A powder room is a small yet powerful room in your home. It's the one space you can guarantee your guests will visit, so it's a unique opportunity to create a beautiful design moment.
And unlike your usual bathroom ideas, a powder room's small proportions are perfect for experimental designs and playing with scale. Even the simplest details have an impact, so every element must be considered.
And the compact footprint can make it more difficult to know how to design and decorate, but interior designers have plenty of ideas, advice, and inspiration to help you design the most stylish powder bathrooms, whether you prefer something classic and calming or bold and busy.
19 Designer-Approved Powder Room Ideas
Not only will a well-designed powder room add value to your home, it could also be particularly handy when you’re entertaining friends and family. Or when children are playing out in the garden and you don’t want them rushing up and down stairs. The decorating possibilities are endless when it comes to the best powder room ideas.
1. Always Soften a Powder Room with a Bathroom Lamp
Decorative additions like lamps are often overlooked in a powder room, but designers say it's the one thing your bathroom is missing. They add additional lighting, a warming ambiance, and a decorative detail that instantly elevates the space.
In this powder room designed by Alice Lane Interior Design, a beautiful cordless lamp has been added atop a storage unit. It's a small detail that makes the whole scheme feel a little bit more styled, and gives a functional feature a more decorative edge.
2. Introduce a Playful Sink Design
You can really have fun with your sink and vanity design in a powder bathroom – it's only used for washing hands, so you don't need the additional practicalities required of a primary bath. So why not get a bit more decorative with the sink design?
'In this powder bathroom, we wanted the space to feel warm and adventurous. We transformed a 19th-century Belgian dressing table into a bathroom vanity with the original marble top. It was already so beautifully patinated, it added so much personality to the space,' says interior designer Bess Lovern.
3. Experiment with Bold Powder Room Colors
We often talk about how small rooms are the perfect places to go bold with your design – and designers encourage you to use them as your home's confidence zones. And your powder room is the perfect space to try it.
Color is the obvious element to create a bold powder room design, and embracing a hue that feels bold, moody, or even vibrant can have a huge impact. 'Being a small, enclosed space, you have the freedom to explore colors that you wouldn’t normally use for a main living area,' says Hannah Yeo, senior manager of color marketing at Benjamin Moore.
'Like a jewel box, get creative with unexpected hues. Deep inky hues add depth and can give an illusion of an expanded space. Or bring in saturated hues, like teals or moody reds, to add personality.'
4. Make a Statement with Wallpaper
It's not just paint that can help to create a bolder scheme, but wallpaper too. Think of it as another layer to your design – paired with the right colors and finishes, it can give your scheme a truly luxurious feel. But beginning with the wallpaper will give you a great starting point for curating your palette.
'A bold powder room feels intentional and curated, making it a statement that reflects the homeowner’s personality. Importantly, bold doesn’t need to mean garish; it’s about creating a space that feels layered, thoughtful, and slightly unexpected,' says interior designer Lauren Gilberthorpe.
'I always recommend starting with a strong visual focus, such as a beautiful wallpaper or a piece of artwork, and building the color palette around it. Painting the ceiling in a complementary color from the wallpaper creates a cocooning, cohesive feel,' she explains.
5. Create Character with Eclectic Antiques, Artwork and Trinkets
One of the most exciting factors when designing a powder room is that it isn't a wet, water-filled room. You don't have to contend with the damp conditions of a primary bathroom, so you can be more experimental with materials and decor.
'The great thing about a powder room is that there is no steam from a shower, as is the case with a main bathroom. This means you don’t need to rely entirely on water-resistant materials, and it is also safe to hang treasured artwork or antique pieces,' says Rosie Ward, creative director of Ward & Co.
'Besides art, a curated selection of trinkets and decor can also add to the ambience. Toss the basic soap dispenser and consider some stylish accessories for your sink - glass jars, mother-of-pearl or brass trinket trays, and rattan or leather waste bins will add a touch of elegance, and you can keep to one theme here or mix and match materials for a more eclectic look.'
6. Experiment with Tile Drenching
Most of the most coveted powder room designs feature a bold paint color or a busy wallpaper. And while this approach is timeless and beautiful, there is still space for tiles. Whether you add a few as a feature or tile drench the space, it can be so impactful in the smaller proportions.
