Looking for guest bathroom ideas? I’m sharing 7 of the ideas that we incorporated into our guest bathroom makeover!
It’s done! I’m so excited to share our newly made-over guest bathroom with you guys – I’ve been whipping this sad and boring space into shape for the past several weeks and now I’m dying to have someone come visit because it’s sooo much more functional. And of course prettier too! (post includes affiliate links – full disclosure statement available {here})
Obviously there was quite a bit of room for improvement from where things started…
Yep, white on white on white and a broken toilet. Yikes! The good news is that it was pretty much a blank, white slate and there was nowhere to go but up! Fast forward after a few weeks of planning, installing, and of course fixing the broken toilet and here’s what my space is looking like today:
So much better, right?! These are the guest bathroom ideas that I incorporated when making over our space:
1. Replace The Pedestal Sink with a Small Space Vanity
Most guest bathrooms are small so many have a pedestal sink. Pedestal sinks are fine for hall bathrooms where people are simply washing their hands but they leave little to no room for guests to place their toiletries. Replacing the pedestal sink with a small space vanity provides so much more space for you guests plus you gain some extra storage space with the drawers and shelves.
It also upped the style factor of our guest bathroom big-time:
My exact vanity was discontinued but {this 24″ gray vanity} that has a single hole for the faucet and {this gray vanity} that has 3 holes for a widespread faucet are the same size and have a similar look. Check out {this post} on small bathroom vanities for several other beautiful options. Don’t shy away from a vanity that you love the look of but has ugly knobs or pulls because they can always be replaced. I replaced the knobs that came with my vanity with {these brass & mother-of-pearl knobs} that are a long-time favorite:
Check out {this post} on bathroom cabinet knobs for other beautiful options.
I also ditched the old, there-was-no-place-to-put-anything pedestal sink and ugly, dated one-piece faucet complete with a rusted drain:
and replaced it with {this} gorgeous bathroom faucet:
I LOVE the cross handles so much – it’s the perfect mix of classic, traditional styling with updated, elegant design details:
2. Add a Towel Bars or Hooks for a Hand Towel Plus Bath Towels
I hung {this towel ring} next to the sink to hold a hand towel that’s out of the way instead of cluttering up the countertop. I went with the chrome finish because I wanted a timeless look and it’s typically the least expensive finish option:
I also added the matching toilet paper holder (found {here}) and towel bar (found {here}):
If you don’t have any wall space for a towel bar, consider placing two hooks on the back of the bathroom door. See {this post} with details on how high to hang your toilet paper holder, towel ring, and other bathroom hardware.
3. Provide Extra Towels
Always make sure your guest bathroom has plenty of extra towels for your guest. You can leave a stack on the dresser in their bedroom or, if you have a vanity like mine, on the vanity shelf in their bathroom:
If you have wall space above the toilet, you could also choose to hang a train rack which combines a towel bar with a shelf for towel storage. See {this post on over-the-toilet storage ideas} for my favorites.
I also put out nice towels for my guests instead of giving them our old cast-offs. Check out my post on the best bath towels for info on my favorite towels at all price points.
4. Leave Extra Rolls of TP & Toiletries
No guest wants to have to ask for extra toilet paper so be sure to provide some extra rolls. It’s nice to leave a few toiletries too for guests that may have forgotten their toothpaste, shaving cream, etc. I put all of our extras in our vanity drawer and let our guests know where they are:
5. Repaint or Add Wallpaper to Freshen It Up
If your guest bathroom is looking tired and you want to freshen it up, repainting or adding wallpaper is one of the easiest ways to give it a whole new look! I added black and white cane patterned wallpaper to ours and it made such a difference:
The wallpaper was fairly pricey so it would have been too expensive to use in wallpapering a regular room. But since our guest bathroom is small and has beadboard on the bottom half, I only needed two rolls which made it doable. While you may be concerned about using wallpaper in a bathroom with a shower due to the humidity, coating it with a clear flat varnish to protect it is key. Check out {this post} on bathroom wallpaper for all the details. If you’re repainting, I recommend using Benjamin Moore Aura paint that has a mildew-resistant finish.
6. Add Fresh Flowers to Make It Welcoming
Since we have loads of hydrangeas in our backyard, in the summer it’s super easy for me to clip a few and bring them inside to add a welcoming touch to our guest bedroom and bathroom. But you could also grab an inexpensive bouquet at the grocery store too! On our toilet, I placed a black marble toilet tray (my exact tray is no longer available but {this tray} is a similar look & size) with a vase of hydrangeas:
and tasseled brass jar holding Q-tips and cotton balls that sits on an extra hand towel:
I also placed a few stems of small flowers in a little vase next to the sink:
The guest bathroom is also a fun room to add a few festive accessories to during the holidays:
7. Have a Large Bathroom Mirror or An Extra Mirror in the Bedroom
Most of our visitors are couples so I think it’s nice to either have a large mirror in the bathroom that both of them can use to get ready at the same time or have a second mirror in the bedroom. I’m not always a fan of wall to wall mirrors in bathrooms, but in this one it worked well and made the space seem larger than it is:
For a more decorative look, you could add wood molding around the edges of your wall-to-wall mirror to frame it out or use another of my bathroom mirror ideas.
