Introduction
Looking to give your bathroom some personality or charm? One of the easiest ways to upgrade your space is with art. This guide on how to hang bathroom wall art will walk you through the process — from choosing the right pieces to securing them properly in a humid environment. Whether your style is modern, minimalist, rustic, or playful, adding wall art brings beauty and warmth to even the most functional room in the house.
Why Hanging Wall Art Matters in the Bathroom
Bathrooms often get left behind in the decor department. But just like the kitchen or living room, your bathroom deserves a personal touch. Wall art adds color, texture, and character — turning a plain, sterile space into one that feels welcoming and complete.
It’s not just about aesthetics. Hanging art can also help define your bathroom’s theme or mood. Want a spa-like sanctuary? Choose serene landscapes or calming abstracts. Prefer bold and trendy? Go with graphic prints or humorous typography.
Best of all, wall art is a low-commitment update. You can change it with the seasons or your mood — no renovations required.
Step-by-Step Guide to Hanging Bathroom Wall Art
1. Choose the Right Art for the Bathroom
Bathrooms come with their own set of challenges — humidity, temperature changes, and limited wall space. So it’s important to choose art that can handle the environment and fit the aesthetic.
Best materials for bathroom art:
- Framed prints with glass or acrylic fronts
- Canvas art (sealed or waterproofed)
- Metal or plastic wall sculptures
- Sealed wood signs
- Acrylic art panels
Avoid delicate paper pieces, valuable originals, or anything easily damaged by moisture unless your bathroom has excellent ventilation.
Bathroom Tip: Look for “bathroom-safe” or “moisture-resistant” labels when buying artwork.
2. Select the Perfect Location
Consider wall space, visibility, and how the art will interact with other bathroom features.
Great spots to hang art:
- Above the toilet
- Over the towel rack
- On the wall across from the vanity
- Above the bathtub (if there’s no risk of splashing)
- Near windows or in empty vertical spaces
Make sure the art doesn’t interfere with cabinet doors, towel hooks, or vents. Leave enough space so the room doesn’t feel cramped.
3. Measure and Plan Your Layout
Before putting any holes in the wall, measure the available space and plan your arrangement. Use painter’s tape or cut paper templates to visualize where each piece will go. This is especially helpful for gallery walls with multiple pieces.
Guidelines for spacing:
- Leave 4–8 inches between the top of furniture (like a toilet or towel bar) and the bottom of the artwork
- Keep art at eye level — roughly 57–60 inches from the floor to the center of the piece
- For grouped art, leave 2–3 inches between each frame for balance
Hack: Snap a photo of your planned layout on the wall before hanging — it’s easier to follow and adjust visually.
4. Gather the Right Tools
You’ll need:
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Level
- Hammer or drill
- Wall anchors or picture hooks
- Nails or screws
- Optional: adhesive hooks, Command strips (for lightweight pieces)
Choose hanging hardware based on the weight of the art and the wall type (drywall, tile, or plaster).
Bathroom Tip: If hanging over tile, use adhesive hooks or a masonry drill bit to avoid cracking tiles.
5. Hang the Art
Follow these steps for a secure and level hang:
- Mark the wall where the top of the frame will sit.
- Use a level to draw a straight horizontal line if needed.
- Measure down from the top of the frame to the hanging hardware (hook or wire).
- Mark the exact nail or screw location on the wall.
- Hammer in the nail or install wall anchors as needed.
- Hang the artwork and double-check with the level.
For grouped art or a gallery wall, hang the central piece first and work outward, keeping spacing consistent.
6. Use Bathroom-Safe Hanging Methods
Humidity in the bathroom can weaken adhesives or cause artwork to warp if not properly secured.
Moisture-safe tips:
- Use moisture-resistant frames and backing
- Seal canvas edges with a clear acrylic spray
- Avoid wooden frames unless sealed
- Install wall anchors for heavier pieces to prevent shifting due to moisture or vibrations
- Choose stainless steel or plastic hooks to prevent rust
Bathroom Tip: If you don’t want to use nails, Command strips rated for bathroom use are a great alternative for lighter artwork.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these pitfalls to keep your art secure and stylish:
- Mistake: Using flimsy frames or backings
Solution: Always choose frames with sturdy, sealed backings to prevent warping. - Mistake: Hanging art too high
Solution: Keep it at eye level for the most natural look, even in small bathrooms. - Mistake: Ignoring humidity
Solution: Use waterproof or sealed materials and avoid hanging valuable pieces in humid bathrooms without ventilation. - Mistake: Skipping wall prep
Solution: Always clean and dry the wall before using adhesive products. - Mistake: Hanging art over a toilet without anchors
Solution: Always secure art above toilets with nails or anchors to avoid it falling unexpectedly.
Extra Tips & Bathroom Hacks
- Frame your own prints: Use inexpensive printable art (from Etsy or Pinterest) to rotate seasonal or themed designs.
- Add LED lighting: Highlight your wall art with battery-powered stick-on lights for an upscale touch.
- Try moisture-safe decals: Wall decals and removable vinyl art are great options if you want to skip nails entirely.
👉 Want more design ideas? Check out our guide on how to install peel-and-stick backsplash to pair your wall art with a functional feature.
Conclusion
Hanging bathroom wall art is an easy way to bring life and personality into an often-overlooked space. With the right materials, thoughtful placement, and secure hanging techniques, you can turn blank walls into a gallery of style. Whether you’re aiming for relaxing spa vibes or playful prints, bathroom art is the finishing touch your space deserves.
Bookmark this guide so your next bathroom art project is smooth, secure, and stylish from start to finish.