Decorating a bathroom requires just as much attention to detail as decorating any other room in a house or apartment. So, when the tiles, porcelain stoneware, and shiplap (if you really want it) are placed, all the plumbing is installed, and even the mirror is precisely where you want – isn’t it time to relax? According to the designers, it is still too early to rest at this stage, since now it is the turn of the curtains.
We have previously written about how to choose bathroom window curtains. We hope you have found these tips very useful. However, it is still worth talking in more detail about shower curtains since it is simply impossible to do without them – and therefore, we need to reveal the basic rules for selecting a curtain for a bathtub or shower. And this time, we will not analyze the color, pattern, and materials in more detail since this is a topic for a separate article. Now we want to draw your attention to a much more significant moment – namely, selecting the shower curtain size and the standard options.
If you do not want to wipe puddles on the floor constantly, deal with dampness and (oh, horror) even fungus and mold, which are at risk of appearing from high humidity, your task is to choose the right size of curtains for the bath or shower stall or zone. And we will definitely tell you how to do it so that the bathing was as comfortable as possible for you.
Shower curtains: standard parameters
The first thing designers start from when choosing the size of curtains in the bathroom is the type of equipment for which, in fact, this accessory is required. Based on how the room is organized, designers and manufacturers determine the width and length of the product.
Conventional wall-mounted bathtub
It is for this type that most of the curtains on sale made of various materials are intended. They generally come in four standard sizes:
The size of such curtains is more than enough for both a standard bathtub with a length of 5’6 ft (1.7 m) and a shorter one of 4’9 ft (1.5 m). Also, pay attention to your attitude towards draperies: if you would like to form beautiful folds, choose a longer curtain…
Freestanding bathtub
Such tubs usually look very impressive, not only due to the design, which is often very, very exclusive – but also due to the very catchy location in the center of the bathroom or slightly to the side. However, such beauty and aesthetics have a downside – namely, the need to create a reliable barrier to water along the entire perimeter. And to think over the length and location of the curtain, in this case, is very important. The fact is that the standard size of curtains for free-standing bathtubs simply does not exist – and you will have to determine the parameters you need yourself.
So, above the bathtub, it can be mounted both on a special ceiling curtain rod and on a wall structure. Based on the height of the attachment, the length of the curtain is determined since you need to take measurements from it. As for the width of the curtain, here, in no case should you forget that it has to cover the entire perimeter. However, be prepared because the panels should not be narrower than 13 ft (4 m). Otherwise, it will not be enough for the complete closure of the bathtub.
Shower areas and cabins
Such structures remain very popular in modern interiors, and therefore you will also have to consider the parameters of the curtain, focusing on the area of the shower. However, in this case, certain standards still exist:
Typically, a shower curtain is placed on an angled or rounded curtain rod. This turn should also be taken into account when choosing the width of the curtain since it will require much more material.
What determines the selection of shower curtains in size: valuable tips
Choosing curtains in width and length, you may well realize that it is much easier to determine the optimal size of the shower curtain horizontally than vertically. And first of all, this is due to the minimum possibilities for maneuvering in width. In the end, sooner or later, you will still hit the walls, and you can only experiment with filling the material into folds.
With vertical measurements, everything can be somewhat more complicated since it is not always easy to understand precisely which length of panels you need. However, several factors will surely help you make the right decision and determine which curtain with what dimensions will look the most harmonious and provide the best functionality in your bathroom.
Rules for measuring shower curtains
As you probably already understood, in some cases, shower curtains are custom rather than standard sizes. In any case, you can hardly determine the dimensions of the curtain you need without careful measurements, which are carried out in two stages.
Width measurements
Depending on what exactly you have for bathing – a regular or free-standing bath, shower, or shower enclosure – you must measure the space for the future curtain in the horizontal plane. If the tub is straight as standard, you simply measure the distance from the wall to wall, but in the case of freestanding models and showers, things are a little more complicated.
The fact is that an angular arrangement of the curtains usually characterizes them – and for a free-standing bathtub, there is a curtain around the perimeter. However, you will definitely succeed in making measurements for sure: just measure the length of the curtain rod – the designers recommend purchasing it in advance.
In addition, do not forget that in no case should the curtain be pulled tight when it is closed: firstly, it is not very aesthetically pleasing, and, secondly, in this case, there is always a risk that the curtain will slide to the side when you are taking a shower or bath. That is why, when measuring, take into account a slight overlap of the material – according to the designers, 12 inches (30 cm) will be quite enough for both comfortable use and beautiful draping of the fabric.
Height measurements
It is necessary to measure the length of the shower curtain in the vertical plane from the curtain rod if it is already fixed above the tub or in the shower; or from the point of its attachment in the future, which you must determine in advance. Also, do not forget about the chosen method of fixing the curtain to the curtain rod, as well as the point in the area of the bathtub or shower where, in your opinion, it should end – you should also decide on this issue in advance. If you’re one or two inches wrong, it’s okay: you can always adjust the position of the curtain by raising or lowering the curtain rod. However, we do not advise you to miss a more significant number. Otherwise, you will not be able to correct anything by maneuvers with the curtain rod, and you will have to order a new shower curtain.
Shower curtain sizes: Conclusions
Standard-sized shower curtains can make your life a lot easier if you don’t have the time or opportunity to find custom solutions. However, be careful: the better the dimensions of the protective panel are combined with the size of the bathtub or shower area, the more confident and safe you will feel – and the more comfortable the shower will seem to you.