8. Leave Your Guests a Night Light or Two
It can be hard for guests to navigate to the bathroom in the middle of the night when it’s dark and they’re unfamiliar with the space so be sure to leave them a night light or two. In our guest bathroom, we installed {this toilet seat} with a built-in night light – it’s one of my favorite guest bathroom ideas and always a topic of conversation the next day 😂. Another option would be to put one of {these snap-in night light outlet covers} in the bathroom or right outside of it:
It’s literally a snap to install and provides a soft glowing light under the outlet without taking up either of the actual outlet sockets like a night light does.
The last change we made to our guest bathroom was to install {this beautiful (and inexpensive!) flush mount light} to replace the sad, itty bitty flush mount that was there before:
Want to see some other great flush mount light options? Check out my post on my favorite flush mount lighting. Also see my post on bathroom lighting ideas for more lighting tips for your next bathroom remodel.
Thank you as always for stopping by – I hope you found a little inspiration in today’s post!
See you back on the blog soon,
Kelley Nan says
Kris, oh my word! I have been looking forward to this and it is even greater than I could have imagined. WOW! I love that you mix those metals too- now I know not to be scared to mix my chrome faucet if I want to incorporate that brass we are loving. Although, now I’m thinking my faucet may be a little more dated than I had thought haha. FANTASTIC makeover!
Kris Jarrett says
Thank you so much – so sweet of you! I had the hardest time deciding on the faucet finish but in the end am so glad I ended up sticking with a classic one! Can’t wait to see what you do with yours!
Kathy says
Kris, what a huge improvement. You are so talented (and a hard worker).
Deb Pemberton says
Kris, In a word…gorgeous! Love the sophistication of the overall look. Classic and elegant! Love the black and white! What is the size of your vanity and where did you get it? LOVE!!!!!
Kris Jarrett says
Thank you so much Deb! There is only one size – if you click on the link to it in the Source List at the bottom of the post, you’ll get right to the listing. You can select from two different tops – mine is the White Carrera. I love it!
Deb Pemberton says
Thank you for responding so quickly. Going to check now. 🙂
Laurie says
Looks great. I love the Cassidy suite of products. I plan on putting the Cassidy collection in my upstairs hall bathroom remodel once I get the budget to gut that room (it’s circa 1989 with a blue tub and fake blue veined marble counters–sad but true) and needs everything replaced. But I first have to finish my kitchen and master bath remodel and let my home improvement funds recover.
I’m going with the Cassidy sink, shower set, and freestanding tub faucet with the French curve handles. (I plan on replacing the built-in whirlpool tub with the broken motor with a freestanding slipper tub. (my house is a traditional Dutch cape so I going with mostly traditional fixtures.)
Kris Jarrett says
That sounds amazing – love that you’ll have a freestanding tub! I think the Cassidy line is perfect for what you’re planning to do! And I hear you on the budget – it’s taken me four years of living in our house to finally get to this bathroom!
Carol Heartfelt Whimsies says
You never disappoint, Kris! I love how you stay timeless with the large purchases and then add small touches of “on-trend”!!! Your guests will love it!!
Kris Jarrett says
Carol – you are so sweet, thank you! And I sure hope they do! My in-laws are coming to visit in two weeks so we will soon see! 🙂
Garden, Home and Party says
Kris,
This bathroom turned out great. Your guests will be so happy with the beautiful changes and effeciency of function. You always provide great inspiration in your makeovers!
xo,
Karen
Kris Jarrett says
Thank you so much Karen!!
Chantal says
Hello,
That bathroom looks great! I have to find out if I can find the wallpaper here in Canada!
Kris Jarrett says
Thanks Chantal! Hope you’re able to get it – it’s even more stunning in person than in the pics!
Kerry says
Beautiful as usual. Love it. One question. The vanity on the Wayfair site, the marble looks yellowish? Yours looks white. Are they the same?
Thanks, Kerry
Kris Jarrett says
Hi Kerry! There are actually two color options for the vanity top – I got the white Carrera. Once you select that option, you’ll see the top color in the image change!
Lauren@SimplyLKJ says
You have created yet another gorgeous room in your home. Again, no detail was overlooked. Loving all the black and white.
Kris Jarrett says
Thank you so much Lauren! I don’t think I’ll ever tire of black and white!
Tamara says
Kris this is absolutely gorgeous!! Love all your details and those knobs are such a perfect special touch! I love to mix anything and you’ve nailed it to perfection!!!
