Modern shower curtain ideas


16 Stylish Shower Curtain Ideas

Design: Black Lacquer Design, Photo: Mary Costa

Anyone can wax poetic about the romance of a claw-foot tub, but rarely does anyone have anything that nice to say about a shower curtain. Memories of thin plastic sheets in communal dorms, locker rooms, and shared apartments have given shower curtains a bad rep over the years. To most, a shower curtain is a necessity—and never a delight.

We urge you to shrug off your preconceived notions and think of them as a chance to add texture and balance to your bathroom. Shower curtains are the centerpiece of small bathrooms, and they offer ample opportunity to instantly upgrade any bathroom.

Sure, you can't soak in it nor will you pay attention to it mid-shampoo. But, every time you or a guest walks in, it will be there waiting to make an impression. Invest a little time and thought and browse these 16 stylish shower curtain ideas to get you started.

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Design: Etch Design Group, Photo: Cate Black Photography

Echo the color of your tile with a simple shower curtain that has just a border of detail. If you already have great color in your bathroom, this shower curtain will look more personal while still letting your other design choices take center stage. The vertical border also doesn't compete with the curved tiles.

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Design: Etch Design Group, Photo: Cate Black Photography

The tight lines of detail on this shower curtain evoke formal parchment and leather-bound first editions. Adding a bit of darkness to the white curtain helps the room flow and guides the eye to travel from tile to curtain to tile.

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Design: Etch Design Group, Photo: Cate Black Photography

A pink bathroom will never go out of style. Because it rests just above the tub and is a couple shades darker, the design on this shower curtain acts as a frame for the tile and the gorgeous copper spouts. Keeping it in the color family keeps it cohesive.

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Design: Etch Design Group, Photo: Sophie Epton

A textured white shower curtain feels at home in a bathroom that's already busy (in the best way) with wallpaper, colored tiles, and built-in shelving. It adds just enough visual interest, and the cloth warms up the bright-white tile. 

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Design: Black Lacquer Design, Photo: Mary Costa

This curtain has us questioning if it's a ball gown or a shower curtain. It doesn't matter—we're amending our goals of owning a vintage claw-foot tub to owning a vintage claw-foot tub with a dramatic, floor-sweeping curtain like this one.

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Design: Kimberlee Marie Interiors, Photo: John Granen

Don't want to fully commit to color? Opt for a dip-dye curtain. Bonus points if you take care to line it up to your valve.

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Design: Michelle Lisac Interior Design, Photo: Jennie Corti 

Remember what we said about that thin plastic sheet? This textured white shower curtain is the solution. It's clean and simple, and the slight texture keeps it from looking shiny or stark next to all of the white tile.

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Design: Michelle Lisac Interior Design, Photo: Jennie Corti 

A shower curtain with a large pattern or scene can be whimsical but still tasteful, especially if you choose natural designs in neutral color palettes, like these sparse trees or a palm toile in gray.

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Design: Studio Ten 25, Photo: Shayna Fontana 

At first glance, this shower curtain looks more like couch upholstery than it does anything else, but the thick weave and pattern as well as the rich color beautifully contrast the room and geometric lines of the tile.

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Interior Impressions

A waffle weave shower curtain reminds one of a plush, luxurious hotel robe, and it can add a bit of coziness to a small, windowless bathroom. Plus, it looks great with gold hooks.

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ERIN WILLIAMSON DESIGN

Nothing can compete with a copper claw-foot tub. It's an unmovable, unstoppable force of design and luxury, and the rest of the bathroom just has to fall in step.

Heather gray curtains keep this vintage bathroom grounded in the present, and their shortened length makes so that they don't distract from the pièce de résistance.

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TYLER KARU DESIGN + INTERIORS

Matching your towels with the same fabric and color of shower curtain is a pro-level move. The weight and warmth contrast the cool blue tiles, helping to make them pop even more. The brownish rust color also unites the wood with the rest of the room.

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ASHLEY MONTGOMERY DESIGN

The sheerness of this curtain prevents it from blocking the window, and it casts a soft, filtered light in this classic black and white bathroom. The horizontal pattern keeps it from being too sheer though, or otherwise, you'd be distracted by the outline of shower knobs and such.

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DAZEY DEN

If you're painting your bathroom a bold color, you might want to avoid choosing a solid shower curtain. It can divide up the space and make it look blocky, which you especially want to avoid when you're blessed with such high ceilings. like this bathroom by Dazey Den.

