The powder room–also known as a half bath or guest bathroom–isn’t quite as popular as it once was. The spaces are typically tiny and utilitarian, but they don’t have to be boring. In fact, the powder room is the ideal place to start if you’ve been considering giving your home a DIY makeover.
Why a “Powder Room”?
You might think that the term comes from the expression “I need to powder my nose,” and that wouldn’t be a bad guess! However, the powder room dates back much farther than that.
Its origins are in the 17th and 18th centuries when the nobility needed a place to freshen up their wigs and hair powder. It was the fashion to wear towering monstrosities of horsehair, ribbons, silk flowers, jewels, and sometimes live birds to parties back then. Powdering your hair required a team of assistants, and of course, it wasn’t something you’d do on the floor of Lady So-And-So’s ballroom.
Small Space, Big Design Impact
The great thing about powder rooms and guest baths is that they’re small. That means you can play around with bold or unexpected styles that might be too much for a main room. It’s also a space that pretty much every visitor to your home is guaranteed to check out.
Show off your personality by hanging artwork, experimenting with color, and taking risks that you’d hesitate to try in a larger space. If there’s one room in the house where you can go OTT, it’s the powder room. Even renters can get in on the fun with peel-and-stick tile, removable vinyl wallpaper, and updated accessories.
Powder Room Makeover Inspiration
Wallpaper or Murals
The quickest way to make a big splash in the half bath? Wallpaper. Long gone are the days of chintzy florals or cutesy country wallpapers. Now you can get bold, artist-inspired looks, large-scale blooms, and pretty much anything in between. Our favorite place for wallpaper is Spoonflower, a website where designers can upload their work and have it printed on wallpaper, fabric, and other items.
If you’re handy with a paintbrush–and have some time on your hands–then painting a mural could be just the exciting design choice your humble half bath has been waiting for. Because of the relatively small surface area of the walls, you won’t have nearly as much to paint.
Luxe Finishes
Another boon of small spaces is that you can spring for higher-end finishes. After all, with so little square footage, it’s possible for even budget-conscious homeowners to get marble, specialty tile, and so on.
A pro tip: check out Habit for Humanity’s ReStore locations, which often have, flooring, tile, and even cabinets available at a fraction of retail. Another option would be architectural salvage warehouses, where you can find unique vintage or antique pieces.
Artwork
Kate Winslet keeps her Oscar in the bathroom, so why not use your space to display a few treasures of your own? Framed artwork or a small collection of pottery or glass pieces can turn your powder room into an art gallery. Just skip the framed photos of your family, okay? That’s ever so slightly creepy to hang in the bathroom.
Mirrors
Most bathrooms have a mirror over the sink but don’t limit yourself to a utilitarian sheet of glass or basic medicine cabinet. Go for a bold, ornate mirror, or try hanging a grouping of smaller vintage mirrors instead of a single large piece.
One word of caution from personal experience: some glass cleaners can wear the finish on your mirror’s frame. Use a sealant or choose a mirror that’s specifically made for the bathroom.
Sinks and Vanities
This upgrade should probably involve a pro, unless you’re really, really comfortable with plumbing! Tearing out the basic “builder’s special” sink vanity and replacing it with a custom piece can totally transform your powder room. I love the look of a vintage reclaimed dresser or sideboard as a vanity with vessel sinks, but this is an area where your imagination is the limit.
Houseplants
Does your powder room have a window or skylight? Add some houseplants to the space! Plants aren’t just a trendy accessory; according to NBC News, houseplants clean the air of potentially harmful toxins.
Keep in mind that many of the hardiest houseplants, such as pothos, are harmful to pets. If you have four-legged friends at home, consider hanging the plants in baskets or putting them on shelves where your pets can’t reach.
