What Kind of Art to Put in a Bathroom?

Wall Art

• Paintings and photos are an underused form of bathroom decor. Choose one or two bare wall spaces for hanging wall art, depending on the size and layout of the room; don't overdo it. A single, appropriately sized print in an elegant frame draws the eye and adds visual interest, but you can mix things up by hanging multiple complementary prints in a small area that, together, form a single piece of art. Aquatic subject matter is a favorite choice in bathrooms, but abstract art, impressionist pieces, and black-and-white photos are also appropriate.

Mirror Art

• The mirror is a functional bathroom component, but that doesn't mean it can't also pretty. A mirror frame can be a work of art in itself -- one that complements the overall style of the room, whether it's art deco, Victorian or Roccoco. Large mirrors can carry off a more ornate frame than small mirrors as long as the frame matches the tone of the room. Place art on the mirror itself to brighten up a bathroom. Use enamel paint designed for glass to express yourself with simple floral or geometric shapes around the mirror's edge.

Freestanding Art

• Art in the bathroom need not be two dimensional. Build the room's decor around a single piece of statuary, a vase with fresh flowers, or a dried arrangement. Plants in a vase can lend a sense of seasonality to the space, and roses or other fragrant flowers are far better than any plug-in air freshener. A small statue in marble, lucite or another light-reflecting material brightens what is often a cramped, under-lit space. You can't go wrong with classical subject matter, but don't discount modern abstract pieces.

Things to Avoid

• Bathrooms tend to become a magnet for kitsch. Mermaids and dolphins may look cute in the store, but they are a bit of a cliche. Don't clutter the vanity with dust collectors; make your bathroom art a conscious, well-thought-out choice. Avoid wall portraits that seem to watch you as you use the room; while illusory, the perceived lack of privacy may be disconcerting for many. Stick to neutral subject matter that relaxes rather than engendering strong emotion. The bathroom should be a sanctuary, and your art should reflect that.