How to Buy a Shower Curtain

Co-authored by Eric Shipe

Last Updated: March 4, 2022

There are many patterns, colors, and materials for shower curtains available. With so many options it can seem overwhelming to choose a shower curtain, but this can actually be a fun decorating process. You can find the perfect shower curtain for you if you choose the materials, designs, and accessories that fit your needs. You should purchase both a liner and a curtain to make sure your bathroom is protected from water damage.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Selecting a Liner

1
Select a liner size. Measure your shower to determine the size of liner and shower curtain you will need. You will want your liner to fit in your shower for appearance and so it does its job of preventing water from escaping into your bathroom. Most liners for a standard size shower are 70 by 72 inches (1.8 by 1.8 m).
- Make sure your liner stretches between the two walls and reaches down to the floor so no water escapes.
- There are extra long liners that are 70 by 84 inches (1.8 by 2.1 m) or 72 by 84 inches (1.8 by 2.1 m).
- You can purchase an extra wide liner that is 144 by 72 inches (3.7 by 1.8 m).
- If you have a stall shower, instead of a traditional bathtub size shower, there are shower stall liners that are 54 by 78 inches (1.4 by 2.0 m).^{[1]
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2
Choose a liner material. Most liners are vinyl, but you can also purchase liners in fabric (such as nylon or polyester). Some people think that vinyl liners look cheaper than fabric ones, but vinyl liners stick to the sides of the tub to help prevent water from spilling on the floor. Vinyl liners are also easier to clean because you can just wipe them down with a sponge or cloth.
- Fabric liners need to be washed regularly since they can grow mold.
- Fabric liners tend to be machine wash only and blow away from the tub, which can cause water to spill. However, fabric liners are more durable and last longer than vinyl liners. ^{[2]
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3
Decide if you want magnets and suction cups. You can purchase liners that have magnets that weigh down the liner to help it stay in place. You can also purchase liners that have suction cups on the bottom to help it stick to your tub and not blow away.^{[3]
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4
Decide if you want grommets. If your liner has grommets along the top, it is less likely to rip. Grommets reinforce the top of liner where the holes for the rings are. If your liner might face a lot of wear and tear (particularly in children’s bathrooms), you might want to opt for grommets.^{[4]
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5
Choose a liner that prevents bacteria. You can get a liner that is resistant to bacteria and mildew. The packaging on the liner will specify if it prevents bacteria and mildew. This is especially important if you live in a humid environment or don’t have good ventilation in your bathroom.^{[5]
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6
Coordinate with your curtain. You can get liners in many colors, not just clear or white, to match your shower curtain. You can also use a liner alone, and have no shower curtain to keep things simple.^{[6]
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- For simplicity, choose a white or clear liner.
- You could also choose a solid color liner that coordinates with the pattern on your shower curtain.
- Some liners, like patterned vinyl, double as a shower curtain.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Choosing a Curtain

1
Decide on a curtain size. You should measure the size of your shower to see what curtain you should buy. When it comes to choosing a curtain size you have options depending on how you want the curtain to look. You can get a floor length curtain or have your curtain just touch the top of the bathtub. A standard shower curtain is 72 by 72 inches (1.8 by 1.8 m).
- Buy two shower curtains to open your shower like window curtains for a more luxurious feel.
- You can purchase stall curtains that are 54 by 72 inches (1.4 by 1.8 m).
- Extra long curtains are 72 by 84 inches (1.8 by 2.1 m) or 72 by 96 inches (1.8 by 2.4 m).
- Extra wide curtains are 108 by 72 inches (2.7 by 1.8 m).^{[7]
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2
Decide if you want a fabric or vinyl shower curtain. You can get a fabric shower curtain in polyester, cotton, or a blend. They are usually machine washable but some are dry-clean only.^{[8]
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Research source} Cotton shower curtains are easy to maintain, but need to be used with a liner. Vinyl shower curtains repel moisture and do not necessarily need a liner with them.
- You can opt for fabric curtains in microfiber because they are soft and water resistant.^{[9]
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- Prices will depend on the material and design you choose for your curtain.
- Cotton shower curtains should be protected by a heavy shower liner.
3
Pick the look you want. You can get a curtain in many colors and patterns, from color blocking to holographic designs. Think about the overall appearance of your bathroom and try to coordinate your shower curtain. You can make your shower curtain the focus of your bathroom or just a subtle detail.^{[10]
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- For example, if your bathroom has a tropical theme, you might want to get a shower curtain that has an image of palm trees and the ocean.
- Some shower curtains have pockets on them to hold soaps and shampoos. Consider using a functional shower curtain in kids’ bathrooms or a bathroom with little storage.
4
Consider having double panel curtains. Instead of having one curtain for your shower, you can have two. Put one shower curtain on each side of the shower to frame your shower like a window.
- You can cut a shower curtain in half then hem the edges and put them on each side of one rod if you want the curtains to open down the middle.
- If you are using a liner, cut and hem the liner as well.
5
Buy shower rings. Make sure to buy shower rings for your curtain and liner. You can get basic rings or more decorative ones. Have your shower rings match the decor of your bathroom and curtain.
- You can buy a hookless shower curtain that does not need rings for a ceiling-track curtain rod.^{[11]
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- To put the shower curtain rod in the correct position, decide how you want the shower curtain to fall.^{[12]
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  Expert Interview. 11 June 2021.}
- If you have a tub, it could go over the inside or the outside edge. Or it could fall over the curb or outside the curb.^{[13]
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- Then fix the first bracket. Check the correct level, then mark the place for the second bracket.^{[14]
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  Eric Shipe
  Home Improvement Specialist
  Expert Interview. 11 June 2021.}

Expert Q&A
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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

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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.
Question

What is a standard size shower curtain?

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

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A standard shower curtain is 70 x 70 inches, but you may be able to find a different size if your shower is smaller or larger.
Question

Are fabric shower curtains better?

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

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They can last longer and will be more pricey, but there are more options for designs in vinyl curtains.