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donna_b_818

What to hang above a free standing tub?

6 years ago

Hello! I want to hang something natural- plants/beach art/wood open shelving...I don't know! The window and corner are throwing me off. Any advice is appreciated!




Comments (49)

  • 6 years ago

    The off center light fixture is equally a problem. What about moving it to the center?

  • 6 years ago

    Not a Pro.

    What a beautiful bathroom!

    The ceiling light is what is throwing me off lol

    I would add a large tall plant.

    Donna B thanked njmomma
  • PRO
    6 years ago

    I was thinking art work on the wall, and centering the light fixture. maybe also putting shades on the window may be a good idea which also adds to the décor of the room

    Donna B thanked Focal Point Hardware
  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    @jewelisfabulous That's where the original light was, so we just switched it out. If I move it, I have to redo that whole part of the ceiling and it's not in my budget. I'd like to try and balance ( as best as I can) using wall decor.

  • 6 years ago


    Carlsbad Master Bath · More Info


    Donna B thanked njmomma
  • 6 years ago

    @njmomma I definitely have room for a tall plant in the corner there and some colorful shades as @Focal Point Hardwareon that would be great! I know the light is off-centered, but I had to work with the existing electrical wiring!

  • 6 years ago

    and thank you @njmomma we did the wainscoting ourselves. That's my fave part!

  • 6 years ago

    Beautiful!!!!!

    Donna B thanked njmomma
  • 6 years ago

    I think I would skip the fancy light and get a simple flush-mount. It will be less obtrusive. Lovely room!

    Donna B thanked grapefruit1_ar
  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    The light looks illegal. The bottom of a light should be 5 foot from the top rim of the tub or 3 feet away from the tub. . Replace it with a light rated for wet zones or remove it.

    Donna B thanked functionthenlook
  • 6 years ago

    @grapefruit1_ar I gotta follow my heart on this one, I've always wanted a chandelier above my tub and I got this one for 90% off at an outlet. Plus I have a big flush light in the walkway that leads to this room. I'd post a pic but I'm at work (that's why I'm always posting on Houzz instead of doing real work lol)

  • 6 years ago

    @functionthenlook is that by California code? the bottom of the light measures 3 1/2 feet from the top of the tub. I could find a flush mount chandelier if I have to.

  • 6 years ago

    Not a Pro.

    I hope it is to Code. I love the the little bling it brings to the room.

    Donna B thanked njmomma
  • 6 years ago

    I think the light is beautiful, and truthfully I did not even notice it! I made my suggestion based on others comments about it being offcentered.

    Donna B thanked grapefruit1_ar
  • 6 years ago

    Pretty! I prefer the light off-center. Hope it is up to code. I would add art because you already added additional shelves. What is the flooring?

    Donna B thanked hollybar
  • 6 years ago

    I was wrong, sorry. By national electric code the bottom of the light should be 8 feet above the rim of the tub. Not 5 feet that I previously stated. I guess California doesn't care if their residents get electrocuted.

  • 6 years ago

    @hollybar I've bought and returned several things. I think I'll add a big tree in the corner and order a custom shade for the window. Then I can just put something above the tub. The floor tile is this one. It's a denim look. Then I've got white /gray mosaic tile in the shower,



  • 6 years ago

    @functionthenlook if that's the case then I'll be sure to change it out (with a heavy heart). I don't want to get electrocuted! I have an inspector coming for a final inspection, I'll see what he says.

  • 6 years ago



    Donna B thanked Sammy
  • 6 years ago

    actually I have had to change several things due to the inspectors being diligent, can't speak for the rest of CA but the dept of building & safety doesn't mess around. Surprised my electrician didn't say a thing, but he got paid, so...

    Anyway, I have been looking at wall succulents, particularly glass vase ones. I feel like the shelves would be so dusty, but I love the look, so I'm not sure. These would get dusty too though and they'd be a pain to clean. Again, not sure!

  • 6 years ago

    Donna, if it is legal, for safety you could put a gfci in your fuse box for that light.

    Donna B thanked functionthenlook
  • 6 years ago

    to be honest, I haven't really used the tub more than twice, of course initially I thought I'd use it every night to relax but these water bills are no joke. Thank you @Sammy I didn't think I'd have a problem with this. Came here for art advice and I'm leaving with thoughts of electrocution lol. I'll wait for my inspector, however, as I'm certainly not changing any bulbs with wet hands in a tub full of water.

