What to Consider When Buying Shower Curtains
- By Mark Thomas Walters
- Published 02/2/2010
- Home Management
- Unrated
For most of us, our day starts or ends with a shower. They are not just about keeping clean; they also help relieve muscle tension and relax. Considering how often we spend in the shower, it makes sense to carefully select the largest component of the shower, and largest single item in the whole bathroom, the shower curtain.
Shower curtains, primarly, offer valuable functions whilst showering. They not only keep water inside the showering area, but also offer privacy. Choosing the right curtain should start with this in mind.
To stop the curtain from collecting dust or dirt, or posing a tripping risk, the hem of the curtain needs to be more than an inch or two (2.5 to 5 cm) above the floor. However, to keep the water from spraying onto the floor, the curtain must reach below the top of the bath tub. There is some leeway as to the exact height it needs to be. Hang the curtain higher or lower depending on the age of the tub and how attractive it looks.
As there are so many colors and styles to choose from, never settle for anything but the prefect curtain for the bathroom. With the shower curtain being the largest single item in any bathroom, it really does have a huge effect on its feel and look.
Carefully consider what will go with the existing colors in your bathroom, and who will be using it, before making any purchase. There is everything from soccer themes for sports enthusiasts, to
Disney themes for children. For those who prefer simpler designs or just plain colors, there are plenty of those available too.
The type of material is another major consideration when deciding which shower curtain to buy. Most are made of vinyl, cloth and plastic. There are pros and cons to each type of material that need to be weighed when making a purchase.
Plastic and vinyl are commonly used because they are cheap and functional. Being naturally waterproof, they meet the main requirement. Furthermore, they come in so many styles and colors, that one easily can be found to fit any bathroom.
Some prefer cloth, as it generally looks look nicer. However, it is more expensive and is prone to mildew. Therefore, cloth curtains normally have stitched in waterproof linings for greater functionality.
An alternative material is hemp, which is a heavy fabric produced from plant fiber. Since it is naturally resistant to fungus and bacteria, it is not so susceptible to problems such as mildew or soap stains. Furthermore, it does not require a waterproof lining.
As a final point, whichever shower curtain you opt for, you will need to regularly maintain it if you want it to remain doing its job, and looking good, for more than a few months. It is advisable to wash and dry your shower curtain at least once a month. Better quality shower curtains can simply be machine washed in warm water, with perhaps a cup of bleach to kill bacteria. Inexpensive cleaning sprays can also be used to keep them free of mold.
Shower curtains, primarly, offer valuable functions whilst showering. They not only keep water inside the showering area, but also offer privacy. Choosing the right curtain should start with this in mind.
To stop the curtain from collecting dust or dirt, or posing a tripping risk, the hem of the curtain needs to be more than an inch or two (2.5 to 5 cm) above the floor. However, to keep the water from spraying onto the floor, the curtain must reach below the top of the bath tub. There is some leeway as to the exact height it needs to be. Hang the curtain higher or lower depending on the age of the tub and how attractive it looks.
As there are so many colors and styles to choose from, never settle for anything but the prefect curtain for the bathroom. With the shower curtain being the largest single item in any bathroom, it really does have a huge effect on its feel and look.
Carefully consider what will go with the existing colors in your bathroom, and who will be using it, before making any purchase. There is everything from soccer themes for sports enthusiasts, to
The type of material is another major consideration when deciding which shower curtain to buy. Most are made of vinyl, cloth and plastic. There are pros and cons to each type of material that need to be weighed when making a purchase.
Plastic and vinyl are commonly used because they are cheap and functional. Being naturally waterproof, they meet the main requirement. Furthermore, they come in so many styles and colors, that one easily can be found to fit any bathroom.
Some prefer cloth, as it generally looks look nicer. However, it is more expensive and is prone to mildew. Therefore, cloth curtains normally have stitched in waterproof linings for greater functionality.
An alternative material is hemp, which is a heavy fabric produced from plant fiber. Since it is naturally resistant to fungus and bacteria, it is not so susceptible to problems such as mildew or soap stains. Furthermore, it does not require a waterproof lining.
As a final point, whichever shower curtain you opt for, you will need to regularly maintain it if you want it to remain doing its job, and looking good, for more than a few months. It is advisable to wash and dry your shower curtain at least once a month. Better quality shower curtains can simply be machine washed in warm water, with perhaps a cup of bleach to kill bacteria. Inexpensive cleaning sprays can also be used to keep them free of mold.
Mark Thomas Walters
'Buy Shower Curtains' is a comprehensive information source on buying shower curtains, shower curtain care, and everything else about shower curtains.
View all articles by Mark Thomas Walters