Shower Curtains:

A shower curtain is a necessary bathroom accessory that serves both practical and decorative purposes. Hanging correctly with the right liner, shower curtains contain water spray, provide privacy, and allow you to add style to your bathroom décor. With so many types, sizes, fabrics and colors to choose from, it can get overwhelming selecting the perfect shower curtain to suit your needs.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know when shopping for a shower curtain. We’ll examine the different shower curtain styles and materials, features that affect functionality, installation and placement tips, cleaning and care recommendations, and solutions to common issues like mold and mildew. Let’s explore the ins and outs of shower curtains so you can identify the ideal option for your bathroom and décor.

Different Types of Shower Curtains

There are a few main shower curtain categories based on design and functionality:

Standard shower curtains – These are simple rectangular shower curtains made of vinyl, fabric or other materials. They hang around the tub perimeter from rings or hooks on a straight tension rod or curved rod. Standard shower curtains contain water spray and provide coverage when showering. Most people pair them with a separate plastic liner for waterproofing.

Shower curtain and liner sets – Some shower curtains come packaged together with a matching or contrasting liner. The liner fits inside the curtain to provide added water protection. Using a set ensures proper sizing and coordinated styles.

Stall showers curtains – For showers enclosed on three sides, specialized shower curtains are designed to wrap around two walls and the opening. Extra width and corner grommets allow the fabric to hang properly.

Niche curtains – These compact curtains fit into a niche or cubby hole recess in the shower wall, covering just the open side. They conserve space in small shower stalls.

Tension corner curtains – These triangular shower curtains attach to two meeting walls to cover just the corner. Suction cups, tension poles, or adhesive hooks allow removable mounting.

Ceiling-to-floor curtains – Extra long curtains hang from the ceiling fully to the tub bottom for a cocoon-like feel. They require tall poles or waterfall tracks for support.

Designer shower curtains – High-end designer shower curtains incorporate distinctive fabrics like linen, intricate patterns, embroidery, lace overlays, or unique shapes beyond just rectangles.

Shower curtain valances – Shorter valances hang at the top portion of your shower or tub area as decor. They can supplement a regular long shower curtain or stand alone.

Window shower curtains – Specialty curtains tailored to fit over or around windows in showers provide both privacy and moisture protection.

Shower Curtain Styles and Materials

Beyond the design, the material your shower curtain is constructed from affects the aesthetics, functionality and price. Some key options include:

Vinyl – The most ubiquitous and affordable option, vinyl plastic shower curtains are waterproof and come in a wide range of colors and patterns. However, they tend to be less durable than other materials and degrade over time.

PEVA – PEVA (polyethylene vinyl acetate) is a plastic polymer fabric commonly used for clear shower liners. It mimics vinyl at a lower cost but also degrades faster than fabric.

Polyester – One of the most popular fabric choices, polyester shower curtains are durable, quick-drying, and naturally resistant to mold and mildew. Printed polyester curtains feature vivid, long-lasting colors.

Nylon – Similar to polyester, nylon fabric shower curtains are extremely strong yet lightweight. Nylon excels at resisting mildew.

Cotton – 100% cotton shower curtains provide an attractive natural look and soft touch. But cotton is very absorbent and needs a liner for waterproofing.

Microfiber – Densely woven synthetic microfiber polyester shower curtains are soft, lightweight, quick-drying and great at blocking water.

Linen – Linen shower curtains have an upscale, spa-like look. But like cotton, linen is prone to absorbing moisture.

Bamboo – Bamboo viscose shower curtains offer sustainability and natural antimicrobial properties to fight mold.

Recycled PET – Made from recycled plastic bottles, recycled PET shower curtains are eco-friendly and water-resistant.

Key Shower Curtain Features

Beyond the fabric, certain features affect how well your shower curtain functions:

Length – Make sure to get a shower curtain that's properly sized for your stall or tub dimensions. Standard lengths are 72”, but sizes range from 71-84”.

Grommets – These are the openings at the top of the curtain that allow you to hang it from hooks. More grommets spread weight better and make larger sizes hang straight.

Weights – Weights sewn into the bottom hem keep curtains from billowing in while showering. Choose at least 4-6 weights for best draping.

Magnets – Built-in magnets also help shower curtains firmly cling to tub edges and prevent water escape. Polymagnets are rust resistant.

Pattern – Printed patterns should read properly when hung. Make sure any directional designs face the right way.

Liner loops – Loops on the back of your shower curtain allow you to thread a liner through to attach it. This keeps the two layers neatly combined.

Water repellent – Shower curtains treated with water repellent finishes like silicone bead water rather than absorbing it.

