Your half bathroom may be small, but you can turn it into a creative and functional space with the right layout and attention to detail. Whether you’re looking to make a bold statement or create a serene oasis, a well-designed half bath can leave a lasting impression on guests and add value to your home.
In this article, we’ll share various ways to infuse style into your half bath, from eye-catching patterns to clever storage solutions.
Patterned Wallpaper
Wallpaper is one of the strongest ways to transform a small space. “Without a steamy shower, there’s no worry about peeling paper,” says Jane Coslick, an interior designer based in Savannah, Georgia. “Continuous patterns have the effect of making corners disappear, so small spaces feel more expansive. And you don’t need much material, so you can spring for the good stuff.”
We recommend using bold patterns or textures such as geometric designs, floral prints, or metallic finishes that would be overwhelming in larger spaces.
Shown: Rosslyn wallpaper (walls), us.farrow-ball.com
Repurposed Furniture
Incorporating repurposed furniture into your half bath can add unique character and charm. For instance, you can turn a flea-market table or discarded dresser into a one-of-a-kind bath vanity.
In the example shown above, a vintage table serves as a sink pedestal. Other distressed items, such as a weathered medicine cabinet and salvaged door, contribute to the rustic theme. Modern subway tile, marble, and hardware balance the room out. “A powder room is a great place to showcase your style with something fun, whimsical, or offbeat,” says Birmingham, Alabama–based designer Lindsey Ellis Beatty.
When repurposing furniture for your half bath, we recommend these tips:
- Apply a water-resistant finish to protect the wood
- Choose hardware that complements the furniture and the room
- Ensure the piece is sturdy enough to support a sink and plumbing
- Integrate mirrors or artwork that echo the furniture’s character
- Opt for contrasting finishes for an eclectic feel
Similar to shown: Blanton sink, signaturehardware.com
Deep Hues
Use rich colors like deep red, blueberry, peacock, plum, dark gray, or chocolate brown. “People worry about using a dark color in a tiny room,” says Rita Wilkins, a designer in Avondale, Pennsylvania. “But a coat of white paint isn’t going to change the fact that it’s small—you might as well embrace it!”
These shades can make the room feel “rich, luminous, and cozy all at once,” according to Wilkins. She advises prepping with a tinted primer and applying at least three coats of paint.
When working with dark colors in a half bath, keep the following tips in mind:
- Add under-cabinet or recessed lighting
- Balance dark walls with lighter fixtures and accessories
- Incorporate metallic accents
- Pair with mirrors to reflect light and open up the space
- Use high-gloss finishes to reflect light and create depth
Similar to shown: Valspar Front Door Red, lowes.com
Upscaled Elements
Half baths often suffer from “builder-basic syndrome,” featuring standard home-center cabinets and minimal mirrors. Switch it up using oversized elements, such as a large mirror. “You can use scale and proportion to create the illusion of a higher ceiling and improve the proportions of a small room,” says Wilkins.
A typical bathroom mirror measures two-thirds the width of the vanity and two-thirds the height from the sink top to the ceiling. Increase those proportions for effect. For example, if you have a 36-inch-wide vanity, consider a mirror that’s 36 inches wide and 48 inches tall.
Here are other ways to upscale your half bath:
- Add custom millwork or wainscoting
- Choose a sculptural faucet
- Incorporate high-end materials like marble or granite
- Install a statement light fixture
- Use bold tile designs to draw attention to key areas
Statement Sink
An unusual shape, size, or material can make a sink the focal point of your half bath. An extra-deep utility sink, like the one shown, is both interesting and functional. Plus, the sink features twin faucets, allowing the room to double as a kid’s hand-washing station or dog bath.
When selecting a standout sink for your half bath, keep these factors in mind:
- Choose high-quality fittings that can withstand frequent use
- Ensure the sink size is proportionate to the room
- Integrate countertops that complement the sink
- Pick a sink that has a unique shape or color
Similar to shown: Kohler Harborview sink, amazon.com
Lighting Done Right
Sole overhead lighting can be stark and cast unflattering shadows. Make your half bath more practical and inviting by adding ambient and task light sources.
