Hang Artwork Above Toilet for an Art Gallery Feel
That neglected space above the toilet is often overlooked when it comes to bathroom decor. But transforming it into an art gallery showcasing beautiful artwork or prints is an impactful way breathe new life into your bathroom design.
Decorating the wall area over the toilet not only makes use of empty vertical real estate, but displaying artwork here creates a polished focal point that enhances the overall aesthetic. An art gallery wall over the toilet can range from a single large statement piece to a full gallery display, allowing you flexibility based on your needs and style.
Selecting Artwork for the Space
Consider Size, Scale, and Placement
Before purchasing or selecting artwork, take precise measurements of the wall space to determine the optimal size, scale, and layout for your available area. Many design experts recommend hanging artwork about 12 inches above the top of the toilet tank, which sits at eye-level while seated. This placement enables you to still view and enjoy the art. Larger bathrooms may be able to accommodate floating shelves or full cabinets beside the toilet, expanding your decorating opportunities.
For a minimal approach, a large statement piece of art centered on the wall may suffice. Or if working with a more spacious area, you can pull off a full art gallery wall with a cluster of coordinating frames. Assess your needs and goals for the over-toilet space when mapping out sizes and placement.
Match Artwork Style to Bathroom Design
When curating artwork for above a toilet, aim for cohesion with the overall bathroom style. For contemporary baths, abstract prints, photography and modern wall art tend to pair best. Rustic or farmhouse spaces can integrate paintings of pastoral landscapes or flowers in worn-looking frames. Likewise, nautical-inspired baths do well with seascapes and subtle color palettes. Ensure your art choices blend rather than compete with the design aesthetic chosen for the room.
If possible, echo colors, finishes, or shapes already present in the bathroom tile, fixtures or textiles when selecting artwork. Repetition of hues, textures and visual motifs creates harmony. For a polished and purposeful look, artwork should feel like an intentional component rather than an out-of-place afterthought.
Material Considerations
Carefully consider artwork mediums when decorating humid bathroom environments. Watercolor paintings or delicate paper prints, for instance, won't fare well long-term. Canvas art holds up better to moisture. Meanwhile, metal prints, aluminum art panels or acrylic sheets make durable, water-resistant options.
Framed pieces allow you to match frame finishes to other bathroom metals and hardware. However, frameless stretched canvas artwork or pieces with protective acrylic facing can also suit bath spaces while eliminating frame maintenance. Assess resilience, weighing visual impact with longevity.
Hanging Methods and Installation
Tools and Hardware Needed
Installing artwork above a toilet requires the same basic toolkit and supplies as hanging art and mirrors on other walls. Gather the necessary tools: a tape measure, stud finder, level, pencil, drill, screwdrivers, drywall anchors or toggles if needed, and picture hanging wire and hooks or D-rings with screws. Having high-quality picture hangers and hardware designed for heavier art will help securely mount pieces to withstand humidity over time.
Techniques for Proper Installation
When preparing to hang wall art above toilet spaces, first locate any potential studs behind the drywall using a stud finder, and mark positions with pencil. Studs allow you to directly screw heavy art into solid backing. For areas missing studs, consider hollow drywall anchors able to hold significant weight without tearing out of the wall.
Measure artwork and determine ideal display height, keeping the previously recommended 12 inches above the toilet tank height in mind. Use a level to double check straightness as you install art to achieve visually balanced sightlines. Take time making precise height markings and carefully drilling any holes to ultimately create a refined gallery display.
Creative Focal Points
Those handy with carpentry can construct custom art installations for above the toilet, such as framed cubbies or salvaged window displays. You might also affix sturdy floating shelves, serving as both storage ledges and surfaces for spotlighting cherished artwork or objects. Think creatively about how to transform basic wall space into a decorative focal point full of visual interest through well-displayed art.
Art and Photography Ideas
Stylish Prints and Photographs
From black and white anatomical drawings to Audubon bird prints, the varieties of stylish wall art available offer broad options for over-toilet decoration. Photography prints spanning landscape vistas, soothing beach scenes or zen minimalist compositions tend to suit most design schemes.
Certain atmospheres, like tropical bathrooms or modern spaces feel enhanced by graphic palm prints, while neutral-toned leafy botanical prints offer versatile alternatives. When grouping multiple photos or prints together in a gallery arrangement, uniform black frames convey an elegant, cohesive sensibility.
Paintings and Mixed Media
Original paintings introduce singular personality above toilets, and can match color themes present in tiles or textiles. Watercolor florals, abstract acrylics or gradated mixed media pieces make artistic additions. For those less keen on paintings, textural wall hangings crafted from materials like woven fibers or layered paper add tactile interest when adorning bathroom walls.
Three dimensional elements like shadow boxes can also showcase tiny sculptures, natural items like sand dollars or sea glass, or balance simplicity with depth. Unexpected media beyond classic framed prints or flat canvases lend the space a bespoke artist studio vibe.
Wall Decals and Removable Pieces
For renters or those undergoing bathroom renovations down the line, removable wall murals, decals and stickers supply stylish over-toilet options without permanent commitment. Geometric icon stickers, faux medallion decals, or patterned wallpaper murals easily mount without damaging existing walls.
Due to steam and condensation, ensure any vinyl decals used have a high-quality adhesive and sealant layer to withstand humidity and moisture over the long term without peeling or losing stickiness.
Achieving Gallery Style and Layout
Fill the Wall Without Overwhelming
Editing and curating an art gallery assortment calls for restraint to avoid overwhelming the senses or space. Frame borders and mat widths provide breathing room when clustering pieces salon style. Consider incorporating wall sconces or pendant lights to bounce illumination off the artwork while integrated into the overall arrangement.
Maintaining balance while filling the vertical space means keeping some negative space or gaps in the layout while aligning edges or centering focal pieces. Hang artwork lower near functional items like floating shelves or towel hooks, keeping vignettes cohesive yet purposeful.
Lighting and Accessories
Proper lighting transforms displayed art from flat layers of pigments into vivid focal points. Wall sconces with adjustable arms allow directing illumination at specific pieces to highlight details. For spot lighting, install discreet LED puck lights above key gallery sections or central eye-catching works.
Well-positioned picture lights also create even wash lighting without shadows, showcasing colors and textures. Incorporate lighting upgrades as crucial finishing touches when installing an artistic toilet topper gallery wall with showstopping effects.
Converting empty space into an art gallery offers an impactful way of infusing personality while enhancing bathroom aesthetics. Carefully planning artwork placement, allowing adequate breathing room and showcasing special pieces through strategic lighting all help realize the atmosphere and artistic vision you intend.
Installing a stunning array of beloved artwork or curated prints above the toilet ultimately transforms an often underutilized area into a beautiful focal point brimming with visual interest and artistic flair.