How to Incorporate Art into Your Bathroom Design

Bathrooms are often seen as functional spaces, meant solely for daily grooming routines. However, with the right design elements, your bathroom can be transformed into a luxurious oasis that reflects your personal style.

One design element that can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your bathroom is art. Yes, you read that right – art in the bathroom!

From bold and colorful paintings to delicate sculptures, incorporating art into your bathroom design can be the perfect way to infuse your space with a unique flair.

So, let’s dive into how you can incorporate art into your bathroom and make a statement that goes beyond just functionality.

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Is it OK to put artwork in the bathroom?

Artwork is a great way to add personality and style to any space, including your bathroom. So, yes, it’s perfectly fine to put artwork in your bathroom, as long as you take certain precautions and choose the right type of art.

What art should you put in a bathroom?

You may have already realized that a beautiful piece of art can add a lot of character and depth to any space, including your bathroom. However, selecting the right artwork for your bathroom can be a bit tricky.

Here are tips and guidelines that can help you choose the perfect art pieces for your bathroom:

(a) Start with the theme of your bathroom in mind

Before you start looking for art pieces for your bathroom, take a moment to consider the overall theme of your bathroom.

Is it modern or traditional? Do you have any particular colors or patterns in your bathroom that you would like to highlight? Consider these factors when selecting artwork.

For example, if you have a beach-themed bathroom, you might consider artwork that features seascapes or seashells.

When looking to match your artwork with the theme of your bathroom, also consider where you want the focus of the room to be.

If you have a large empty wall, a larger piece of artwork can help fill the space and create a bold focal point. In a smaller bathroom, a smaller piece of artwork can serve as a subtle focal point.

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Tip…

Artwork can be a great way to add a pop of color to a neutral bathroom. Choose art pieces that feature bold colors or striking patterns to create impact in your space.

If your bathroom is already quite colorful, consider selecting art pieces that complement your existing color scheme.

(b) Choose moisture-resistant materials

Bathrooms can be damp and humid places, so it’s important to select art pieces that can withstand the humidity and moisture levels in the bathroom.

Avoid artwork made of paper or other delicate materials, as these can easily become damaged by humidity.

Instead, look for artwork that is made of materials like canvas, acrylic, metal, stone, or glass, which can stand up to moisture and humidity.

It’s also important to keep in mind that the bathroom is not the best environment for fine art preservation. If you have valuable or sentimental artwork, it may be better to display it in a different room where it can be protected from the humidity and moisture that are common in bathrooms.

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Framing your artwork is another way to protect your artwork whilst adding a touch of elegance to your bathroom. The frame can add depth and texture to the artwork, making it more visually appealing.

Look for frames that are water-resistant and easy to clean, such as metal or acrylic frames.

Note…

It’s generally safe to put acrylic paintings in the bathroom as long as they are properly sealed and protected from moisture.

This is because acrylic painting is known to be more resistant to water and can handle the humidity levels that are typical of a bathroom environment.

However, it’s important to note that prolonged exposure to high levels of moisture can still damage acrylic paintings over time.

To protect your acrylic paintings, it’s recommended that you frame them with a sealed back and cover them with glass or acrylic glazing. This will create a barrier between the painting and the humidity, helping to prevent damage and discoloration.

(c) Size matters

When selecting art for your bathroom, it’s important to consider the size of the piece as choosing artwork that is proportional to the size of your bathroom can help create a balanced and harmonious look.

In a small bathroom, a large piece of artwork can make the space feel cramped and overwhelming, while a small piece of artwork in a large bathroom can feel lost and insignificant.

By selecting artwork that is proportional to the size of your bathroom, you can create a cohesive and visually appealing space.

(d) Keep it simple

Bathrooms are often small spaces, and too much clutter can make them feel even smaller.

When selecting artwork for your bathroom, choose pieces that are simple and uncluttered. This will help keep the space feeling open and airy.

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Art Placement 101: Expert Tips for Hanging Art in Your Bathroom

Once you’ve got the right art for your bathroom, you should consider the placement of the artwork, because hanging art in a bathroom can be tricky due to the high humidity levels, limited space, and specific design considerations.

(a) Make sure that the placement of the art does not interfere with the functionality of the bathroom.

For example, you don’t want to place a piece of art in a location where it could get in the way of opening or closing a door.

(b) Find an unobstructed spot for your artwork.

Bathrooms often have limited wall space, so you’ll want to choose a location that won’t be obstructed by shower curtains, towel racks, or other bathroom fixtures.

(c) Consider the humidity levels in your bathroom when selecting the location.

Avoid hanging art directly above a bathtub or shower since the moisture can damage the artwork over time. Instead, look for a spot that’s away from direct water exposure.

(d) Hang at the Right Height

When hanging art in your bathroom, it’s crucial to hang it at the right height.

