Small Space, Big Impact: 9 Powder Room Design Ideas

Even the smallest powder room design can pack a big punch…

And although we’re huge advocates of sticking to a neutral colour scheme in our home designs, powder room bathrooms are the exception, and one of the only spaces we often leave playing it safe and neutrals at the door.

Because powder rooms provide the perfect opportunity to go a bit EXTRA — with bold colour, tiles and lighting, or by adding clever interior design features that make a statement and wow your guests.

So if you’re ready to make your smallest bathroom design count, you’ll love our top 9 powder room design ideas to transform your new bathroom into a showstopper!

Powder Room Colours

Your powder room colour scheme is arguably the most pivotal decision you’ll need to make in your powder design, and will dictate how the space looks and feels for you and your guests.

Timeless neutrals like whites, creams, browns and greys are a great option that are always on trend. But if you’re looking to make a bolder statement, adding colour is the ticket, to creating instant impact. Choose earthy colours in either muted, rich, moody tones or light, dreamy pastels, and steer clear of vibrant, unnatural colours to maintain timeless appeal in your new design.

How To Choose Your Colour Scheme:

• Gather Samples: Compare samples of paint, cabinetry and tiles together to make sure they’re a good colour match and have cohesive undertones.
• Balance: Make sure that any accent colours enhance rather than overpower the room’s design.
• Time: Check colour samples at different times of the day to gauge how colours look by day and night.

Z+S Tip ? Want to go bold with colour while maintaining a seemingly neutral powder room aesthetic? Opt for a monochrome colour scheme — ustilising just one colour for all walls and large surface areas throughout your room. You can combine finishes including paint, bathroom tiles, timber, wall panelling and stone in the same colour or varying shades of the one colour, to create this look. Selecting muted or pastel colour tones will ensure the space feels calming, and will be most effective for a monochrome bathroom design.

Powder Room Tiles

When designing your new powder room, including a feature tile will make an instant design statement while adding visual interest. Feature tiles can also be used to add personality and flair to a bathroom, and tile patterns should be chosen to complement other shapes or features in your home design.

You can use the same powder room tile throughout to make a visual statement of pattern and colour, or pair a feature tile with other tiles, painted walls or panelling, to create a completely different look.

Feature Tile Tips:

• Match Your Style: Choose textures, colours and patterns that reflect your overall home style.
• Consider the Scale: In small spaces, large patterns can make a dramatic statement, while smaller patterns add subtle texture.

Powder Room Vanity

Being a small bathroom, a powder room vanity will generally serve as the centerpiece of the design. By opting for a floating vanity which hangs off the wall, you’ll leave more floor space visible which makes any space visually look and feel bigger. And if your really short on space, a wall hung basin could be just the ticket — not to mention cost effective, combined with a mirror cabinet or simple shelf to store any bathroom essentials.

When it comes to your powder room vanity finishes, basin and taps, consider going a little EXTRA and choosing products that are a little more stand-out or premium. Being a small space, your vanity will be on the small side — making it more viable to splash out a bit.

Tips for Choosing a Floating Vanity:

• Storage Solutions: Opt for vanities with built-in storage to keep essentials organised.
• Material Choice: Choose durable materials and feature finishes, like laminate, porcelain, stone and timber.
• Design Harmony: Match your vanity materials to the other finishes in your powder room design, and incorporate metal accents, shapes, and finishes to complement your overall home style.

Powder Room Mirror

A statement mirror not only serves a practical purpose but also acts as a focal point in a powder room. Something as simple as an irregular mirror shape or size, can draw attention and add extra impact to your design.

And no matter the mirror size, design or shape, backlighting your mirror will create sophistication, ambience and that WOW FACTOR by night — like nobody’s business. You can backlight any mirror shape or size yourself, using our Backlit Mirror Step-By-Step Guide included in the Z+S Bathroom Design + Reno Pack.

Ideas For Statement Mirrors:

• Oversized Mirrors: Larger mirrors reflect light and space to make small bathrooms feel bigger and brighter.
• Decorative Frames: Choose mirrors with contrasting coloured or metallic frames to add style.
• Shape and Placement: Round, oval, or uniquely shaped mirrors soften hard finishes in a bathroom space.

Designer Lighting

Just like any other room in the house, lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood and enhancing the functionality of your powder room. There’s a lot of different ways to use lighting in your powder room, and a combination of at least two lighting sources or types, will provide both functionality and ambience for your space.

To add impact with lighting, add wall lights or pendant lights to your design, and choose lights made from materials like metal, glass or stone, or in oversized sizes or unique shapes.

Powder Room Lighting Checklist:

• Ambient Lighting: Include a general, good lighting source to illuminate the whole space, like ceiling lights or an LED strip lighting channel integrated into ceilings.
• Task Lighting: Add lighting that focuses on a specific area like the powder room vanity. Wall sconces or pendant lights beside the mirror provide great task lighting for vanities, as does strategically placed LED strip lighting.
• Accent Lighting: Highlight features like artwork or architectural details. LED strips, spotlights, wall lighting and pendant lights can all be used to amplify features in your space.

Add Unique Fixtures + Features

Fixtures like tapware, towel rails and lamps are like the jewellery of your powder room. Choosing unique, designer fixtures will instantly elevate the space and create a more high-end and sophisticated look and feel.

Look for unique shapes, vintage accessories, or add contemporary features like skylights, statement wallpaper, or moody pendant lights to add style and punch to your space.

Powder Room Fixture Considerations:

• Consistency: Ensure all fixtures share a similar finish, colour or style for a cohesive look.
• Contrast: Use fixtures that contrast against neutral tiles for a more dynamic look.

Add Natural Materials

When choosing products for your powder room renovation or refresh, incorporating natural materials like stone, marble and timber will add luxury and longevity, plus create a stand-out feature in your space.

Opt for materials with patterns, grains and textures that complement your colour palette and home style. Or add texture through bathroom accessories and bathroom styling with thick, textured hand towels and floor mats, or foliage, twigs or sticks in vases, to add comfort and nature to your design.

Top Texture Tips:

• Variety of Textures: Combine different textures like smooth stone tiles with rough wood accents to create a curated and interesting powder room design.
• Natural Tones: Stick to earthy tones and natural hues to maintain a cohesive and calming environment.

Add Curves

In a smaller space like a powder room, adding curves is a clever way to visually soften the space, maximising both aesthetics and functionality. Hard bathroom finishes and lines are balanced when combined with curves, and you can even utilise a curved vanity, accessories or features to add a variety of curved elements to your design.

How To Incorporate Curves:

• Vanities: Use vanities with curved edges to enhance the organic aesthetic.
• Mirrors: Opt for round mirrors or curved mirror edges and shapes to soften hard lines.

Clever Storage Ideas

Even in a small powder room, storage is essential. Clever powder room storage solutions will keep your space organised and clutter-free, keeping everyday bathroom essentials out of sight — which is essential in a small space design.

Functional Storage Solutions:

• Open Shelving: Display decorative items and daily essentials in an accessible way.
• Cabinetry: Custom or built-in vanities or cabinets provide ample storage while utilising wall space.
• Mirror Cabinets: Conceal everyday essentials out of sight, but within easy reach.
• Baskets and Trays: Use decorative baskets and trays to organise smaller items to maintain tidiness.

Ready to start your powder room reno?

Check out our downloadable resources to help you plan and organise your project + stay on budget!

We’d also love to hear about your powder room reno experiences + tips in the comments below!