How to Choose the Right Shower Curtain for Your Bathroom

Co-authored by Eric Shipe

Last Updated: March 4, 2023 References

Bathrooms are often one of the smallest rooms in the house, but that does not mean they are easy to decorate. If you have a shower that requires a curtain, there are many options available on the market. Shower curtains are used for the practical purpose of preventing water from leaving the tub or shower area, but they are also used to keep your bathroom pretty. Choose the right shower curtain for your bathroom by coordinating it with the colors and hardware you are already using.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Deciding on Your Material

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Opt for cotton when possible. While it's more expensive, cotton is generally a solid choice for a shower curtain. Cotton curtains tend to hold up best and are also easiest to wash. They can also give your bathroom a dressier feel.^{[1]
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- Cotton absorbs moisture easily. If you get a cotton curtain, make sure you get a quality liner to go with it.
- Keep in mind that a cotton shower curtain will need to be washed once a month to stay nice and clean.^{[2]
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2
Try vinyl for a cheap, low-maintenance option. If you don't want to spend a lot of time maintaining a shower curtain, vinyl curtains can be a great option. They can be cleaned and come in a variety of colors, making coordinating them with other bathroom decor simple.^{[3]
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- In addition to vinyl, you can try synthetic materials such as nylon or polyester.
- Because vinyl shower curtains are cheaper, they're great if you plan on switching up your bathroom decor frequently.
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3
Go for an organic option. If you're environmentally conscious, you may want a curtain that reflects these values. Look for curtains made of environmentally friendly materials, such as hemp, if you want a curtain that minimizes use of chemicals and artificial materials.
- Keep in mind, organic curtains may be more expensive and more difficult to maintain.
4
Think about microfiber curtains. Microfiber curtains are more moisture-resistant than cotton curtains but softer than things like vinyl and polyester. Such curtains are heavier, so they may work well if your bathroom has heavy water pressure. They are also machine washable, which can cut down on cleaning time.^{[4]
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- Since microfiber curtains are heavier, you'll want to make sure your curtain rod is sturdy enough to hold one up.
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Select a solid liner material. Almost all shower curtains will require some kind of curtain liner. Take this into consideration as well. You want to choose a solid liner that will protect your curtains from moisture.
- Go for curtains that are clear or light. These allow more light in the shower.
- Most liners are made out of vinyl. If you're environmentally conscious, it may be difficult to find an alternative. However, if it's important to you, try to seek out non-vinyl liners in a store or online, but keep in mind they will be harder to maintain.
- Weighted liners work best, as these stay in place more easily.
- Look for mold-resistant curtain liners. They're more pricey, but you won't have to replace them as often.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Picking the Right Style

1
Consider decorative curtains. If you want a very decorative bathroom, consider decorative curtains. These curtains usually have a pattern or texture that makes them spruce up a room and are made out of higher quality fabrics. These are usually a good choice for a guest room. Also, as such curtains are more susceptible to damage from moisture, they may work best if you use your bath more than your shower.^{[5]
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- Decorative curtains are more expensive and difficult to maintain. Therefore, you should only opt for them if you're looking to make a room really stand out for whatever reason. They are not the most practical choice.
- Use decorative shower curtains in bathrooms where they won't get a lot of use, like your guest bathroom.
2
Select a solid color for a minimalistic look. If your bathroom has a more minimalistic design, or if you're going for practicality over decoration, see if you can find a solid color shower curtain. For simplicity's sake, a solid color curtain will work in most bathrooms when it falls into line with the existing color scheme.^{[6]
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- For example, a solid earth-toned curtain would go great in a bathroom with neutral colors.
3
Keep colors consistent throughout your bathroom. You want to make sure your shower curtain does not clash with the existing color scheme. If your bathroom is colored in neutral shades, like whites, you can try adding a splash of color with a brighter curtain. However, if your bathroom already has a strict color scheme, try to choose a curtain to match.^{[7]
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- For example, say your bathroom has yellow tiles and a yellow sink. Try to pick a curtain in a complementary color, like a gray or green curtain. You could also do a curtain that contrasts with yellow, like a purple curtain.
4
Take bathroom hardware into account. Your curtain should not just match the colors in your bathroom. Think about things like light fixtures and mirrors in your bathroom. Most hardware in a bathroom is somewhat subtle. However, if you have very large mirrors or very ornate light fixtures, you may want to opt for a plainer curtain. This will prevent the curtain's design from being overwhelming.^{[8]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Opting for Special Features

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Try a hookless curtain. A hookless curtain is slipped over a ceiling shower rod. If you have a more modern style, a hookless curtain can reflect this. They provide a more seamless look and can cut down on cost as you do not have to invest money in shower rings.^{[9]
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2
Think about weights and magnets. If your water pressure is very heavy, this can cause the shower curtain to fly away from the bathroom during a shower. To reverse this, consider investing in magnets or weights to hold the curtain down. You can find many weighted shower curtains to suit your needs in a department store or online.^{[10]
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3
Opt for an extra wide curtain if necessary. If you have a very large shower, you may need an extra wide curtain. This can cost a bit more money but will be worth it as it will more adequately protect your bathroom floor from moisture.^{[11]
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- Measure your shower before going out to purchase a shower curtain. This will help you determine whether you need an extra large curtain.
- You can also use 2 shower curtains for an extra long shower rod and part them in the middle.
- To position the shower curtain rod correctly, measure the height of the curtain.^{[12]
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  Eric Shipe
  Home Improvement Specialist
  Expert Interview. 11 June 2021.}
- Decide whether you want the curtain to fall over the inside or outside edge of the tub.^{[13]
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  Home Improvement Specialist
  Expert Interview. 11 June 2021.}
- Then install the first bracket for the rod. Check that the level is correct and mark the place for the second bracket.^{[14]
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  Expert Source
  
  Eric Shipe
  Home Improvement Specialist
  Expert Interview. 11 June 2021.}

Expert Q&A

Question

Do shower curtains go inside or outside of the tub?

Katherine Tlapa
Interior Designer
Katherine Tlapa is an interior designer, currently working as a Design Specialist for Modsy, a design service based in San Francisco. She also runs her own DIY Home Design blog, My Eclectic Grace. She received her BFA in Interior Architecture from Ohio University in 2016.

Katherine Tlapa

Interior Designer

Expert Answer

Show curtains that are decorative go on the outside of the shower, however, you will want a plastic shower curtain liner to go on the inside of the shower to prevent water from spilling out onto the floor.
Question

What size shower curtain do you need for a curved rod?

Katherine Tlapa
Interior Designer
Katherine Tlapa is an interior designer, currently working as a Design Specialist for Modsy, a design service based in San Francisco. She also runs her own DIY Home Design blog, My Eclectic Grace. She received her BFA in Interior Architecture from Ohio University in 2016.

Katherine Tlapa

Interior Designer

Expert Answer

A standard shower curtain (70" x 70") will work for a curved or straight curtain rod. If you want a little more slack in the fabric, you can get an extra wide curtain.
Question

What type of shower curtain is best?

Katherine Tlapa
Interior Designer
Katherine Tlapa is an interior designer, currently working as a Design Specialist for Modsy, a design service based in San Francisco. She also runs her own DIY Home Design blog, My Eclectic Grace. She received her BFA in Interior Architecture from Ohio University in 2016.

Katherine Tlapa

Interior Designer

Expert Answer

There are many types - a heavy fabric one with a design will look best, but if you want a plastic or vinyl one, you can find nice ones in that material as well