Can Canvas Prints Be Hung in the Bathroom? (The Ultimate Guide to Hanging Wall Art in Bathrooms in 2023: Exploring the Pros & Cons of Displaying Artwork in Wet Environments, Incl. Showers, Bathtubs, & Near Toilets)

Yes, canvas prints can be hung in the bathroom, but it’s important to opt for high-quality canvas with waterproof ink and a protective coating, and moisture-resistant wooden stretcher bars. Avoid direct sunlight and water sources. Also, consider metal or acrylic prints for bathroom decor.

Can You Hang Canvas Prints in a Bathroom?

Yes, it’s okay to hang canvas prints in the bathroom, but you need to take some precautions.

Bathrooms are typically humid environments, and humidity can damage canvas prints over time. When the canvas absorbs moisture, it can cause the ink to run, and the canvas itself can become warped or stretched.

However, this doesn’t mean you can’t hang canvas prints in the bathroom. You just need to take some precautions to protect them from humidity.

Canvas Print Quality vs Humidity

When choosing a canvas print for your bathroom, it’s important to invest in a high-quality option that’s specifically designed to withstand the humidity and moisture of the environment. While cheaper prints may seem like a more affordable option, they are often made with thinner and lower-quality materials that are more susceptible to damage.

Canvas & Ink vs Humidity

High-quality canvas prints, like the ones sold on iCanvas, are an excellent option for a bathroom as they’re made with a thicker and more durable fabric. This makes them better equipped to handle the humid and damp environment of a bathroom compared to other types of prints.

In addition to being thicker, high-quality canvas prints are also made with waterproof ink and a protective coating, which makes them more resistant to moisture. This helps prevent any damage to the print, such as warping or fading, which can occur with other types of prints.

Ultimately, investing in a high-quality canvas print is a smart choice for any room in your home, but especially for a bathroom. It can add a touch of beauty to your space while withstanding the challenges of the environment.

Stretcher Bars vs Humidity

The stretcher bars that the canvas wraps around are also an important consideration when it comes to protecting your canvas print in a humid bathroom environment.

When choosing stretcher bars for your canvas art, it’s important to look for bars that are made with high-quality, moisture-resistant wood. Some options include kiln-dried pine or birch wood, which are both durable and resistant to warping.

In addition to the type of wood used, you’ll also want to consider the thickness of the stretcher bars. Thicker bars can provide more stability and support for the canvas, which can help prevent warping or sagging over time.

Another factor to consider is the type of joints used to connect the stretcher bars. Look for stretcher bars with sturdy, interlocking joints that provide a secure fit and help prevent any wobbling or shifting of the canvas.

Overall, choosing high-quality stretcher bars is an important step in ensuring that your canvas print stays in good condition in a humid bathroom environment. By investing in sturdy and moisture-resistant bars, you can help ensure that your artwork looks beautiful and stays in great condition for many years.

How To Protect Canvas Prints in the Bathroom

Investing in a high-quality print can ensure your artwork will look as good as new, even in the humid environment of a bathroom.

However, here are some additional details on how to protect your canvas print in the bathroom:

  • First of all, make sure to hang your canvas prints away from any direct sources of water, like the shower, bathtub, or sink. If you want artwork near those high-humidity areas, metal prints might be a better option since they’re generally waterproof. (My favorite metal prints are from Society6 and Redbubble. But you might also find some great deals on metal prints by shopping on Amazon.)
  • Try to keep the humidity level in the room under control by turning on the vent, opening a window from time to time, or using a small dehumidifier (Amazon). This will help prevent the print from warping or becoming moldy.
  • If bathroom canvas prints do get wet, dry them off immediately. If they’re left wet for too long, they could start to mildew.
  • If the print starts to warp, start by humidifying the bathroom. This will help to loosen up the fibers of the print’s stretcher bars, making it more pliable. (Stretcher bars, the wooden frame at the back of a canvas print, are used to stretch the canvas so that it is tight and does not sag.) Then, place the canvas upside down on a soft surface, like a rug. Next, you have two options:
    • Add something heavy to each corner of the canvas print overnight, like a stack of books or heavy objects. This will help to flatten out the warp.
    • Or, hold all 4 corners of the prints while it’s upside down (you’ll need 2 people helping you), and screw in flat, L-shaped corner brackets (Amazon) on each corner of the stretcher bar to flatten it out. This will fix a warping stretched canvas and prevent it from warping again in the future.
  • It’s a good idea to place a bumper pad (Amazon) at each corner of the canvas print before you hang it on the wall. The bumper pads will prevent mold by allowing air to flow behind the artwork.
  • Avoid displaying art in direct sunlight. The sun can cause the colors to fade over time. If you must hang canvas prints in a sunny spot, consider UV-resistant glass to help protect the print.

If you take these measures, your printed canvas wall art should stay looking great for years to come – even in a bathroom!

Alternatives to Canvas Prints for Bathroom Decor

If you’re still unsure about hanging canvas prints in the bathroom, there are plenty of other options for bathroom decor. Here are a few ideas:

  • Metal prints: Metal prints are a great option for bathroom decor, as they are waterproof and resistant to humidity. My favorite places to buy metal prints online are Society6 and Redbubble.
  • Acrylic prints: Acrylic prints (Society6) are another excellent option for bathroom decor, as they are durable, waterproof, and resistant to humidity.
  • Framed prints: Framed prints can be a great alternative to canvas prints, as they are protected by a layer of glass or plastic, which can help to protect them from humidity.
  • Waterproof photo paper: In addition to these options, there are also waterproof photo paper (Amazon) options available for those who want to print their own photos at home. This paper is designed to resist water damage and fading, making it a good choice for bathroom decor.

Conclusion: Should You Hang Canvas Prints in a Bathroom?

The answer is yes, you absolutely should hang a canvas print in your bathroom – with a few easy precautions, that is.

As someone who has successfully hung canvas prints in their bathroom, let me share some insider tips for keeping your artwork in tip-top shape.

First things first, invest in a high-quality canvas print. Look for prints made with waterproof ink and a special coating that protects against humidity, as well as sturdy, moisture-resistant stretcher bars. These features will ensure that yofur print is well-equipped to withstand the damp environment of your bathroom.

Next, consider the placement of your print. Hanging it away from direct sources of water (think: shower, faucet, toilet, and above the bathtub) will help keep it dry and safe. Additionally, controlling the humidity level in the room with a dehumidifier (Amazon) or ventilation fan will prevent excess moisture from damaging your artwork.

If you’re hesitant to risk it with a canvas print, metal prints from Society6 and Redbubble are an equally chic alternative. They’re durable and moisture-resistant, so you can display them worry-free.

At the end of the day, the decor in your bathroom is a personal choice. But with the right measures, a canvas print can elevate your space with its beauty and elegance for years to come. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to showcase your style and add a touch of sophistication to your bathroom walls with these pieces.