01 February

How to Find The Best Shower Curtain for Your Bath

A shower curtain may seem like an afterthought, but they serve an important purpose as well. Shower curtains protect the bathroom floor from wayward sprays and drips.

Here we’ll cover how to find the best shower curtain for your bath.

How does a shower curtain differ from a shower liner?

A shower curtain hangs outside the tub. Although it does shield the area surrounding the tub from water somewhat, it is mainly used for decorative purposes. A shower liner is a necessity. It hangs inside the tub to keep the spray water from getting outside the tub.

What are shower curtains made of?

Shower curtains are manufactured in a wide range of fabrics and materials –

• Cotton/polyester blends
• 100% Cotton
• 100% Polyester
• Linen
• Vinyl

Which material is less likely to attract mildew, mold, or soap scum?

100% cotton, 100% polyester, and cotton/polyester blends are resistant to mold, mildew and soap scum and are usually machine-washable.

What type of shower curtain is the most durable?

A heavy, cotton/polyester blend fabric is long lasting and machine washable. Also, a cotton blend curtain is absorbent – keeping water overspray and splashes off the floor.

100% polyester fabric curtains are durable. And they tend to shrink less when compared to other materials.

100% cotton curtains are one of the most durable choices but should be used with a liner to avoid mold and mildew stains.

Vinyl curtains are the least durable. They repel water but attract mold, mildew and soap scum.

Shower Curtain Care

Easily keep soap scum at bay by spraying your shower curtain with Wet & Forget Shower once a week. This weekly spray and rinse cleaner will clean up mold and mildew stains while preventing the build-up of shower grime and body oils on your curtain. Bonus- it has a light vanilla scent, so you don’t have to worry about any harsh chemical fumes.

What is the width/length of a standard shower curtain?

A standard home shower with tub measures approximately 72 x 54 inches. A standard-size shower curtain measure 72 x 72 inches. If your bath has a high ceiling, you may need a long or extra long curtain. Long shower curtains measure 72 x 84 inches. An extra-long curtain measures 72 x 96 inches. A curtain for a no-door shower stall measures 54 x 78 inches.

How much does a shower curtain cost?

Curtain prices are all over the map – from less than $25 for a waterproof, clear vinyl curtain to over $125 for a heavy 100% cotton, designer, or commercial-grade versions. For the average homeowner, a shower curtain from a big box store that costs $40 or less will do the job.

If you have a window in your bath, consider purchasing a curtain sold with a coordinating window curtain.

How high should I hang my shower curtain and liner?

Hang the shower curtain high enough so that it does not touch the floor or bath mat. Two to three inches above the floor is best.

What type of shower curtain liner works best?

A machine washable, 100% polyester shower liner is the best choice, as it doesn’t attract soap film as vinyl liners do. In a pinch, it can also double as a shower curtain.

What about hookless shower curtains?

Hookless shower curtains have grommets at the top, which easily slide on a standard shower rod. This makes it easy to remove and the curtain for cleaning.

In addition, there is no need for shower curtain hooks. Some hookless styles are sold with a removable, snap-on polyester liner as well.

If your bath is windowless or lacks enough light, consider purchasing a curtain with a semi-transparent band at the top for better in-shower visibility.

What style shower curtain should I choose?

Shower curtains come in a myriad of colors, patterns, and prints. The shower curtain you choose will be the focal point of the room, so it’s important to choose one that blends well with your current color scheme, fixtures, and décor.

Adding a new shower curtain is one of the easiest ways to improve the look of your bath in an instant. Whether your style is clean and spa-like, chic, boho, floral, classic or quirky, there’s a look to match your personality and bath decor.

For a clean, “spa-like” feel, choose a white fabric shower curtain. Neutral tones like warm white, tan, or grey are calming and look good in any style bath.  For an upscale look in an infrequently used guest bath, feel free to choose an elegant fabric.

If you are redoing your bathroom, it’s a good idea to choose the shower curtain last. Why? It is easier to match your shower curtain to the existing wall paint or cabinets rather than buying the curtain and then trying to find the right paint color to match.

It is also important to consider how the curtain color matches or blends with the shades of your bath linens, wallpaper, or bedding. If you prefer bold, colorful designs make sure it is not too visually distracting when reflected in the above-sink mirror.

Did you know? If you have a stand-alone or clawfoot tub, you will need to enclose the whole tub – two shower curtains and two liners may be required to cover the tub’s perimeter. Measure the liner width and curtain width to make sure there is a slight overlap – 5 inches or so. This keeps the water in, while still allowing easy entry and exit.

Your shower curtain is the final touch that brings a punch of color, pattern, or graphic interest to your private space. A carefully chosen shower curtain can make a dull or boring bathroom come to life!

Images by alexstaubo