There's only humidity where you have a shower or tub. Otherwise, decorate with art all you want - just keep it away from water. And if you want to decorate with art where there's a shower or tub, just keep it away from water and use the fans diligently.

I have some inexpensive art in my bathroom, including framed prints, and I love it. But I'd be concerned about the (apparently) antique photos in that last bathroom. I have one of those antique panoramic photos (mine is from the '20s) and it's very delicate. I don't think I'd hang anything sensitive or valuable in the bathroom. Bathrooms can get very humid. If I really wanted that look (which I think is really cool), I'd make copies and frame those, and hang them in the bathroom while storing the originals somewhere else.

A few framed pieces of art are nice in a bath, but the featured rooms go overboard -- with the exception, perhaps, or the bath with team photos.

Photos (on real photo paper) are damp resistant, as are acrylic and oil paintings. I have found that professionally framed pieces (where the back is well sealed) do not wrinkle from damp. I would caution people to periodically take down the art and wipe the walls behind hung pieces, though. Even if youncan't see it, fungus could be growing there and it's not good for you to breath it.

Yesterday there was the article about carpets in the bathroom, and today you talk about art. Am I the only one who thinks that bathrooms, considering what they are used for and the humidity whenever anyone showers, should be kept spare and clean?

Obviously, I want my to look nice, so I chose paint and fixtures that pleased me, and a shower curtain that I like, but framed art and carpets just seem so...unsanitary.

I admit, I have issues with hygiene!

How can one effectively blow-dry ones hair with no mirrors?!

I painted some small canvases to hang in the bathroom. I put them near the sink, and not on the wall directly opposite the shower where the paint would probably steam off. 5 months in and they're still good!

@Tellagraham - I don't think it's unsanitary to have a rug or art in a bathroom. Bathrooms should be kept neat and clean yes, but spare? Most people have a bathmat of some kind, so I don't think a rug is that much of a stretch, especially if you could wash it.

My bathroom has no windows, just a ceiling fan/exhaust. I have 2 prints hung in inexpensive frames near the shower for 3 years now and no issues.

However, I do agree that I would not put anything of sentimental value in the bath or anything vintage or antique that might be ruined just as a procaution.

And thanks for the post who suggested clean the backside of the art/frames. Never thought of that; THANKS!

i've been wanting to do this in my small powder room for awhile...i am still in process of collecting silhouettes for this task. can't wait.

as the parent of small boys, i would question any artwork hung near the toilet, like that shown in the image from design*sponge. I saw that pic yesterday and loved the look--but also recognized it would never work in a house with (boy) kids!

I guess my feeling about carpet/rugs in bathrooms is that it is very unsanitary. Even perfect people "sprinkle" a little and there is the matter of hair getting on things. I have four bath mats and change them frequently. I guess if you had a rug that you could toss in the washer any old time, there is nothing different there.

Different strokes for different folks, but I've never considered art for the bathroom. Of course, ours is pretty small and, to me, a utilitarian room. Also, I grew up in the deep South in a home with no airconditioning. Mildew was something we fought all the time in the bathroom. Pictures seem to just be a place for mold to hide.

TELLAGRAHAM: I concur, on all points.

I like to use sculptural wood or ceramic relief pieces in a bathroom. Perhaps an oil or acrylic painting would work if it wasn't a valuable one. A decopage piece on wood would work. I would never use works on paper. A powder room is different.

I have photo tiles from a local gallery on my bathroom walls. I don't have an exhaust fan so humidity was a real concern.

My wife and I wanted to have something somewhat artistic - and fun - in our bathroom; we took a slightly different tack: We got four (4) 5"x7" RIBBA frames from IKEA and put seasonal and/or holiday-themed fabrics in each. This way, we not only have additional pops of color, but a feature that also reflects the time of year, as well.

I work in framing / frame design consultation. A few tips I always give to customers when framing things for a bathroom:

You can have a frame shop heat mount a print to the backing material (acid free foam core). If moisture gets into the frame, the entire piece will be glued down so there's no danger of warping. This kind of mounting is reversible, but I wouldn't recommend it for anything valuable or one-of-a-kind.

Use Plexiglass. It doesn't fog up like regular glass, although really long, hot showers (and no vent system) might cause condensation.

Use mats or spacers to keep the Plexiglass off the art, so if moisture gets in, the paper won't stick to the Plexi.

Seal the layers of Plexiglass, matting or spacers, and backing with removable tape on all sides. That creates what's essentially a sealed solid block that won't allow moisture to seep in.

Metal frames hold up better than wood in a humid room and there are plenty of styles available with beading, details, distressed finishes - not just minimalist streamlined stuff.

I have a reproduction vintage print in my bathroom which used all the methods listed above. I take long, hot showers that create a lot of humidity, despite the exhaust vent, and the Plexiglass rarely ever fogs and no moisture has affected it after 2 years.
It's a lot to do for bathroom art, but I'd rather have well-sealed pieces that last instead of throw-away artwork I'd have to replace if it gets ruined. There are DIY framing tutorials online and most frame shops will cut just mats and glass for you; assembling it yourself obviously saves money.