One of the places in the home my clients are the most apt to really venture out of their comfort zone is the powder room. It’s scary to make a big bet on a larger room, so the powder room is a place people seem to go bigger and bolder. I like to think of it was the “gateway room” to making braver more interesting decisions in design. Also, since it’s a small room, it’s easier to use more costly items like wallpaper! I honestly don;t think I can recall a powder room I HAVEN’T wallpapered in the last 10 years- at least in a solid grasscloth :)
I personally am itching to redo my TEENY powder room with some thing even bolder than what we have now, which is this David Hicks paper below (not my design, but one I am LOVING with that gorgeous vanity!)
Since there is no where in my home I can get my scenic chinoiserie fix in, I’m thinking the tiny powder room is exactly where to do it. Going really bold and busy in a tiny room help it to feel a bit bigger as it softens the corners and edges of the space and tricks the eye a bit.
We did this in a project where the powder room was actually even smaller than mine and it was SUCH a victory.
So here is a round up of some of my favorite wallpapers for powder rooms. It’s such a great way to add SERIOUS style to your home.
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Great post! I’d love a post on what to pair on the walls with wallpaper (mirrors, art, etc.) I have a bold wallpaper in our 1/2 bath but have struggled with art that doesn’t compete.Maybe it’s best to keep the walls bare in such a small space?!
I love this post and find it very informative. Would you consider doing a post for kitchen and bedroom wallpaper?
That David Hicks wallpaper paired with that wooden vanity is positively dreamy. And add in some gold and marble: SOLD! Wish I had a powder room to do some magic like this, Erin!
I love these! My favorites are 24 (I would do this in a whole room!) , 2, 9, and 10, but truly I could see using all In the right space. I recently did my powder room with the blue on blue Raphael by Sandberg and love so much. The kids won’t use that bathroom though because they think it’s too scary! Ok, I just saw, 27 so cute! Ok sorry for rambling comment, I just love wallpaper and your style always so on point.
I did our downstairs powder room (only, it also has a never used zero entry shower in it also) in the Cole and Sons Gondola wallpaper in the blue / orange colorway (which, at least when I was looking for it had been discontinued and I had to hunt all over until I found a designer in New Zealand that had three rolls left and was willing to ship it to Chicago). Its a litmus test to me – if you love that wallpaper, you have amazing taste. If you think I’m crazy for having it, then you are a very blah person design-wise. That wall paper is awesome! I’m trying to see what is so scary about the Raphael and I’m not getting it… and if they aren’t using it then you always have a room clean for guests, so that’s a silver lining!
I have never seen the Cole and Son Gondola wallpaper, so looked it up and love! Toile-type wallpapers are my favorite. Raphael wallpaper not scary-it’s just the darker blue one, and my trim is all dark blue so makes for a dark, moody bathroom. :)
I am SO on that wave lengh!! It IS the personality. Luv your selections. franki
I LOVE wallpaper! But I have a question- My home is fairly open concept. You can see my powder room (when the door is open) though out the back half of the home. Does it matter if the wallpaper is in the same color scheme as the rest of the house?
Thanks!
I love the tailored wallpapers like the second bathroom but most of all, I’m blown away by these furniture pieces converted into vanities!! They are gorgeous!!
Hi Erin,
Thoughts on removable/temporary wallpaper?
Thanks,
Ann
They’re all gorgeous–I don’t know how I’d choose. My first floor powder bath is painted right now, and I do still love the color, but you’re right–wallpaper is much more interesting! Certainly something to seriously consider. And the small amount of wall means it might actually be affordable:)
I have #7, in blue, in line for a seldom used full bath at our house on the bay. My installer says it’s a mistake to use it in a bath with a shower. Do you agree? There are maybe 10 showers a month taken in it.
I would not put grasscloth in a bathroom with a shower. This comes in a vinyl version that I just put in a full bathroom!
You have saved me – thanks.
Hi Erin,
Very timely post as I am just working up the courage to go big and bold in my small powder room update.
What are your thoughts on wallpaper to 8 ft height on wall and then a deep moody paint color for the remaining foot and ceiling (9ft ceilings in total)?
Thanks so much for sharing any insight.
Sincerely,
Kim
I like to paper to the ceiling and then paint just the ceiling.