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DESIGN: MINDY GAYER, PHOTO: VANESSA LENTINE

This curtain's white top and bottom help make the ceiling feel taller than it actually is, as they perfectly line up with the tub-shower combo and almost blend in. The proportions and the ultra-thin stripes keep it from being too loud next to the art and tiled floor, too.

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DESIGN: MINDY GAYER, PHOTO: VANESSA LENTINE

You don't have to choose a plain shower curtain if your bathroom has dramatic tile. Pair a large-format pattern with a smaller, more delicate pattern, and you can have the best of both worlds.

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Warning: You’ll want to spend a lot longer in the bath

The best shower curtains do more than just shield your bathroom floor from an endless spray of water: They can also completely transform the space. Think about it: Hanging nearly floor to ceiling and spanning several feet, they’re more of a fifth wall than an accessory. 

We have to point out that choosing a shower curtain is one of the rare times you can go as bold as you like: Shower curtains can be changed out in seconds, unlike wallpaper, paint, or tile. With that in mind, the possibilities are limitless. Read on to discover the best shower curtains that will instantly upgrade your bathroom. 

All products featured on Architectural Digest are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

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Bath curtain: 80 photos, selection tips ". But things are no longer the same: in recent years, the shower curtain has undergone a real evolution and is no longer considered a dubious accessory. Modern models look stylish, they are easy to fit into almost any project. There is an alternative - frame structures. Let's talk about it.

Choosing a curtain for the bathroom

Why is there a curtain in the bathroom
Views
— Soft
— Rigid
Soft curtain materials
— Vinyl
— Polyester
— Natural textiles
Cornices and curtain holders
— Cornices
— Holders
Design
Types of rigid curtains

Social networks of designer Marina Kunitsyna

It performs several tasks at once. The main ones can be formulated as follows.

  1. Protection. The main task is to protect the floor, furniture, textiles, plumbing and other surfaces and objects in the room from water and soap.
  2. Zoning. This is especially important for large and combined bathrooms. The curtain allows you to separate the bathing area, making it more private.
  3. Decoration. A curtain or a screen can hide the flaws of the room, complement the overall style or become an accent, complete the interior, add coziness.

Today there really is plenty to choose from. But first you have to decide which bath curtains will be better in your case: soft, frameless, or rigid, framed.

Soft

Social networks of the architect Evgenia Matveenko

These are well-known PVC or textile sheets. They have their own advantages.

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Social networks of interior design studio Anastasia Pushkareva

Social networks of designer Maya Valit

The main disadvantage of such models is considered to be a short service life. But this is more likely to apply to inexpensive canvases. Products made from modern materials with proper care can maintain an attractive appearance for years.

Rigid structures

Interior design studio IROOMS social networks

These are glass or plastic barriers. They are chosen by those for whom the following advantages are important.

There are also disadvantages: more complicated installation, high price.

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photos

Social networks of designer Victoria Chabak

Social networks of design studio Irina Malakhova

Social networks of interior design studio IROOMS

Social networks of architect Evgeniya Matveenko

Social networks of Rindes architect studio

Social networks of designer Olesya Kosenkova

Social networks of designer Maya Valit

Social networks of designer Maya Valit

Social networks of interior design studio Denis Gorshkov

Social networks of designer Maria Aksenova

Social networks of designer Olesya Kosenkova

In stores, you can still find thin, inconvenient to use curtains. But there are others, better and more elegant, which fit perfectly into modern interiors. So, what are curtains made of today?

Vinyl

Quite a large category of products. This includes common PVC, that is, polyvinyl chloride. It is thin PVC sheets that often stick. Therefore, it is better to choose denser options.

Social networks of design studio Lubov Kopeikina

Let's list all options.

All three versions are absolutely waterproof.

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photos

DHOME design studio social networks

DHOME design studio social networks

Lyubov Kopeikina design studio social networks

Social networks of design studio Lyubov Kopeikina

Cleaning

5 essential tips for washing your bathroom curtains (so as not to ruin them)

Polyester

100% synthetic. Polyester threads are obtained from petroleum products. This fabric is considered one of the most durable and wear-resistant, which does not prevent it from being very light and drying quickly. It turns out an almost ideal set of characteristics for textiles in the wet zone.

Social networks of designer Maya Valit

What are polyester bath screens? There are two options: from pure polyester and with the addition of natural fibers.

