Art Inspiration for the Bathroom

Beach House Art on how to elevate functional bathrooms to stunning suites

A bathroom might be one of the most functional spaces in the home, but when it comes to styling, there is plenty of fun to be had, according to the experts at coastal-inspired art studio Beach House Art.

Whether you want to inject some timeless nautical theming, an abstract print or a curate your own gallery wall, the bathroom is the ideal room in which to get creative.

Brian MacShane, Co-Founder and Creative Director of Beach House Art, said: “Unlike the living areas of your home, the bathroom is far more private and therefore, homeowners can be a little bit more experimental in their styling.

“Let’s not forget, the bathroom is a functional space and often, the suites we invest in are timeless classics. Which means we can really go to town on all the fun accessories to give it some personality.

“Art truly has the power to change the atmosphere of your bathroom and soften those hard surfaces.”

Here Brian shares his top tips on how to style art in the bathroom:

Find the Focal Point

Every room has a focal point— even your bathroom. It could be a stunning freestanding bathtub, an elegant mirror or a beautiful rain shower.

Identifying the focal point allows you to determine the best placement for your art and ensures that it complements and enhances the existing features of the space.

If you have a beautiful freestanding bathtub, consider hanging a large piece of art above it or a set of art prints to create a captivating focal point that adds depth and visual interest.

Brian added: “We also love a shelf above the bath, with art and plants on the shelf. You get the double whammy of plants and art in your bathroom this way.”

Choose a Style

Given the association of bathrooms with water, incorporating watery and abstract art can enhance the soothing coastal atmosphere of your bathroom. Abstract can also enhance a modern style of bathroom décor.

Brian said: “Look for artwork featuring ocean waves, different blues and movement in them.

“These watery motifs can evoke a sense of calmness, take away from the hard surfaces and lines of the bathroom and create a spa-like ambience.”

Bathrooms often have hard surfaces and lack texture, making them feel less inviting and less welcoming in the morning.

Brian said: “To counter this, consider incorporating botanical art into your bathroom design.

“Botanical artworks add a touch of softness, natural beauty, and organic elements to your bathroom. We also love the calming colours of our botanical prints.”

Ensure the Perfect Fit



The scale and size of the art is also an important consideration when choosing art for your space.

In a generously sized bathroom, you have the freedom to choose any type of art you like.

Brian said: “You can be brave and bold with large artwork. An impressive, large art print above a roll-top bath not only adds visual interest but also adds an element of grandeur and confidence to your bathroom. This not only creates an alluring focal point but adds a touch of luxury, enhancing your overall bathing experience.”

When it comes to smaller bathrooms, thoughtful placement and selection of art can make a big difference.

Brian said: “A gallery wall can be a smart way to use the limited space. A mix of fun prints and personalised art pieces brings a splash of personality without taking up too much room.

“Remember, variety in size, shape, and subject matter can make your gallery wall more dynamic.”

Brian added: "To protect our artwork from moisture, we seal every frame with tape as standard to prevent dampness from reaching the artwork.

"Opting for a painted frame can help prevent water ingress and reduce the risk of marking, though natural wooden frames are perfectly suitable for bathrooms with good ventilation and extraction, as long as they’re not in the direct path of splashes.

"The best way to prevent mould is to keep your art away from direct water splashes and to occasionally dab the inside corners of the frame dry. Water tends to pool in these areas, increasing the risk of moisture ingress, so keeping them dry helps prevent mould from developing."

Beach House Art has a selection of prints for the bathroom, with prices starting at £18. To shop, head to beachhouseart.co.uk