Hardy and waterproof vinyl shower curtains are the favorite budget solution for bathrooms. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have a little fun with them. Available in a wide variety of colors and designs, even a vinyl curtain can transform your bathroom from a sterile functional space into a warm and inviting sanctuary.
What kind of curtain you choose will depend on the size of your shower or bathtub, as well as your aesthetic. But no matter your decor, you can’t go wrong with a beautiful, solid-color vinyl shower curtain such as the Venice Collections Elegant Heavy-Duty Vinyl Shower Curtain.
Made from PVC, vinyl shower curtains are popular for their durability and affordability. They’re totally waterproof, meaning you don’t have to use an additional liner to protect your floors. Due to the chemical production techniques used to make them, vinyl shower curtains release off-gas at first, so it’s best to ventilate your bathroom for a day or two after installation.
Vinyl alone can come off as a little too utilitarian. Luckily, this material is an excellent printing surface for various fun designs and eye-popping colors. Whether you opt for a pattern, graphic or a solid-color print will depend on your bathroom’s decor. A great way to tie everything together is to have your bath towels, bath mat and shower curtain work within the same palette. Another way to elevate your vinyl shower curtain is to pair it with a set of decorative hooks.
If you’re looking to add some visual flair to your bathroom decor, a solid-color or patterned shower curtain is a great way to transform this unsuspecting canvas into a work of art.
The standard shower curtain is a square 72 by 72 inches. This is sized for one long edge of your typical tub. But if you have a nonconventional bathroom, you might find you need something a little longer, narrower or wider.
Shower curtains are hung by a set of sewn-in grommets at the very top of their hem. If they’re big enough, these plastic or metal-reinforced holes can either snap or slide on directly to your curtain rod. This makes for an easy installation process, but you will have a harder time moving the curtain back and forth.
If your grommets are small, or if you want your curtain to hang completely flat, you’ll need hooks. These have hoops that slide onto the curtain rod. You then attach the grommets to the dangling hooks. While they’re a little more finicky to install, hooks are best if you want another decorative element that also prevents your curtain from bunching.
The bathroom is a dank and humid place that requires proper ventilation to prevent mold and mildew. Just because a vinyl shower curtain is completely waterproof doesn’t mean it isn’t susceptible to pesky grime. Make sure you clean your vinyl shower curtain once a month. Household cleaners such as bleach or vinegar and baking soda are great solutions. You can also machine wash the material. Just don’t set the water temperature too hot.
A vinyl shower curtain costs $5-$25.
A. PEVA and EVA shower curtains are an eco-friendly alternative to vinyl. Both polyethylene vinyl acetate and ethylene vinyl acetate are free of chlorine, which makes vinyl smell. They cost a little more but are just as durable.
A. Without a liner, you should be prepared to replace your vinyl shower curtain every 6-12 months. They aren’t strictly necessary but add another layer of protection against mold, mildew and soap scum. A liner also places another barrier between the running water and your floors.
Venice Collections Elegant Heavy Duty Vinyl Shower Curtain
What you need to know: Venice collections offers a line of beautiful, solid-color vinyl liners that are durable enough to use as your primary shower curtain.
What you’ll love: Available in various colors such as rust, navy blue and willow green, this shower curtain is a versatile option for any interior design scheme. The bottom hem has magnets sewn in, so the curtain doesn’t move. The curtain is roughly standard size at 72 by 70 inches.
What you should consider: This curtain doesn’t come with hooks.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Beautysaid Birds Shower Curtain
What you need to know: Brighten up your bathroom with this cute vinyl shower curtain featuring multicolored birds.
What you’ll love: A lovely tableau for the rustic or country home, the Beautysaid shower curtain has a simple repeating motif of birds sitting on blossoming Spring branches. The curtain is 72 by 72 inches and is made from PEVA, so you don’t have to worry about smelly chemicals.
What you should consider: You can’t get this curtain in extra-wide or long sizes.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
SKL Home by Saturday Knight Ltd. The World Shower Curtain
What you need to know: Boost your child’s curiosity and imagination with this fun world-map shower curtain.
What you’ll love: Made from PEVA, you can trust that this curtain won’t harm your little ones with toxic chemicals. The fun, multicolored map will make shower and bath times a fun, explorational experience. This shower curtain comes in a roughly standard size of 72 by 70 inches.
What you should consider: The world map is printed on a sheer curtain, so if you’re looking for privacy, you’ll need an opaque liner behind it.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Karl Daum writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.