'Tiling up to three-quarters of the way up a wall can make a small room appear larger than it really is. Tiles are also practical and easy to clean versus painted or papered walls, so ideal if you want a low-maintenance option,' says Rosie.
'For an all-over impact, you can also use the same tile on both walls and floors. Cladding a powder room entirely in one particular tile (floors included) can result in a show-stopping visual effect. We regularly work with natural stone for this type of design; it’s hard-wearing and great for underfloor heating.'
7. Be Inspired by Classic Floor Designs
A powder room might have a small footprint, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't focus on flooring. In a small room you have less space to make an impact, so choosing the right floor tiles is an important step.
'Powder rooms lend themselves to having a bijou decor as they don’t get used for hours on end so you can go big on color and pattern as seen here, but done so in a way that is both comforting and nurturing,' says Grazzie Wilson, head of creative at Ca’ Pietra.
Because you're tiling a more compact space, smaller tiles are your best bet if you want to create a bold, statement floor. 'Choosing a mosaic floor is a great way of instantly creating a pattern that adds visual texture, and here it’s been laid with a brick border that almost makes the mosaic feel like a rug,' explains Grazzie.
'The umber red wall paneling breaks up the two contrasting patterns of the room to create a space that more than handles the combination. It is timeless and elegant but with enough personality to make plenty of impact on visitors.'
8. Embrace Unusual Architecture to Create a Unique Design
Sometimes, it’s the limitations of powder rooms that make it so memorable and push you to think differently – and nowhere is that truer than in a historic home.
'I have worked extensively in historic homes, and powder rooms are usually the most wonderful design challenge because, with few exceptions, these rooms are being added to a space for the first time,' says designer Bethany Adams.
Bethany actually faced this in her own 1897 home, where she transformed a former servant’s bathroom under the stairs into something extraordinary. Space was tight, and when a new plumbing vent pipe meant building a false wall, she decided to recess the sink four inches into it, creating the stylish tiled niche seen above.
'Because the space was quite petite to begin with, I chose to leave a niche in the new wall so that the sink could be recessed into it,' she explains. 'Tiling the niche and lighting it made this problematic area an absolute showstopper, and there is not a single person who doesn't comment on it – and none of them have any idea that this beautiful design was born out of necessity!'
9. Mix Wallpaper and Paneling for a Layered Look
Even in the small footprint of a powder room, you can mix and match materials for a truly layered design. Take inspiration from this design, with green painted paneling on the walls paired with a striped wallpaper that covers the ceiling, drawing the eye up and creating a sense of grandeur.
'Carrying wallpaper onto the ceiling can completely transform the feel of the space. In a small room, every surface has impact, so by wrapping a pattern across both the walls and ceiling, you create a sense of continuity and intimacy that feels immersive rather than enclosed,' says Keeley Sutcliffe, design manager at BC Designs.
'In this design, the striped wallpaper (Five Over Stripe Wallpaper from Farrow & Ball) draws the eye upward, subtly elongating the room and adding architectural interest above the paneling. It brings rhythm and movement, balancing beautifully with the painted joinery and dark countertop. This approach works particularly well in powder rooms, where you can afford to be more playful and theatrical,' she explains.
10. Add a Floating Vanity in a Small Powder Room
Bathroom storage and furniture is essential to prevent clutter and create a calm bathroom. In a small space, maximize efficiency with a fittings that appear to 'float' of the ground.
'We kept things light and bright for this small powder room with gorgeous neutrals and natural materials,' says Lindye Galloway, founder and chief creative officer of Lindye Galloway Studio + Shop. 'The floating powder room vanity helps to open the lower portion of the space and gives the illusion of a larger room, while the luxe marble top provides ample counter space.'
'A decorative basket is placed underneath for further storage needs, and an eccentric lighting fixture caps off this serene spot.'
11. Go Big with the Vanity Mirror
A bathroom mirror is a must for a powder room, and while it won’t make more space, it will create the illusion of it, which can be truly transformative if you follow the lead of Artem and size up.
‘Mirrors, to me, are the unsung heroes in tight spaces,’ he says. ‘Swapping a small vanity mirror for an entire mirrored wall not only amplifies the room’s perception but also elegantly bounces light, infusing an airy ambiance.’
