How to choose the ideal wall art for your bathrooms

Surface View Blog / 11 Apr 2019
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Bathrooms are the perfect place to experiment with wall art. Used in short burst throughout the day, bathrooms offer the opportunity to let loose with colour and pattern without becoming bored of statement wall art. Giving you the chance to use that floral wallpaper you’ve been lusting after or the statement scenic mural you are dying to use somewhere in the house. From wallpaper and accent murals to ceramic tiles, there are so many different wall art options when it comes to upgrading your bathroom design.

The key to a seamless bathroom design is making sure it works for you. Whether you’re looking to add a few touches to make your existing bathroom suite work and look better or you’re going for a more ambitious wet room design, understanding what areas work and what do not will be crucial in a successful bathroom redesign. We’ve put together 5 top tips for adding wall art to your bathroom.

Refresh vs Renovation

Changing up your bathroom décor often feels like an enormous task. You don’t want to make any major changes as this can be costly, but small tweaks just don’t give you the payoff that you’re looking for. Updating your ceramic tiles is the perfect balance between minimal effort and maximum effect.

No matter what sized bathroom you’re working with, push the boundaries and leave plain tiles behind in place of statement tiles. Choose contemporary patterns like this vivid floral study from the New York Botanical Garden collection. Created in 1951, this painting by Bernard and Harriet Pertchik ‘Pride of Burma’ mixes pops of pink with leafy greens and fresh white tones.

If classic design is more your thing then shop the V&A collection for William Morris patterns. The Master of Arts & Crafts, Morris’ designs still remain contemporary years later. Originally designed for wallpaper, ‘Blue Iris’ features entwined leaves and florals on a dark blue backdrop, adapted to ceramic tiles, working as the perfect feature wall.

Find your artwork

The artwork you choose should reflect your tastes and complement the existing fixings and fittings in the bathroom. Think of what you want to look at when you get ready to face the day, if you’re drawn to soothing images look for artwork that instils a sense of calmness – think serene coastal scenes or blended sunset skies.

If you’re after a more striking look, black and white bathrooms always emulate a sophisticated feel. Take the design to the next level and incorporate a trompe l’oeil effect with architectural drawings from the Sir John Soane’s Museum London Collection for a boutique hotel look. Or let Mother Nature in and add some beautiful botanical artworks to create an indoor oasis. Explore the New York Botanical Garden Collection for incredible natural beauty, adding refreshing colours to your bathroom. Whatever you choose your artwork should feel like you.

Don’t be afraid of wallpaper

To wallpaper or not to wallpaper a bathroom is a question we get asked time and time again. Our answer? Go for it! As long as you’re avoiding direct contact with water, your mural will perform just like any other traditional wallpaper. Create intrigue in some of the most unexpected spaces, such as the downstairs toilet and add a twist with a statement National Gallery ‘Allegory of Love’ wallpaper mural that will leave your guests suitably impressed with your interior prowess.

Add a splash of colour and pattern in an instant with ‘Tulips’ from the Natural History Museum collection. Created in 1812, over 200 years ago, the original image maintains all its luster. Suitable for direct contact with water, our printed ceramic tiles are reproduced using a specialist technique to ‘high fire’ the image onto the tiles. The vibrancy of the image is locked in to ensure longevity of colour.

Choose your spot

Where you hang your bathroom art will naturally depend on the size and shape of the bathroom. If you have awkward sloping ceilings or quirky shaped walls, avoid trying to disguise it and make it a feature.

If you’re looking to hang a canvas or framed print in your bathroom, think about the size and position of the piece. If you’ve got an empty wall, why not take it to the next level and supersize your wall art for a statement that fills the wall and will give your bathroom a personality. We print canvases over 2400mm wide so you can get the impact of a full wall print without the commitment of a wallpaper – win, win!

Play with the bathroom’s angles and think about details such as the position. We love displaying wall art in considered places, such as opposite the mirror so you can catch a glimpse as you get ready in the morning. It’s these touches that will allow you to enjoy your wall art every time you enter the bathroom.

Go bold

Don’t be afraid to go bold in a small space. Use pattern, colour and scale to add drama and depth to your bathroom décor. No matter the size or shape, don’t underestimate the design potential of your bathroom.

The dramatic Bouffants & Broken Hearts collection brings together funky florals, bright abstract patterns and fresh designs that would liven up any space. Boldness can mean size too. Think oversized statement-piece accent murals, or floor length canvas prints to create maximum impact and a major focal point.

Bathroom Wall Art with Surface View

Surface View is where extraordinary images combine with innovative technology to create stunning, bespoke products. Curated collections from the National Gallery, Natural History Museum, V&A and many more, find one of a kind, beautiful imagery. Shop our hand-selected images offering a variety of contemporary patterns, old master paintings, mid-century illustrations and photographic finds.

Will you be adding some wall art to your bathroom? We’d love to hear your ideas!

For any questions on choosing the right size or finish for your bathroom wall art, get in touch with our team today on 0118 922 1327 or email us at [email protected] 

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