BATHROOM ART
Inspiration, Hints and Tips
“Moving Sands” adds a subtle place to rest the eye, and enhances the rooms feeling of calmness
The bathroom is one of the most frequently used spaces in the home, and its design deserves the same level of consideration as any other room. As an interior designer, you invest significant expertise in creating a layout that is both functional and visually resolved for your client. While considerable time is often devoted to selecting tiles, fixtures, and finishes, the final decorative layer is often limited to towels and a few practical accessories.
Artwork offers an opportunity to introduce personality, individuality, and a refined sense of style into the bathroom. It is a thoughtful way to elevate the space and create a more complete design outcome. As Neale Whitaker, interior designer and judge on Channel 9’s The Block, has said:
“I love art in bathrooms”,
Neale Whitaker.
It will elevate the overall design. Unlike vanity or bath fixtures, bathroom artwork can be updated with relative ease. When trends evolve, or when a client is ready for a refreshed look, artwork provides a flexible and effective way to transform the space without undertaking major changes.
Key considerations when incorporating artwork into bathroom design:
Ventilating Your Art Space
Bathrooms naturally generate steam and humidity, so effective ventilation is essential. Where possible, ensure the window can be opened, or consider a vented window option if it is being replaced. A timer on the exhaust fan is also a practical addition, allowing the fan to continue running for approximately ten minutes after use to help clear residual moisture from the room.
Style and Art
Consider the atmosphere you want to create. The bathroom may be designed as a calm personal retreat, an escape inspired by coastal landscapes, or a vibrant space that would benefit from an additional layer of colour. The artwork and frame should complement the overall design direction. While many contemporary frames are simple black or white slimline profiles, a more traditional interior may benefit from the detail of an ornate gold frame. Used thoughtfully, this approach can also create an elegant contrast within a modern bathroom. Lianne Manley Photography offers a considered range of photographic artworks, from floral studies to abstract coastal landscapes, available in both subtle and vibrant palettes. Take a look, there is something to suit every bathroom.
Feeling Zen? This custom piece will add the finishing touch. Chat to Lianne for details.
Choosing The Right Media For Your Art
When selecting artwork for a bathroom, it is important to choose materials that are less likely to warp, attract mildew, or deteriorate in humid conditions. Professionally framed photographic prints with well-sealed backs are a suitable option. My framers recommend using acrylic or perspex instead of glass for framed prints, as these materials are lighter and will not shatter if accidentally damaged.
Less traditional presentation options, such as prints on metal or acrylic, are also highly effective in bathroom settings. Both are easy to maintain, can be wiped clean, and offer strong resilience in moisture-prone environments. Canvas prints may also be appropriate, particularly when finished with a float frame to create a more refined and contemporary appearance.
Choosing the Right Artwork Size
Large-format artworks can create a strong focal point and add impact to a bathroom. The right size will depend on the scale of the room, the statement you want to make, and whether you plan to display one piece or several smaller works. A well-arranged grouping can be as effective as a single large artwork, while a small print can introduce a subtle, unexpected detail when centred above a wide cabinet or placed in a powder room. The width of the mat can also influence the overall presentation of a framed piece.
An example of how mat width can change the overall look of your image . Image: Colour of Bark
Hanging Your Art
When installing artwork in a bathroom, the safest approach is to engage a professional art installer and follow their recommendations. Alternatively, your bathroom builder may be able to drill into the tiles or install an appropriate hook, ensuring it is rated for the weight of the artwork. Drilling into tiles requires care and expertise, so professional installation is strongly recommended.
In terms of placement, artwork positioned above or at the end of the bath can create a considered focal point and allow the piece to be enjoyed while relaxing. In bathrooms without a bath, consider placing artwork opposite the mirror so it can be seen while preparing for the day. Many contemporary bathrooms also incorporate shelving, which provides an excellent opportunity to display artwork without hanging it. A Lianne Manley photographic print can be leaned on a shelf, or even positioned on top of a toilet cistern, as a simple and effective alternative to wall installation.
Hint: When leaning artwork on a shelf, place discreet rubber matting beneath the frame to help prevent slipping. For wall-mounted frames, add a small clear furniture protector to each corner.
A simple acrylic print of‘A Glow”, sitting on the bath shelf adds a pop of colour.
No matter the style of the bathroom or the media chosen, artwork in the bathroom will elevate your design and delight your clients . I would love to assist you in choosing the right photographic print to compliment your next bathroom design. Reach out and let’s chat about adding artwork into your next project.