Antimicrobial – Antimicrobial properties in materials like polyester or coatings like Microban help inhibit mold, mildew and bacterial growth.

Shower Curtain Liner Materials and Types

In addition to your main shower curtain, you’ll need a liner to fully block water from escaping beyond the tub or shower stall. Liner materials and designs include:

Polyester or nylon fabric liners – Fabric liners are more aesthetically pleasing and better resist mold than plastic. They need to be heavyweight and coated.

Vinyl plastic liners – Basic flexible vinyl liners are affordable but not very durable. Opt for thicker vinyl.

PEVA liners – PEVA plastic fabric liners are chlorine-resistant and clearer than vinyl.

Disposable liners – Lightweight disposable liners stick to the stall wall when wet. Remove and replace periodically.

Hidden liners – These liners attach to the back of a fabric shower curtain, providing a water barrier between layers.

Weighted liners – Weights or magnets in the hem keep liner hanging straight and pressed to tub edges.

Mildew-resistant – Mildew-resistant liners have antimicrobial treatments to discourage mold growth in humid conditions.

How High Should You Hang a Shower Curtain?

Proper shower curtain height is key for containment and proportions. General guidelines:

• Standard tub shower curtain height: 66 to 72 inches above the tub floor. This allows 1-3 inches of clearance below the curtain hem.
• For a shower stall: Install the rod 6 inches above the top of the doors so the curtain can cover the opening.
• The ends of the rod itself should extend 2 to 3 inches beyond the shower sides.
• For tall or high ceilings, go slightly higher, up to 74-78 inches total.
• For short users, kids, or handi-cap accessible showers, you may want to go slightly lower based on clearance needed.

The right height minimizes splashing and spraying of water while maximizing your showering space.

Best Way to Hang a Shower Curtain

Install your shower curtain properly using these tips:

Rods – Opt for rust-resistant metals like stainless steel or aluminum. Tension rods compress between walls. Permanent mounts screw into wall studs or use molly bolts.

Placement – Wall mount rods should be at the ceiling for best support and slope. Or go for sturdy post mounts with elbows. Freestanding tension rods work for tile.

Length – Measure your tub or stall opening to get a rod length that exceeds it by 2-3 inches on each side.

Mounting – Use wall anchors for tile walls. Screw into studs on drywall for strength. Use adhesive hooks or tension rods for rental-friendly removable mounting.

Rings – Stainless steel or coated metal rings last longer than plastic ones without rusting. Choose types with rollers, balls or glides to smoothly pull.

Hooks – For fabric curtains, use stainless steel S-hooks. Choose ones with a return top to easily replace curtains later.

Liner and curtain – Hang your plastic liner on every other set of rings. The decorative curtain goes on the open rings in between.

Weights – If your curtain lacks built-in weights, use stick-on magnetic weights at bottom corners to keep the curtain from billowing in and flapping when showering.

How to Clean a Shower Curtain

Regular cleaning keeps shower curtains fresh, maintains their water resistance, and prevents buildup of soap scum, mold and mildew. Here are tips for effective shower curtain cleaning:

• Machine wash fabric curtains once a month - Use hot water, 1 cup vinegar and 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Skip the dryer - air dry instead.
• Spot clean vinyl with a mix of warm water, mild soap, and a few tablespoons of vinegar. Rinse and let air dry.
• Baste with bleach - For tougher stains on white vinyl or polyester, dilute 1/2 cup bleach in 1 gallon water. Rinse thoroughly.
• Scrub mildew - Use a soft brush and baking soda paste. Rinse and allow to dry fully. Spray residual stains with diluted bleach.
• Lime scale removal - Dissolve unsightly mineral deposits with white vinegar. Scrub and rinse.
• Soap scum removal - Use a microfiber cloth, warm water, and a touch of vinegar or rubbing alcohol to wipe away residues without damage.
• Steam clean - Use a hand steamer if dealing with significant built-up gunk and stains. The heat helps loosen deposits.
• Disinfect with tea tree oil - Add a few drops to your wash or spray bottle for antimicrobial cleaning.

How to Prevent Mold and Mildew on Shower Curtains

Mold and mildew growth are common shower curtain problems in humid bathrooms. Here are tips for prevention:

• Allow complete drying between uses - Never leave a damp curtain rolled up. Hanging up loosely encourages air circulation to dry it out.
• Wash frequently - Every 2-4 weeks, clean the curtain to kill and remove any existing mold before it spreads.
• Consider mold-resistant materials like polyester and nylon that deprive mold of moisture. Look for antimicrobial treatments.
• Spray with vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, tea tree oil or other antimicrobial solutions between washes.
• Use an exhaust fan, open windows and run AC to maintain airflow and lower moisture.
• Replace plastic liners often - Every 3-6 months is best before mold gets severe.
• Check for leaks - Dripping water provides extra moisture for mold. Reseal liner hems or weights as needed.
• Consider installing a dehumidifier to maintain humidity under 50%.

