Cloakroom vs. Coatroom — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 6, 2024
Cloakroom typically refers to a small room or space in public buildings for coats and luggage, while coatroom is specifically for coats and outerwear storage.
Difference Between Cloakroom and Coatroom
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Key Differences
A cloakroom often serves as a multifunctional space in venues like theaters, museums, and restaurants, offering guests a place to store not just coats but also luggage and other personal items. On the other hand, a coatroom is more narrowly defined, focusing primarily on the storage of coats, jackets, and sometimes hats, particularly in colder climates or during winter months.
While cloakrooms may charge a small fee for their services to ensure secure storage and management, coatrooms are usually a complimentary amenity provided by institutions, aimed at enhancing visitor comfort. Whereas, businesses that provide a coatroom typically view this as part of overall customer service, ensuring guests' belongings are safely stored away from the public eye.
Cloakrooms are often manned by attendants who offer a ticket system for item retrieval, ensuring a secure and organized method for storing personal belongings. On the other hand, coatrooms might operate on a more informal basis, with guests hanging their own coats and retrieving them without assistance, depending on the setting.
The term "cloakroom" is more prevalent in British English, suggesting a broader use beyond just garment storage, including restrooms or lavatories in some contexts. Whereas, "coatroom" is a term more commonly used in American English, with a clear and singular focus on garment storage.
In terms of location within a building, cloakrooms are strategically placed near entrances to accommodate guests upon arrival, making it easier to drop off items that will not be needed inside. In contrast, coatrooms might also be found near entrances but can sometimes be situated in less central locations, given their more specific function.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Function
Storage for coats, luggage, and personal items
Storage for coats and outerwear
Fee for Use
May charge a fee
Usually free
Personnel
Often manned by attendants
May or may not have attendants
Usage Context
Broader use, including as a term for restrooms in the UK
Specifically for garment storage
Location in Building
Near entrances for easy access
Near entrances but can vary
Compare with Definitions
Cloakroom
A room for storing coats and luggage in public venues.
The museum offers a cloakroom at the entrance for your convenience.
Coatroom
A room designated for coat storage at events.
The wedding venue had a coatroom at the entrance.
Cloakroom
Sometimes used to refer to public restrooms in the UK.
The sign directed me to the cloakroom on the left.
Coatroom
Focused solely on outerwear.
The coatroom is equipped with hangers for your jackets and scarves.
Cloakroom
A feature of high-end restaurants for guest comfort.
The restaurant's cloakroom is complimentary for all diners.
Coatroom
Primarily found in colder climates.
The hotel’s coatroom is essential during the winter months.
Cloakroom
Can include secure storage services.
Leave your valuables in the cloakroom for safekeeping during the concert.
Coatroom
Rarely manned by attendants in informal settings.
Hang your coat in the coatroom before proceeding to the dining hall.
Cloakroom
Often charges a fee for usage.
There’s a small fee for the cloakroom service at the theater.
Coatroom
Usually a free service provided by institutions.
The library’s coatroom is located near the main door.
Cloakroom
A cloakroom, or sometimes coatroom, is a room for people to hang their coats, cloaks or other outerwear when they enter a building. Cloakrooms are typically found inside large buildings, such as gymnasiums, schools, churches or meeting halls.
Coatroom
See cloakroom.
Cloakroom
A room where coats and other articles may be left temporarily, as in a theater or school. Also called coatroom.
Coatroom
(US) A room intended for holding guests' coats and other heavy outerwear, as at a theater; a cloakroom.
Cloakroom
A private lounge adjacent to a legislative chamber.
Coatroom
A room where coats and other articles can be left temporarily; - called also cloakroom.
Cloakroom
A room intended for holding guests' cloaks and other heavy outerwear, as at a theater or night club.
Coatroom
A room where coats and other articles can be left temporarily
Cloakroom
A room intended for holding luggage, as at an airport.
Cloakroom
A private lounge next to a legislative chamber.
Cloakroom
A lavatory, now particularly a small secondary lavatory or a men's room.
Cloakroom
A room, attached to any place of public resort, where cloaks, overcoats, etc., may be deposited for a time.
Cloakroom
A private lounge off of a legislative chamber
Cloakroom
A room where coats and other articles can be left temporarily
Common Curiosities
Do cloakrooms charge for their services?
Cloakrooms may charge a small fee for secure storage and management of items.
What is a coatroom?
A coatroom is a space designated for storing coats and outerwear, usually free of charge.
Are cloakrooms safe for valuables?
Yes, cloakrooms often provide secure storage, but it’s wise to inquire about their security measures.
Is there always an attendant in a cloakroom?
Most cloakrooms are manned by attendants to ensure secure and organized storage.
What is a cloakroom?
A cloakroom is a room in public buildings for storing coats, luggage, and sometimes other personal items, possibly for a fee.
Are coatrooms always free?
Yes, coatrooms are typically provided as a complimentary service by institutions.
Do I need to tip the attendant in a cloakroom or coatroom?
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory, depending on the country and service quality.
Do all public venues have cloakrooms?
Not all, but many theaters, museums, and restaurants offer cloakroom services.
Can I store luggage in a coatroom?
Coatrooms are primarily for coats and outerwear; they may not accommodate luggage.
Can I find a coatroom in every building?
Coatrooms are common in colder regions and at venues hosting large events but not in every building.
How do I retrieve my items from a cloakroom?
Items are usually retrieved by presenting a ticket given at the time of storage.
Is the term "cloakroom" used in American English?
It's used, but less commonly than in British English, where it also refers to restrooms.
Can children’s items be stored in cloakrooms or coatrooms?
Yes, children's coats and small bags can usually be stored.
Is there a limit to how many items I can store?
Limits may apply based on space and the venue's policy; it’s best to check in advance.
What items can I store in a cloakroom?
Beyond coats, you can store luggage, umbrellas, and sometimes larger personal items.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