Kris Jarrett says
You’re so kind – thank you!!!
Lisa says
What a great makeover Kris! Love the wallpaper and the new vanity! The grey + brass combo gets me every time. So pretty!
Kris Jarrett says
Thank you Lisa! I’m pretty excited to finally have a nice, functional bathroom for our guests!
Bree says
Kris this is amazing my friend!!!! I couldn’t wait to get over here to see this and I knew it would be just as perfect as it is!! You are sooo good and I love your faucet choice!!! It’s just right for the space and is such a timeless option!! Bravo to another beautiful space you’ve created in your home!!! 🙂
Kris Jarrett says
Bree you are way too sweet – thank you! Means so much coming from you!!
Erin says
Kris!! This is honestly so stunning I don’t even know where to start! I love every single detail! The wall! The cabinet and counters! Those knobs! You have done such an amazing job. I seriously need to come and visit STAT! You are all ready for me now. 😉 Love it Kris! I’m so impressed by your talent for design! xo
Kris Jarrett says
Thank you Erin! And yes, you do need to visit – I would love that!!!
Jennifer Prock says
Kris!!!! You did an amazing job! What a beautiful transformation! Your Delta selections could not be more perfect! I love the finished look and am so impressed your darling new bathroom.
Kris Jarrett says
Thank you Jen! I’m so happy with my new faucet – it made such a difference!
Haneen says
Kris!! This looks absolutely beautiful! Love all of the finishes!! The paper is amazing and so is that vanity! I’m definitely looking at Delta for my kitchen reno!
Kris Jarrett says
Thank you Haneen! You definitely should – they have some super gorgeous kitchen faucets!
Karbo says
Timeless and beautiful – copying faucets and fixtures when we do our renovation. Love!
Kris Jarrett says
Thank you!!
jill says
Pefect! I’m copying all of this in our powder room makeover. This is the inspiration I’ve needed, but need to install the beadboard first. Do you recall the name of the white paint color you used? Thanks!
Kris Jarrett says
The beadboard was actually there when we moved in and the previous homeowners didn’t leave any paint so I’m not sure unfortunately. Good luck with your powder room makeover!
Deanna says
Wow! What an amazing transformation. I really love your faucet you picked. Love all you do!
Kris Jarrett says
Thank you so much!
Anonymous says
Amazing change and I love the Cassidy faucet. Will remember that when I redo our
“Jack & Jill” bath this winter.
Kris Jarrett says
Thank you – that faucet is even more gorgeous in person! Good luck with your reno!
Randi says
Kris I love this transformation! I also love the Cassidy faucets and have them in all of my bathrooms! You did an amazing job transforming a small space into a little jewel box!!!! Xo
Kris Jarrett says
I had never noticed that Randi! Now I need to go back and look at your beautiful bathrooms again!
Jolene says
Beautiful makeover! I am loving the towel bars and toilet roll holder. I think I will Pin them for future reference.
Kris Jarrett says
Thank you Jolene! I really love them – they have a timeless look but with just a touch of a modern edge.
Shauna says
Wow Kris!! You did a phenomenal job on this makeover!! Love the handles on that faucet too! Every detail is perfection (especially that wallpaper!)????
Xo,
Shauna
Kris Jarrett says
Thanks Shauna – it was those handles that sold me on that faucet! 🙂
Sarah Rideout says
Love it! Thank you for sharing and the sources. I noticed the sink had a backsplash on the website, did it come with one and you removed it? Also is this a full bath? I would love some ideas on working with a tub/shower fiberglass insert without ripping it out.
Kris Jarrett says
Good question! Yes, the vanity does come with a backsplash but it’s a separate piece so you can decide to use it or not to (I decided I didn’t need it since I have the beadboard). It is a full bath – it’s not obvious in the pics but if you look at the reflection in the bathroom mirror you’ll see the shower. It’s just a small square shower stall – no tub. Hope that helps!
Alyson Craig says
Everything about this bathroom is perfection. I love the palette and grey with golds is my favorite these days. Beautifully done!
Kris Jarrett says
You are so sweet – thank you Alyson!
Maryetta pabody says
Suggest putting the toilet paper in the drawer closet to the toilet.
Kris Jarrett says
Good idea!
Thereca Tucker says
absolutely gorgeous with the exception of all the print on the walls. i truly had to look away and scroll as the over whelming pattern took away from everything else and gave me a vertigo feel. very glad you took time to add vignettes of the other stuff which was gorgeous
Kris Jarrett says
To each his own – the wallpaper is one of my favorite parts of the makeover 🙂
Julie Blanner says
It’s beautiful! I love the wallpaper, vanity and faucet – absolutely perfect!
Kris Jarrett says
Thank you so much Julie!
Deanna Figg says
Hey there…I love this! Where is the bathroom rug from?
