Bathroom Design
Sensible Style for Your Holiday Guest Bath
Pamper visitors with great bathroom lighting, plush towels and user-friendly features for sink and shower
Too often, guest bathrooms are afterthoughts in your home. If you value the people visiting you, they shouldn't be! As you're likely to have overnight guests during the holiday season, I'm happy to share these tips from a frequent host — and guest.
A guest bath should be as well-lit as your master bath. The handsome sconces flanking the mirror add targeted illumination and tremendous style.
Guest baths should look great, as this one does. They should also be highly functional, if only for a weekend visit. This contemporary vanity offers ample counter space for a visitor's kit bag, an easy-to-operate faucet and even accessibility for a wheelchair user.
A barrier-free shower is ideal for a guest bath — and great-looking, too. A shower bench is also ideal for these spaces, as well as towel hooks or bar within reach of the door. (If your guests have children, provide access to a tub elsewhere in your home.)
A hand-held showerhead is ideal for any bathroom, including your guest bath. Consider one with a massage feature as a pampering element for your valued visitors.
Odin by Jason Wu for Brizo
If your guest bath will be shared by multiple users, you might want to consider a mostly hands-free faucet. Unlike the public restroom variety, models designed for home use allow users to vary the temperature. This sleek model coming Spring 2012 has tap on-off technology. No shaving cream on this beauty! And fewer cold germs, too.
Hotel Collection Bath Towels, Macy's
Don't skimp on guest bath towels. Quality choices will wash better, last longer and feel much nicer against the user's skin. If you like them enough to have them stay over, treat them to yummy towels!
Elise Floor Mirror, Pottery Barn
Be sure your guest bath (or adjacent guest room) has a full-length mirror. Your guests want to check their hems, too. If you don't have floor or wall space for a beauty like this one, consider hanging a mirror on the back of the bathroom door instead.
Vintage Hook, Restoration Hardware
Add a double hook or two single hooks for your guests' convenience. Choose a finish and style that coordinates with your other bath finishes. If you lack wall space, consider installing your hook or hooks on the back of the bathroom door. Just choose a location that won't get easily bumped.
Plaza Robe, Pottery Barn
OK, so I like to spoil my guests. A pair of robes will make them feel like they're at a resort. (Only indulge them if you want repeat visits!) And don't forget the slippers.
Martha Stewart Collection "Trousseau" Bath Accessories, Macy's
When you select accessories for your guest bath, add a second tumbler for a second guest. I also suggest buying tumblers that are dishwasher-friendly.
More: How to Give Your Guests the Royal Treatment
Powder Rooms That Really Perform
Browse most popular bathroom photos
More: How to Give Your Guests the Royal Treatment
Powder Rooms That Really Perform
Browse most popular bathroom photos