What Kind of Art Can You Hang in a Bathroom? (A Comprehensive Guide to Hanging Paintings & Other Types of Wall Art in Your Bathroom)

When it comes to hanging art in a bathroom, consider using moisture-resistant materials such as metal, glass, or acrylic. You can also use framed prints, photographs, or posters that are laminated or placed under glass. Avoid hanging valuable or delicate artwork in bathrooms with high humidity levels.

What Type of Art Is Safe in a Bathroom?

Are you tired of looking at empty bathroom walls?

Hanging artwork in your bathroom can be a great way to add some personality and color to your space. But before you start hanging your favorite pieces, it’s important to consider what type of art is safe to hang in a bathroom.

In this post, we’ll discuss the best types of art to hang in a bathroom and provide tips for hanging artwork safely.

Framed Prints & Photographs

Framed prints and photographs are a popular choice for bathroom wall art. They are easy to find, affordable, and come in a variety of styles and sizes. However, any pictures with sentimental value should not be displayed in your bathroom.

If possible, choose art prints and photos that are printed on acid-free, archival materials because it’s more likely to withstand humidity.

And make sure they’re framed!

My favorite place to buy already framed art prints is iCanvas (with Redbubble and Society6 as a close second) because they’re SUPER inexpensive but very high-quality.

You can also use your printer to print your photographs. I recommend using water and smudge-resistant photo paper like HP’s Photo Paper Premium Plus (Amazon). There are also waterproof photo papers (Amazon) designed to resist water damage and fading, making it a good choice for bathroom decor.

My favorite place to buy photographic prints is Redbubble because they’re affordable but very high quality.

Canvas Prints

Canvas prints are another great option for bathroom art. They are durable and can withstand humidity, making them a great choice for bathrooms.

High-quality canvas prints usually have laminates or sealants applied to it to protect it. Canvas prints such as the ones you can find at iCanvas, Society6, or Redbubble are definitely prints that will withstand moisture and humidity for years.

You can also use a damp cloth to wipe these canvas prints down without fear of damaging them.

However, be careful with some printing companies that might be making their canvas prints with solvent-based printers and chemical inks. This creates a low-quality print that will fade, yellow, streak, or possibly crack in less than a decade.

Some canvas printing companies also make their frames from plywood or other cheap materials that can warp over time, even when the print is hung in a low-humidity room.

But companies like iCanvas make custom frames that are much more durable in humid rooms. iCanvas uses a kiln-dried North American Pine that is finger spliced (a process that removes all of the moisture from the wood to prevent it from shrinking and warping).

Canvas Paintings

If you’re looking for a more traditional and artistic look, canvas paintings are a great option for bathroom art. However, they can be more expensive than framed prints or canvas prints.

When choosing a canvas painting for your bathroom, look for pieces that are painted with waterproof or moisture-resistant paints, like high-quality, artist-grade acrylic paints.

As for oil paintings, even though most professional decorators would tell you never to hang one of these in your bathroom, they can actually add a touch of elegance and sophistication to the space, especially if you choose the right style and subject matter. With proper care and maintenance, an oil painting can be a beautiful and timeless addition to any room in your home, including the bathroom.

Just make sure the painting isn’t super expensive or sentimental! Not every acrylic or oil painting uses the same kind of paint or surface. So, one person might not have a problem with a painting in their bathroom, but it doesn’t guarantee you won’t have problems with yours!

Wood Wall Art

Wood wall art is a beautiful and rustic way to add a touch of nature to your bathroom decor. Not only are they visually appealing, but they also have the added bonus of being durable and able to withstand humidity.

When shopping for wood wall art to display in your bathroom, look for pieces that have been sealed or treated to prevent damage from moisture, ensuring that your artwork remains in pristine condition.

It’s worth noting that most art print stores use birch plywood for their wood wall art, which doesn’t always fare well in high-humidity environments like bathrooms. If you’re determined to add this type of art to your bathroom, you may need to take extra precautions to protect it. This could involve applying layers of water-resistant varnish (Amazon). However, it’s important to proceed with caution to avoid any potential damage to the artwork.

Metal Prints

If you still don’t want to take the risk with the types of wall art mentioned above, maybe you’ll want to consider aluminum metal prints from Society6 or Redbubble.

