Mandy PhillipsA shower curtain is more than just a bathroom accessory.
It’s your shield against water battles and the guardian of your privacy.
But is yours big enough for the job?
Discover the secrets to finding the perfect standard shower curtain size for your bathroom, and transform your shower experience from soggy to serene.
Standard Shower Curtain Sizes & Dimensions
When it comes to shower curtains, there are some universally standard sizes available on the market.
These sizes are based on what fits most standard tubs and shower designs.
The standard shower curtain sizes are 70 x 70 inches, 70 x 72 inches, and 72 x 72 inches. These standard measurements can cover a 60-inch tub properly with some allowance to ensure that when the curtain is closed, it isn’t pulled too tight.
Most homeowners also prefer the appearance of folds on the curtain even when they are shut across the tub or shower.
These standard shower curtain sizes work best for in-set tubs.
For other types of tubs and showers, there are a couple of considerations that you want to take into account.
Shower Stall (Walk-In Shower)
For shower stalls and walk-in showers, you will need shower curtains that are 54×72 inches or 54×78 inches in size.
Long curtains are a good fit for these types of showers to keep the water from splashing outside.
Clawfoot Tub (Freestanding Tub)
Clawfoot or freestanding tubs need curtains that wrap all the way around.
You will need a shower curtain that is about 180 inches wide and 72 inches tall.
This width is enough to encircle the entire tub.
While the length of the curtain should be enough to hang from a rod on the ceiling and allow for a bit of an overlap with the liner to keep the water inside.
Small Shower Curtain Size
If you have a small shower, you will likely need a narrower curtain that is around 40 inches in width and 72 inches in length.
Long Shower Curtain Size
If a standard height shower curtain is a bit short for your shower, it won’t be effective in blocking the water from landing on your bathroom floor.
If your bathroom requires longer shower curtains, you can get one that is 72 inches wide and 78 inches long.
Extra Long Shower Curtain Size
If you have a bathroom with very high ceilings or a large shower, an extra long shower curtain that will effectively keep the water from landing on the floor is what you need.
Typically, the width will remain similar to standard-sized shower curtains but you will need to look for one that is longer.
Extra-long shower curtains are usually 72×84 inches in size.
Some shower curtains even go up to 96 inches long so measuring your shower carefully will really help you get the size right.
Shower Curtain Measurements
The dimensions of your tub or shower are not exactly the same as the measurement of your curtain.
Even with standard shower curtain sizes, it is still important to measure your own tub or shower properly before making a purchase.
How to Measure Standard Shower Curtain Width
Your shower curtain must reach from one side of the wall to another with some allowance to properly serve its purpose.
To make sure that this is the case, you need to measure your shower curtain length properly.
The best way to do this is to measure the width of your shower from wall to wall or the entire length of your curtain rod. Then add 12 inches to that number.
You don’t want to buy a shower curtain that covers the length of the wall only when pulled taut.
The additional 12 inches not only ensure that the curtain can reach both sides of the wall, but it also gives you enough fabric to create folds to drape.
For freestanding tubs, instead of measuring from wall to wall, measure around the exposed sides of the tub or stall.
You will still want to add 12 inches so the shower curtain can fit the tub or stall completely.
How to Measure Standard Shower Curtain Height
It is important to measure your shower curtain height because having it too short will defeat its purpose, but when it is too long, it can lead to a lot of undesirable complications.
When the shower curtain drapes on the floor, it allows for moisture, mold, and mildew buildup to develop.
To get the correct shower curtain height, measure the length from your curtain rod to your floor.
If you are using curtain rings, start there. To this length, subtract up to 10 inches.
When you gather your shower curtain to the side with tie-backs, it will seem shorter.
If you need to, hang the rod 1 to 2 inches lower, to make sure your shower curtain drapes outside of the rim of your tub.
If you’re in a small apartment or an old house, your shower may be of an odd height compared to most standard shower curtains available on the market.
Measuring your shower curtain height properly will come in handy.
Some brands will carry shower curtains heights other than the standard.
Or, if you purchase a plastic or PVC shower curtain, you can alter them yourself with very sharp scissors.
Standard Shower Curtain Rod Height
What you need to consider when marking where your shower rod should hang is the length of the curtain, hook size, and keeping the bottom hem of the curtain at least 1 to 2 inches off the floor.
The formula looks like this:
[shower curtain length] + [hook size] + [2 inches] = shower curtain rod height
Since the standard shower curtain height is between 70 and 72 inches, the standard shower curtain rod height is around 75 and 77 inches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ideally, the shower curtain goes outside the tub while the shower liner goes inside. The shower curtain is used for privacy and decorative purposes so it should go outside. The liner is used alongside the shower curtain to prevent the water from splashing onto the bathroom floor.
Your shower curtain should hang with its bottom hem around 2 inches away from your bathroom floor. This is to prevent water from pooling on the floor which causes moisture, mold, and mildew buildup.
Wrapping Up
Even the most stylish shower curtain will look off if it is not in the right size.
Now that you know what the standard sizes are and how to measure according to your shower or tub, you can choose a shower curtain that is the perfect fit for your shower.
