Class Up Your Bathroom With the Best Shower Curtains

Shower curtains might not be the most complicated when it comes to bathroom accessories, but finding the right balance between quality, aesthetics, and price can be tricky. But by following this buying guide you can land yourself top-quality shower curtains that are truly reliable. 

Some Benefits of Shower Curtains

Prevents water leakage

Shower cubicles can be quite useful in preventing water leakage while you shower, but if you don’t have one, try a shower curtain. It works the same way as a shower door and blocks the water from leaking out of the shower area. A shower curtain is better than a shower door in several ways – most notably cost. 

Secludes bathroom area

A shower curtain can make it a bit spacious if you have a small bathroom with tight space. Since the shower curtain secludes the shower area from the rest of the bathroom, it divides the area into two, giving each the illusion of wider space. 

Convenient cleaning

Wiping water off the bathroom floor every time you shower can be time-consuming, but not if there’s no water leakage. With a shower curtain, you can maintain a dry bathroom at all times without needing to clean it every other day. 

Easy bathroom decor 

Shower curtains are such an easy way to update a bland bathroom. Whether you’re looking to add a fun focal point to your bathroom or just want to change the aesthetic, adding a new shower curtain is a cost-effective alternative to a full bathroom remodel.

What To Look For in a Shower Curtain

Size

Shower curtains come in different sizes, so determine the length and width of your shower before buying one. The standard curtain size is 72×72 inches but be sure to measure your shower area and buy one that matches it since there is often variation, especially in apartment complexes.

Material

Most people opt for vinyl shower curtains due to their excellent water-repelling properties, but this material isn’t the most durable. We recommend fabric shower curtains made of cotton, polyester, microfibre, or blended materials as they last longer and are easy to clean in a washer. 

Design

The market is full of unique and vibrant shower curtains, so you’ll have lots to choose from when you’re looking for your perfect bathroom addition. Look for neutrals or solid colors if you want to give your bathroom a subtle, spacious look. Patterns and vibrant colors can be fun but also tend to be more opaque and block natural light. 

Attachments

The hardest part of hanging a shower curtain is sewing in the hooks for rings. However, if you buy shower curtains with already stitched hooks, installing them will be much easier. We also recommend buying a curtain with rings as it will save you an extra errand later. 

Liners

If you’re buying a fabric shower curtain, you should always invest in one with a reliable liner. Polyester is the ideal material for a liner as it is wrinkle-resistant, durable, and waterproof. It is also easy to maintain and repels molds. 

Types of Shower Curtains

Hookless curtains

These curtains have built-in metal loops, or grommets, that slide smoothly across the rod without noise. They might be hard to uninstall as you must detach the rod first, but since most grommets are rust-proof, many people prefer them over hooks or rings. 

Decorative curtains

As the name suggests, decorative shower curtains are primarily used as decoration accessories. They are commonly used with bathtubs to draw attention with their pattern and color. Since their main purpose is not to prevent water leakage, these curtains are usually in cotton, which is super soft and smooth. Some premium-quality decorative curtains are hand-sewn with hints of lace or embroidery. 

Extra-wide curtains 

Shower curtains that have extra-wide dimensions are a popular choice for many. The main reason is these curtains produce generous drapes and can be used as decorative and functional shower curtains. 

These curtains have extra-wide mantle liners that soak up the excess moisture and tend to be more durable. Extra-wide curtains generally have L-shaped rods and are preferable for bigger bathtubs. 

How To Take Care of Your Shower Curtains

1. Remove the rings from the shower curtains before washing them. 
2. If the shower curtain is machine washable, you should wash it with mild detergent and a cup of white vinegar using a gentle cycle.
3. Dry it in the dryer and iron it before putting it back up in the bathroom. 
4. If the curtain is not machine washable, we recommend soaking it in lukewarm water with borax, lemon juice, or vinegar to remove any hints of mold.
5. Then soak it again using mild detergent, oxygen bleach, or a laundry booster to remove mildew. Give it a good rub before draining the water.  
6. Air dry the shower curtain in sunlight to kill any remaining bacteria. 
7. As for the rings, soak them in hot water with a cup of white vinegar and dishwashing liquid. Rub them thoroughly to remove soap scum and dust before draining and drying them.