The Most Common Shower Curtain Mistakes (And How To Fix Them)

For most of us, the shower curtain doesn't rate that high in our bathroom decorating schemes. After all, it's mainly functional, keeping the water from splashing outside the stall or bathtub. However, some homeowners do look to add a little pizzazz to the bathroom by choosing a distinctive shower curtain. If that's you, and you're on the verge of shower curtain shopping, take a break and read these tips; believe it or not, you can make some mistakes. Here's how to avoid them.

Avoiding Shower Curtain Issues

1. Settling for plastic.
   Certainly, plastic shower curtains are abundant and can be cheap, but there are a few reasons why plastic isn't the best material for the shower. First, it degrades easily, so you may have to replace it rather more often than you would a better quality shower curtain. What's more, plastic tends to promote mold and mildew, so if you don't want to be cleaning it every month, avoid plastic.
   
   
2. Finding the right material.
   If not plastic, what's the best shower curtain material? Cotton gets high marks and washes well but needs frequent laundering. Linen is also highly regarded. Polyester looks heavier and is easy to wash. Plastic shower liners may work alright, but do check often for mold, mildew, or soap scum. Most liners are vinyl (a type of plastic). Look for products that have an anti-mildew and anti-bacterial coating.
   
   
3. Choosing a color or design that doesn't wear well.
   Some homeowners may pick up the first shower curtain they come across at the discount store, but they probably won't be happy with it. Maybe it's a loud, garish color or design. It might be worthwhile to hold out for a better-looking shower curtain that complements the colors and design in your bathroom. Shopping online will provide a lot more choices than looking in stores. Sometimes shower curtains come with an interesting textural feature or embroidered element that really adds some oomph to the design. So be on the lookout for the unusual and compelling.
   
   
4. Buying the wrong size.
   You might think one size fits all when it comes to shower curtains, but that's not true. For width, measure from wall to wall, then add a few inches so your shower curtain will drape gracefully rather than being stretched taut. Obviously, depth measurements will be from curtain rod high to wherever you want the curtain to reach — and obviously long enough to do the job. A shower curtain that fits a tub may not work as well for a shower stall if you want the design to display nicely, so work this out with your imagination before you place your online order.
   
   
5. Avoiding white?
   Some regard white shower curtains as just too boring. Sure, they can be, but they might also be quite nice if made of quality material or with nice texture or a white-on-white design. Also, if they're kept very clean, they can exude an air of cleanliness that will make your bathroom sparkle.
   
   
6. Saying no to plastic hooks.
   Plastic hooks have been a real no-no since the '80s. So if you're still rocking vintage plastic, time to say bye. Metal rings with double hooks work best, as you can hang the liner inside the bathtub or shower stall with the shower curtain outside. Don't forget the rod. Aim to match the metal of the hooks and rod with the faucets.

Finding the right shower curtain, and displaying it prettily with the right rod and hooks, isn't the biggest upgrade you'll do, but it can be satisfying and fun if you get it right.

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