Remodeling our powder room was way down on my things-we-need-to-do-to-our-new-house list! But… once we removed our old toilet and pedestal sink to have our hardwood floors refinished, it just made more sense to work on it now instead of putting the old stuff back in and then taking it out again six months down the road for a remodel.
So I’ve jumped into removing the floral wallpaper (fun times!) and figuring out everything else that’s going into the space. I thought I’d do a quick post sharing a peek into my design process, getting your input on the design decisions that I have yet to make, and sharing a few sizing tips for mirrors! (post includes affiliate links – full disclosure statement available {here})
To catch everyone up if you’ve missed some past posts, this is what our powder room looked like up until just a few weeks ago:
I was so glad to say goodbye to that pedestal sink! The only semi-flat surface available for a soap pump was right where the faucet lever kept knocking it down. And having the towel bar over the toilet? Yuck – glad to see that go too!
After taking the sink and toilet out to have our hardwood floors refinished and starting to take down the wallpaper, it’s currently in that it-has-to-get-worse-before-it-gets-better phase:
I’ve taken down a LOT of wallpaper over the years and this wallpaper is one of the more stubborn ones I’ve encountered (which tells me they didn’t prep the walls before papering 😩). I’m using my trusty steamer and the tips I shared in {this post on how to remove wallpaper} to get the job done.
Now I just need to figure out what I’m doing with this space! The only thing I’ve ordered so far is {this 30″ 2-drawer vanity} in blue. When making big purchases like this only I typically rely pretty heavily on customer reviews but this vanity didn’t have much to go by. It looks identical to {this 30″ Pottery Barn vanity} that’s over $300 more when you factor in shipping (shipping on mine was free) so I’m crossing my fingers that it was a good choice. It gets delivered later this week so I’ll let you know…
I haven’t made any final decisions about the rest of the space but this is my tentative plan:
Powder Room Sources: 30″ single basin vanity | White rattan mirror | Grasscloth wallpaper | Brass vanity light | High arc bathroom faucet | Floating oak shelves (also love {these shelves} for custom sizing) | Blue stripe Turkish hand towel | Seagrass baskets
There’s just a little bit of a problem with my plan… the price tag on that gorgeous wallpaper – yikes! I’m planning to do some type of white-painted molding (maybe board & batten?) on the bottom portion of my bathroom walls which would mean that I won’t need nearly as much wallpaper as if I was papering the entire wall. But it’s still crazy expensive so I decided to explore other options to see if I can find anything I like just as much for less. These are my favorite wallpapers I found in my search:
Wallpaper Sources: 1. Laurel leaf (version 1) | 2. Buffalo plaid | 3. Gardenside grasscloth | 4. Laurel leaf stripe (version 2) | 5. Melville whales | 6. Greek key stripe | 7. Luna stripe in navy | 8. Laurel leaf stripe (version 3) | 9. “Aranami” waves
These whales (wallpaper option #5) are so much fun although they’re probably better suited for my girls’ bathroom than our powder room:
Bathroom Sources: Whale wallpaper | Arched rope mirror | Sconces | Striped hand towel
And after seeing this wallpaper in a Pottery Barn image, I went searching for the source and I think it’s {this wallpaper} (option #6) – gorgeous!
Bathroom Sources: Vanity (similar) | Faucets | Mirrors | Double sconces | Towel rings
I’ve ordered samples of most of the wallpapers I’m considering and will go from there. Since I’m adding white painted molding to the bottom of the wall, the blue vanity will be against the white and the wallpaper will only be above the vanity which frees me up to use some blue wallpapers that wouldn’t work if I was papering floor to ceiling. Which wallpaper is your favorite?