Metal Prints from Society6 – Product Demo

As a lover of modern and unique art, I was thrilled to discover metal prints as a new medium for displaying artwork.

Metal prints are made by printing an image onto a sheet of aluminum or another metal, resulting in a glossy and vibrant finish that catches the eye.

One of the best parts about metal prints is their durability, especially in the face of the moisture and humidity found in a bathroom setting. Unlike paper or canvas prints, metal prints won’t warp, fade, or stain from exposure to these environmental factors, making them a perfect choice for bathroom art that will last.

Of course, not all metal prints are created equal. It’s essential to choose high-quality prints that are made on a thick and durable aluminum sheet, and have a protective coating to prevent any damage from moisture.

By taking these factors into account, you can rest easy knowing that your metal print will be a long-lasting and beautiful addition to your bathroom decor.

Acrylic Prints

When it comes to decorating your bathroom with art, acrylic prints can be a great option! (You can see examples of acrylic prints on Society6.)

They’re moisture-resistant, which means they’re less likely to get damaged by the damp environment. However, it’s important to note that even though acrylic is water-resistant, you should still avoid hanging your prints in direct contact with water. For example, it’s not a good idea to hang your print in the shower or above your bathtub.

To ensure your acrylic print lasts a long time, it’s essential to invest in a high-quality print that is properly sealed against moisture damage. You want to make sure you’re not wasting your money on a low-quality print that won’t stand the test of time.

Bathrooms are notorious for their high humidity levels and moisture content, making it a challenging environment for hanging artwork. Over time, the moisture can cause warping, fading, and other types of damage to your cherished pieces, which can be costly to repair. But don’t worry, with a few precautions, you can protect your artwork and still enjoy it in your bathroom.

Water-resistant materials: When choosing artwork for your bathroom, it’s essential to consider the materials. Opt for artwork made of materials that are resistant to moisture, such as metal or glass. These materials are less likely to warp, fade or suffer other types of damage from humidity. However, if you prefer paper or canvas prints, make sure they’re properly framed and sealed to prevent moisture from seeping in.

Water: Placement is another crucial factor to consider when hanging artwork in your bathroom. Avoid hanging pieces directly above the shower or bathtub where they’re likely to be exposed to splashes of water and steam. Instead, choose a spot further away from the water source, such as above the toilet or sink.

Sunlight: It’s not only water and moisture that can damage artwork in the bathroom, but also sunlight. Direct sunlight can cause fading and other forms of sun damage to artwork over time. So, when selecting a spot for your artwork, avoid hanging pieces in direct sunlight. If this isn’t possible, you can use UV-resistant glass or framing materials to help protect your artwork.

Exhaust fan or dehumidifier: In addition to selecting moisture-resistant materials and carefully choosing the placement of your artwork, installing an exhaust fan or dehumidifier can also help mitigate the effects of humidity in your bathroom. These devices work by removing excess moisture from the air, which can help prevent damage to your artwork and other surfaces in your bathroom.

If you don’t have an exhaust fan or a dehumidifier installed, you might want to buy a small, portable dehumidifier (my absolute favorite one is the Amazon Basics Dehumidifier from Amazon. This is especially important if you live in a humid climate or have a bathroom with poor ventilation. Running the fan or dehumidifier regularly can help keep humidity levels in check and protect your artwork from damage.

Conclusion: Should You Hang Artwork in Your Bathroom?

Yes! Hanging artwork in your bathroom is a fantastic way to inject some life and color into an otherwise dull space. But, of course, there are precautions you need to take to ensure your precious artwork doesn’t suffer the effects of moisture and humidity.

So, should you hang artwork in your bathroom? Absolutely! You just need to be mindful of the type of artwork you choose and the materials it’s made of. Consider framed prints, canvas prints, wood wall art, and metal prints that are appropriately sealed to withstand moisture damage.

One thing to keep in mind, though: it’s best to avoid hanging any sentimental or valuable artwork in your bathroom. There’s always a risk of damage or deterioration that’s not worth taking.

With these tips, you can decorate your bathroom with stunning artwork that complements your personal style without any worries. Don’t hold back! Spruce up those bathroom walls with art that speaks to you.