  • 6 years ago

    There was an existing tub/light there, I didn't add it, it was put there by the original builder in the 80's. All the houses around here have the same thing.

  • 6 years ago

    Donna, I wouldn't worry about it. If it passes inspection, leave it.

    Donna B thanked Beth H. :
  • PRO
    6 years ago



  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    @BeverlyFLADeziner yay! I love these photoshops you do. I have a big thing against track lighting though, my house had no recessed lights, only track lighting and those hanging swag lights, I'm glad to be rid of them (no offense to anyone). I LOVE the idea of a collage behind the tub though. My towel hooks are acrylic/nickel (and really cute) so I'd like to have some kind of bling in the light above the tub. IF the inspector makes me change the chandelier, (I'll cry) then I can find a smaller one, but all the ones I like are not water rated. The ceiling over the tub only gives me a little over 7' so hanging something 8' above the tub isn't even possible.


  • 6 years ago

    Donna: What’s above the ceiling in that part of the room? Why is it dropped? Depending on your answer, I may have an easy, inexpensive solution for your lighting. :) And for what it’s worth, if it were my bathroom, I’d remove the chandelier (if not for my own safety then for the safety of anyone else who could potentially use that tub.) It’s just not worth the risk to keep it—in its current location, anyway.

  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    for the safety of anyone else who could potentially use that tub.

    who else is going to use the tub in her master bath? I'm sure her partner will be aware of it. If she has young children, A. she will be with them, and B. they aren't tall enough to reach it.

    BTW, you won't be electrocuted just because you touch the fixture.

    bottom line,,,if it bothers you, have it put on a GFCI breaker. (which it should be anyway)

    If, and it's a big if, for any reason someone (all those random 6'8" people who will be using your tub and reaching up to stick their finger in the socket) does trigger an electric shock, the power will be immediately cut off from the panel due to the GFCI ) Same thing if you're blow drying your hair and you drop the dryer into a tub full of water. The GFCI breaker cuts it off.

    I've actually had that happen to me w/an outside outlet near water. luckily it was on a GFCI breaker so I was not shocked.

  • 6 years ago

    Not a pro but ...


    Don't hang anything over the tub; instead, add a bracket over the center of the window and hang a plant in a small basket/pot there -- something that likes humidity. I've had heart leafed philodendron thrive in a bathroom with a tub/shower combo.

    Donna B thanked suezbell
  • 6 years ago

    the philodendron is a great idea. you could also hang it from the ceiling in the corner

    I have one that is trailing along the ceiling in my bathroom. goes crazy in there

    Donna B thanked Beth H. :
  • PRO
    6 years ago

    I would do a piece of art I love looking at.

    Donna B thanked Flo Mangan
  • 6 years ago

    @sammy there's some ac ducts running over the ceiling. The rest of the bathroom has normal height, but the part above the tub drops down. It's kind of like an accent dropdown (or maybe I got used to looking at it like that). The original builders had the same layout as I do, I just changed out the very gross and old built-in tub to freestanding. What's your inexpensive solution? Inexpensive is my middle name :)

  • 6 years ago

    @Beth H. : lucky for me, I'm 4' 11". Maybe this is the first time my short stature will benefit me. Although... I do know a 6'8" guy who likes to use other people's tubs and change their bulbs as a courtesy. kidding! My kids are older and they have their own tub anyway. I'll have to see if there is a GFCI already and if not, I think it's easy to add. @Flo Mangan do you think a large picture is better than say 4 smaller ones? @suezbell I love live plants and have thought about the hanging one but wasn't sure if it'd go opposite the light I have.

  • PRO
    6 years ago

    I would prefer one large piece of art. Less busy feeling.

    Donna B thanked Flo Mangan
  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    these terra cotta wall hangers are cute (wayfair)







    diff art ideas. I like one larger print. I also like a nice orchid or two on that tray. adds some height. or do a few around the bath tub on a little plant stand


    Donna B thanked Beth H. :
  • 6 years ago

    I like the last picture, thank you @Beth H. : Maybe I can hang some planters on that wall to the right since there's nothing going on there, yours are really cute! I want to keep it somewhat minimalistic so one big not so busy picture would be great! @Flo Mangan

  • PRO
    6 years ago

    If you keep light fixture, I like the idea of a hanging plant on the opposite side to balance the look out.

    Donna B thanked Flo Mangan
  • PRO
    6 years ago

    Check out sale art at ZGallery. Some great pieces that have sparkle and soft, minimalist looks. You could hang the Bella vertically too.

