Half-Bath Refresh: Wallpaper, Board & Batten, and a Whole New Look

There’s something so satisfying about giving a small space a big dose of personality — and our half bath was definitely ready for a little love. It’s one of the tiniest rooms in the house, but it also gets a ton of use, so I wanted it to feel intentional, cozy, and a little more “us.” With a few simple upgrades (and a weekend of work), this little bathroom now feels completely refreshed.

Here’s how we transformed our half bath using wallpaper, board and batten, and a few budget-friendly touches.

Starting With a Blank Slate

Our half bath began as a pretty basic space — functional, but not bringing any joy. Here is what we started with when we bought our home.

First steps when we moved in were to replace the pedestal sink with this basic sink from Lowes. I love the look of wood vanities but didn't want to spend more money, so I created a faux wood look. This was a fairly easy project and elevated the space. First I painted the cabinet in a light tan color that we already had in order to give it the base color. I think you could use whatever you have on hand or any tan paint color. Then I used a brush to apply the Vintage Brown Antiquing Gel by Heirloom Traditions All-In-One Paint. If it's your first time using a gel, practice on a scrap piece of wood to get the hang of it. You'll want to brush the same direction the wood would go. I didn't put a protective top coat on and a few years later it still looks great. I also replaced the knobs with cute gold knobs from Amazon. LAST we also replaced the mirror with a mirror I found on FB marketplace, and light fixture purchased from Amazon.

That was a good start but a few years later and it just looked plain and boring to me. Bring on the projects.

• Statement wallpaper

• Board and batten for texture

These simple upgrades completely changed the vibe.

Wallpaper

Wallpaper is such a fun way to bring personality into a smaller room because a little goes a long way. I chose a pattern that added character without overwhelming the space. I used peel and stick wallpaper for this project. I'll be honest, don't look too closely or you'll see the imperfections. When wallpapering you must bring lots of patience! I'm still not a pro but feel anyone could do this if you take your time.

What I love most?
The wallpaper brings instant depth and charm, making the whole room feel styled and intentional. I chose a bold fun print since it's a small space. It’s now the perfect backdrop for everything else in the space.

Tip: In small bathrooms, stick to patterns that coordinate with the rest of your home’s color palette. It creates a natural flow from room to room.

Adding Board & Batten

To balance the wallpaper and add even more interest, we installed board and batten along the lower portion of the walls. This is one of my favorite DIYs because:

• It adds texture

• It feels high-end

• It works with almost any style

• It’s incredibly budget-friendly

We used lauan board from Lowe's and cut to strips. You could do whatever pattern you want here. We've done one horizontal board but for this one we choose to do two sections plus a thicker trim piece at the top. The lauan board is very thin and fit nicely behind the toilet. The trim piece around the top was a mdf 2x1 board. Caulk and fill nail holes and it will look great no matter what design you decide on. I primed everything next since there were so many nail holes. Skipping this step can sometimes cause the patches to show through. Then I painted the walls navy blue to coordinate with the wallpaper. I wouldn't normally choose such a dark color but since this was a smaller space I was willing to take a chance and go bold.. The combination of the wallpaper, blue walls, and "wood" vanity gives the room a charming, cottage-meets-modern feel that I absolutely love.

Finishing Touches That Make a Big Difference

Once the walls were finished, it was time for the fun part — styling!

A few simple updates pulled it all together:

• New hand towels (currently Christmas vibes)

• A small faux plant for softness

• A fun rug

• Simple artwork for a layered look

• Small shelf for added style (also currently styled for Christmas)

• I love the gold and black touches in the room to make it feel modern.

These little touches make the room feel lived-in, cozy, and complete without overwhelming the small space.

A Cozy, Affordable Transformation

The best part of this mini remodel?
It felt doable, not overwhelming. By focusing on high-impact elements like wallpaper and board and batten, we created a space that feels fresh, warm, and intentional — without a full renovation or a huge budget.

I love how this little half bath turned out, and it reminds me how even small changes can bring so much joy into a home.

If you’re thinking about refreshing a small bathroom, this is your sign — wallpaper and trim work might be exactly the cozy upgrade your space needs.