While many people consider laying bathroom tile a do-it-yourself project for money-saving reasons, there are many factors that can make or break the job. This quick guide shows you how to tile a bathroom correctly.
Bathroom Tile Installation Once you've determined the type of tile you need, think about how it will be installed. The substrate, or what tile is installed on top of, is just as important as the tile itself. A flexing floor or a wall that is uneven can lead to broken tiles and failed grout.
Water-resistant backer board, not drywall, should be used under the tile that will get wet. Whether it's backer board, plywood or concrete, the substrate needs to be sound, clean and dimensionally stable. Surfaces need to be level or plumb and true to plane, as the pros say. That means no bumps.
Any cracks or voids can compromise even the best tile job. The only way to be sure the tile sticks fast is to use a notched trowel to apply adhesive to the substrate.
Create Space The space between the tiles should be uniform, so use spacers if your tiles don't come on mesh sheets. The larger the tile, the larger the space should be between them. Some do-it-yourselfers will make the mistake of pushing tiles too close together to reduce grout lines. Without enough surface area, grout won't bond well and can fail prematurely, leaving room for leaks and water damage. It's also very important to let the adhesive cure fully.
Follow Instructions Follow the manufacturer's instructions and stay off the installation the required amount of time before you grout the tile.
Beautiful bathroom art ideas add decorative elements to zones that were previously ignored.
Creative bathroom ideas that feature artwork are having something of a moment, as we all begin to view every room in our home as a living space rather than purely functional.
While bathrooms are perhaps the last place you'd consider hanging artwork – the steam, the moisture, the potential splashes – we love the thought of a boutique hotel-inspired ensuite or master bathroom that allows you to enjoy a favorite piece of art while relaxing in the tub.
These are just some of our bathroom art ideas and we've added a few tips at the bottom about what not to do when displaying art in the bathroom.
Bathroom art ideas
The bathroom art ideas and bathroom pictures below are mostly of paintings, pictures and wallpaper. However, sculpture can be very effective in a bathroom, too, especially if well-lit.
1. Turn a shower cubicle into bathroom art with wallpaper
(Image credit: Wall&decò)
Looking for bathroom art ideas AND an alternative to mildew-prone grout lines? We have an extraordinary solution that will change the way you approach bathroom decor forever.
'Wall&decò's waterproof wallpaper can be installed directly inside the shower, providing a seamless surface that's low maintenance, easy to clean and perfect for making a bold statement,' says Kirsten Wain, designer at West One Bathrooms.
'The wallpaper can also be applied over existing tiles, making it great for a quick update with minimal mess or disruption.'
Shown in the walk-in shower idea above is Wall&decò's Vivido waterproof wallpaper.
2. Use art to add instant personality
(Image credit: Brent Darby/Future plc)
'The bathroom is often seriously under-served when it comes to adding style and personality,' says Owen Pacey, founder of restoration company Renaissance London.
'A great way to start is with art. Hang framed prints and introduce sculptures to give the often-neglected space a unique feel.
'Start by choosing one piece you love that works well in the space, and go from there. Perhaps you could build up a gallery wall above a bath, or stick with one statement piece to really draw the eye.'
3. Choose bathroom art that blends with your color scheme
Bathroom designed by Athena Calderone/Image by Gieves Anderson.
(Image credit: Athena Calderone)
For a harmonious feel, choose or commission artwork that will blend well with your bathroom color ideas.
Brooklyn-based interior designer, author and creative director, Athena Calderone has done just this and the rusty tones and free-hand nature of the painting are mimicked in the marble block by the window.
Black frames stand out well on paler walls and give the artwork a dramatic edge, so use black elsewhere to link it through the scheme. Look out for architectural pieces to add a further dimension.
4. Frame bathroom art with a bold wall color
(Image credit: CP Hart)
Bold bathroom paint ideas might be tempting, but painting walls in daring shades should always be done with caution if natural daylight is poor, since the tones cast around the room by the wall color can create unflattering reflections.
However, painting a section of an accent wall to frame art is a wonderful way of showing off a collection, as in this bathroom designed by CP Hart.
5. Choose illustrative bathroom art
(Image credit: Martin Moore)
Whatever style of artwork you love the most should be what you choose – take this stunning illustrative bathroom wall idea as an example.
It shows that you don't need to pick a painting to hang, you could ask an artist to paint directly on your wall to fit the space.
The larger the artwork, the more of a focal point it will have, so bear that in mind when considering bathroom layout ideas. Go big if you want to make a statement, or smaller if you want it to integrate more with your scheme.
Cabinetry by Martin Moore; brassware and lights, Drummonds.
6. Design a scheme around existing artwork
This gorgeous, sunny children's bathroom by Salvesen Graham was designed – according to the client's brief – to be 'fun, practical, inexpensive'.
As they explain, 'The yellow from the client's existing artwork became a fun accent running through the room and you can't help but feel cheerful in here. We love a painted floor and they work well in a bathroom for people who don't want a cold hard finish but find carpet a problem.'
Credits: @archdigest for the feature; @clairebingham_design for the words; @simonbrownphotography for the pictures; @aureliaskincare, client.
7. Create a gallery wall in a bathroom
For the ultimate in luxury – and complete with amazing artwork – be inspired by this fabulous master bedroom (and what a bath!) at Nomad London designed by New York based interior design studio Roman & Williams.
The aim was to create a space that's 'domestic, romantic and true' and to incorporate the artistic and cultural connection between London and New York.
What is interesting is how they have played with the scale of the paintings and the placement. You don't need to hang all artwork. Sometimes simply leaning a huge piece up against the wall is a statement in itself.
Image: Simon Upton
What kind of art is good for a bathroom?
