Half baths or powder rooms offer opportunity for some extra creative expression in the home. These bathrooms have a utilitarian function, but given the smaller investments needed, they can become a canvas for design ideas that wouldn't work in other, larger areas of your home. Since a half bath is also typically intended for guest use, it's a great space to showcase interesting fixtures, colors, or design themes that express your family's tastes and personality.
If you're planning to update or add a half bath to your home, you'll need space for the basics: a sink, mirror and toilet, but the room's design can be more interesting than just these items. Considerations such as the room's materials, colors, and the specific fixtures you select will have a greater impact on the space, even more than the room's space planning.
The sink is the focal point.
Since there generally isn't too much in the room to look at, the sink usually becomes the main focus of a powder room. Designers often look at a broader range of sink styles than you might want in a full bath. Powder rooms are generally used for lightweight tasks, which broadens the options for the sink. Sinks can become show pieces in the space, with interesting shapes, colors, or installations. For example, a vessel bowl sink, a common choice for powder rooms, is a basin that sits on the counter rather than installed into it. This makes for an interesting sink style that can elevate the room's design.
A vanity can be optional.
While a sink is fundamental to the function of a half bath, what it sits on will be dictated by your needs and design goals. A pedestal sink is a good choice for smaller rooms. While these usually lack storage space, they may provide needed floor space. A larger powder room may benefit from a custom vanity tailored to fit and optimize the available space. If you would like to store items in the bathroom, cabinetry is ideal and a vanity with drawers or shelving is a great choice. Consider all the functional storage needs of the room when deciding what you may want in the space.
Be selective with the faucet.
If you haven't taken a look at faucet design lately, you may want to check out what's new. Faucet brands have taken bathroom fixtures seriously by offering wide ranges of styles, finishes, and features for even the most humble powder room faucet. The fixture you select should work with your sink as part of the room's main focal point, so don't shy away from considering options with an interesting look if that feels right for your goals. Consider options such as elegant or classic style faucets, wall-mounted faucets, or modern style faucets with eye-catching spouts.
A mirror is an essential feature in a half bath.
As a practical matter, it makes sense to include a mirror in your powder room, especially for the benefit of your guests. It's also a design element, adding another way to express the style personality of the space. Mirrors can greatly help visually expand smaller spaces and are fantastic in rooms without windows. Mirrors can be used in several ways such as a fully-mirrored wall or in a stylish frame over the sink. Shape, finish and scale will play a role, so be sure to review a few options to find the right one.
Lighting is crucial in a small bath.
Bathroom lighting is often selected in conjunction with the mirror. Lights can be placed above, on each side or even within the mirror, all depending on space and style. The critical quality of the lighting you select is that it adequately lights the room. You want to avoid casting awkward shadows or creating ineffective lighting for the room's users to see what they're doing. If you include a fixture with a more stylish lighting design, be sure to also include focused task lighting as well. If your space has a high ceiling you may be able to install a hanging fixture such as a pendant or smaller chandelier. If your bathroom lacks a window but has access to the roof, perhaps a skylight would make for a good addition to the room.
Half baths have many flooring options.
Without a tub or shower, steam and condensation are generally not a problem in a half bath. This allows for more options when it comes to the flooring than what would be appropriate in a full bath. Hardwood or engineered wood flooring, for example, can provide a warm and classic style to the room. Ceramic tile or luxury vinyl tile (LVT) are other suitable and stylish options. Speak with your designer about the expected level of use and your design preferences to help determine the right flooring choice.
Wallpaper and bold color work well.
A half bath is ideal for adding rich color to your home without being overwhelmed by it. You can decide if you'd prefer a painted wall in a color you love, or if you'd like more texture with a wall covering. You could also combine ideas, using color as a unifying theme. Wallpaper comes in a vast array of styles, so whether you're looking for something classic and elegant or something a bit cheeky or irreverent, you'll find something that works. Modern wallpaper is also typically easy to remove and replace, so this is a great option if you believe you'll want to change your mind in a few years.
Get creative with the space.
Show your personal style in the small space by displaying unique artwork, or by selecting decor details that feel at home in the room. If there's a style you would like to explore more in depth, but is too intimidating to try in the main areas of your home, the powder room is a great space to try it out!
For more inspiration and ideas for designing a home that showcases your personality, we invite you to gain access to our 1000 Ideas gallery. Inside this exclusive photo library you'll find ideas for bathrooms, kitchens, and all areas of the house to help you see the possibilities in your own home. Click the link below to sign up!
