Best Shower Curtains – Buyer’s Guide

Best Shower Curtains have qualities such as being water repellent, mold and mildew resistant, easy to clean , and more. The following will review six of some of the top-rated shower curtains as well as go into details about the various types of curtains and additional features concerning them.

It is simple enough to buy a shower curtain if you are just out for something purely functional. However, you can bring a different sort of life to your bathroom if you put more consideration in purchasing the right shower curtain. Finding out which is the top-rated shower curtain, however, is where the difficulty can come in. You can start the quiz to deal with it! Press the “Start” button!

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Best Shower Curtains in 2020

Best Shower Curtain Brands	Shower Curtain Material	Size, HxW, inches	Wash	Supply	Check Price
InterDesign Thistle Shower Curtain, Floral pattern	100% polyester	54x78, 72x72, 72x84	Machine wash cold	12 rustproof grommets; reinforced top-header	Check Price
Madison Park Spa Waffle Shower Curtain, Taupe(Editor's Choice)	100% polyester	54x78,72x72, 72x96,108x72	Machine washable	Only shower curtain	Check Price
Lush Decor Shower Curtain, Tangerine(Editor's Choice)	100% polyester	72x72	Machine wash cold gentle cycle	Only shower curtain	Check Price
AmazonBasics Shower Curtain with Hooks, Grey Stripe pattern	100% polyester	72x72	Machine washable	12 rustproof grommets; reinforced top-header	Check Price
Lush Decor Bohemian Stripe Shower Curtain, Orange	100% polyester	72x72	Machine wash cold gentle cycle	Only shower curtain	Check Price
InterDesign Leaves Fabric Shower Curtain, Black/Gray/White	100% polyester	72x72	Machine washable	12 rustproof grommets; reinforced top-header	Check Price

1. InterDesign Thistle – Floral Shower Curtain For Small Bathrooms

Made from 100% polyester, the InterDesign Thistle Shower Curtain is made to be user-friendly. The 12 rustproof grommets make it easier to hang as well as the reinforced top-header. To prevent collecting the likes of dirt and soap scum, the sides and bottom are blunt cut . This curtain is also mold and mildew resistant. These features make it one of the top low-maintenance shower curtains available.

It utilizes a simple, yet contemporary design that can blend well in most bathrooms. However, when shopping online for the curtain, the colors can appear off once you bring it home. It is something to keep in mind if trying to match it with the current theme in your bathroom.

As for unpacking it, this shower curtain can appear wrinkled. However, it’s possible to iron it, but since it’s polyester-based, ironing should be done with caution to prevent melting and warping of the curtain.

Overall though, the quality of the material appears to be well-made. It is slightly see-through, which can be a benefit or downside depending on personal preferences. On the plus side, it can allow in some light no matter the color style is chosen. On the other hand, if you have an overhead light in or near your shower, someone can see right through the closed curtain.

Lastly, though it is advertised to be 72″ x 72″, but there are reports that the length is slightly shorter than that. It may not be as noticeable on a tub/shower combo, but on a shower alone, you may see the difference.

Pros

Easy to maintain
Good quality material

Cons

Wrinkles easily
Length appears shorter than advertised

2. Madison Park Spa Waffle – Long Beautiful Shower Curtain

If you are looking for the good water repellent shower curtain, the Madison Park Spa Waffle Curtain is an ideal choice. By being treated with 3M water repellent , the shower curtain can continue to look brand new much longer than other curtains.

This shower curtain is designed in a spa-like style. It features a simple, clean waffle textured pattern. Though it appears basic, it is enough to liven up any neutral bathroom whether it’s a high-traffic area or a guest bathroom.

Concerning the material, it is made from 100% polyester and is completely machine washable. This allows for a relatively quick clean-up process. In spite of the polyester material, the curtain can still feel softer to the touch compared to other plastic-like curtains. However, though you can clean it fast by tossing it in the washing machine, getting out the wrinkles may be a tough task.

It also comes across as heavier than the standard 72″ x 72″ curtain. A benefit of weighing more is that it stops the curtain from blowing into the shower and/or tub and sticking to you. You just need to ensure that you have a rod that can handle the weight.

Now, the weight may feel fine, but the fabric itself is rather thin. Though it can be machine washed, take caution with it. It is the white part of the material that seems the most delicate. Not only is it capable of fraying and snagging, but the curtain rings can also actually tear through it.

Pros

The weight keeps it from sticking to you
Does a good job repelling water

Cons

Delicate fabric prone to tearing/fraying
Creases are sometimes difficult to remove

3. Lush Decor – Unique Turquoise Shower Curtains

With the Lush Decor Clara Shower Curtain, you can bring some color to your bathroom. The curtain features a multi-colored design that isn’t overwhelming and can blend with ease into the rest of your decorations. This makes the Clara Shower Curtain one of the most decorative shower curtains.

