Top Tips For Hanging Abstract Artwork In The Bathroom

“Can I hang artwork in the bathroom?”  has always been a tricky question to answer. On one hand, why wouldn’t you want to have artwork in your bathroom to enjoy whilst relaxing in your bath, on the other hand, why would you put your precious artwork in a steamy, humid room!

We have put together our 5 top tips for choosing and hanging the right piece of artwork, and ensuring it stays in good shape.

 1. Know Your Bathroom

You’ll know from experience how hot and steamy your bathroom gets, but a good test is to check the walls after your bath or shower and see if condensation is collecting.  To keep humidity to a minimum Make sure you use the vent fan and keep it on while you bathe and then let it run for about an hour afterward. It is also helpful to leave a window open to let in fresh air and reduce humidity after you shower, too.

Round And Round by Isabelle Beaubien - Heat blasted acrylic paint with a resin varnish

 2. The Best Artworks To Hang

Some artworks are better than others for hanging in the bathroom.  The best artwork is something 3D and made of metal or plaster. Unframed paintings on canvas are next on the good to go list. Always ask your gallerist for advice on the suitability of hanging a particular artwork in the bathroom, too, as some heat blasted artworks, varnished in resin are moisture proof. 

Gold In Silver 3D Wall Scuplture by Mark Beattie - Gold Plated And Nickel Plated Copper

3. What About Prints?

Framed prints on paper are not a good idea at all! Limited edition prints printed on canvas or metal are a better option for the bathroom.

Battersea Reflections by Sarah Fosse - Limited Edition Print On Aluminium

4. What Frames Work Best?

If you are still keen to have a framed artwork, make sure the frame is made of simple wood, because in time it may expand, or, even better, aluminium.

Use acrylic glazing instead of glass, as it lets moisture through, rather than keeping it trapped behind the glass. Acrylic also has the added safety factor in that, should it fall and break, it is shatter proof, so, no nasty tiny shards of glass to contend with.

Clergy by Sam Peacock - Oil, Coffee, Paraffin Wax On Steel

5. How To Hang

Always take extra care when hanging over the bath and make sure that the artwork is secure and can’t be knocked off the wall when getting out of the bath.

Also, to minimise moisture build up, hang the artwork with a slight gap from the wall to allow the air to circulate.  

Binary 3 by Rachel Newton - Mixed Media On A Circular Board