Powder Room Essentials to Keep Guests Happy

So, that swanky vanity and stunning wallpaper have made your powder room the talk of the town. But can we skip the design for a minute and have a real talk? Where the heck is the toilet paper? In fact, where the heck are the other amenities?

Nothing stresses me out more than a powder room that’s ill prepared for its users. Here are some key things your loo must have to avoid the side-eye glare from guests during the holidays — and beyond.

My first beef? You guessed it: a lack of good old-fashioned toilet paper. I mean, you know the lavatory is gonna get some major mileage during the holidays, and yet there’s only one square left on the roll? Ya gotta be kidding me, right?

Tip: Do a quick check the morning you’re expecting guests to make sure the room is well stocked. (It goes without saying that it should also be clean!) The subway mural on this powder room wall isn’t the only showstopper here. Having floor-to-ceiling shelves stocked with toilet paper is pretty bold, and I think it’s safe to say there’s enough here to last through next Christmas.


If a wall filled with toilet paper doesn’t float your boat, then stash a few extra rolls in a simple and inexpensive wire basket, like the one shown here. You’ll have some extremely grateful guests, I promise you.


Now that we’ve used all that toilet paper, it’s time to wash our hands. Guess what, people? One little hand towel ain’t enough! First, the mild germaphobe in me loathes the thought of drying my hands on the same towel used by, I dunno, 30 other people? For the love of God, please have a few towels handy.

Am I alone with this pet peeve? Say it ain’t so!


What’s better than a few hand towels? Nicely folded napkins. And no, they’re not decorative — use ’em! Some good old-fashioned paper towels will work just as well. Consider placing them in a cute basket, so they don’t stick out like a sore thumb.

I know these two options could get me in trouble with The Gods of All Things Green, but I think this is an area where an exception might be OK. Please?


Wait a minute. How can I wash my hands without any soap? OMG, how many times has this happened to you? Way too many, I’m sure.


Tip: Pick up a few bottles of soap from the 99-cent store and pour ’em into a fancy soap dispenser — and by fancy I mean the fab ones you can score for $7.99 at Target or HomeGoods. No one will ever know, but I can guarantee that your guests will appreciate the fact that they’ll be shaking hands that are fresh and clean.


OK, now I know you all think your guests use the loo only for a quick tinkle. Truth is, you know a few people will spend some extra time in there handling some additional business after eating all your delicious holiday fare. With that in mind, I highly suggest having something handy to keep them occupied.

Tip: If you have a built-in cubby like the one shown here, fill it with magazines or a few good paperback or hardcover books (remember those, you e-readers?). Now I hope no one plans to read a novel in there, but at least people can read the first chapter of Moby Dick and get a tad familiar with a literary classic.


Or toss a few magazines in a basket, in an oversize tote bag or on a decorative wooden ladder, as shown here.


No storage space for those magazines or not in the mood to buy a simple magazine holder? Then have your guests read the walls — literally. Magazines or old newspapers glued to the walls is a fun, zany yet budget-friendly way to decorate your guest bath.

Tip: Although the paper should always be sealed, I’d recommend doing this in a powder room and not a bathroom with a shower, as the moisture paired with the paper will trigger a host of problems.


Now that people have read all your magazines and used the fancy folded napkins, they may need a place to toss said napkins.

Now I know wastebaskets are not the sexiest of all decorative elements to place in a bathroom. Believe me, I make sure they’re nowhere in sight when we shoot photos of my bathroom remodels. But people, a wastebasket of any style, shape or color is simply the one last thing you must have in place for your guests. Not having a place for trash is simply uncool and can be especially problematic for us ladies, if you catch my drift.


Tip: It doesn’t have to be a metallic finish or cost much, either. This homeowner uses an oversized tote as a wastebasket, and it’s in such a fun color and pattern that I imagine the trash can’t wait to hop right in there and say hello.

Now please, go forth and be sure all these items are on hand for your guests. I guarantee you this will make them a happy bunch.

Did I miss a must-have item or two? Please feel free to share.

More: Designer’s Touch: 10 Powerful Powder Rooms

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