The ideal height for artwork is at eye level, which is typically around 57 inches from the floor level. However, in a bathroom, you may need to adjust the height based on the size of your art and the location you’ve chosen.

Also, if you’re hanging a small piece of art, you may need to raise it higher than eye level to ensure it’s visible from all angles but if you’re hanging a larger piece of art, you may need to lower it to ensure it doesn’t overwhelm the space.

In general, it’s a good idea to hang art slightly lower than you would in other rooms of your home since people tend to spend less time standing in a bathroom.

(e) Consider Groupings

If you have multiple pieces of art you want to display in your bathroom, consider creating a grouping. Also referred to as a gallery, groupings can add interest and visual impact to a space.

When creating a grouping, start by selecting a focal point or anchor piece. This piece should be larger or more visually striking than the other pieces in the grouping.

Arrange the remaining pieces around the anchor piece, making sure to leave enough space between each piece to ensure they don’t appear cluttered.

It’s also important to make sure the grouping is balanced visually. For example, you could group pieces of similar colors or styles to create a cohesive look.

(f) Accentuate with Lighting

The right lighting can make all the difference when it comes to displaying art in your bathroom.

Consider installing a spotlight or small accent light to highlight the artwork. You could also install a dimmer switch to adjust the lighting based on the time of day or mood you want to create.

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(g) Use the Right Hardware

To hang your artwork safely in your bathroom, be sure to use appropriate hardware and hang it away from direct water exposure.

Your hardware should be able to withstand the moisture and humidity of the space. For example, use wall hooks made of moisture-resistant materials such as brass, stainless steel, aluminum, or plastic.

Adhesive hooks are a great option for small or lightweight pieces of art.

Also, make sure it can support the weight of your artwork and is appropriate for the type of wall you’re hanging it on.

It’s also important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation and weight limits to ensure your artwork is securely and safely hung in your bathroom.

Tip…

If you’re worried about humidity destroying your bathroom artwork, consider using a dehumidifier or opening a window to allow for proper ventilation.

The Perfect Spots for Your Bathroom Art

When it comes to bathroom design, many people focus on functionality over aesthetics. While it’s important to have a bathroom that is practical and easy to use, adding a touch of art can take your bathroom design to the next level.

Here are the perfect spots for your bathroom art, so you can create a space that is both functional and visually appealing:

(a) Above the Toilet

This is a popular spot for hanging art in bathrooms. It’s a relatively small space that can benefit from a bit of visual interest.

(b) Around the Sink or Vanity

Consider hanging art around your vanity or sink area to help break up the visual monotony and create a focal point in the space.

(c) Above the Bathtub

If you have a bathtub that’s separate from your shower, consider hanging art above it. can create a spa-like atmosphere and make your bath time more enjoyable.

(d) On Empty Wall Spaces

If you have space on the side walls of your bathroom, consider hanging art there to help balance the space and create a more visually interesting environment.

In larger bathrooms, especially, you can consider creating a gallery wall with multiple pieces of art. This can be a great way to add interest and personality to the space.

Pony walls are another great spot to display art in your bathroom. These are short walls that typically divide a space, such as between a shower and a tub or between the vanity and the toilet.

(e) Display On Shelves

If you have shelves in your bathroom, consider placing artwork on them to make your shelves more visually interesting.

(f) On the Windowsill

If you have a window in your bathroom, consider placing artwork on the windowsill to add visual interest and help balance the space.

(g) Above the Towel Rack

Consider hanging art above the towel rack in your bathroom to help create a focal point and make your towel rack area more visually interesting.

(h) Incorporate Artistic Accessories

In addition to artwork, you can also incorporate artistic accessories into your bathroom design.

Look for unique and interesting pieces such as sculptures, vases, or other decorative items. These can be placed on shelves or countertops to add a touch of personality and style to your bathroom.

(i) Use WallPaper as Wall or Ceiling Art

Adding art to your ceiling or large walls can be a unique and unexpected way to add visual interest to your bathroom.

Consider using bold wallpaper or decals for this spot and you’ll pull eyes to your ceiling. Empty walls can also be wallpapered for a bold artistic statement.

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(j) Use Interesting Textiles as Bathroom Art

If you have a large bathroom with a lot of floor space, consider adding a large rug with an interesting pattern or design. This can be a great way to add a unique piece of art to your space.

You can also consider using a shower curtain with an interesting design or pattern to add visual interest to your bathroom.

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TIP: Use Art as a Focal Point

If you want to make a statement with your bathroom design, consider using art as a focal point.

Choose a bold and vibrant piece of art that stands out against the other elements in the bathroom. This can be especially effective in a minimalist bathroom design, where a single piece of art can add a pop of color and interest.

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If you love art and want to incorporate it into your bathroom design, don’t let concerns about moisture or practicality hold you back.

By choosing the right artwork, deciding on the placement, considering framing, using art as a focal point, and incorporating artistic accessories, you can create a bathroom that is both functional and visually appealing.