Although its appearances are praised, once you have the shower curtain, some of the colors may appear to look different compared to how they were shown online. For instance, it is more of an off-white tone than true white color. No matter, this shower curtain still manages to stand out.

When you examine the material, you will notice that it is made completely from polyester. For the shower hooks, it uses the classic buttonhole openings. The material lets this shower curtain dry rather well and fast. You may not need to utilize a liner with this, more so if it is being used in low-traffic areas like a guest bathroom.

More along the line with the material, it is stated that the shower curtain weighs about 1lb. It does indeed feel lightweight, but it may be too light. You can machine wash this, but there are concerns about it not holding up through a wash. Washing it out by hand may be a good idea if you’re worried. Also, to deal with the wrinkles, it is recommended that you do a very light iron of the curtain.

Pros

A good way to bring color into a bathroom
Able to dry fast

Cons

Feels too light in weight
Color seems off to what’s shown online

4. AmazonBasics with Hooks (Treated to Resist Deterioration by Mildew) – Long-Lasting Shower Curtain

If you are a more budget-conscious shopper, then you may not be willing to shell out the costs of some of these top-selling shower curtains. At the same time, you still want a curtain that both looks good and does its job. You may find that the AmazonBasics Shower Curtain can cover those requirements and be one of the economical shower curtains available.

This imported shower curtain is made using 100% polyester. This fabric is not only printed with water-repellent, but it is also mildew and mold resistant. With its clean design, it can almost resemble a spa to give you a calmer type of décor. Also, it is made with the intention that you can use it on its own without a liner. However, a liner does help with any extra splash you may experience from the shower.

To look closer at the material, this shower curtain can, unfortunately, feel more plastic than fabric. If you are looking for something that is softer to the touch, then this may not be the choice for you. With that said, the curtain still has a good weight to it and seems as though it will hold up for some time. As for the other specifications, the shower curtain measures out to be 72″ x 72″ to provide some good coverage.

As for the grommets, there are 12 of them that are metal and made to be rust-resistant. These qualities are supposed to help with longevity and allow for an easier way of hanging the curtain. The grommets may seem a bit small though. This shower curtain does come with plastic hooks, but if you have your own already, you may have a hard time fitting them inside the grommet holes. In addition, the grommets may even pop off.

Pros

The material has water-repellent qualities
Resists the build-up of mold and mildew

Cons

Low-quality grommets
Can feel too much like plastic

5. Lush Decor Bohemian Stripe – Decorative Funny Shower Curtains

Crafted from 100% polyester that is machine washable, the Lush Décor Bohemian Stripe Shower curtain comes across as not only good to look at but good to hold in your hands. Even with the polyester material, it feels closer to cotton fabric than plastic to make this one of the softest shower curtains.

Beyond how it feels, this shower curtain clearly pops out at you at first sight. Using blue, black, green, orange, white, and yellow colors, it truly attempts to live up to its bohemian name. You may want to take caution if buying just for the colors, however, as they do not always appear the same brightness when you get it home as they do online. The pattern layout itself may be different as well.

Another thing you might want to keep in mind is that though this shower curtain is machine washable, it may not treat the colors well. The colors have the potential to fade somewhat after a few washes. If you try washing by hand, that may limit the amount of brightness lost.

To touch on more about the material, for the price range it is at, the shower curtain can come away with adequate weight to it. It does seem like it is durable so that you won’t have to go out and purchase a new one anytime soon.

Pros

Softer to the touch than other polyester curtains
Can provide good decoration and overall mood to a bathroom

Cons

Colors can fade if used in a washing machine
Pattern and colors may differ from picture

6. InterDesign Leaves Fabric – Coolest Floral Shower Curtain

A trait that is frequently sought after in a shower curtain is the ability to fight off mildew and mold. The InterDesign Leaves Fabric Shower Curtain just might be the one for you then thanks to the design and fabric printing process. This can make the curtain the top fast-drying shower curtain out right now that typically won’t break your budget.

It is important to acknowledge that the labeled measurements can sometimes be off. Width-wise, it might be too short for some bathtubs. When it comes to the material used to make it, the curtain is created using polyester. It does feel lighter than other polyester designs, and it may be thin as well. The curtain can wrinkle more than usual too, so it takes time to carefully iron out the creases.

Even with the thinness of the fabric and the frequency that it wrinkles up, it does seem like it will hold up to use over time. Its small weight factor further contributes to how fast it dries up. If you use it with a liner, it can still allow in a good amount of light.

Pros

Features fast-drying capabilities
Allows for a good amount of light inside

Cons

Takes some time to remove wrinkles
Measurements don’t appear to be correct

Best Shower Curtains – Buyer’s Guide

A shower curtain plays two vital roles in your bathroom: it repels water to keep it from getting all over your floor, and it adds a decorative touch. The right curtain can rejuvenate an outdated bathroom. As such, it’s important you choose one that best fits your needs.