Kris Jarrett says
Hi Deanna! Thank you! There’s a direct link to the rug in the Source List at the end of the post. 🙂 Enjoy your weekend!
Slate Countertops says
This looks beautiful! Wonderful palette, wallpaper, vanity. Look forward to hearing more about the process.
Kris Jarrett says
Thanks!
Linda Grubbs says
What a beautiful transformation. So pretty!! Classic for sure!
Kris Jarrett says
Thank you Linda!
Debbie says
This is just lovely! This bathroom is light and bright. Makes it look so nice and clean. I just love your ideas. This is a great job and a lot of hard work.
I’m new to your post and just read everything on your kitchen as well. I LOVE your kitchen!!! My hubby is going to make the corner drawers for me. I’m in the process of painting it now. Your storage ideas are so great. I would love to see how you organized your junk drawers. I need ideas bad.
Thank you so much for sharing these.
Natalie says
I absolutely love this! I was trying to find the same vanity or something similar however the link does not have it in place anymore? any suggestions?!
Kris Jarrett says
It’s still available without the marble top – you’d just have to get a top separately. I linked it at the bottom of the post in the Source List. Unfortunately I don’t know of anything else that’s very similar.
Alyssa says
Wow this is beautiful! I just subscribed to your blog/website and I’m already learning so much! I was wondering – it seems like the 3 walls have the wall sticker. Do you have a picture of the 4th wall? Is it the shower? I don’t see it in the picture. Thanks!
Kris Jarrett says
Yes, the fourth wall is where the shower is – it’s such a small space that it’s hard to get a photo of everything!
Annie says
Really beautiful job! I love all the details — gives me great ideas.
MatthewLaw says
Judy says
Perfect! I always put wallpaper in the bathrooms. Otherwise, I always feel like it looks like a public john.
The Turkish towel and the wallpaper… match made in bathroom heaven.
Thanks for the inspiration.
Charlotte says
Hi
Love your blog!
I have a question for you….have you come across any wallpaper (in the UK) that can be used in a shower area? I have an ugly bathroom covered in the panel sheets (so boring), my son has also put his thumb through when leaning on the wall to pee (well thats what he tells me he was doing) hmmm…lol
Anyway I can’t afford to strip it and tile it so am looking for other ways of making it look nice.
Any suggestions?
Thanks so much
Paula says
Great transformation so clean lines but in a jazzed up way the old look was blah.
Bert Sanin says
What a beautiful transformation. It’s perfect.
Patty says
Great job! Love all your choices. I am redoing a hall bath and have chosen the Cassidy faucets as well. Please tell me where you purchased the tags on your storage baskets. That is brilliant!
Kris Jarrett says
Hi Patty – I’m assuming you meant the chalkboard baskets in our storage closet? If so, I added links to the mini chalkboards and chalkboard pen in this post: https://www.drivenbydecor.com/decorative-baskets-inspiration-for/ If it was other tags you were talking about let me know where you saw them and I’ll help you out with the tag source 🙂
ka says
Such a lovely transformation! Great job! I get so many wonderful ideas from your hard work and thoughtful vision. Thank you for sharing!!
Wanda says
Hi , I take it your kids are now teens but do you have any tips on decorating a baby’s room that is gender neutral? My daughter and her husband are waiting to find out the sex of the baby Yea!! It’s exciting but hard to decorate. She likes black white and gray. Guessing we ca add a color once the baby is born. Everything we find seems “too old” for a baby’s room in these colors.
Jean Sopko says
I’m concerned about leaving extra folded towels out in a high-humidity area like a bathroom. How to keep them smelling fresh? I avoid scented laundry detergent and bathroom fresheners (too many chemicals), so those aren’t the answer. I do have a good vented fan. Your thoughts, please?!
Thank you,
Jean S.
Tammy says
I love the make over. It looks fabulous. I do have a question my bathroom is mint green tile very small what colors go with this 1950’s mint green tile. Please help I am no designer or decorator and I am wasting time and money throwing colors at it that never look right. Thank you for any advice.
Nancy says
Wow, you have solved 2 problems for me. Cabinet knobs in one bathroom and all the towel/toilet paper accessories in all three bathrooms. I hope so anyway, I ordered a stainless steel towel bar, in the picture it looks brushed. We are using chrome in only one bathroom as we have such hard water, every spot will show. I love all your selections.
We have used Turkish towels in our motor home for years, for the light weight and colorfulness. I have had very good luck with The Cacala Store on Amazon, just saying, since your source is out right now.
When I order from your site, I fill my cart and then change to Amazon Smile. Does that affect your affiliation links earnings?
Renae says
Gorgeous! It is such a beautiful transformation. I love the wallpaper, it is so pretty. hugs to you.
Kd says
You have the BEST. Ideas. Thank you!!
michelle says
i know the wallpaper has been discontinued but can you provide the name of the manufacture