Having an extra half bath for guests is a great thing, even if it is a very, very small powder room.  A powder room really only needs two things to function: a toilet and a sink. This doesn’t mean that you should leave the room with only the functional necessities. Even the smallest powder rooms can benefit  from good design. In fact, because of its small footprint, the powder room can be turned into a jewel box with a few design tricks.

This powder room has good bones that make the foundation for great design.  A smaller size toilet is a must for a tiny powder room. The pedestal sink also takes up less visual space with its narrow base.  The one downside is the pedestal sink does not provide any storage. Luckily, in a powder room you don’t need a lot of storage. A small decorative box or basket on the floor could hold extra toilet paper and soaps.

The dark tile floor helps make this powder room feel larger.  The white fixtures pop against the dark floor.  But why stop with white walls?  Because powder rooms are not rooms you spend a great deal of time in, they are perfect places to be a little bold with the wall décor.  Wallpaper is a great way to make a powder room feel special. Go bold with pattern or paint color in a powder room.

A big mirror or mirrors on opposing walls can make a powder room feel larger. An interesting pendant light or chandelier is also the perfect jewel box touch for these tiny rooms.

Reader Question:

I have a small half-bath downstairs that has no windows for natural light. How do I decorate this to make the space inviting?

Answer:

A bathroom like this may seem like a challenge. In reality, it provides a unique opportunity to be creative and daring in your decorating. The small size allows you to spend more per square foot on flooring and other options without breaking your budget.

What you need to do is change your perspective. Move your thinking from small to special. You can create a “jewel box” bathroom by making choices that help the room shine.

Hesitant to use color? Here is an opportunity to experiment. Consider glass tiles on one wall. If you prefer a neutral finish, look at some of the decorative tiles with texture. Pull the sink backsplash all the way up to the ceiling. Like granite? With the small countertop in your half-bath, you can probably find a piece at a good price.

Forget about a medicine cabinet. It’s really not necessary in a guest bath. How about a dramatic mirror with lots of personality? Consider a pedestal sink also. The extra visible flooring will make the space seem larger.

Finish up your jewel box with just the right light fixture. Think outside the box – how about a small crystal chandelier? Finally, experiment with paint or even wallpaper in a daring pattern – not too dark – and you will have a guest bath that will get your company talking!