How to Make a Small Powder Room Big on Style
A powder bath may be the smallest room in your home, but it doesn’t have to feel cramped or insignificant. With thoughtful design choices and clever use of space, you can make your small powder room live large. Let’s chat about how to make a small powder room big on style.
I penned an earlier version of this post several years ago. I am looking for ideas to update a small bath in my own home without having to break the bank, so I thought I would redo this post with new ideas and
How to Make a Small Powder Room Big on Style
Keep it Simple
In a small space, less is more. Avoid cluttering the room with too many decorative items. Choose a few stylish pieces that serve a purpose, such as a beautiful soap dispenser or a stylish towel rack. Keep countertops clear and only display items that are necessary and aesthetically pleasing.
This lovely powder bath designed by Anne Pulliam Interiors and photographed by Stacy Zarin Goldberg has just the right amount of pizazz from the lovely wallpaper, vintage mirror and vintage style sconce.
Opt for Light Colors
Light colors can make a room feel larger and more open. Opt for soft hues like whites, light grays, or pastels. These shades reflect more light, creating an airy and expansive feel.
This charming small bathroom remodel with its white walls by Basic Projects photographed by Nicole Franzen, is filled with character. The brass fixtures, and sconces compliment the wood mirror and vintage looking tile.
Sherry Hart is a genius when it comes to curated gallery walls. She took this jewel box bathroom from blah to wow! Here is a sneak peek of how Sherry transformed this tiny powder room. You can see the before and afters on her blog here.
Maximize Vertical Space
In a small powder room, every inch counts. Use the vertical space for storage and decor. Here designer Sherry Hart took the vintage artwork almost up to the ceiling to create the illusion of space.
The black walls add impact. She didn’t try to crowd a vanity into this spot but instead opted for a pedestal sink. The interesting belgian linenn hand towels add visual interest and texture. The vintage mirror frame complements the gallery wall frames.
She created several gallery walls with vintage artwork, frames and other interesting artifacts for a collected look.
This vintage etagere provides textural interest to the decor. Love the it creates against the dark walls. Sherry added interesting artifacts and treasures to dress it up.
Choose Space Saving Fixtures
Look for a slim-profile sink, a wall-mounted faucet, or a corner sink to save precious floor space. A wall-mounted toilet can also free up floor space and make the room appear larger. Ensure that any storage solutions are streamlined and don’t protrude too much into the room.
You have seen many of the makeovers of my son’s 1930’s home (more to come). They had a very tiny bath off their side porch that was off their ill configured laundry room. You can read about their laundry room makeover here Clever Storage Ideas for a Small Stylish Laundry Room here. They were able to carve out a small space and create a very stylish small bathroom.
We opted for a wall to wall marble floating vanity with pendant lights and a basket for storage below. The toiletis opposite the vanity.
Add Strategic Lighting
Good lighting is crucial in a small powder room. Layer your lighting with a combination of overhead lights, and sconces. This will not only provide ample illumination but also create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Here is another floating vanity designed by Eye for Pretty, I love the earthy elements contrasted with the brass plumbing and wall lights.
Play With Patterns and Textures
This small bathroom from Hageman Homes Interiors is big on charm. The clever layout allowed for a tub shower and vanity. Vintage style hardware, block pring shower curtain and the pretty tile accent wall create visual interest.
Thank you for reading how to make a small powder room big on style. You might also enjoy my post Stylish Solutions for Small Baths for more inspiration.
Do you have a small bath in your home in need of inspiration? I do! I will be doing a post on that soon. Have a great Thursday.
Hi Cindy,
These are all so gorgeous! I love the one with the black walls and gallery wall. When I was in my teens my Godfather had a powder room “wallpapered” in old 78 records, from floor to ceiling, I thought it was so cool! Very 70’s style and unique.
I’m thinking of redoing my guest bath, this gives me ideas!
Xo Heidi
Love Sherry’s bath redo but the third one stirs my imagination best. From shower curtain to tiled walls, love it all.
You always get me pointed in the right direction! be well….hb
Sherry does the utmost beautiful baths of anyone. Hands down. And gallery walls, too! Love her style.
The pup is adorable.
I love the powder room ideas…such creativity! My “Ask Cindy” question is …how to make older condo kitchen cabinets look better , and with additional storage. Perhaps up to the ceiling ? After making my large sunny kitchen beautiful , once this house sells, I will be downsizing dramatically. Over time I hope to economically make the smaller kitchen give me the same sense of joy I have achieved in my current home.Happily it has two windows, facing different views, and basic white appliances. No space for a table & chairs though.