Architectural designer Ritch Holben recommends the following lighting strategy:
- Install overall ambient illumination using a small chandelier, pendant, or flush-mounted fixture on the ceiling.
- Provide task lighting with a pair of dimmable wall sconces set at eye level on either side of the mirror.
- Think about adding accent lighting to highlight architectural features or artwork.
You can also integrate dimmable and color-adjustable bulbs.
Similar to shown: Adele chandelier, potterybarn.com; Wilcox Globe sconce, amazon.com
Textured Layers
To add depth without overwhelming your room with color, mix and layer textures. We recommend incorporating the following:
- Budget-friendly white ceramic subway tiles for a clean, classic look
- Decorative wall finishes or texture paints
- Detailed millwork, such as a wood-frame medicine cabinet or beadboard wainscoting
- Natural materials like stone, wood, or woven baskets
- Plush textiles, including a soft bath mat or decorative hand towels
An emphasis on texture can also help soften a stark, predominantly white bathroom.
Similar to shown: Pennington console sink with polished-nickel stand, signaturehardware.com
Storage Solutions
You can also level up your half bath with a simple storage upgrade. Here are a few of our experts’ favorites.
Baskets
Baskets are a versatile and eclectic way to store extra toilet paper, hand towels, or toiletries out in the open. You can even install a wall of baskets for a practical and one-of-a-kind storage option. For an even more organized approach, label the baskets.
Similar to shown: Rachael basket, worldmarket.com
Floating Shelves
Floating shelves offer low-profile storage while capitalizing on your room’s vertical space. They’re also easy to customize with paint or stain. Use floating shelves to display decor and houseplants, store essentials, or all of the above.
Similar to shown: Home Decorators Collection, homedepot.com
Built-In Cubby
When working with limited space, a recessed cubby adds valuable storage without sacrificing floor space. Use this built-in feature to display decorative items, store toiletries, or keep extra hand towels within easy reach. You can accent the cubby’s back panel with a contrasting color, wallpaper, or tile.
Worthy Extras
Smaller improvements can still have a big impact on your half bath’s overall vibe. Below, we’ll cover hardware ideas, comfort upgrades, and artwork.
Handsome Hardware
Upgrade your half bath’s appearance with minimal effort by replacing old hardware. With just a screwdriver and a few new knobs, you can instantly update an old vanity.
Choose hardware that complements the room’s theme and coordinate your drawer pulls, towel bars, and faucet handles for cohesion.
Shown: Knobs, rejuvenation.com
Soft-Close Toilet Seat
Improve your half bath’s comfort and privacy by installing a soft-close toilet seat. This simple upgrade eliminates the unpleasant sound of a slamming lid. Soft-close seats are available in various shapes and finishes, and many feature a quick-release seat mechanism to make swapping out or deep-cleaning easy.
Shown: Kohler Q3 Quiet-Close toilet seat, amazon.com
Wall Art
Add personality and visual interest to your half bath with carefully chosen wall art. Look for affordable prints with graphic punch or create custom pieces from your photographs. Here are a few ideas:
- Abstract paintings or prints
- Black and white photography
- Botanical illustrations
- Vintage posters or reproductions
When selecting wall art for your half bath, choose pieces that complement your color scheme and overall design. Frames, sizes, and placements can also reflect your style—whether eclectic or minimalist.
Shown: WPA poster print, vintagraph.com
Special Hand Towels
Upgrading your hand towels is one of the most affordable and flexible changes you can make. Opt for Egyptian cotton towels or those with decorative embroidery or trim and try rotating your towels seasonally.
Shown: Matouk Cairo towel, gracioushome.com
Cushy Rugs
With the right rug, you can increase how comfortable your half bath is and how big or small it feels. For example, a rug with a distinctly horizontal or vertical pattern can create the illusion of a longer or wider room. We recommend choosing a rug that’s easy to clean and durable.
Shown: 2-by-3-foot rugs, dashandalbert.com
