Half Bathroom Ideas

Let’s be honest: unless you’re giving every visitor in your home a full-blown house tour to show off your decorating prowess (no shame!), the spaces they see most often is probably the smallest—the half bathroom. But what this space lacks in square footage it more than makes up for in style. In fact, because it’s so small, it’s the perfect arena for experimenting with colors, prints and styles you might normally hesitate to roll out in a larger room. Got a penchant for over-the-top wallpaper patterns? Dying to test out one of those on-trend navy blue hues? Just hankering to embrace your inner style chameleon and go maximalist in an otherwise minimalist home? Go for it—the half bath is your wild wild west.

These personality-packed powder rooms show that one should never underestimate the impact of a half bathroom, no matter how tiny it may be. We’re finding inspiration in some of the most minuscule under-the-staircase nooks and tucked-away crannies, proving that the element of surprise may be the best design element of all—imagine guests’ delight when they pop off to the loo to find a glamorous riot of jewel tones, graphic tiles, and gorgeous light fixtures.

Here are our favorite half baths that do a lot with a little space—but be warned, you’re going to want to undertake a weekend remodel after seeing these showstoppers.

Keep Your Colors Light and Bright

A wood floor and vanity give this city bathroom a warm and serene feeling. A soft mint-green hue reflects natural light from the window. The space surrounding the freestanding tub makes the room feel more open, as does the lightweight curtain fabric, which allows maximum light to enter.

Opt for a Glass Shower Door

If you’re starting your small bathroom design from scratch, consider scrapping the curtain entirely. “I also recommend glass shower doors in a small bath, as it will help to open up the space,” Wolf says.

Or Remove Your Shower Door Completely

The slightly more adventurous might even consider no shower door at all (a good drain is wise in that case).

Backlight the Mirror

“This can be a chic and modern way to amplify light,” James says, “if you do not have room for sconces or simply want a more minimalistic look.”

Take On Tile

Tile is a durable way to add impact and can be used from floor to ceiling. “For smaller bathroom walls, we like to specify ceramic tiles that are small,” says Suzanne McGrath of the design firm McGrath II. The designer is a fan of using one-by-four and two-by-six floor tiles—which are also less expensive—on bathroom walls.

Ventilation