Pretty Up Your Powder Room for the Holidays

Are you busy decking the halls and making everything merry and bright? We are all working on holiday to-do lists that are a mile long, and we know making sure your home looks its best this season is a priority. Don’t overlook the powder room as you prepare your house for holiday hosting. Beyond the kitchen and dining room, the powder room is the one room that most guests are sure to visit.

The Hurst Design Team spends all year working on major remodeling projects like whole-house remodels, additions, kitchens, and baths. This week, they’ve had some fun focusing on remodeling and decorating just one small space—the powder room.

The team is sharing some practical and fun ideas to help you pack a lot of design punch into this small but important space. Even if you prefer to play it safe with your design choices in the main rooms of your house, the powder room is your chance to take some design risks and let your personality shine.

Freshen Up Your Space

First, let’s talk about some simple steps to bring holiday cheer to your powder room. As always, start by giving the space a deep cleaning, and don’t forget to dust the light bulbs and shades so everything is fresh and bright. An easy way to add a festive touch is by swapping out your everyday hand towels and rugs for luxurious new holiday-themed selections.

Fresh Greenery

You can add fresh garland and seasonal greenery around the mirror, in a vase on a countertop tray, or hanging from light sconces with coordinating ribbon. If you have the space, add a small Christmas tree in a corner or a larger floor vase with fresh winter greenery or poinsettias for natural touches. You can also add battery-powered twinkle lights in the greenery to create a magical atmosphere. There are endless options for small lighting accents that you can turn on just before guests arrive to create a cozy, inviting feel. If your powder room has a window, consider adding a small wreath hung with ribbon and a battery-powered candle on the windowsill.

Framed Art & Accessories

Framed holiday art is an easy way to add cheer to this small space. What brings out the holiday magic for you? Scenes of sleigh rides, snowy woodlands, or painted Christmas trees?

The scent of fresh balsam fir, juniper berries, or holiday spices adds instant holiday atmosphere. A holiday-themed soap dispenser, paired with holiday-scented candles and air fresheners, makes for a perfect finishing touch.

Practical Tips for the Hosting Season

With extra traffic in and out of the powder room, it’s good to plan ahead. Stock up on essentials like extra toilet paper and facial tissues, and fill your holiday-themed soap dispensers. Keep refills nearby and replenish them as needed throughout your gathering. In addition to the pretty holiday hand towels, set out a tray with holiday-themed paper hand towels so guests have a choice. Keep an extra set of fresh towels on hand for when the first set needs replacing. It’s also a good idea to keep cleaning wipes in the powder room for quick clean-ups as needed during the event.

Design Ideas for a Year-Round Elegant Powder Room

If you have more time or are planning for next year, consider these design ideas and trends for an elegant powder room year-round.

Lighting

Installing new lighting can make a bold statement. Sconces on either side of the mirror, elegant pendant lighting, or a bold chandelier can dramatically upgrade a bathroom’s design. Consider timeless lighting materials like brushed gold, chrome, frosted glass, brass, or matte black finishes.

Wallpaper

What about adding bold wallpaper with metallic accents or rich jewel tones for a touch of luxury? Large-scale patterns, florals, geometric designs, or textured prints can add drama to a space. Velvet, leather, or textured wallpapers provide an especially opulent touch.

Woodwork

Modern or traditional wainscoting on half walls painted in deep tones pairs beautifully with bold wallpaper. Click this link to The Spruce to see ’30 Bathroom Wainscoting Ideas to Add Character to Any Style Space’
Bathroom Wainscoting Ideas.

Tile Work as Artwork

Endless tile designs are available including mosaic patterns, intricate designs, and textured finishes. Tile has become a true art form. In a powder room, dramatic patterned floor tiles, floor-to-ceiling designs, or simple backsplashes behind the sink can add flair to a small space.

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

A mirror can be as beautiful as any work of art. Don’t overlook this opportunity to make a bold design statement. Antique glass, irregular shapes, gilded frames, or backlit designs can all add drama, depth, and style.

Sinks, Cabinets, and Hardware

Simple updates like new cabinetry, cabinet hardware, and plumbing fixtures can transform the space. Timeless finishes for the plumbing fixtures like brushed gold, chrome, brass, or matte black add elegance and luxury. There are endless options for beautiful new faucet designs, including wall-mounted options, which are like adding jewelry to the room.

Sink designs now range from simple, functional under-mount options, to almost anything you can dream up. The sink can become the focal point of a small bathroom, with endless possibilities.

New cabinetry can really spruce up a powder room. There are traditional designs or floating vanities for a modern look or you can even look for repurposed furniture for a vintage touch. Cabinets provide functionality and style, especially when paired with luxurious countertop materials like marble, quartz, or concrete.

No matter how neutral or traditional the rest of your home might be, a small powder room allows you to embrace more dramatic design choices.

We hope your holiday hosting is filled with friends, family, and joy. Being surrounded by your favorite people is the true gift of the season. Celebrating in beautiful spaces is simply the icing on the cake.