14 Awesome Powder Room Decorating Tips
and Ideas
We are all familiar with the humble yet necessary cupboard size room in our homes – the powder room or more commonly known as the toilet. Often this space is overlooked when it comes to styling and decorating, so we have put together 14 awesome Powder Room Ideas and Decorating Tips for you.
It is interesting to note that this little room is known by a different name in other parts of the world. Names such as lavatory, bathroom, guest bathroom, loo, “WC”, ladies’ room or restroom to name a few.
What Defines a Powder Room?
Powder rooms are generally small rooms that contain a toilet, a washbasin (with or without a vanity) and a mirror.
Often these rooms do not have a window but extractor fans that come on automatically when the door is opened and/or the lights are switched on. There are no showers or bathtubs in this room.
The powder room needs to be inviting and practical.
Powder Rooms – Their Origin
During the 18th Century, people wore wigs and would go into tiny closet-like rooms to re-powder their wigs. In the Victorian period, these rooms morphed into toilet rooms. When the need arose to use the toilet, ladies would excuse themselves by using the phrase “need to go and powder my nose” – though not often heard anymore the expression still exists today
Powder Rooms – Their Value
These little privy rooms do add value to your property. If you have an empty space consider adding a powder room, however, do not do so at the expense of reducing the area of an existing room, for example, a bedroom.
Styling and Decorating the Powder Room
Do not let the purpose and size of these rooms deter you from styling them boldly, luxuriously, brightly, engaging, and detailed. Powder rooms are the ideal place to practice your interior decorating skills.
1. Lighting
Lighting in the powder room is important. You want to create a feeling of luxurious spaciousness, and calm.
Invest in light fixtures that will illuminate the room but not overpower it with light. Overpowering light will make a room feel small and cast unwanted shadows.
Flush-mounted bathroom ceiling light will distribute the light evenly throughout the room.
Consider adding task lighting – e.g. mirrors with a backlight or lighting under the vanity.
2. Mirrors
Mirrors are as important as the lights in the powder room. They are the focal point of the room.
They are not only there to look into, but they also reflect light and the room image, making the area appear larger.
Mirrors come in many shapes and sizes to choose from. If you are not quite sure, cut a “mirror” the shape and size you are thinking of using from a piece of paper. Position it onto the wall to see if it will look right.
There are a few rules to consider though. Mirrors should not be wider than the vanity and the centre point of the mirror should be at eye level from the floor.
3. The Walls
The wall colour of the powder room need not blend in with the rest of the house. Consider the powder room as an entity on its own.
Choose a colour that will beautify the room. Be sure you read our blog on calming and stress-reducing colours.
Experiment with different colours. Get some paint samples from your local paint store to test how the room will react to your chosen colour/s.
Instead of paint, you could opt to tile. Choose large tiles as fewer grout lines tend to open up the space.
4. The Vanity
Create the illusion of space with a small wall hung vanity. You do not need a stack of cupboard storage space for the Powder Room, as you would for a bathroom.
5. The Basin
The choice is yours. There is an array of basins to choose from. You require a basin large enough to comfortably accommodate hand washing and one that will complement the vanity.
Above the counter, under counter, wall hung basins, freestanding basins, built-in basins, and console basins, to mention a few.
6. The Toilet
“A great Powder Room lies in the balance of two things: form and function.”
Concealed cisterns add visual space and hide clumsy toilet parts. Wall-mounted or back to wall toilets create a modern and sophisticated look.
7. Toilet Paper Holders
Just because toilet paper holders appear to have an inferior function in the powder room it is no reason not to splash out a little extra cash to invest in good quality and eye-catching toilet paper holder. On that note ensure that the toilet paper is replenished before your guests arrive and that some extra rolls are available.
8. Toilet Paper
Show your guest that you thought about everything. Buy a good quality soft yet strong white toilet paper. White is the epitome of hygiene and freshness. Keep a few extra rolls on hand. They can be placed inside the vanity or in a basket on top of the water tank.
9. Toilet Brushes
Do not skimp on this item as toilet brushes and toilet brush holders are in eye’s view. Therefore, invest in a good quality toilet brush and brush holder. Choose a brush holder unique in design to add sophistication to the powder room. Keep toilet brushes in pristine condition and replace every 6 – 8 months.
10. Guest Towels
Go on spoil your guest with lustrous, luxurious soft white hand towels and face cloths.
White towels simply look great in any bathroom setting and are easy to replace. Wash the towels regularly.
Face cloths are a good alternative to hand towels. They are small and can easily be rolled up. They can be placed in a decorative container on the vanity and serve as a decorative item too.
Once used to dry hands the face cloths are then placed in a container for used towels to be washed.
11. Soap and Hand Lotion Dispenser
It goes without saying. These items are a must for any bathroom. Step away from the norm and invest in appealing dispensers that will add glamour and diversity to the room.
12. Add a bit of Greenery
For a touch of finesse, colour and diversity add some greenery. A good quality artificial plant will probably be the best.
13. Air Freshner
To keep the air fresh and smelling nice, use fragrance oil diffusers. There are a great many available these days. This will create a wonderful aroma and ambiance in the powder room.
14. Baskets
Baskets of any type are perfect for storing and collecting discarded items. They can be used for items such as towels or the extra roll or two of toilet paper. Choose a basket that resonates with your powder room décor.
Interior Decorating
Our interior decorators can help you artfully rearrange and creatively utilise the interior of your home to transform it into a stylish, revitalising and inviting space which reflects your personal style and taste. Please contact us for an obligatin free quote.