Beautiful Small Powder Room: Decorating Ideas & Update Reveal

Small spaces can have the biggest impact when it comes to decorating, and a powder room is the perfect place to add personality, style, and charm on a budget. In this post, I’m sharing our DIY small powder room makeover—from the “before” to the stunning final reveal—plus decorating tips for small bathrooms, you can use in your own home. From affordable wallpaper ideas to clever space-saving tips, these budget-friendly powder room ideas prove that even the tiniest bathrooms can feel stylish, functional, and anything but basic.

Small Powder Room Before

This tiny powder room started as a very basic space with a pedestal sink, oval mirror, dated light fixture and bright red walls. The builder grade finish lacked personality and style. The goal was to transform it into a beautiful, welcoming, and thoughtfully decorated space.

The Powder Room Reveal

New paint (neutral gray) made the room feel bigger. We then added a high wainscoting to enhance the feel of the room and utilize the high ceilings. Next we added the new mirror, light fixture, and decor. The only thing missing is a new vanity – (to be continued!)

Fresh Wall Treatment: Classic wainscoting with a crisp white finish adds timeless character and makes the room feel taller.

Statement Wallpaper/Stencil Accent: The patterned wall above the sink creates instant personality without overwhelming the small space. I chose a peel and stick wallpaper from Amazon – linked here.

Updated Mirror & Lighting: A sleek black-framed mirror paired with a modern three-light fixture brings balance and contrast.

Finishing Touches: Simple décor like framed artwork, a small greenery accent, and a black toilet paper holder tie the whole look together.

Powder Room Wallpaper Ideas – Inspiration

When I originally came across a similar wallpaper pattern on Studio McGee’s Site, I loved the simple pattern of the wallpaper, but not the cost. So, I set out on Amazon to find something similar but more affordable.

I love this affordable peel-and-stick wallpaper on Amazon – Blooming Wall Neutral Peel and Stick Wallpaper Little Trees Sapling Geometry Self-Adhesive Prepasted Wall Paper Wall Decor (17.7“x118”) – I got two rolls at $9.90 each!

Tips for Decorating a Small Powder Room

Use light paint colors or crisp wainscoting to keep the room feeling open.
Next, add one bold accent wall instead of covering the entire space. If you are nervous with wallpaper or this is your first time applying it – an accent wall is a great place to start.
Choose functional yet stylish accessories (mirrors, lighting, storage).
Keep décor minimal—let your wall treatment or finishes shine.
Don’t be afraid of contrast; black accents work beautifully in small spaces.

Final Thoughts

This small powder room makeover proves that you don’t need a large space—or a large budget—to make a big impact. With just a few thoughtful changes, you can turn a basic bathroom into a beautiful, welcoming retreat that you’ll love!

FAQ

What is the best wallpaper for a powder room? This was my first peel and stick wallpaper experience. While it did the job and I love the final look, I think something thicker would have been easier to apply. That being said, this paper got really good reviews!
How do you decorate a very small powder room? The pedestal sink has definitely limited the decor we can place in that area. The wallpaper, mirror, and new lighting helps update and decorate that space. The toilet area is where you can have your art, plants, decor items, baskets, and toilet paper holder to add interest and visual appeal to the space. See the link below for items we used!
Can I wallpaper over tile or textured walls? Yes! A thicker paper would hide more wall imperfections, but it is hard to tell unless you are really up close.
What colors make a small bathroom look bigger? Light colors will add to an airy bigger bathroom feel when updating a smaller powder room. Color wash and dark colors can give you the drama you want, while also helping to expand your space.