Round Powder Room Mirrors
I’m still debating my powder room mirror options too – mirror #1 is my favorite and I was able to find very similar versions of it from three different brands. But of course the two of the three that are cheapest are out of stock for a few months. It might be worth waiting or going with one of these other round mirrors that would also look beautiful in my powder room:
Mirror Sources: 1. White rattan mirror ({this rattan mirror} and {this rattan mirror} are similar) | 2. Classic metal mirror with top hook | 3. Jute mirror | 4. Round mirror with leather strap (also see {this similar mirror}) | 5. Rope mirror | 7. Modern wood frame mirror | 8. Wood ball mirror
Another option is to go with a mirror that’s super simple and classic, especially if I choose a busier wallpaper. Most of these come in several size and finish options:
Mirror Sources: 1. Curved edge rectangular mirror | 2. Classic round mirror | 3. Oval mirror | 4. Arched mirrored medicine cabinet | 5. Rounded rectangular mirror | 6. Pill shaped mirror | 7. Round pivot mirror
Sizing of Powder Room Mirrors
Since my vanity is 30″ wide, I’d ideally like to find a 28″ round mirror. While there’s no one “right” size for powder room mirrors, over the years I’ve figured out what size I like best based on the size of the vanity the mirror is going over. For round mirrors, I prefer the mirror width to be at least 80% the width of a single-sink vanity but no larger than the full width of the vanity:
For petite vanities 24″ and under, err toward the larger end and chose a round mirror that’s the full width of the vanity or close to it.
For rectangular mirrors, I prefer the mirror width to be at least 75% the width of a single-sink vanity but no wider than 2″ less than the width of the vanity:
Unlike with round mirrors, I don’t like rectangular mirrors to be the same width of the vanity because the straight lines of the mirror lining up with the straight lines of the vanity looks too blocky to me.
I hope those sizing tips help if you’re planning a powder room remodel too! I’m off to keep going on that wallpaper – I’ll share the progress I make and what our new vanity looks like on Instagram Stories {here} as soon as it arrives so stay tuned. In the meantime, I added some new goodies to my Shop page including {this supersized spider for Halloween}, {this darling planter/bowl} on big sale, and {this well priced faux fiddle leaf fig tree} – check them and my other finds out {here}!
April says
#7 on the wallpaper to set off the gorgeous blue vanity. Blue wallpapers won’t match exactly and will detract from the clean blue lines of the vanity.
#2 (or #1) for the mirror to subtly call attention to the metals in the room. Otherwise rope to match the shelves. If you go with my recommended white wallpaper #7 you’re going to want to emphasize the edges of the mirror which will suddenly appear against the white if the mirror is in framed or barely framed.
Martha says
I agree with wallpaper #7 and as far as the mirror choice I would go with Round mirror #2 or Classic # 1.
Can’t wait to see the outcome!
Martha
Cindy says
My mirror choices are “How far away can I place it to avoid toothpaste and water splatter from washing hands.” Lol. Great wallpaper picks. I love 7 – others are ‘heavy’ to me – good luck looks like a fun project!
Barbara Allen says
I pick #7 too – lovely and light and makes a statement without screaming. Love mirror #1 – the coastal vibe
Stacy says
Hi Kris, we moved to NorCal 2 years ago from Charlotte and I discovered a S&L outlet in Vacaville (an hour from my house). They have tons of wallpaper and it’s $29/roll. May be worth giving them a call to see if they’ll ship! The bath is looking great!
Sandi Walker says
I would go with #7 for the wallpaper & #2 for the mirror. The vanity is such a bold blue that I think the calmness of #7 will work nicely. I think the mirror will balance the paper. Sandi
Denise says
And another #7 vote for wallpaper! Much as I like your mirror choice, I feel it’s too heavy as well as too “thematic” for your powder room. I’d go with a more traditional #5.
Rosemary says
Mirror no. 7 modern wood frame to match your shelving, or no. 5 which would also go with your basket storage – either would look lovely.
I think your original choice of wallpaper no. 3 is great but if you need an alternative I would go for wallpaper no. 7 or 8 as they have a more modern style and would go well with your vanity unit, and in my mind, it all gives a more Scandi feel to the decor.
I actually like everything you put together 😍
Jerry says
I think wallpaper number 6 is timeless with the Greek key and round mirror number 6 goes well with it and gives contrasts to the straight lines of the cabinet, the wallpaper and the shelves. I love the Pottery Barn image of them as it does not overwhelm, is bright, cheery, welcoming and gives the impression of not trying too hard to be hip.
Ellen says
I think powder rooms can make an “Ahhh!” statement. With that thought, wallpaper #4 would be my choice. Your 80% size for mirrors, looks perfect to me. I would choose mirror #7 that tilts. It has a popular/classic look that will not age. Plus, a powder room mirror is a good place to see your entire look.
