a house. It's a place where guests can use the toilet without having to use the family's bathroom. A cloakroom contains a toilet, sink, and vanity. A cloakroom does not have to be a small space. It can be as large as you want it to be. However, the most popular place for cloakrooms is underneath stairs. This is space that is underutilized and therefore perfect for a cloakroom. Cloakrooms underneath a stairway are narrow small spaces with no windows and not much natural lighting. Cloakrooms underneath stairways are really ingenious spaces as they often use specially made tiny vanities and space-saving toilets not found in a regular-sized bathroom.

Why is a toilet called a cloakroom?

Toilets are called cloakrooms because back in the old days pubs and bars had a cloakroom where you could leave your coats and bags while your wined and dined. Cloakrooms were popular in the Victorian era. This was the period of Queen Victoria's reign, from approximately 1837 until she died in 1901. It's the era that followed the Georgian period and preceded the Edwardian period. During this period restaurants tried to differentiate themselves and added vanities for the ladies to use. Over time, they added toilets.

What is the minimum size for a cloakroom?

The smallest cloakrooms in the US typically have as a minimum a 32-inch entry door, and they need at least 21 inches in front of the toilet allowing for legroom. Also, the sink must be at least 15 inches away. Therefore, the smallest cloakroom with a toilet is 11 square feet. You need enough room to get in and also have enough room to use the toilet and vanity. One of the biggest space-saving techniques is to use a door system that slides open otherwise called a pocket door. Another alternative is to use a bi-folding door. A standard door that swings into space takes up a lot of space just for the door. It wastes space just for the door. Most under-stairs cloakrooms do not have space for doors to swing in.

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