Before you decide on one, check out the guide below for additional information to help narrow down your options.

Types of Shower Curtains

It may come to a surprise, but there are several different types of shower curtains to choose from. They all come with their own benefits and slight disadvantages. Take a look at the list below to learn more about the common curtain styles:

Cotton Shower Curtains:

Cotton Shower Curtains: these are among the most familiar curtains, but can also be more expensive. They are available in several different color patterns and styles, which can allow for plenty of personalization. However, they readily absorb moisture, so having a good liner is a must for these types.
Decorative Shower Curtains: although you can find some decorative curtains made from cotton, many of them are created using other materials such as faux silk. They feature qualities like lace borders, hand-stitched embellishments, etc. Oftentimes though, these types won’t hold well to frequent use, so they do well in guest bathrooms with little traffic. However, when paired with an adequate lining, they should function well.
Synthetic Shower Curtains: If you want something that is low-maintenance, then look no further than the synthetic shower curtain. Made from vinyl or polyester, these naturally repel moisture, there’s little worry about mildew build-up. Also, they’re a highly inexpensive option, and they’re durable enough to last awhile. This type may not be as comfortable feeling like cotton, however.

Among the material and design choices explained above, there are additional variations to be found. You can opt for hook-less shower curtains that mesh well with modern décor. They are easy to slip on thanks to the snap-on installation. Also, many come with attached liners for further convenience.

You can also search for extra-wide/long curtains for those odd-shaped bathtubs and showers. There are even microfiber shower curtains that are more moisture-resistant than cotton, but yet feel softer than vinyl. They’re a bit heavier as well.

Design or No Design?

Though you can narrow shower curtains down based on the material used to make them, you can dissect them further on whether or not they feature a design of sorts. They range from having no designs to minimal patterns and colors, to full-blown intricate works of art.

When you are shopping for a shower curtain, it is likely that how it looks will play as much of an important role as what material it is made from. If you already have your bathroom décor figured out, that can assist you in settling on whether or not you want a noticeable design or if you want to stick to the basics.

Though there are little differences beyond personal preference, you do have to take care of consideration more if you settle on a curtain with different colors and patterns. For instance, colors can fade, bleed, etc. when placed in a washing machine. If you are planning to go for intricate designs, then it may help to examine the quality of the material as that will determine just how well the curtain maintains its style.

Maintaining Your Shower Curtain

When you choose a shower curtain, it’s important to keep up with the maintenance so that you won’t have to go out and replace it frequently. There are different ways to clean and maintain various types of curtains. However, even if you follow this guide, always read the specific care instructions on your shower curtain to prevent any damage.

Now, just about every type of curtain is washable. Best of all, the majority are machine-washable. Be sure to remove any hooks before placing in the machine. Afterward, place two clean towels in the washing machine along with the shower curtain. This does two things: helps prevent the curtain from wrinkling and tearing, and it helps scrub the curtain clean.

You can use the same amount of laundry detergent as you would during a normal wash. Just add about a half cup of baking soda with it (add more if you have a larger curtain). White and transparent curtains can be bleached if needed.

Alternatively, you can hand-wash the shower curtain. This option is more beneficial with the decorative curtains that have higher quality material. Sprinkle some baking soda on the curtain and wipe down with a damp microfiber cloth. Once finished, rinse and wipe with warm water and a clean cloth.

Regardless of which way you wash your shower curtain, never place it in the dryer. You can simply hang it back up to drip dry.

Additional Features to Consider

The shower curtain itself is not the only thing to keep in mind when trying to find the best one. Below are some common features to consider:

Liner. When you are mulling over shower curtains, you can determine whether or not it requires a liner. In most cases, a liner is a necessity. It keeps water from hitting the floor, and it can keep a sticky curtain from latching onto you while you shower. However, some shower curtains repel enough water that you don’t need a liner. Others are even heavy enough that they don’t blow in to hit you.
Grommets. As stated before, there are hook-less shower curtains out there, but they are not exactly common. You are more likely to find ones that require a hook. There are many shower curtains that have universal holes so that you can fit just about any hook. Some are a bit smaller so that only specific types of hooks will fit. Additionally, the material the grommets are made from matter. Many metal ones are rust-proof to extend the life of your curtains.
Rod. Some of you may not consider the actual shower rod to be important when choosing a shower curtain, but it does have an effect on your decision. Shower curtains can be heavy or light. Some heavier curtains may actually weigh down the shower rod. So, keep in mind what the rod you have can manage prior to settling on a heavier or lightweight curtain.

Wrap Up

Settling on the good shower curtain is largely due to personal preference. Though with the above list, you should hopefully have an idea of what type of qualities and features to look for. Have you tried any of these shower curtains or have some not on the list? Feel free to share your thoughts.

Kenneth Wood