How to Stop Shower Curtains From Blowing In

Few things are more annoying than a shower curtain that billows in and sticks to you while showering. Here are tips to keep curtains contained:

• Use weights - Choose a curtain with 4-6 integrated weights or add your own sticky magnetic weights at the bottom corners.
• Install a curved rod - The inward slope helps funnel air down rather than blowing in your curtain.
• Adjust rod length - Getting the exact right size helps prevent side airflow.
• Overlap curtain 2 inches with liner - This helps seal the liner side gap.
• Add a plastic liner - Even if you have a fabric curtain, a liner helps block airflow.
• Seal off breezy windows - Keep blinds down when showering or consider frosted window film.
• Use corner curtains - These contain just one side rather than spanning the whole area open to airflow.

The right weights and contours are key. But ultimately, good ventilation that vents steam out is needed to equalize pressure.

Waterproof Fabric Shower Curtains vs. Vinyl Liners

Can you just use a fabric shower curtain without a liner? Some tips:

• Seek fabrics marketed as water-resistant or waterproof like polyester. Avoid porous, absorbent fabrics.
• Fabric needs to be medium-to-heavy weight. Sheers will seep water through.
• Coatings like silicone or acrylic backings boost water repellency.
• A tight weave prevents moisture seepage. Dense microfiber works great.
• Hem stitching and weighted bottom prevent openings for leaks.
• Ensure exact fit to your shower curtain rods’ length to limit billowing.

For light household use, waterproof fabric alone may suffice if you allow periodic drying. But for heavy daily splashing, use a liner for assured water blocking.

Shower Curtain Liner Placement: Which Side Faces Out?

Shower curtain liner positioning confusion is common. Here are the basics:

• The decorative shower curtain hangs on the outside of the tub/stall, facing into the bathroom.
• The plastic liner hangs on the inside, facing the shower head.
• This puts the liner between the sprays of water and curtain to block moisture and provide a waterproof barrier.
• The liner typically attaches to the back side of rings or alternate hooks.
• Some liners have a “This side faces shower” tag indicating proper positioning.

Putting the liner inside with your nice curtain on the pretty decorative outside keeps everything dry.

Do You Really Need Shower Curtains and Liners?

While not an absolute must, shower curtains and liners provide important benefits:

• Contain water spray and splashes to prevent flooding bathroom floors.
• Provide privacy while using the toilet or showering.
• Allow you to conveniently add color, style and decoration to your bathroom.
• Help insulate the room from cold drafts.
• Absorb noise and sound from showering and bathroom vent fans.
• Protect walls and surfaces from moisture damage.
• Liners protect pretty fabric curtains from getting mildew, soap scum and dirty over time.

For functionality and a finished look, most homeowners opt to install shower curtains and liners. But you can skip them in some situations like partial glass doors or small stand up corner showers.

Troubleshooting Common Shower Curtain Problems

Here are solutions to some frequently encountered shower curtain issues:

Problem: Mold and mildew Solution: Wash curtain frequently. Allow to fully dry between uses. Treat with antimicrobial cleaners. Improve ventilation. Replace plastic liners regularly.

Problem: Soap scum buildup Solution: Wipe down vinyl with warm water, mild detergent and vinegar. For fabric, machine wash with baking soda and vinegar.

Problem: Curtain blowing in Solution: Use heavier fabrics. Add weights or magnets along bottom hem. Get a curved rod to slope inward. Size curtain precisely to rod.

Problem: Curtain not sliding easily Solution: Choose glide rings. Avoid cheap plastics that get sticky. Clean rings thoroughly. Replace warped rods.

Problem: Leaks and splashing Solution: Overlap liner and curtain. Check liner hem and weights. Replace liner if stretched out.

Problem: Bad smell Solution: Wash and disinfect curtains. Allow to dry fully. Spray with vinegar. Replace mildewy liners. Improve ventilation.

Conclusion

With the variety of lengths, materials, weights, and other options available today, it’s easy to customize both the look and utility of your shower space with the ideal curtain and liner combination. Measure properly, allow sufficient overlap, and focus on mildew-resistant fabrics or coatings. Use the right hooks, rings, and rod style for smooth function. And maintain your shower curtains’ performance through periodic washing and prompt drying. With the right selection and care, your shower curtains can contain splashes, introduce style, and hold up for years of daily use.