Art for Your Bathroom

It’s fair to say that the bathroom isn’t the first place that springs to mind to hang and display art. Fear of splashes, water damage and its general status as a steamy, misty space, means that we generally feel more confident hanging art in a bedroom or living room.

Yet, a quick scroll through Instagram or a chat with any gallery owner reveals that bathrooms can be ingenious spaces to hang art in unusual and surprising ways, allowing you to spread your art collection further around your home and utilise a space that you use everyday. Let’s face it — standing in front of the mirror brushing your teeth isn’t the most engrossing way to spend a few minutes, but turning those moments into some contemplative time with your favourite print or painting is far more enjoyable.

In this blog post, we’ll consider inspiring ways to hang art in your bathroom, while considering how to protect it. Read on for our top pick of artworks we think will look magnificent in your bathroom, and some handy practical advice, too.

Make a splash

First of all, it’s important to note that planning to hang an artwork in your bathroom doesn’t mean you need to play it safe. Take advantage of the block colours and clean lines a bathroom provides by adding a pop of bright colour or a graphic print. We love Marianne Nix’s ode to palm trees, the perfect way to add a little tropical style into the room. For a statement piece, the wonderfully abstract ‘Books and Beaujolais’ from Maggie Laporte-Banks will create an immediate impact and a beautiful focal point.

The great escape

We’ve always been huge fans of artworks that transport you elsewhere and help you escape, even just for a moment, from daily life. Adding a piece that alludes to natural forms and the great outdoors is a great way to achieve this feeling at home. Works such as Jonathan Speed’s stunning ‘Tangerine Sky’ will add some very serene, seaside sensibilities to any bathroom, big or small.

Or, if you really want to change the scene entirely and transport yourself to say, a woodland cabin, consider ramping up the nature vibe in not just your artworks, but think wooden chairs, baskets, towel rail, mirror and even gorgeous wooden floors in your bathroom space. You’ll feel like you’re at one with nature in no time.

Keep it simple

Bathrooms are places you want to be clean, tidy and organised — so adding some tranquil artworks, which ooze calm or a sense of simplicity, are an excellent starting point. Tim Southall’s soothing ‘First Light’ is a perfect way to inject some serenity into your space. Or, perhaps you would prefer the vibe of Julia Everett’s abstract seascape with its relaxing depth.

Try some eclecticism

If your bathroom is home to loud tiles, bright towels or lots of plants, then adding some well-placed arty oddities can be a welcome, characterful addition. We love the floral inspired work of Robin Duttson, or how about taking inspiration from Alexandre Nicolas’ playful sculpture?

For something more subtle, a gallery wall of framed prints will also inject a little intrigue into your bathroom interior without going overboard.

The practical stuff

As a general rule, oil or acrylic paintings on canvas or board will fare better in humid conditions, but don’t let that hold you back! With some careful preparation, paper-based works can take pride of place too. If you are hanging a print or paper-based work, be especially careful to ensure that the frame is completely sealed, front and back, before hanging. If moisture gets inside the frame they could easily turn to mould, but a framer will be able to advise you on this.

As with hanging an artwork in any space, always check work is securely fastened to the wall to avoid accidents! You may want to ask the professionals if you’re drilling into a natural stone tile, such as marble and granite. And finally, if using sculpture in your bathroom, just make sure it’s carefully placed on a shelf, ledge or side table with some Museum Wax to hold it securely in place.

On a more playful note, bathrooms generally contain at least one mirror – so why not consider hanging your artwork opposite for maximum visibility, or where you can see it from the shower or bathtub?

And lastly… be yourself

It goes without saying that bathrooms are personal spaces, and this gives you the chance to be really creative. This is your space, so let your own style shine. If you’re redesigning your bathroom, the artwork you hang can inject a little fun and give you the chance to show your personality.

And there you have it! Your guide to filling your bathroom with affordable, beautiful art! Browse through our full collection now to get inspired…

Main image: Ellen Globokar, ‘Rock Me on the Water’, 2022, collage on canvas, 48 x 36in, Agora Gallery