It may seem like a cliché, but we always like water imagery for the bathroom: ocean landscapes, lakeside scenes. They're thematically appropriate, of course, but also relaxing; perfect for gazing at during your bath. Most of our selections are drawn from that theme, with a few others that seemed somehow bathroom-appropriate.
FIRST ROW
• 1 This lovely image of apothecary jars would be perfect alongside a sink. 8x12 print is $25 on Etsy. By Sweet Eventide.
• 2 The patterns in this image remind us of mosaic tile. "Red Sky at Night" by Brainstorm Print and Design is available on Little Paper Planes for $60 (19X25 print).
• 3 This sweet little Clothespins Print by Abby Try Again is only $11 for a 5x7.
• 4 The shapes in this lakeside scene are so pleasing, and the mood is so serene. "Untitled 2 (raft)" by Dan Boardman, available on 20x200. $20 for an 8.5x11 print.
• 5 Caroline Hwang's whimsical fisherwoman was a Tiny Showcase selection last year. Lucky for us, there are still some prints left. $10 for a 6x4.25 print.
SECOND ROW
• 6 More interesting geometry and water from Carlo Van de Roer. "Untitled (Bondi Baths, Sydney, Australia)" is available on 20x200. $50 for an 11x14 print.
• 7 Also on 20x200, an image from the "Praia Piquinia" series by photographer Christian Chaize. We actually own one of the photographs in this series, and the colors in person are amazingly vibrant. $50 for an 11x14 print.
• 8 Alicia Bock's "Endless Summer" truly conveys what it feels like to swim in the ocean. $35 for an 8x8 print on Etsy.
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Rather than providing what you call "affordable art" i.e. "disposable" options (if I was one of the artists mentioned, I might be slightly offended by this), why not offer suggestions for ways to keep art moisture-free or other items to display that are moisture-safe?
Inspired by a post on AT, we made some bathroom art using locally sourced, "post-consumer" recycled content (a.k.a. - toilet paper rolls). Concerned about moisture, we sprayed the pieces with an acrylic finish. It's been up for a couple of months...so far, so good!
http://chezerbey.com/2010/02/08/bathroom-wall-art/
I paint in acrylic and mixed paper media on canvas and always use a couple of coats of varnish when I complete a piece. I've hung my work in bathrooms and never had a problem either. Also pieces under glass that are sealed properly by a skilled framer should work fine as well. The idea of "disposable" art is not only disparaging to the artists but is also detrimental to the environment.
When decorating my bathroom, I was also concerned about the moisture, so I used a photocopier to make ok-quality prints of some old black and white photos I found in a book!
I framed them in inexpensive frames and hung 'em up. They've been in my bathroom for 2-3 years and are still in great shape. I really like the way they look and I get complimented on them often :)
Photos here: http://www.jetkatdesign.com/blog/2009/8/3/our-bathroom.html
You guys need to relax. No one said these pieces were "disposable". The article is just saying that the bathroom is maybe not the best place to hand your Monet. These pieces are actually right in my price range, I want to some nice art for the bathroom but I have a small budget. Not like I'm going to buy them in bulk and go through them like socks. Sometimes "affordable" really means, "affordable".
I have an oil painting in my bathroom as well no issue but I would not put my more valued pieces in there.
I've been to that beach in Portugal picture #2 second row, sigh.
I have 2 pieces of art in my bathroom in floating glass frames that I got at Pier 1. One holds one of my own photos... the other, a photographic greeting card. Both are easily replaced if they were to get damaged or if I just want a change. Not bad for about $25 total.
I actually love the work from Art2Gift at Raandesk's Art Gallery: http://raandeskgallery.com/gallery.php?formatId=6.
The pieces are all under $50 (lots are $25) and they make the perfect gift for clients who refer you business (that's at least why I buy them).
Check it out!
Sara
I am not offended and I took the photograph of those apothecary bottles. I am happy to be considered affordable *and* lovely. :)
I am thrilled to be included in this lovely collection, and there are many materials that can be used for prints that will keep them living happily in your bathroom for many years. I would think most photographers, including myself, have various options for high moisture areas. (I am thinking of prints on acrylic, plywerk, or mounted on masonite etc.)