Kim Ryan says
Good Morning Kris, Please chose your favorite paper #3! It is perfect! Let’s begin to put things in our home that we absolutely LOVE!!! It’s just a small amount because you’re placing it above another wall treatment. And you’ve already saved $300+ on the vanity. If you do choose the grass cloth make sure to put the board and batten high enough especially around the sink area….any splashing from the sink could leave spots on the grass cloth. I would love to see a different lighting choice. Too round for my taste. If you do choose to use your light fixture please choose mirror #1. The round fixture on top of the round mirror is too much. I’ll be watching for your final decisions!
Fondly,
Kim Ryan
Paula Moreshead says
I am casting another vote for wallpaper #7, but I think I would need to see some of the different mirror shape options with the paper to see how they work with the shapes in the wallpaper. It’s sort of a delicate pattern, so my question is whether you use a mirror with an almost invisible frame or some bolder? Again, I would need to see them together.
Looking forward to seeing what you do!
Paula Moreshead says
Oops…”something” bolder!
Denise says
Kris – love all the options but I really love the Farrow & Ball paper. #9. Since you’re doing white painted molding on the bottom of the walls, you can go darker on the top half. Love the simple classic metal mirror #2. Powder rooms are a great place for drama! Can’t wait to see what you choose.
MaryY says
I love the #3 wallpaper but understand the economics. I would avoid any of the stripes because of the size of the room. Ordinarily, I love stripes, but in such a small space, I think they make the ceiling seem even higher instead of expanding the room. I think I like #7, but I don’t think I’d like it with a round mirror, which I know is your usual favorite. #2 seems really clean and classic, but boring somehow, and for some reason I’m can’t get excited about #9. I am of no help, except I’d make that call to the outlet center…
Jess says
I’m would have chosen #7 wallpaper as well! I like the #7 mirror with the wider wood frame. The mirror in our bathroom right now is small and it drives me crazy! I’d go with the one the size of the vanity. Great finds!
Mary says
I would pick number 6. Always classy.
Lori R. says
Love your first choice paper…with mirror #2(second group of mirrors)but…second choice would be wallpaper #4 with mirror #3(first group of mirrors)😍
Whatever you decide will be stunning I am sure!
Looking forward to it😄
tina says
Wow! That original wallpaper is pricey! I would never spend that on wallpaper. LOL!! I like the one that looks just like it and I also like the greek key one you show. As for mirrors, I do not care for “theme-y” rooms, so the coastal one would be a no-go for me. But that’s just me! I love the round, metal framed mirrors and the round wood ball mirror might be a good choice too.
It’s going to look great!
Cyndi J says
I love your original mood board just as it is. Personally, I would do a wallpaper with a darker ground since you’re thinking white on the bottom half. Although I like number 7, I think it would wash out. My other favorite is number 4 – again because of the darker ground. The grasscloth is very expensive! Maybe there’s something with similar colors that would be cheaper. Since you’ll have samples, you’ll be able to check them against the vanity. And the Spoonflower artist may be able to tweak the color in number 4 if the blues clash. It will be gorgeous no matter what!
Kimberly Witt says
Stick with wallpaper #3. It is stunning. I would Go with full size width round mirror. It would balance out the small rectangular room and vanity shape. Introducing curves would achieve more balance and soften up the space. Love your game plan!
Teresa says
I like #7 wallpaper and thinking not a round mirror with the round design in the wallpaper. In regard to mirrors I like the arched rope mirror used with the whales wallpaper best or #5 mirror in simple classics. Love blue vanity and all the rest of your selections. Our guest bath ceiling height is 9′ with 4′ high beaded board (not panels but real beaded board). We have 1′ baseboards and a shelf on top of beaded board. Can’t wait to see your completed look.
Diane says
I love your first choice, however #9 is beautiful too. It gives a nod to the coastal theme without being too obvious. The round mirror with the white balls would look great with that paper. Of course the simple round with the gold trim would be lovely too and pick up the color of the faucet.
Nancy Highland says
I’m on the #7 team for the wall paper. I think it’s subtle enough to make that beautiful vanity stand out.
jean says
Kris,
I love the #6 Greek Key wallpaper and #7 mirror. I love the idea of the Board and Batten for the lower wall. I love the vanity you chose and the blue color. As always, you will make the right decision and love to see what all you will be doing. Can’t wait to see what you do the ceiling in the breakfast area!!!!
