When it comes to decorating your bathroom, you might be questioning whether art belongs in this often-overlooked space. While art is commonly showcased in every other room of the home, bathrooms have unique environmental factors that make the decision a bit more complicated. But don’t worry – displaying art in your bathroom can add personality and flair, as long as you consider a few key factors.
1. The Benefits of Art in the Bathroom
A bathroom can feel sterile and uninviting without decor. Incorporating artwork can immediately enhance the space, making it feel more personal and cozy. According to Kathy Kuo, interior designer and CEO of Kathy Kuo Home, “I’m a big proponent of putting as much thought into designing your bathroom as any other room. Wall art plays a significant role in that process.”
Ryan Austin Hagood, a principal designer at r.a.d. Interiors, agrees, noting that bathrooms are intimate spaces that can benefit from artwork. Whether it’s a meaningful piece or something humorous, art can create a welcoming atmosphere that transforms your bathroom into a personal retreat.
2. Practical Considerations: Moisture and Durability
While the idea of displaying art in a bathroom is appealing, the space’s moisture levels need to be taken into account. Bathrooms are subject to high humidity, especially in showers, which can damage delicate artwork. Ryan Austin Hagood advises choosing art with durable materials and frames that can withstand the damp conditions.
Opt for water-resistant frames and art that is less vulnerable to moisture, ensuring longevity. Avoid pieces made from fragile materials, such as delicate paper or fabric, which might degrade over time in a humid environment.
3. Choosing the Right Art Style for Your Bathroom
Beyond durability, it’s essential that the art complements your bathroom’s overall design. The style of the artwork, as well as its framing, should blend with the rest of the space. Ryan emphasizes the importance of ensuring the frame, matting, and artwork match the overall aesthetic of your bathroom to maintain a harmonious design.
Art can range from calming abstracts to bold landscapes or even quirky portraits, depending on the mood you wish to create. When choosing art, consider your bathroom’s color scheme. Matching the art with your tiles, shower curtains, or paint color can help tie the room together.
4. Innovative Ways to Display Art
If you’re limited on wall space or live in a rented space where hanging art may be difficult, consider alternatives. Annica Wallin, Executive Creative Director at Desenio, suggests placing art on picture shelves or vanity tables. This approach allows you to update the look of your bathroom without making permanent changes. For a temporary solution, try using art hanging stickers that can easily be removed.
While walls are the primary place to hang art, countertops or even the edge of the bathtub can serve as creative spots for smaller art pieces, adding personality to the space without overwhelming it.
5. Making a Personal Statement
Choosing the right art is highly personal, and the artwork you select should resonate with you. “The piece you choose should bring you joy and elevate your bathroom’s ambiance,” says Kathy Kuo. Whether it’s humorous portraits, striking landscapes, or a meaningful photo, the key is to select art that speaks to you and reflects your taste.
Bathrooms offer a great opportunity to experiment with designs that may feel too bold for other parts of your home. You can take more design risks and opt for art that might be playful or unconventional. In addition, art can enhance the desired atmosphere of your bathroom – whether you’re aiming for a relaxing spa-like experience or a more vibrant, eclectic feel.
Displaying art in the bathroom is not only possible, but it can also be a fantastic way to personalize the space. By considering practical factors like moisture levels and durability, as well as choosing pieces that match the overall aesthetic of your bathroom, you can transform your bathroom into a more inviting and stylish space. Whether you opt for traditional artwork or more playful designs, the right piece of art can make a bathroom feel more like a personal sanctuary.