This design is a perfect example – the mirror fills the wall above the bathroom sinks, creating a bold, intentional look that maximizes light. The simple design of the mirror is key, allowing the beautiful wallpaper to shine, rather than compete.
12. Choose Vintage-Style Fittings for a Traditional Powder Room
There are very few features in a powder room, so making something special from the functional elements makes all the difference. And in the case of this powder room, the toilet unexpectedly became the standout design feature.
By introducing a Victorian-style WC, a feature we usually wish to hide becomes a striking focal point. It's got that vintage feel, and adds a touch of traditional style into what can often feel like a rather contemporary room.
13. Choose Quality Furniture in Natural Materials
To create a traditional powder room that will endure across the years, consider opting for high-quality furniture and fittings made from natural materials that feel timeless and chic.
In a powder room that can accommodate it, a vanity is a beautiful way to bring in classic wood tones, like in this design. The room might be pared back and neutral, but texture and quality craftsmanship come into their own.
A wooden powder room vanity will never date, and neither will the beautiful marble countertops and the warm neutral decor. There's appeal to a bolder, more statement powder room, but there's always a place for quiet restraint.
14. Get the Lighting Right
Smart powder room and bathroom lighting ideas are an integral design element that should be planned at the start of a project.
When it comes to powder rooms, light fixtures and fittings are built into the very fabric of the room, providing not only bright, general light to help with tasks such as shaving, but also ambient light for mood, which may involve a number of applications.
‘Try using a pair of angled warm-white light fittings set into the ceiling above the mirror – their recessed reflective lenses mean you can’t see the light source – and no shadow is cast over your face,' says Lucia Caballero, creative director of Caballero.
15. Prioritize the View
The view when you enter is a good starting point for a powder room design. Choose one key piece, be it a statement basin or a striking vanity unit and, if the proportions allow, plot a symmetrical layout, perhaps aligned with an architectural feature such as a window.
‘We chose to frame a window in front of the vanity instead of the more traditional mirror,' says Lisa Staton, founder and principal designer at Lisa Staton. 'A round mirror was then integrated into the paneling on the right hand side of the vanity.'
'While the silhouettes in this powder room are mostly modern, the natural materials keep it feeling warm and inviting. This includes Carrara marble, white oak and unlacquered brass.’ A powder room is a good chance to use more luxurious materials, since you will require less of them.
16. Consider Freestanding Furniture
'A freestanding vanity adds a layer of sophistication, and gives the impression it could have been collected at a local antique shop – the perfect vibe for this beach house,' says Karen B. Wolf, creative principal at Karen B. Wolf Interiors. This one provides ample storage while maintaining a small footprint.'
Not only is a freestanding vanity more affordable than a traditionally fitted one, it's an easy way to update an existing one. And if you're looking for modern powder room ideas with character and personality, adding freestanding elements will take the space from looking functional to fantastic.
17. Create a Vintage Look with a Washstand
Washstands are growing in popularity once again, replacing traditional vanity units even in the largest bathrooms. But the work beautifully in a powder room, where the open design creates the illusion of greater space.
Take this powder room, for example. The wooden washstand introduced a more traditional feel while opening up the room. There's still a shelf for storage, perfect for baskets filled with extra toilet paper rolls and supplies, but it instantly feels less bulky and built-in.
Your powder room offers the perfect opportunity to design a room around a washstand, especially if you can't sacrifice the closed storage of a classic vanity in your main bathroom.
18. Incorporate Storage into Alcoves and Niches
In a small powder room, space for storage is at a premium. So getting smart with your solutions and looking to recessed walls, niches, and seemingly awkward alcoves will maximize your compact design.
'Just because a space is small, it doesn’t mean you can’t be clever or playful with color choices, styling or storage ideas,' says Tom Rutt, director of TR Studio, who designed the powder room above.
'We often have to be creative when it comes to small powder rooms within projects, from using bold dark colors and finding clever ways to incorporate storage through built in alcove shelving and recessed walls areas.'
19. Be Creative with Your Material Choices
There's something rather beautiful about a powder room filled with unusual materials. Particularly those that make a powder room feel less like a bathroom and more like a charming, design-focused nook. and this design is the blueprint.
'Small spaces still offer a lot of creative opportunities, whether it be the ceiling, floor, base molding, or even the mix of materials. 'Here, we used the ebonized walnut, monkeywood, rosewood, and dark bronze,' says Mick De Giulio, designer and president of de Giulio Kitchen Design.