Toni says
I love #6 first and then #7. It will be beautiful no matter what you choose because you have such good taste for putting things together.
Carolynn says
Greek key all the way! Classic, not too much blue to tire of, easy to work in a third color if you want, doesn’t scream Beach, and is the easiest to work with . It also blends with the vanity and tones down he amount of blue. 80% on mirrors. Sorry to be so opinionated. .
Kathleen says
I always love a powder room to be a little fancy (for lack of a better word that I can’t think of right now) in style than casual, so I would choose #6 for the wallpaper and #7 (tilted brass – in the second set of mirrors) for the beautiful mirror. I would get less expensive wood for the shelving and paint them white. Whatever you decide on, I know it will look fabulous because I’ve loved everything that you have done in the past. Hugs from a transplanted New Canaanite – now near Hilton Head, SC!
Stacy says
I forgot to cast my vote! I would go with 1,3 or 9 for the wallpaper. If you do white bead board on the bottom half of the room and then the wallpaper on the top half, it would add interest plus save money on wallpaper. The blue vanity would be against the white area and would be good contrast. You’ve already used 7 and might be too much white. Anything you choose will look great!
Caroline says
Everything you do is elegant and lovely, so I say go with your gut!
I adore your favorite wallpaper, but I also could never spend that much. I’d go with #9 for the beautiful blues, the lack of stripes/lines, and the drama. The light one so many commenters like is just too pale and subtle for a powder room, for me. As for a mirror, I’d avoid the ones that are so obviously nautical in favor of a plainer one with a strong outline to show up against the paper.
Shawn says
Wallpaper 3, 6,7 or 9. Mirror with the leather hanging strap, or the ones with the top detail you used in your master bath in CT. We used those in our master bath remodel after seeing yours, but prior to that we’re leaning to a leather strap mirror. Whatever you do will be lovely, as always. You’ve certainly got lots of opinions on here.
Karen B. says
Kris,
I love what you’ve planned for the powder room. I think #7 is my favorite with the vanity you’ve selected. I’m not sure which mirror I’d choose but I know whatever you decide will be amazing.
Karen
Patti says
The wall paper choices are all pretty. But, as I was scrolling through them, I got a more and more “heavy” feeling. It wasn’t until I saw #7 that I took a calming breath. Seriously. The only thing I can’t tell from the pic is the size or scale of the pattern. But, from what is shown here, I vote for #7!
Looking forward to seeing the end result as I have a near identical guest bath with that exact pedestal sink! I totally sympathize with the faucet handles knocking everything off. Ugh. I do know whatever you choose, it will be gorgeous!
Dian Owens says
I love a medium to dark color above white board and batten, so my choice is #4. Anything you choose will undoubtedly be beautiful!
Kim says
I would never put grass cloth in a bathroom. There are too many germs that fly around . The texture of grass cloth is a perfect place for them to live.
Katy Altemose says
Hi Kris: Love this article like ALL of what you write – very helpful information, well written and laid out and incredibly relevant for DIYers and designers alike — plus with a 1960s colonial in Hinsdale, IL (much like your old house from Connecticut) my house is not unlike it — date built, renovations needed, etc. Question on this article: you discuss small vanities generally looking better with mirrors slightly larger, but didn’t you recently post an article (I get your emails too) of a 1/2 bath in your NC home that was small in which you left the original wall mirror that extended the entire width of the bathroom (my guess is to make it feel bigger)? I ask b/c I have an UBER small powder room (depth and width) and while I have a cute, frameless sort of scalloped-shaped mirror there now that I could re-use, when I saw your article with large mirror across whole wall it made me wonder if I should opt for that (that I’d probably have custom cut). I would like to do wallpaper and I thought big mirror would mean less wallpaper which I fear may get dizzying in a small room like this! Thoughts?
Julie says
Hi Kris,
Love your choice of wallpaper #3. Although it seems spendy, you’re getting 72 sq ft for that price, and hopefully at least a 15% S&L discount! The cheaper wallpapers require 3+ rolls to get that square footage. Greek key paper is now discontinued. 🙁 Love the textural contrast of mirror #3 or something similar, and the smaller size they have is slightly smaller than your vanity width. Perfect! Put that with your current choice of lighting, and I think you’ve got a room with a lot of interest, not a ho-hum matchy-match contractor bath. It’s a winner.