Shower Curtains: 123 Artistic Designs & Buying Guide

Shower curtain buying guide

A shower curtain is usually the biggest single surface of color in a bathroom. Choosing the right one is mostly about four things: size, fabric, hooks and style. Here is everything you need, in plain language.

Shower curtain sizes

Size	Inches	Centimeters	Best for
Standard	72 x 72	183 x 183	Most US tub-shower combos
Stall	54 x 78	137 x 198	Narrow walk-in shower stalls
Extra long	72 x 84 / 72 x 96	183 x 213 / 183 x 244	High rods and tall ceilings
Extra wide	108 x 72	274 x 183	Wide tubs, corner and L-shaped rods

How to measure: measure the rod from wall to wall, then from the rod down to where you want the hem. A curtain should be as wide as the rod (or a little wider) so it closes fully with soft folds. Inside a tub the hem should hang below the tub rim; in a walk-in shower it should stop 1–2 inches above the floor. Read the full shower curtain size guide.

Fabric: polyester, cotton, linen or vinyl?

• Polyester – the most practical choice. Water-resistant, quick-drying, machine washable and it holds printed colors and fine details very well. That is why art and photo shower curtains (including ours) are polyester.
• Cotton and linen – soft and natural-looking, but they absorb water, dry slowly and almost always need a liner.
• Vinyl / PEVA – fully waterproof and cheap, usually used as a liner rather than a decorative curtain.

Not sure about liners? See do you need a shower curtain liner.

Grommets and hooks

Metal grommets (the rings along the top edge) stop the fabric from tearing and let the curtain slide easily. Hooks are a small detail that changes the look: chrome for a classic bathroom, matte black or bronze for rustic and modern rooms, white plastic for a light, budget-friendly finish. Roller-ball hooks glide the smoothest. Our curtains have silver metal grommets and come with silver chrome (Iron) or white plastic hooks. Step-by-step help: how to hang a shower curtain.

Shower curtain styles and ideas

The easiest way to decorate a bathroom is to pick the curtain first and take your colors from it. Popular styles:

• Japanese & Zen Shower Curtains – cranes, koi, bamboo and Mount Fuji for a calm spa feeling.
• Cabin & Woodland Shower Curtains – misty pine forests, deer and lakes for a rustic lodge bathroom.
• Stained Glass Shower Curtains – Tiffany-style glass that glows in a dark or white bathroom.
• Floral & Botanical Shower Curtains – moody, vintage and cottagecore florals.
• Coastal & Tropical Shower Curtains – waves, lighthouses and tropical leaves for a beach-house look.
• Celestial & Mystical Shower Curtains – sun, moon, moths and starry skies.
• Retro & Modern Shower Curtains – art deco, mid-century, bauhaus and boho.
• Christmas Shower Curtains and Halloween & Gothic Shower Curtains – seasonal curtains are an easy, affordable way to decorate for the holidays.

Decorating a small room? Read small bathroom shower curtain ideas and how to match towels and decor to your shower curtain.

Care and cleaning

Polyester curtains can go in the washing machine on a gentle, cool cycle with mild detergent. Hang them back on the rod to dry so wrinkles fall out naturally, and keep the curtain spread open after each shower so it dries fast and stays fresh. More tips: how to clean a shower curtain.

Shower curtain FAQ