Pure polyester curtains don't look like oilcloth. Due to the peculiarities of the fabric, they fall off in beautiful even folds and do not stick. Polyester is usually further treated with a water-repellent impregnation, and it becomes completely waterproof. Curtains made of this material can be washed, not only by hand, but also in a typewriter. The main thing is to follow the temperature recommendations.

Second option: mixed fabric. For example, polyester + linen or polyester + cotton. A ratio of 90 × 10 is usually maintained, where 90% are artificial fibers and 10% are natural. Such canvases look even more elegant and noble. To cope with the main task, splash protection, special impregnation allows them. Items can be machine washed. Perhaps their only drawback is their rather high price.

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Social networks of designer Marina Kunitsyna

Social networks of designer Marina Kunitsyna

Social networks of the designer Maya

Social networks of the designer Marina Kunitsyna

STODENT Lyubov Kopeikina Design

Social networks of the Lyubov Studio

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Natural bathroom curtain textiles

Such models are usually made to order, ready-made in stores are difficult to find.

Social networks of designer Ksenia Chernyakova

Choose cotton, linen or bamboo for sewing. The fabric must be treated with water-repellent impregnation and antibacterial to avoid the appearance of mold and fungus. Usually they resort to additional protection: on the inside they hang a thin white or transparent canvas made of vinyl or polyester, and on the outside - a decorative one made of natural fabric. In this case, the design is very similar to window decor: a combination of tulle and thick curtains.

Of course, this option is the most expensive. But it allows you to create interesting visual solutions. And it is often chosen by designers.

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Social networks of designer Ekaterina Akhmetyanova

Social networks of designer Ksenia Chernyakova

Social networks of designer Ksenia Chernyakova

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Social networks of Tatyana Romanova's design studio

Social networks of designer Victoria Triba

Social networks of textile designer Tatyana Shabanova

Hanging a curtain in the bathroom is a matter of minutes. The only thing you need is a suitable cornice and fasteners.

Social networks of designer Maya Valit

Bathroom cornices

Available in the following shapes:

Social networks of designer Nadezhda Vorontsova

Social networks of interior design studio Neapol Design

Social networks of designer Maya Valit

Social networks of designer Maya Valit

Social networks of designer Marina Kunitsyna

Eaves are made from a variety of materials today. Among them: plastic, aluminum, stainless steel, steel - plain or in chrome color.

Curtain holders

Designer Natalya Savelyeva's social networks

Let's single out several types.

Social networks of designer Maya Valit

Social networks of designer Maya Valit

Social networks of interior design studio Ekaterina Shilova

Social networks of interior design studio Detail ID

Social networks of designer Natalia Savelyeva

In the case of the bathroom, it is difficult to talk about any strict rules. Here, rather, it is important to feel the general “mood” of the interior and select an accessory in unison.

Social networks of the studio Rindes architect

If you are afraid of making a mistake, a plain white matte textile curtain will be a win-win choice in most cases. Or, alternatively, you can use a completely transparent, almost invisible canvas.

If you are ready for experiments, abstract prints and geometric patterns, floral ornaments are in trend. But large colorful images of the underwater world or tropical landscapes are unlikely to add style to the interior.

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Social networks of interior design studio Ekaterina Shilova

Rigid structures are more like screens. But their main function is the same - splash protection.

Social networks of designer Maya Valit

Based on material

Fences are made of glass or plastic on a metal frame.

By type of opening

Rigid models also differ in the opening mechanism.

  1. Stationary screens - fixed design. It is constantly in one place and covers only the shower area.
  2. Sliding - the doors open like a compartment. This model allows you to close the entire bath. This saves space.
  3. Swing. Not suitable for every room. In a small space, opening doors like this can be inconvenient.
  4. Folding (or "accordion"). Another option for narrow small bathrooms. When folded, it does not take up much space.
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Social networks of Lyubov Kopeikina design studio

Social networks of Lyubov Kopeikina design studio

Social networks of designer Yunia Danilova

Social networks of the Mayi designer

Social networks of interior design DD DDs 9000 , architect Elizaveta Skryabikova

Social networks of design studio Lyubov Kopeikina

Bathroom, lavatory

Design of a bathroom with a shower: tips on furnishing and ready-made layouts

Material prepared by

Anna Kharitonova

Bathroom curtains - 105 photos of fashionable design projects of this season

In addition to the main function - protecting the surrounding space from splashes, curtains in the bathroom are an important part of the interior. To create a relaxing and at the same time invigorating atmosphere in this small room, you need to choose the right curtains. For a competent choice, it is not enough to view photos of bathroom curtains placed in the catalogs and brochures of manufacturers. It is necessary to familiarize yourself with their advantages and disadvantages.

