16 Bold Wallpaper Ideas for Your Powder Room

We’re always here for a bit of whimsical, eye-catching wallpaper. And any designer knows that it’s one of the easiest ways to transform a space. Since wallpaper tends to be more expensive than paint, you want to ensure you’re splurging in the right rooms. Smaller spaces, like powder rooms, are perfect for such a bold application. Covering less wall space keeps the cost down. And it’s easy to find a sleek white vanity and brass faucet to complement the look—even with an eccentric pink flamingo wallpaper.

When thinking about taking on a wallpaper project, source as many swatches as possible. There are so many options out in the market, and you want to make sure that you are choosing the right one. Tape them up onto your powder room walls, and live with them for a little while before narrowing down the selection. Ahead, we’ve rounded up some Pin-worthy powder rooms that pack a punch.

Looks Like Paint

A saturated violet hue envelopes the bathroom of this vibrant Manhattan Beach home thanks to Farrow & Ball’s Drag wallpaper that mimics the effects of strié painting (the process of creating faint streaked vertical lines of color close in tone to the background).

Graphic Print

Inspired by traditional embroidered textiles and folk art, ethereal-looking birds and other creatures pop against the deep navy background of this Hygge and West paper that lines the powder room of a colorful Upper East Side NYC home.

Faux Marble

Shades of blue and gold create a swirled effect in this powder room. The wallpaper perfectly complements the accents of bold gold from the sink, mirror, and sconces without feeling too overwhelming.

Ikat Cool

This abstract ikat is calling out to the cool girl inside us all. Watercolor wallpaper is currently trending, so show off the fact that you’ve got style.

Master Mud Cloth

This Chasing Paper wallpaper is a fresh, eye-popping update on a mud cloth print. The look is inspired by the traditional process, but gets a striking update thanks to the indigo tone.

Be A Square

This modernized block print is an easy pattern to incorporate for even the most wallpaper-adverse. The repetitive pattern is enough to stand out, but won’t compete with your other classic bathroom accessories.

Go For the Gold

Is there such a thing as too much gold? Don’t worry about overdoing it when the wallpaper is this good. Really drive the look home with gold accents because, afterall, this look isn’t for the faint of heart.

Do Dark Blooms

Moody florals make us swoon. Here, the iconic Ashley Woodson Bailey pattern gives a whole new point-of-view on florals, while the vintage touches—mirror, framed portraits, wastebasket—make this a maximalist-lover’s dream powder room.

Freshen Up With Ferns

Everyone loves a good plant print, and this pretty fern paper looks extra fresh next to white paneling, creating a vibrant tropical oasis. Try this look if you want to bring a daily dose of vacation into your life.

’70s Cool

The florals (a print designed by artist Abigail Borg), color scheme, and kitschy-cool sconces of this powder room impart a groovy ’70s vibe, yet also feels fresh.

Just Keep Swimming

You might be a touch hesitant about this fishy wallpaper in your powder room, but the realistic pattern (a Cole & Son print) makes it feel more grown-up than childlike. Lean into the playfulness by plastering it from the ceiling to the walls to even the cabinetry doors.

Oh So Subtly Gold

Inspired by blades of glass, this Juju Papers print toes the line between subtle and eye-catching. It’s the perfect pattern for a powder room that’s already filled with unique gold touches, boosting the bright accents.

Embrace Animals

We are all for something whimsical and fun on our walls, and there are some seriously dramatic animal wallpapers out there. This one is a bit tamer so you can include it in your powder room without much risk. If you are thinking about easing into the idea of wallpaper, start here.

Think Pink

Did you know a flock of flamingos is called a flamboyance? That word fits this powder room perfectly. And the matching brass accents ensure the space stays sophisticated.

Try Toile

This classic print often gets forgotten, as some may say it’s too traditional. But we love a timeless print that is forever fresh. Additional vintage-inspired elements—in the faucet and sconce—pull this room together.

Vintage Bold

Inspired by a vintage paper pattern found in a curiosity shop, Calico gave this hypnotic print a modern update. The wallpaper is a beautiful marriage between traditional marbling techniques and modernist design–and it certainly makes for a showstopping statement.

This story was originally published in November 2016, and has since been updated with new information.

See more wallpaper ideas: Patterns Rule in this Colorful Austin Bungalow 4 Design Experts on the Latest Wallpaper Trends This Brooklyn Home Proves Wallpaper on the Ceiling Is a Great Idea