This post is part of a series of articles about artwork for different types of interiors.
The bathroom fulfills more than just its primary function - a space in the home where the occupants go for personal hygiene activities. These activities include the use of the toilet, washing of hands, brushing the teeth, and taking a bath or shower. The bathroom goes beyond this for a lot of people and has become the center of wellness within our homes.
For some people, the bathroom is the thinking sanctuary in the house where you can get the best ideas for inventions, and for some, it is an occasion for cool morning showers which can keep you motivated all day and satisfying soaks in the cool of the evening to alleviate all tension.
However, some other people see the bathroom as the perfect stage for expressing themselves and getting in line with their feelings, playing fascinating moments in their lives, and just enjoying their personal space.
The first thing to point out about the bathroom is the privacy it offers. This space is highly underrated in a home because it's the only space where you can truly be yourself regardless of whatever you might be dealing with at that time. It can also be considered a therapeutic space.
Some people say the bathroom sure knows how to keep secrets. It is therefore important to pay attention to the design, mood, and overall ambiance of the bathroom such that it meets and balances all our needs and what better way is there to achieve this than with art prints.
The Bathroom Art Print Style
The choice of art print for your bathroom depends on certain factors, one of which is if the bathroom serves as your morning or evening place. So if you prefer to enjoy the morning sunshine streaming in, combining it with a colorful piece of art would be the perfect recipe to energize you and keep you pumped up for the day. If you're seeking a cozy evening retreat, a befitting inspiration would be from the soothing effects of water. Art prints with hues of blue or images of reclining figures will create a relaxed atmosphere.
Generally, as earlier stated the bathroom serves different purposes for different people so the choice of art prints depends on your preference in terms of your intended ambiance and the already existing design of the bathroom. Your choices could vary from an elegant and exquisite design, a playful yet modern design, a contemporary design, or a vintage design. Some bathroom styles with suggested art print designs are listed below.
- Botanicals and Nature-Inspired Prints: an array of nature-themed art prints in your bathroom is a great way to go on a vacation in the tropics while in the bathroom. After a shower or a soak in the tub, you will come out feeling refreshed like you just stepped out of the hot springs. You could use floral prints, a lino-slice, or a drawing with an abstract theme of a wave to create the bathroom style. The use of natural elements has been interpreted to complement your bathroom in every way, both in style and aesthetics.
- Easy Abstracts: Abstracts are always a go-to choice for art prints especially when you have no other options. I'm a lover of abstract art so it will most likely be my first choice rather than an alternate choice. This is because abstract art allows me to think clearly and opens my mind to a lot of ideas. An extra advantage is that they are not over-complicated and can be moved around the house. A great way to choose what abstract art print works for your bathroom should complement the color and other fixtures.
- Calm Landscapes and Scenic Artwork: If you enjoy traveling and visiting new places, or just seeking a calming and serene moment, this is a great choice for you because the sceneries and landscapes allow your mind to wander and bounce around different places. It is a sure way of taking your mind off a lot of stressful thoughts, helping you maintain your peace of mind.
- Nudity-themed prints: this kind of art prints allows you to be comfortable in your skin, after all, where else is great to have representations of the naked form than in your bathroom? The bathroom lends itself to nude drawings – it is the space where you undress after all.
Art Print Medium for Bathroom
The medium of art prints to be used in your bathroom should preferably be able to endure steam because the bathroom is mostly moist and humid. The prints must be professionally framed with a sealed back to keep out mildew or warp.
The only exception to this is if your bathroom is well ventilated with an exhaust fan or windows that will minimize the humidity; otherwise, it is safest to avoid placing the prints close to exposure to water. It is advisable to use a metal frame with aluminum instead of a wood frame since metal frames with aluminum will withstand the frequent temperature variations in your bathroom.
Although wooden frames are attractive, the frame will expand and contract because of the frequent temperature changes if you hang a wooden frame in your bathroom and this can cause major damage to the frame. An additional advantage is that aluminum metal frames will not rust.
An artwork that does not need glazing would be preferred for bathroom art prints. Humidity will quickly build up if the artwork is glazed with glass. Use acrylic glazing and not glass when the piece of art needs to be glazed. Acrylic allows any humidity to escape without letting it grow on the art print; another advantage of using acrylic glazing is that if the frame falls it is very unlikely for it to shatter.
Location of the Bathroom Art Print
In terms of the perfect location for your art prints, the first thing to consider is the size of the bathroom and the location of the plain walls. An ideal spot to consider should be opposite the bathroom mirror such that it allows you a glimpse of your art print in the rearview while prepping for the day. You could also consider a spot directly visible from your bathtub so that staring and appreciating the art print while enjoying a soak will not be a problem.
You could have smaller art prints placed on shelves that could easily be moved to suit your mood. The location should also depend on your desired focal point.
Bathtub
- If you want the center of focus to be your bath, hang a large art print over it.
- Choose a print to relax while you are soaking.
- Make sure that sufficient wall space lies between your art and bath to prevent damage from splashing water.
Above The Towel Bar
- Display one big art print or a combination of at least 2/3 pieces equivalent to the width of the towel bar.
- Centralize your art print above the towel bar.
- Location is critical. Do not hang your art print too close to the bar as each time you hit a towel it may get broken but don't hang it so high that it floats on the wall.
Above the Toilet
- Select art prints that are as wide as the water cistern for the sake of creating a visual balance.
- A big vertical art print or a variety of art prints hanging in a column helps to fill the space.
- Leave some room to showcase any accessories like fabric cabinet, towels, a basket, etc. between the back of the toilet and your art print.
Size of Bathroom Art Print
How much space is available to you, the kind of vibe you want to achieve, and the number of pieces you plan to hang in your bathroom are the factors to consider to know the appropriate size of your bathroom art prints. If you intend to hang only one piece of the art print on a medium or large-sized plain wall, it is advised to go as big as you can because as we know, “the bigger, the better”. This will create a major focal point in the bathroom and give rise to the desired effect. A width of at least 30” or more is advised.
In the case where multiple art prints are to be arranged in pairs or series, a small or medium-sized frame will be better appreciated. Meanwhile, a tiny artwork hanging over a large bath or centered over a large cabinet will spice up your bathroom with a lovely element of surprise with which no large piece can compete.
Safety Measures for Your Bathroom Art Print
- Safety is important in a bathroom while hanging an art print. Be sure it is safely fixed to prevent an accident.
- To hold your frame straight and upright, place the anchor points on the bottom corners.
- Use caution when using the mirror and using hairspray or perfume. The art print is often hung opposite the mirror and you don’t want to overspray and damage the art that’s behind you.
Whatever choice you make regarding the art prints for your bathroom, make sure it is something you are comfortable with and should be based on your preferences. Check out https://martinvorel.com/art-prints/ for amazing art prints for your bathroom.