Shop Powder Room Decor
A powder room lamp benefits from being small and cordless, so you don't need to worry about adding outlets. This organic design from Lulu and Georgia is a chic addition that pairs with most schemes.
Small framed prints are a timeless way to make your powder room walls more interesting. This set of 4 has a vintage feel to them, as if you've collected them over time or inherited them from relatives.
For most people, a floating vanity is the best choice for their powder room, and this dark wood, fluted design is a chic option. The engineered stone top adds a touch of luxury, while the hidden storage offers a functional edge.
Bring a dose of personality to a small space with this lush, leafy wallpaper. The perfect backdrop for a powder room, its verdant palette pairs lovely with vintage brass accents for a layered look.
With its softly curved silhouette and brushed brass finish, this mirror adds instant elegance. The slim profile makes it ideal for compact rooms, while the brass edge catches the light beautifully.
Small but beautiful, this heritage brass towel ring adds a warm, timeless accent to your space. Its softly rounded design and aged finish lend a touch of old-world charm, while still feeling elegant and refined.
The benefit of a powder room is that you don't have to be too concerned with wet ratings, but thankfully, this adorable sconce from Anthropologie is at least damp-rated for peace of mind. The clip-on floral shade adds bags of charm.
A sculptural piece that instantly elevates a small space, this stunning vanity combines fluted wood detailing with a deep green marble countertop. It's sure to be a showstopper in a small room.
The final flourish to any beautifully styled bathroom, this hydrating hand lotion looks as good as it smells. Its chic packaging complements a curated countertop, while the bright, citrusy scent feels super indulgent.
Powder Room FAQs
What Do You Put in a Powder Room?
Before you decide on a look and materials for your powder room, analyze the current space and think about what works and what doesn’t. Draw up a list that takes into account the individual needs of all users and how their requirements might change in the future.
At its most basic, a powder room should have a loo and basin with space to move between them without bashing limbs. A footprint of 80x140cm is deemed the minimum by design experts. This might sound tight but you’re only in the room fleetingly. If there isn’t an opening window, you’ll need to install an extractor fan to comply with building regulations. Switching an inward opening door to outwards or installing a pocket or sliding barn-style door can dramatically improve spaciousness.
How Can You Make a Powder Room More Expensive?
The luxury of your powder room lies in the materials and decor you introduce. Even the smallest powder room can be elevated and given an expensive look with the right design and decor, as interior designers explain:
Mix Materials
'Layered details are the key to making your powder room look expensive,' says interior designer Kelly Stone. 'Start with interesting flooring, and then layer on different textures, patterns, materials, and lighting. Add dimension to the base of the room by incorporating traditional wainscoting or board and batten.'
'You can splash your personality atop with unique wallpaper – and don’t be afraid to be bold! A powder room is your opportunity to step outside of your comfort level and stand out from the rest of your home by making it memorable.'
Invest in Quality Hardware
'When designing a luxurious powder room, make your plumbing fixtures into a feature. Unlike a standard bathroom, a powder bathroom really has one place to shine in regards to plumbing,' says interior designer Victoria Holly.
'A gorgeous wall-mount faucet, for example, can act like a work of art. We also love incorporating a floating all-marble vanity with a custom marble sink fabricated from the sample material. You can really see the attention to detail and sophistication.'
Add Thoughtful Decorative Details
Interior designer Artem Kropovinsky says, 'Accessories can significantly elevate the ambiance of a powder room. Using high-quality towels, stylish soap dispensers, or an artistic mirror can infuse a sense of luxury and lavishness. Remember, less is more; try to avoid clutter and carefully choose items that add value to the overall design.'
Do Powder Rooms Add Value?
A powder room is a good way to boost your property’s value and can do wonders for the morning rush. Options include turning an adjacent box room into an ensuite, stealing an area of a landing or using stud walls to section off part of a large bedroom. If there is no scope upstairs, consider expanding a downstairs utility into a powder room.
Plumbing a new room is easier and cheaper if it is located next to an existing bathroom or above the kitchen, and not too far from the external soil stack, so that pipework doesn’t have far to travel.
Whether you keep things neutral yet textured all go all in with a bold powder room design, these ideas and tips prove that even the smallest room in your home deserves to be beautifully designed.
