Why is "powder room" another word for bathroom?

Question

Where did that phrase come from?

Answer 1

A powder room was "originally a corner or small closet in the bedroom of an 18th-century house where one could go to have one's hair powdered", back in the day when white powdered hair was all the rage. These were converted into bathrooms when powdered wigs went out of style.

Answer 2

That is where ladies go to powder their noses.

Once upon a time, a long time ago, ladies used to carry a compact (a small case or box) that contained lose face powder. Often when these ladies were out in public, say after dinner in a restaurant, they would excuse themselves to "go powder their noses". It became a euphemism (saying one thing but meaning another) for going to the ladies room or restroom. However, they often did freshen their make up during their visit to the powder room.

And even longer ago, say in Victorian times, ladies and gentlemen wore elaborate wigs that were powdered to make them white. In those long ago days there was a special room, often adjacent to the bedroom, where one went to have their wig powdered.

Answer 3

Many women, while at a social function, would often excuse themselves to the bathroom to go "powder their noses." That would be my logical guess.

Answer 4

That's where women used to go to powder their nose (apply pressed powder from a compact to their faces).