Mandy PhillipsWalk-in shower curtains are good for a couple of things – privacy, protection against water and moisture from leaving the shower area, and decoration to keep the bathroom looking pretty.
But before you hit ‘add to cart’ or haul shower curtains onto the check-out counter, there are a few key considerations to think about when choosing the best shower curtain for a walk-in shower.
Here’s a simple shopping guide to choosing the best shower curtain based on your material and style preferences.
Can You Have a Shower Curtain in a Walk-In Shower?
Yes, you can have a shower curtain in a walk-in shower. Shower curtains are one of the easiest ways to decorate a bathroom. So, if you want to update your walk-in shower without spending a lot of cash, adding a shower curtain is a great way to uplift its aesthetic. A shower curtain also serves a practical purpose.
Although the design of walk-in showers usually keeps water from splashing out on the bathroom floor, that isn’t always the case. If the walk-in shower isn’t spacious enough and doesn’t have a door or curtain, there’s still a risk of water and moisture splashing all over the place. Therefore, a shower curtain can be an ideal fix for a walk-in shower with this problem.
How to Choose Shower Curtains for a Walk-In Shower
Choosing the right shower curtain for a walk-in shower is essential, and it makes a huge difference when it comes to function and aesthetics.
Before you go and purchase a shower curtain, make sure you consider the following factors.
Material Type
Shower curtains are available in a wide range of materials: vinyl, polyester, and cotton, to name a few.
The shower curtain material will most likely have an impact on the overall design of the bathroom. Besides that, different materials for shower curtains also have their advantages and drawbacks, so choose according to your preferences and requirements.
So, what are the types of shower curtains you can get?
Vinyl Shower Curtains
Vinyl shower curtains are a universally popular option that is low-maintenance and cheap compared to other shower curtain materials.
Vinyl is easy to clean and comes with a range of designs, colors, and patterns, so it’s easy to find curtains that fit your bathroom’s aesthetic.
Vinyl shower curtains also repel water, so mold and mildew buildup is less likely. One downside is that vinyl doesn’t look very luxurious.
- 14 color options, 12 size options
- No chemical odor or smell
- Weighted decorative stones to keep the curtain in place and away from your body
- Waterproof, mold-free, easy to clean material
Polyester Shower Curtains
Polyester shower curtains are another waterproof option, just like vinyl. Polyester is also considerably durable and will last much longer than thin vinyl curtains. It’s also heavier and has a fabric-like look instead of the cheap plastic look of vinyl.
This type of shower curtain works best for walk-in showers with higher water pressure, although they are slightly pricier than vinyl curtains.
- 9 color options, 30+ size options
- 100% premium, soft PVC-free polyester
- Waterproof, quickly dries
- Added weights to keep the curtain in place and prevent blowing in
Cotton Shower Curtains
Cotton shower curtains are more expensive, but they are generally a fantastic choice. Cotton is durable and easy to wash. Simply throw it in the washing machine like everything else once or twice a month, and the fabric will look brand new.
On the downside, cotton, like most fabrics, absorbs moisture easily, so cotton curtains are susceptible to mold and mildew growth. Cotton shower curtains are best paired with shower liners for extra protection.
Best Pick
If budget isn’t an issue, cotton is considered the best material for shower curtains because it’s easy to wash and it is durable. Cotton is also quite stylish and will give the walk-in shower a luxurious feel, but don’t forget to add a shower liner.
- 4 color options, 8 sizes
- Premium soft fabric 35% cotton blend and 65% polyester with a honeycomb pattern
- Machine washable, minimal shrinkage after washing
Weighted Shower Curtains
Another factor to look for when choosing shower curtains for walk-in showers is the weight of the curtain. Unlike the shower-tub setup, walk-in showers are designed in a way that there’s an empty space where the water can splash around. It means that without anything to lean on, shower curtains will most likely billow when the water from the shower hits it unless it’s heavy enough to resist that.
The ideal shower curtain for a walk-in shower is heavy enough to stay in place against water pressure. Thicker curtains, like cotton, will work best, but there’s another option, like putting weights at the bottom of the shower curtain.
For example, you can sew magnets or metal weights at the bottom of the curtain. But make sure to use weights that will not get ruined by the humidity, or you risk causing mold and mildew buildup.
Shower Curtain Styles
The best shower curtain style for your walk-in shower will ultimately depend on the existing décor. You usually find curtains in varying styles: solid colors, patterns, prints, etc.
If you want to choose something subtle but elegant, a solid shower curtain is best. But if you want your shower divider to be a focal point in the bathroom, get one with unique patterns that complement the entire space. Nautical prints for shower curtains are a cool choice since they give a vibe of open waters and the beach, a perfect wake-me-up setting when you shower in the morning.
Also, when choosing which shower curtain style to choose, consider your existing lighting. If your bathroom/shower is quite small, opt for lighter colors so you don’t block much of the natural light.
Shower Curtain with Hooks OR Without Hooks?
You have two different options on how to attach a shower curtain in a walk-in shower: using hooks or not using hooks.
It is easier to open and close shower curtains when they are hung from hooks on a curtain rod or pole. But the disadvantage is these hooks can come off sometimes. It means you have to climb back up to put the hook back into its place.
The second option is using a hookless curtain. You’re only going to use a curtain rod for this one, and you simply put the rod through the curtain. It’s less movable compared to when using hooks, but the curtain will hold its position better.
What Is the Ideal Shower Curtain Length for Walk-In Shower
For walk-in showers, choose extra-long shower curtains.
Most shower curtains you can find in a store are designed for shower/bathtub settings. It means their length is considerably shorter since they don’t need to reach the floor. Whereas for a walk-in shower, you need a shower curtain that goes all the way down or as close to the floor as necessary. Otherwise, you risk getting puddles of soapy water on the bathroom floor every time you take a shower, and that can be risky since you may slip once you get out.
Standard-sized shower curtains are only 72 inches long, and for a walk-in shower, an extra-long shower curtain means at least 78 inches in length to around 90 inches. It’s best to find something longer, especially if your bathroom has a high ceiling.
How Far Should the Shower Curtain Be from the Floor
As a general rule, when hanging shower curtains in a walk-in shower, the bottom of the curtains should be ½ inch above the floor. Such height will keep water and suds from going all over the bathroom floor outside the shower area while you’re showering but still provides enough space for easy mopping and cleaning.
