Here is what to do
Pictures can turn a bathroom from a purely practical room into somewhere to relax. But bathrooms are humid, short of wall space and subject to swings of temperature, so a little planning is needed.
The challenges
Humidity and moisture
Steam damages paper and can warp wooden frames, and damp encourages mould. Choose things that tolerate it. A coated canvas print or a print on metal will last far longer than a poster or a watercolour.
Space
Mirrors, towel rails and cabinets take up most of the wall. Choose artwork that fits the layout without crowding it. One picture, or an upright pair beside the mirror, is often enough.
Choosing artwork and frames
Moisture-resistant artwork
Do not hang original or irreplaceable work on paper in a bathroom. Consider instead:
- Metal prints. Aluminium does not rust or warp.
- Coated canvases. These resist moisture and can be wiped.
- Framed tiles or plates. They add texture and are untroubled by damp.
- Inexpensive prints. A copy that can be replaced if it suffers.
Frames
Aluminium and synthetic frames cope with humidity better than wood. If you prefer wood, choose a well-sealed finish. Acrylic glazing is safer than glass in a room with hard surfaces and bare feet, and the back of the frame should be sealed with tape to keep moist air out.
Where to hang them
Good places
- Above the bath. A large, calming picture, such as a seascape or an abstract, hung at least 12 inches (30cm) above the rim, clear of splashes.
- Above the toilet. A picture about as wide as the cistern looks balanced. An upright arrangement suits a narrow space.
- Beside the mirror. Small, light pieces that do not compete with the reflection.
Avoid the wall inside or next to the shower, and anywhere water runs or steam collects.
Height
The eye-level rule, with the centre 57 to 60 inches (145 to 152cm) from the floor, applies here too, adjusted for what is underneath. Leave 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25cm) above a towel rail or a basin unit.
Fixing them securely
Tiles
Drilling can crack a tile, so for light pictures consider adhesive strips or hooks. Use a product made for bathrooms, because ordinary strips can let go in steam, and keep well within the stated weight. If you do drill, use a tile bit, drill slowly without hammer action, and put a little sealant in the hole before the fixing.
Plasterboard
Use plasterboard fixings rated for the weight of the frame, or fix into the timber studs behind, which a stud detector will find.
Masonry
For brick or block walls, use a masonry bit and wall plugs.
Bathroom walls are full of pipes and cables. Check with a detector before you drill, and do not drill in line with taps, the shower or electrical fittings.
Keeping pictures dry
Ventilation
Run the extractor fan during a bath or shower and for 20 minutes afterwards. Without a fan, open the window, or use a dehumidifier.
Regular checks
Wipe frames with a dry cloth every month or so, and look behind them for mould. Small silicone bumpers on the back corners of a frame hold it slightly away from the wall, so that air can circulate.
Making it look right
Colour and theme
Match the artwork to the colours of the bathroom. Coastal prints in blues and greys suit a neutral scheme. Metallic frames echo chrome or brass taps.
Size and layout
- A group. Plan it with paper templates, and leave 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10cm) between frames.
- A single piece. One large picture can anchor a small bathroom and avoid a cluttered look.
Final thoughts
Hanging pictures in a bathroom is perfectly possible with the right preparation. Choose materials that resist moisture, fix them securely and place them with thought, and the room will be the better for it.
EasyFrame offers a wide range of made-to-measure frames, and with long experience we can advise on the right frame for a bathroom. Call us on 01234 856 501 or email sales@easyframe.co.uk. We are always happy to talk, whether or not you want to buy.