When choosing artwork for a bathroom – and deciding what will work best – the key isn't necessarily in its looks.
All art is good for a bathroom – from prints, to photographs, to paintings, to wallhangings and even sculpture.
However, you need to assess whether the art you have chosen for your bathroom will withstand the moisture in the room. If the bathroom is poorly ventilated, bathroom art can warp and even become covered in mould and mildew.
What not to do when hanging art in a bathroom
Don't hang anything very expensive – if you are at all worried about the humidity or fluctuating temperatures in a bathroom, stick to cheaper pieces of work that you can afford to lose long-term.
Don't hang art in a poorly ventilated room – an exhaust or extractor fan is a must in a room that becomes very steamy (so particularly one with a shower); failing that, ensure you open windows to air the room, and leave the bathroom door open after you've used the bathroom.
Don't hang art in a frame that doesn't like moisture – it's not just the art that won't enjoy the moisture. Wooden frames are likely to warp, so ensure the material you pick is at least water-tolerant. Similarly, acrylic will allow the artwork to breathe more than glass, and is less likely to crack or break.
Don't be limited – it's unlikely that your bathroom will host that many guests, especially if you have a guest bath, so choose bathroom art that you love, and not ones designed to please others.
Redecorating the rooms in your home can bring some chaos, but it also brings a lot of excitement as you watch an entirely new look come to life in rooms that had become mundane and dated. The long-term enjoyment and satisfaction you get from a newly redesigned bathroom, for example, is more than worth the short amount of time you spend completing the work.
When you're decorating a particularly small bathroom — or any small room — you have to make the most of every bit of available space. From creating practical spaces to letting your design imagination shine through, you could take your new bathroom in many different directions. Let's take a look at some great design ideas for small bathrooms.
Go Bold with Wallpaper
Wallpaper may seem like a dated idea, but many of today's modern prints and designs look nothing like those blocky, geometric designs from days gone by. Bold prints and striking patterns that might look overwhelming in a larger space can really shine in a small bathroom. Choose an accent wall and decorate it with bright colors or a punchy pattern or go dramatic and wallpaper the entire bathroom in a textured print.
Photo Courtesy: Tracy A. Woodward/The Washington Post/Getty Images
Keep Counter Lines Clean
If you have an ample budget, changing your bathroom counter can really change the entire feel of the bathroom. Choose a design that adds crisp, clean lines to the space. Decorative finishes and scalloped edges may seem fancy and tempting, but they can distract from the rest of the room and diminish your counter space. Additionally, patterned designs on the walls call for "non-busy" counters and accessories to avoid a cluttered feel.
Photo Courtesy: FluxFactory/E+/Getty Images
Add a Design Element to the Ceiling
If decorating the walls isn't your style or you don't have a lot of open wall space, consider adding an eye-catching design element to the ceiling instead. Drawing visitors' eyes up to the ceiling helps create the illusion that your overall bathroom space is much larger than it actually is, according to Elle Decor.
Photo Courtesy: David Papazian/Corbis/Getty Images
Consider a Floating Sink
Okay, so maybe floating sinks don't really float, but these types of pedestal sinks with no surrounding counters almost give the impression they are really suspended in midair. This sink style allows you to eliminate bulky counters and cabinets by skipping the traditional bathroom vanity. If counter space isn't important to you, look for a modern floating sink with minimal plumbing to keep your walls and floor tidy.
Photo Courtesy: John Lovette/Photographer's Choice RF/Getty Images
Think Outside the Shower Stall
Traditional shower stalls and bathtubs take up a lot of valuable space in a tiny bathroom. If you've got the budget for a full replacement, consider turning your standard bathroom into a European-style bathroom with an open shower and drain on one end of the room, partially separated by a transparent sheet of laminated glass.
Photo Courtesy: Onzeg/E+/Getty Images
Try Hanging a Towel Bar
If you plan on keeping the counter and you need more counter space, hang a towel bar (or two) to free up space. These bars can hold standard hand towels or even full-size body towels in most cases. This use of vertical storage space saves some of your limited square footage for other uses. As a bonus, you can find plenty of towel bars with decorative designs to spruce up your walls as well.
One of the biggest problems in a small space is the lack of light, and dark rooms with poor lighting look not only dismal but also seem much smaller than they actually are. If your bathroom has a window, install decorative blinds or a window shade in a color and material that lets some natural light in, even when the blinds are closed or the shade is pulled down.
You know how funhouses always have halls and rooms with funky mirrors in them? The logic is simple — mirrors are great at creating optical illusions. Oval mirrors, in particular, create an illusion of height, and every mirror reflects both artificial and natural light to make rooms much brighter. Place an oval mirror over the sink or an open wall to add brightness and create the illusion of extra height in your small bathroom.
Photo Courtesy: tulcarion/E+/Getty Images
Use Ledges or Shelves for Storage
If you're completely remodeling your small bathroom, consider choosing a shower and tub enclosure with storage ledges in the walls. If your do-over isn't that extensive, you could hang shelves in the shower enclosure or above the sink. Ledges and shelves are great for storing shower and hair products that you don't want cluttering your counters.
Photo Courtesy: Image Source/Getty Images
Choose Flexible Storage Options
As much as you want to avoid clutter in a small bathroom, it's inevitable that you need certain items in the room. The storage items you choose are determined by the style choices you make throughout the room. If you opt for a pedestal sink, you might be able to slide a basket with fresh towels underneath it. If your shower doesn't have shelves, then look for a hanging shower caddy to drape over the shower head to hold your supplies. If you hang a shelf near your sink, pick up some cute containers to place on it to hold your toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush and other essentials.