I will try to send a couple of photos, Cindy.
Do you follow Mary Ann of Classic Casual Home? She had the most delightful kitchen in her apartment in San Francisco. Over time she put out many ideas on how to update it and make it more functional. Could help with the inspiration.
Yes, Joyce, I did see that kitchen…with bay views. The square condo kitchen has white cabinets with sort of pinky beige countertops. I like Tuscan gold tone walls and will require more storage, and as I will be the owner ,🤞I will be able to do some changes to incorporate more storage and add my own personal touches…certainly money wise changes. And thanks for your interest. Did we not correspond a while ago? I believe you are in Vancouver and I am currently planning to live 15 minutes away in Qualicum Beach once my divorce is settled. Have I got the correct Joyce?
Hi Cindy,
I bought the throw blankets that you have in linen. The brand is Libeco. I would like to purchase the hand towels but I don’t remember what the name of the online retailer. Would you please send the name to me?
Thank you,
Diane
Hi Diane
Thank you for reminding me. I want to order some for myself! Here is the link
https://rstyle.me/+S438IJNIK0-XnIw4Vm6-Lw
For some reason they always have the best prices on Libeco
Hi Cindy,
I follow Sherry Hart (thanks to your introduction from some time ago, thank you). This powder room truly is a jewel box.
The Stables hotel looks great. I love boutique hotels where they resemble a cozy home rather than identical rooms everywhere.
I have a few Johnny Was pieces, this one is on my wish list.
xo,
Karen
Hi Karen
Sherry Hart is just amazing, she inspires me daily. If you are passing through Paso, the Stables is a great place to stay and not as pricey as many of the others. I remember that you are a Johnny Was fan as well. I just wish they weren’t quite so pricey!
That powder room is fantastic!!!! Just started following Sherry😍
Hi Linda
You will love following Sherry. Her work is so inspiring! So glad you enjoyed the post!
I love Shari Hart, she is an amazing designer. I just made some of those paper bag snowflakes this week, so funny to see them on your post.
I loved following along on your trip, the hotel was fabulous!
Off to watch the Youtube video.
As for the Johnny Was duster it is fabulous! I cannot wait to see you model it.
Hi Eliz
Sherry is quite amazing. It has been so much fun watching her come into her own. That Johnny Was duster is to die for! Did I need it? Of course not!
Love Johnny Was, but the last thing I need is horizontal stripes going round my bum! I did buy the leopard duster, thought. So agree about the powder room. Such devotion to detail. Tell Steve congrats on the Purdue win from an eager and anxious OU alum.
Absolutely LOVE the outfit – but, I’m going to have to find the knock offs ;>} Thanks for the inspo!
I live in the Paso Robles area. It is very special! Multiple wineries, good restaurants and gorgeous views. The weather is always perfect. Summers are hot but we love the heat. Just a short drive to the beach.
That powder room is so sophisticated. Guests would be using it just to see the art display!
In your picture of The Stables, I can see from the background exactly where it is located. I think it was one of the vintage motels along that strip. I can’t believe I’ve driven right by it twice recently and didn’t notice (you know about one of those times!) Nice to have the Gilsons put their touch on another property.
I too read Sherry Hart’s posts and I too think that she is an inspiring deocator. Love Love Love the powder room! Her attention to detail, as well as her editing, is always perfection. Stables looks like a wonderful place to stay.
Carolina you hit the nail on the head. She knows when to quit and when she has it just right. She never over works a room. I constantly study her for inspiration.
I also followed Sherry Hart’s powder room renovation & love everything she did. Dark walls, for whatever reason, are really resonating with me lately. Maybe because I have so much white right now? Simply white has been my go-to. Love the Johnny Was look, but just don’t think I can pull it off. Maybe the earrings?
Thanks for another great Sunday post!
That powder room that Sherry did is so great…reminded me of yours in your last house with the bamboo shelving. Yours was pretty too. The gathering room at the Stables Inn looks so inviting!
Oh gosh Mary Ann I am honored that you would think my powder room echos anything close to Sherry’s. That’s what friends are for, right? The Stables is fun for sure
Sherry Hart is indeed a genius with gallery walls and everything else she designs! If anyone isn’t following her blog, they should be! Looking forward to checking out those makeup tutorials-thanks for all you share!
Couldn’t agree more. She is amazing!
YES!!!!
Hi Jan
Sherry constantly inspires me. You will enjoy Kerry Lou. She knows her stuff!!