Finishing Powder: Go Bold in Your Home’s Smallest Room

January 06, 2020 2 min read

Gleco Paint - Powder Room blog

Ever wonder why we call half baths “powder rooms?” (We’ll take 18th Century Quirks for $400, Alex!) 

As it turns out, the powder room was where one went to refresh their powdered wig and nose or to make a quick retreat from boorish conversation (yawn!). Typically, the powder room was a water closet near the formal entertaining room, making it convenient for guests needing a moment to themselves. 

Today’s powder room has not strayed from the original floor plan, nor has it grown in square footage or expanded beyond the basic amenities of toilet, sink, and fancy, guests-only hand towels. Whathaschanged is the design potential to transform these tiny spaces into rooms that make a huge statement. 

The most important thing to remember when designing a powder room is that it’s not just a small bathroom. It’s the jewel box of your home that will delight your guests the moment they open the door – making it an excellent place to unleash your creativity and have fun with Benjamin Moore colors, patterns and finishes. We think it might just be the most exciting room in the house to paint!


Six tips on turning your powder room into a WOW!der room:

Bold Powder Room for High Impact

Go bold for high impact:That old-school rule about small rooms having to be painted white or a light color is history – now is the time to go big and bold! Remember that because there isn’t a lot of extra elbow room for accessories, paint is the main design element in a pretty powder room.

Powder room with a distinct color personality that compliments-living space

Play up the personality:The powder room is a defined space. It’s separate and apart from other rooms in your home, so behind the door should be a very distinct color personality that won’t interrupt the visual flow of your living space.

Powder room with ceiling painted the same color as walls for high impact.

Paint the fifth wall:Painting the entire room – and by that, we mean the ceiling too – in one deep, rich color creates a sophisticated and dramatic effect. Or step outside the box and showcase a standout ceiling by painting it in a different color.

Powder room accent walls: the wall behind the vanity is the best choice.

The one with the mirror:If you want to create one accent wall, go with the one behind the vanity. Try a higher sheen, bold color here that delivers the kind of glaze that commands attention.

Add wallpaper to your powder room to complete the look.

Paper, doll:Whether you’re going for glamorous or whimsical, it’s easy to add pizzazz to the powder room with modern vinyl wallpapers available in a wide spectrum of bold patterns, textures and even shiny, metallic finishes.

The powder room is the best place to roll the dice and take a risk on color.

No risk, no reward:Love Benjamin Moore’s Raspberry Mousse 2076-40 or Rumba Orange 2014-20 but can’t quite bring yourself to using them elsewhere in the house? The powder room is the best place to roll the dice and take a risk. Bonus: its small size makes this space easy to change up on a whim or make over as your color preferences or style trends evolve.


Ask our in-store paint and design experts for more great tips on revamping your powder room when you come in to buy your paint and paint accessories.



Also in Our Blog

YES, YOUR HOME CAN WEAR WHITE AFTER LABOR DAY (SO GET OVER IT!)
YES, YOUR HOME CAN WEAR WHITE AFTER LABOR DAY (SO GET OVER IT!)

September 01, 2023 2 min read

The old school thinking that you can’t wear white after Labour Day is as silly as believing you can’t drink coffee on days that end in Y. And we simply don’t want to live in a world where either is true.
Read More
Light blue house with a bright red front door, with green bushes and trees in front.
4 Reasons to Paint the Exterior of Your Home in Spring

May 01, 2023 3 min read

It’s time to revamp the exterior of your house! Whether you’re spending time on your deck barbecuing or hosting a backyard picnic, having a freshly painted exterior can make a difference to the overall feel of your home. 
Read More
FRESHEN UP YOUR CURB APPEAL: 6 STEPS TO PAINT YOUR FRONT DOOR
FRESHEN UP YOUR CURB APPEAL: 6 STEPS TO PAINT YOUR FRONT DOOR

April 08, 2023 3 min read

Have you heard the phrase, “You will never get a second chance to make a first impression”? As many have experienced this first hand, they understand how crucial a first impression is. But first impressions don’t start when you say the first hello, first impressions start when the newcomer walks up the front steps to your door. No matter the colour, your front door is more than a transition from the outdoors in, your front door is the first hello.
Read More