Here at UGallery, we’re asked the following question a lot: “Can I hang artwork in my bathroom?” The short answer is an enthusiastic “Yes!” Bathrooms, on top of being functional spaces, can also display part of your art collection. But read on to see what you should be mindful of when choosing wall art for the bathroom.

Protect Your Bathroom Art

Artwork in the bathroom must be able to withstand the moisture and humidity that this type of room is notorious for. It helps to have a well-ventilated bathroom, but you can also select work for the wall that is less likely to be at risk of damage.

We recommend works on paper, like watercolor paintings, because these can be framed behind glass to protect them. A piece of art on panel can also be framed under glass for the bathroom wall. With works on canvas, like oil and acrylic paintings, there’s a chance that the stretcher bars that support the canvas will warp in a moist bathroom environment. So it’s better to frame works on canvas for additional support.

Use Wall Art to Create the Energy of the Bathroom

The bathroom is an ideal place to design a tranquil space that feels like a home spa. Landscapes work well for a relaxed vibe in the room, as well as artwork featuring water themes. Sparkling light dancing off the surface of water is meditative and entrancing, and our clients choose artist Laura Browning’s rippling waves to create a mesmerizing space in their homes.

Consider Your View From the Bathtub

UGallery client Karen hung a painting in her master bedroom that was visible from her bathtub. The canvas, titled “Geisha in White” by artist Mary Pratt, features a geisha walking into bright light.

“From the bathroom, you could see the painting in the bedroom, which inspired her to commission a second piece to play off of the original and create a calming bubble in her home,” UGallery Art Advisor Samantha Greene says of the client’s choices.

Karen commissioned the painting “Angelic,” featuring a geisha with her back turned to the viewer, walking gently towards swirling shapes in cool, bright colors.

Because of elements like a shower, mirror, medicine cabinet and towel rack, there is often limited wall space in bathrooms compared to other rooms of the house. So you can get creative with where you fit in artwork.

Choosing Artwork for a Guest Bathroom

When selecting guest bathroom art, consider enhancing the theme of the room. Make guests feel comfortable and relaxed with serene landscapes or calming water paintings.

You can also select art that tells a story about your personal life, so think about what you’d like guests to know about you, and you’ll have plenty to talk about when they rejoin you.