Art in the Bath

/ September 7, 2011
Photographs are always good bath art, although I would not put my vintage Steichen in there. Humidity could create havoc with the fragile print.

Photographs are always good bath art, although I would not put my vintage Steichen in there. Humidity could create havoc with the fragile print.Slideshow

Steven Gambrel has used small scale prints to decorate a bath. Colored tile frames the installation.
This entire space is traditional and tidy. The 2 pictures over the tub draw your eye to the wall and convey a message that this is a traditional space.
Last week at one of the antiques malls in Stamford, CT I saw a painting reminiscent of this. It was not precious but was bold and good subject matter for a bath.
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Lots of random art and color makes this a fun installation.
Not only is the bathtub sculptural, but the art adds another large scale presence to the space.
This is a good example of a piece of sculpture over a tub. It is not too precious yet it adds dimension to the space.
This is an Edward Weston photograph. It is obvious what it is but think of it as a piece of sculpture.
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A Calder mobile would look great in any bath. I love the color and the wire form.
A John Chamberlain of small scale would look beautiful on a pedestal in the bath. It is indestructable.
A charming mobile that adds a great color accent to an all white space.
In a moden bath, this would be an ideal art piece either on a pedestal or on the wall.
Art in the form of font and words. Small space, big impact!
This is a great word, especially in bright lights!

I have wanted to write this post for a while but I thought I should do a bit of research first. There is no question that art in the bath looks great. However, steam, water and humidity can deteriorate the integrity of a picture over time. So I would not recommend hanging your most precious and fragile art on the walls. But, pictures add charm, personality and dimension to any space so finding the right art for a damp environment is an important final step in completing the design process.

I have talked to several knowledgeable art collectors and of course they want art in their baths. As one collector said, his favorite place in the whole house is his .25 bathtub; contemplating a piece of art while soaking is what makes him relax even more. Another said to think of art in the bath as an indoor/outdoor installation. While it isn’t going to rain or snow in the bath, the atmospheric conditions can be hazardous to anything fragile. Think about a piece of sculpture, perhaps neon art or even a Calder mobile!!

However, I would like to suggest that the powder bath is a great place for art. The space can be intimate and a small precious piece of art can be such a surprise. I have an ethereal Jed Devine photograph in my powder room. It is small and moody and the best part is that it is reflected in the mirror over the sink. I have seen photos of over the top powder baths with art covering the walls. It is a room where anything from over the top to elegant and formal is appropriate.

There are many things to think about when selecting art for your bath, and the thought process is no different from selecting a piece for any part of your house. The first word I would use is “fit”. Is the art you are contemplating compatible with the style of the bath and the house. The next is the “style and taste” conversation. And finally, do not think of art in the bath as a permanent installation. Pictures are meant to be moved. It is a great way to change the mood of a room, especially the bath where everything is attached to the wall and floor.

Barbara
bsallick@waterworks.com

 

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Comments

  • Steven Cafiero   /   March 1, 2012 at 3:00 pm

    Last summer I had the opportunity to visit Longwood Gardens just when the waterlilly show was taking place. I so admired the photos that I took that I researched and found a photo company in California that would print my images on aluminum that would allow me to create art gallery along a “green wall” in my garden.

  • Jessica   /   March 3, 2012 at 7:39 pm

    I have a 1930s bathroom similar to the one featured in your House Beautiful interview, and have been looking for sink and bath/shower fixtures to update the worn out originals. How can I find them in your online Waterworks catalogue? I am especially interested in the hot and cold sink faucets, but like the bath/shower setup as well. Thank you!

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