Most people treat their bathroom as a purely functional box. We obsess over finding the perfect sofa for the living room. We spend hours choosing a cozy rug for the bedroom. But the bathroom? That space gets left behind every single time.
Huge mistake.
Consider this: the bathroom is the one room where you’re truly alone. It’s your private sanctuary where you pause, refresh, and let your mind wander. They say the best ideas happen in the shower. I don’t think that’s a coincidence. So we need to make these moments count.
An easy step in the right direction is bathroom art. One single print can change your mood as soon as you step in. And that sets the tone for your entire day. Beyond your own routine, adding thoughtful bathroom art in the guest bath leaves a lasting impression on visitors. It shows you care about the thoughtful details that make a house a home.
Let’s explore some of my favorite ways to bring life into this overlooked space.
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My 5 Favorite Bathroom Art Ideas
1. Prints That Speak to Your Soul
I love prints for the bathroom because they’re easy to frame and protect under glass. This ensures they last a long time despite the moisture. The variety is absolutely endless, too.
Here’s the thing though: when it comes to choosing a print for your bathroom, you really want something that touches your soul. The generic leaf painting you see in every cookie-cutter bathroom isn’t gonna cut it.
For me, those are usually abstract prints using deep colors like blues and greens. Sunset prints and drawing-like landscape prints also work every time. Probably because that’s what I’m drawn to in real life. They remind me of fond memories of the sea during summer. Of the beautiful sunsets I’ve watched time and time again in my hometown of Dakar, Senegal. Or of beautiful travels I’ve been on.
They’re a happy place.
For you, it could be something completely different. Maybe it’s vintage botanical illustrations, maybe it’s a fashion print. Either way, having that piece that draws you in will transform your bathroom experience every single time.
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2. Motivational Quotes to Start Your Day Right
It may sound cheesy, but reading positive words while you brush your teeth is powerful. Simple bathroom art featuring uplifting phrases can genuinely shift your mindset before you face the world.
My favorites include:
- “Today is a good day for a good day.”
- “Self care looks good on you.”
- or a simple “Hi beautiful”
Whatever will make you feel positive and ready to take on the world.
You can buy pre-made posters or easily create custom bathroom art yourself with tools like Canva. They include tons of font styles to match your exact preference and aesthetic.
3. Funny Bathroom Art for Guest Spaces
Guest bathrooms are the perfect playground for humor. Funny prints of animals always work well. Think giraffes in the tub or cats sleeping on the toilet. Quirky and charming without trying too hard.
Quotes work brilliantly too:
- “Enjoy your stay (but not too long, there’s a line).”
- “This is where the magic happens. And by magic, I mean hand soap.”
Another personal favorite for a modern look is framing bathroom art like a Yelp review. It’s unexpected and guaranteed to make guests laugh.
“★★★★★ — Would definitely visit again. Great lighting for selfies and the soap smells like expensive decisions.”
Frame it simply in black and white for maximum impact.
4. Wallpaper as Immersive Bathroom Art
I love using wallpaper as art. This approach works extremely well in bathrooms where you want to create a full sensory experience.
I’m definitely a wildlife wallpaper person. Whether you’re losing yourself in botanical prints like the beautiful forests of Cameroon, or discovering rich African fauna between zebras, cheetahs and flamingos—wallpaper transports you.
The point is to create an immersive experience that brings people into another world. Truly as if they jumped into a portal. Luckily, the tropical forest style is one of the most widely available wallpapers for bathroom art in different styles and price points.
If you’re not into wildlife, I recommend a chic floral theme or sophisticated patterns that make the space feel dressed up without overwhelming it.
5. Decorative Tiling as Functional Bathroom Art
Last but not least, I also love using tiles as art. Not the most common conception of bathroom art, but nevertheless a really beautiful one when done with purpose.
Tiles can be completely artsy when they showcase ornate motifs or beautiful florals. Moroccan tiles, for instance, turn ordinary walls into stunning focal points. They can make the room a truly enchanting place.
The beauty of decorative tiling is that it’s permanent bathroom art. Once installed, it becomes part of the architecture itself. Plus, tiles are of course the champions in handling moisture.
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How to Protect Your Bathroom Art
Water and paper are usually enemies. But you can make them work together with a few smart tricks.
To keep your bathroom art looking fresh, always use a frame with a tight seal. A solid backing and a glass front will act as a shield against steam and humidity.
If you’re hanging art near the sink or tub, splashes are bound to happen. I recommend using a frame with an acrylic or glass front rather than an open canvas. If water hits the glass, you can just wipe it off with a towel. Problem solved.
Also, make sure your bathroom has a strong vent or an open window. This keeps the air moving after a hot shower. Good ventilation is your bathroom art’s best friend.
For pieces you absolutely love, consider rotating them seasonally. This gives them a break from moisture while keeping your space feeling fresh.
Where to Place Bathroom Art for Maximum Impact
Placement matters just as much as the art itself. The right spot can make a mediocre piece look amazing.
For Prints and Framed Art
Opt for walls that don’t already have a mirror or window. Depending on your layout, consider these prime spots:
- Near the sink: Creates a focal point while you wash your hands
- Near the entrance: Makes an immediate impression when someone walks in
- Above the toilet: The most underutilized wall in any bathroom
- On the door: Sometimes the only free wall space you have
Think of bathroom art placement the same way you’d approach it in your living room. Balance and intention matter.
For Wallpaper
Wallpaper gives you more flexibility with coverage. I typically opt for one of these approaches:
- Top half wallpapered, bottom half painted: Creates visual interest without overwhelming a small space
- Wallpapered from floor to ceiling: For the full immersive experience when you have the room for it
Both options work beautifully. It just depends on how bold you want to go with your bathroom art statement.
For Decorative Tiling
Tiling offers several strategic placement options:
- Bottom half of the wall tiled, upper half painted: Classic and practical
- One accent wall: Perfect behind the bathtub or inside the shower
- Accent areas: On the backsplash of the vanity for a sophisticated touch
Similar to how you might use wall design in your living room, bathroom art through tiling creates architectural interest.
Final Thoughts on Bathroom Art
Your bathroom deserves the same thoughtfulness you give to every other room in your home. Maybe even more, since it’s where you start and end each day.
Bathroom art doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. It just needs to feel like you. Whether that’s a funny print that makes you laugh, a sunset that reminds you of home, or elaborate tiles that transport you to Morocco—choose what speaks to your soul.
The bathroom might be small. But its impact on your daily routine is enormous. Make it count.
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