Yes, You Can Go Bold With Wallpaper in a Powder Room

Designers love to take chances and go bold in powder rooms, particularly when it comes to wallpaper. Why? First, because the door is often kept closed, it’s a chance to break the continuity of a first floor’s decor and do something that surprises upon entry. Second, the spaces may be closet size, but they have the potential to be transformed into dazzling little jewel boxes. Third, there are none of the wallpaper concerns of a full bath, like damage from humidity and moisture from the bathtub and shower. A powder room is a great place in which to try out your riskiest design ideas, to use a bold wallpaper you’ve always wanted to try. Here are 10 powerful powder rooms with wallpaper that dazzles.

Oh, let’s just admit it: Lots of folks associate the bathroom with a place to catch up on some reading. This lively library wallpaper winks at getting literary in the powder room.

Wallpaper: Biblioteque, Brunschwig & Fils

See a Wall Street Journal–papered bath


The library paper isn’t the only one winking at us. Between the traditional damaskesque wallpaper, gorgeous marble mosaic wall tile and vintage etched mirror, at first glance this room is pure elegance. But upon closer inspection, the wallpaper is showing us this powder room doesn’t take itself too seriously — there are fire hydrants, parking meters, pigeons and (eek!) rats in its pattern.

Wallpaper: City Park, Flavor Paper


A black floor and ceiling accentuate the graphic black and white forest on these walls. The design makes the very tight space a fun one to spend time in.

Wallpaper: Wintertree, Cowtan & Tout


An alternative to the all-black-and-white palette we just saw is to pair real wood with the woodsy pattern. This live-edge shelf is a wonderful contrast to the graphite and white print, while a crystal chandelier and luxe mirror add glam contrast.

Wallpaper: Woods by Cole & Son, via Anthropolgie


Interesting silhouettes on the mirror and sink stand play off the bright patchwork’s rectilinear lines in this lively space. Keeping them both white keeps the room from looking too busy.

Oomph Newport Mirror: Candelabra


The rest of this house has airy, beachy style, but there’s a brightly colored safari happening in the powder room. The paper is an art deco classic, back in popular demand thanks to the film The Royal Tenenbaums. A simple rectangular mirror lets the wallpaper take center stage.

Wallpaper: Zebras by Scalamandré; mirror: custom, Diane Bergeron Design


Tip: Play off the shapes found in your wallpaper. Here the circular sink basin and the starburst sconce bases pick up in the paper’s pattern.

Wallpaper: Cole & Son, via Martha O’Hara Interiors


Tip: If a dynamic pattern seems like it will overwhelm your small room, try using it from chair-rail height to the ceiling. Dark moldings ground this luxurious metallic paper.

Wallpaper: Tamaki, Romo


For those who yearn for a wine cellar and its warm style but aren’t there yet, there’s this embossed wallpaper that looks like wooden wine crates.

Similar wallpaper: Meters Wine Box, via AliExpress


This graphic pattern adds some exciting retro style to this powder room.

Tip: Balance out a bold print with fixtures and accessories. Note the way the extra-chunky counter holds its own against the strong geometry, cutting in with a big thick line. The marble’s veins, streamlined mirror and contemporary pendants update the overall look.

Wallpaper: Cowtan & Tout

More: Tempted to Try Wallpaper? 10 Tips for Finding the Right Pattern

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