It’s the 18th century. You’re a woman of status, swishing through a candlelit party in layers of silk and corset boning. Between conversations, you excuse yourself to a small, private space for a quick touch-up. You’re in the powder room.

The powder room has always punched above its weight class. Back then, it was a luxury found in upper-class homes where women could go to freshen up and find a moment of quiet respite. Less about wigs and wealth today, these unique spaces offer up some very cool powder room design ideas.

The design “rules” in a modern powder room are a lot looser here than they are in your main bathroom, so you have more freedom to experiment and have some fun. You can be moody. Playful. Even a little weird.

1. Add Wallpaper or a Pop of Colour

Wallpaper adds instant impact without eating up space, and today’s wallpaper selection casts a wide vibe net. Feeling dramatic? Try art deco fans or moody botanicals. Want something playful? Look for abstract squiggles, animal prints, or illustrated line drawings. Want edge? Try a wallpapered ceiling.

If you’re not a wallpaper person, one rich paint colour can be just as powerful. A deep plum, olive green, or navy blue creates a cozy, cocoon-like effect. Paint everything—walls, trim, even the door—for the same high-impact effect.

Get the scoop on modern wallpaper and decide if you’re team yay or nay (we’re team yay by the way!).

^{Photo by Andrea Davis on Unsplash}

2. Pick a Theme & Embrace Whimsy

One of our favourite powder room design ideas is to use a soft theme to help guide your choices. Examples:

• “Retro motel” might look like a coral sink with black-and-white checkered floor tile.
• “Moody English garden” could pair dramatic florals with brass fixtures and antique frames.
• “Monochrome minimalist” might go all-in on matte sage or rust and incorporate clean lines, sharp edges, and limited decor.

You don’t have to be literal or super “on-the-nose” with a theme. A few thoughtful touches can create a strong vibe without feeling overdone. If you’d prefer to focus on one unexpected element instead, do that. Maybe you hang a cheeky neon sign or build a wacky gallery wall.

The point is, this space doesn’t have to behave. Give guests the coolest, quirkiest mirror selfie background they’ve ever seen.

3. Splurge on the Mirror or Light Fixture

The mirror and light fixture are often the focal points of the powder room, so if you’re going to spend, spend here. They do most—if not all— of the heavy lifting.

A mirror with an unexpected shape (arched, oval, or asymmetrical) instantly levels up a basic powder room vanity. Choose a finish that stands out, like antique brass, matte black, or brushed gold.

Same goes for lighting. Skip the builder-grade sconces and the endlessly loathed ahem “boob” light. Go sculptural, vintage, oversized, or directional. Try a globe pendant, a mod wall sconce, or even a mini chandelier if the ceiling allows.

Together, the mirror and lighting set the tone. Dramatic. Minimalist. Romantic. Weird. Whatever the vibe, they anchor it.

^{Photo by Alex Tyson on Unsplash}

4. Choose a Vanity That Works

In a small space like this, there’s simply no room for dead weight. Every piece needs purpose. That means picking a powder room vanity that hides the chaos but still pulls its weight in style.

If you’re looking for something light and more on the modern side, a floating vanity can work well. If you’re leaning more charming, consider repurposing an old vintage dresser. If floor space is tight, look for narrow-depth models or rounded fronts to ease movement.

Form and function should never be at odds. Pick a vanity that earns its keep.

5. Have Fun with the Details

The most important of all powder room design ideas! Simply, have fun. Once the big stuff’s in place, it’s time to layer in the personality.

An easy place to start is the countertop. Swap the drugstore soap pump for something sculptural. Add a bud vase with fresh stems or dried florals. Display silly hand towels on a bold tray.

Then, look up. If there’s empty wall space, fill it with something unexpected, like your favourite framed print, a mirror-on-mirror moment, or a tiny styled shelf with your favourite candle and a ridiculous figurine.

Style in a way that makes you smile. This is a room your guests will spend time alone in, so give them something to look at (and compliment you on later).

Let the Powder Room Be the Wild Card

The powder room doesn’t need to match your kitchen or carry your living room’s colour palette. Think of it as your design playground. Try the ideas you’ve been pinning but haven’t had the guts to use in the rest of your home.

Give it its own moment. You’ve got permission to go wild in here 🙂

If you’re stuck between safe and special, we can help! Explore our eDesign services or contact us to get started.