10 Jewel-Box Powder Rooms

By Becky Harris | Houzz.com

Space is usually tight in a powder room, so people often shy away from bringing in any bold design elements. While in most cases white or a light neutral can help make a space feel bigger, break out of the white box in a small space. Try a bold wallpaper, add a unique mirrors, look at eclectic vessel sinks, choose ornate sconces and turn a piece of furniture into a vanity. See how 10 designers put their own spin on the powder room in look at 10 surprising and unique powder rooms in a wide range of styles.

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Photo by Anna Baskin Lattimore Design
Photo by Anna Baskin Lattimore Design

A lot's going on in this powder room, and that's what makes it great. An antique dresser repurposed as a vanity, the beautiful pottery vessel sink, the twig mirror (complete with birds), iron sconces and geometric tile are fabulous ingredients in this mix.

Tip: If you need to save space, experiment with setting the faucet to the side of sink. If you need to save even more space than that, mount the faucet into the wall.

Photo by Hann Builders
Photo by Hann Builders

Geometric, intricate details and a dramatic wall tiled floor-to-ceiling in sky blue make visiting this powder room a treat.

Photo by Locati Architects
Photo by Locati Architects

Here's another example of intricate details and strong geometry that result in a very different look. The walls go from dark hexagonal tiles to a light intricate wallpaper and the vessel sink looks like something brought back from a trip somewhere between Turkey and Nepal.

Vessel Sinks: Elegant Updates on a Classic Form

Tip: If you don't like light fixtures overhead, you can make space for a larger mirror by mounting sconces to the walls on either side.

Photo by Angela Gutekunst Interiors, Inc.
Photo by Angela Gutekunst Interiors, Inc.

Some think books in the bathroom are tacky, but I beg to differ, especially when the books are part of such a charming wallpaper print.

Photos by Smith & Vansant Architects PC
Photos by Smith & Vansant Architects PC

Real books in a clever recessed niche add personality and entertainment to this powder room. Walls covered in a birch forest and a snowshoe repurposed as a mirror pay homage to the woodsy Vermont surroundings. This homeowner collected plumbing fixtures for years in anticipation of her remodel; these vintage treasures are the icing on the cake.

Photo by Lynne Barton Bier - Home on the Range Interiors
Photo by Lynne Barton Bier - Home on the Range Interiors

This fun take on rustic style may not appeal to all, but I feel it deserves high praise. It's not too literal and it's not some kind of cartoon, old-saloon parody. It's simply having fun with lanterns, an old metal bucket and reclaimed boards and not taking itself too seriously.

Powder Rooms for Dudes


Photo by Peg Berens Interior Design LLC
Photo by Peg Berens Interior Design LLC

There's a lot of glamour sparkling in this small powder room, whether from the large-scale gold wallpaper or the sconces that resemble dangled earrings.

Tip: Don't assume you need to go small with your moldings in a small room. The wide and layered moldings at the baseboards and ceiling are well-proportioned here.

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Photo by The Inglenook Decor
Photo by The Inglenook Decor

The repeat of this crisp black and white wallpaper's trellis pattern gives this small room an appeal that's Op Art-esque.

Tip: When choosing wallpaper for a small powder room, don't be afraid of a geometric, bold or large-scale patterns.

Photo by Goforth Gill Architects
Photo by Goforth Gill Architects


Classic vintage style can transform a bathroom into a little jewel box. The height of this tile, coupled with the natural light, reflects and shines; the black and white tile accents give it fun apothecary appeal.

Photo by Bruce Johnson
Photo by Bruce Johnson

This is what I'd call a truly transitional bathroom, and each element has characteristics that are traditional-meets-contemporary. The designer showed restraint but not fear when creating this unique mix of textures, materials, patterns and styles.

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