Using several tall and skinny mirrors can give a room a more vertical look, emphasizing the height of the space (especially effective when you have high ceilings). Of course, using a single large mirror opens up the room by reflecting more of the opposite walls. Ultimately the choice comes down to personal preference.

If you are selecting a toilet, get the manufacturer’s specifications from the website or from a plumbing supplier before making a decision about what type will fit and operate properly in your home. Other options can be different seat heights, electronic controls and different levels of water consumption, to name just a few.

There’s a lot to admire about this classic powder room, from the parquet wood floors to the gold fixtures and floor-to-ceiling wood paneling. The designer’s attention to natural light especially enhances the space. Mirrors installed around the perimeter not only brighten the room by reflecting light, but also create the illusion of more windows.

A bathroom vanity needn’t be straight out of the shop or supplied by a manufacturer or cabinetmaker. Indeed, thinking outside the square can turn up a one-of-a-kind vanity with character and function to boot. Sideboards, desks and cabinets — whether new or used — can all be repurposed to provide storage and surface space.