    Donna B thanked Flo Mangan
  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    I think the light looks great. I would probably add a large piece of art to the left of the window, as others are showing and some minimalist shelves on the other wall under the light fixture, so you can reach towels when you're leaving the tub. A place for bath salts, washcloths, maybe a battery candle or two. I would remove the stand with those things next to the vanity and move them to shelves hung on the wall, because I think it looks as if the vanity isn't large enough to hold what you need it to, when there is a stand right next to it.



    Donna B thanked Olychick
  • 6 years ago

    I think you have space for shelf on the long wall and maybe add towels warmer rack on another one?

    Donna B thanked sofikbr
  • 6 years ago

    Not a fan of that light fixture. Would not want to look at/into the light but rather have the fixture provide light for the room.


    If you want an interesting ceiling hung light, consider this LED one:


    https://www.beautifulhalo.com/6led-leaf-design-semi-flush-light-nordic-style-acrylic-ceiling-flush-mount-in-warmwhiteneutral-p-326243.html?currency1=USD&track=PA_G_SUS325&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI1IbvvfjH5QIVVdyGCh0DNgObEAQYASABEgI74fD_BwE


    You might consider a faux window light -- perhaps even a stained glass one:


    http://diphotoshop.com/3-tips-for-highlighting-the-exterior-architecture-of-your-home/


    http://nanobolt.co/fake-window-light-box/


    Or a fake window skylight light:


    The local hospital has one but I couldn't find a pic on line that would load.


    Are you aware that there are light fixtures made specifically for corners?


    I like this one best:


    http://kapemvun.info/foliage-not-flowers/


    but there are others worth considering, too.


    http://kapemvun.info/easy-fix-for-fall-flowers-to-get-up-your-garden-2/


    http://kapemvun.info/10-no-fail-drought-tolerant-perennials-for-low-water-gardens/



    Donna B thanked suezbell
  • 6 years ago
    <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><md>Love love love the artwork of woman swimming on canvas. May have to purchase that for my bathroom ( am sure hubby would like it too
    Donna B thanked kp Ohio
  • 6 years ago

    Hi Donna! Love what you've done to your bathroom! Would you mind showing the rest of it?! Im a sucker for bathroom remodels! We just had all our bathrooms redone last year and now hubby is deciding to put the house for sale to make a quick profit :'(
    I would definitely put a neutral colored or natural (rice paper design, shell) artwork, maybe something that matches the height of the window, a window shade, and something to have quick access to a towel when you get out of the bath, maybe a towel ladder? Oh and a white flowering plant or something from here https://www.thespruce.com/best-houseplants-for-bathroom-4151160
    You'll be staring at the other wall while in the tub..a wall of those aerial plants acrylic/ glass or a few hanging from that side would be nice.

    Donna B thanked renoremo
  • 6 years ago

    Maybe the tub was on a diagonal away from the lamp or on the other side of the room.

  • 6 years ago

    First, you need to center the light above the tub . It is too close the the wall with the sink . The bathroom looks great by the way .

  • 6 years ago

    Center and lower the light.. add a relaxed roman shade .. maybe even a larger more airy light fixture?

  • 6 years ago

    That light is NOT to Code! Any Code. That needs to go--pronto.

    And you certainly can't sell the house like that; it won't pass inspection.


  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    Donna - I think I'm in the minority, as I actually like the chandelier off to the side (and I'm def. a person fond of symmetry, so go figure!).

    We have a chandelier above our Master Bath as well (with a GFCI breaker), and although I'm not a bath person, I absolutely adore the way it looks.

    I vote for Flo's idea of one large art piece on the wall, and I would add another large - complimentary - art, to the opposite wall as well.

    GORGEOUS MB already, nothing you add will take away from it. :)

    Donna B thanked Jora
  • 6 years ago

    Thanks all for the advice. I do like the chandelier, and I'm the only one using the tub, so I'm keeping it :) If I go to sell or if my inspector says to change it, I will. The tub was placed the same way before we changed it, it was just an old built-in tub. Don't know what the code was back in the '80s but that's how it was put in. @renoremo I have been looking at this style artwork, like the woven kind of accents and shadow boxes with coral. I really like it, and it's something I'd love looking at on the daily. Sorry you have to sell your house, but I'm sure you can make the next one just as beautiful! I'm currently using this bathroom as a kitchen since I'm redoing mine so I've got dishes and things everywhere so I'll post a pic at a later time.