Yes, You Can Put Art in a Bathroom (And It Looks Great)
People ask me all the time whether a bathroom is a good place for wall art. My honest answer? It's one of the best spots in the house. It's a small room, sure, but that's exactly why a single well-chosen print hits harder in there than anywhere else. There's no competition. Just you, a hot shower, and a piece of coastal photography that makes you feel like you're somewhere good.
I've had customers hang my prints in bathrooms from Point Lonsdale to Port Douglas and the results are always the same. People love it. Guests notice it. And that one print that might feel a bit lost on a big living room wall? In a bathroom, it's the whole show.
Here's how to get it right.
Size Matters More Than You Think
Bathroom walls are usually smaller, so your instinct might be to go tiny. But going too small is the most common mistake. A print that's too small looks like an afterthought, especially if it's centred on a big blank wall above a vanity or bath.
My sizing advice for most bathrooms: start at a Medium (42x59.4cm) and consider a Large (59.4x84.1cm) if the wall can take it. The Medium is a really solid size for a bathroom. It's big enough to feel intentional, small enough to fit most spaces without overwhelming them. If you're not sure, check the size guide and use some paper to mock it up on the wall first.
For a powder room or a small ensuite, an XS (21x29.7cm) or Small (29.7x42cm) can work well above a toilet or beside a mirror. Just make sure it's hung at eye level, not tucked into a corner where no one will see it.
Which Print Works Best in a Bathroom?
Anything coastal. That's the easy answer. Water, sky, beach. It works every time in a bathroom because the subject matches the setting. You're already in a room built around water. A great coastal print just leans into that.
Some of my most popular prints work really well in bathroom settings. Point Addis Art Print I is my top seller and it's easy to see why. The aerial perspective over the cliffs and blue water is bold and eye-catching, but the composition is clean enough to suit a smaller space. It's the kind of print that pulls you in every time you walk past it.
If you're after something a bit warmer, the Wye River Art Print I is a beauty. That bend of beach with the hills running down to the water is a scene that just feels relaxing to look at. Perfect for a bathroom vibe.
What About Humidity? Here's What to Know
This is the question I get most about bathroom art. Yes, bathrooms can be humid. No, it's not as big a deal as people think, as long as you choose the right format.
My recommendation for bathrooms is either a classic framed print or a floating frame canvas. Both use solid FSC certified plantation timber frames built to last. The floating frame canvas is a particularly good pick for bathrooms because it has no glass, which means zero condensation issues and no reflections from the light above your vanity. It uses a 400gsm Hahnemuhle Daguerre stretched canvas, which is museum quality and holds colour brilliantly.
If you prefer the look of a framed print with glass, the classic frame works well in a well-ventilated bathroom. All frames come with a 10-year warranty and are made from sustainably sourced timber, so they're built properly, not cheap flat-pack stuff.
If you want the best possible protection in a bright or steamy space, the premium shadow box uses Tru Vue Museum Glass with 99% UV protection and is virtually glare-free, which handles bathroom lighting really well. You can read more about format options in this post on coastal art print vs canvas.
Bring the Coast Into the Smallest Room in the House
A bathroom print isn't a small decision. It's often the print people see first thing in the morning and last thing at night. A great one lifts your whole mood. Customers tell me their prints "bring happiness throughout the day" and "brighten up the house." That counts double in a bathroom, where you want to feel something other than fluorescent lights and a damp towel.
All my prints start from $89, are printed and shipped from Victoria, and include free shipping anywhere in Australia. Every print is made to order, so you're getting something printed fresh, not pulled off a shelf. Have a look at the Point Addis Art Print I if you want to start somewhere strong, or browse by location to find the beach that means something to you.
For help figuring out formats before you buy, the product guide walks through every option clearly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size wall art should I get for a bathroom?
A Medium print (42x59.4cm) is the sweet spot for most bathrooms. It's big enough to feel intentional without overwhelming a small wall. For larger feature walls above a bath or vanity, a Large (59.4x84.1cm) works really well. In a powder room or small ensuite, an XS or Small is the right call.
Is it safe to put framed prints in a bathroom?
Yes, as long as you choose a well-made frame and the bathroom has reasonable ventilation. A floating frame canvas is a great option for bathrooms because it has no glass and won't collect condensation. Classic framed prints with glass work fine in most bathrooms too, particularly if you open a window or run a fan.
What type of coastal wall art works best in a bathroom?
Beach and ocean photography works beautifully in a bathroom because the subject matches the setting. Bold aerial shots, seascapes and coastal landscapes all work well. The key is choosing a print that's large enough to feel considered, not so small it disappears on the wall.
Can I hang a canvas print in a bathroom?
Yes. A floating frame canvas is actually one of the best options for bathrooms. There's no glass to fog up or catch glare from bathroom lighting, and the stretched canvas construction means the print sits taut and flat. The museum quality 400gsm Hahnemuhle Daguerre canvas used in my floating frame range holds colour really well over time.
Got a space to fill? Find your beach at localbreaks.com.au.