Article content:

Material classification

The range of materials from which curtains are made is quite extensive:

Polyethylene

Polyethylene is cheap, but the quality does not shine, so it will not last long. It breaks easily and quickly becomes dirty, and it is difficult to clean. Often there is mold on it. But, despite the serious disadvantages, due to its low cost, it is still popular.


Polyester textile

The main advantage of this material is the fabric base, which provides high wear resistance. There are no difficulties with care, since it is permissible to use a washing machine for washing and, if required, bleaching. The cost is quite affordable.

Plastic

Its main disadvantage is considered to be low fastening strength. Since it does not have a fabric base, it is easily damaged by careless handling. Over time, its surface begins to crack and darken.

Plastic curtains can be plain, patterned, stone imitation. There are options with reproductions of famous paintings.

Glass

Glass curtains are rigid varieties. They are used for showers and rectangular bathtubs. Attached to a metal frame. Available in clear or tinted. Models with mirror or mosaic inserts are especially spectacular. Looks great in bathrooms with glass items such as shelves.

The pluses include the ability to visually expand the room. This type of curtain is made of impact-resistant glass, but if the strength threshold is exceeded, it can break.


Vinyl (silicone)

Vinyl (silicone)

Curtains made of it are more practical than those of polyethylene, since its strength is much higher. They serve for a long time and can be cleaned in the washing machine, but you can not wring out and iron. Strong contamination is easily removed with bleach.

Available in transparent or patterned fabrics. A wide range of colors can satisfy any request.

Polycarbonate

Polycarbonate combines the advantages of glass and plastic. The advantages also include safety, since the composition does not contain components harmful to health. Caring for it is more complicated than for fabric species. Stores offer these curtains in embossed or matte patterns, as well as sheer or tinted options.

Fabric

Fabric is usually used to separate areas in shared bathrooms. Fabric curtains in the bathroom are hung on a cornice, string, baguette. The original will be the use of eyelets and loops. Despite the impregnation of the fabric with hydrophobic compounds, which is easily washed off, the service life of such curtains is short.

Design classification

Rigid curtains (glass, plastic, polycarbonate) can be made in a variety of designs:


Sliding, which are very popular. They are good because they provide reliable protection against water seepage. If there are any electrical appliances in the bathroom, this type of curtain is the most reliable option.

Depending on the design of the bathroom and its size, sliding curtains are assembled from a different number of shutters. Thanks to various design registration and color, such curtains harmoniously fit into any interiors.

Foldable. This design folds easily and compactly, so it does not take up much space. It consists of several parts and is mounted on the wall. Therefore, there should be no protruding objects on the wall (shelves, plumbing, etc.).

Rotary. It is preferable to install them in a large bathroom so that the doors do not rest against the wall when opened. Models with inward and outward opening are produced.

Panel, designed to enclose the installation site of the shower. Therefore, they are inexpensive, but very functional.

Combined. In such designs, part of the curtain is fixed, while the other opens when rotated or shifted to the side.

Screen. Such curtains are used to close the shower area. When folded, they take up little space. For their manufacture, colored or frosted glass is used, stained glass models are produced. Screens do a good job with the main function, but their design is not strong enough. If handled carelessly, the fasteners of the sections break easily.


Curtain options for corner bath

Due to the nature of the corner bath, not all types of curtains are suitable for it. By design, corner curtains are:

Hinged, which can open inward, outward or in both directions. Installing them in a small bathroom is problematic, but for a large room they will be just right.

Sliding (coupe) are good for everyone, but the fastening of the rollers on the doors is not strong enough. Therefore, when buying, you need to pay special attention to them.

The accordion does not require much space for folding, so the edge of the bathtub opens completely, which is important if it is small.

Sliding screens are preferred for small bathrooms because no space is needed inside or outside to extend the corner screen.

There are original designs in which curtain rods in the bathroom are not needed. If desired, it is permissible to equip a corner bath with a satin or polyethylene curtain. To do this, you will have to buy a special corner profile, fix it on perpendicular walls and hang a curtain. However, the fabric does not provide reliable protection against moisture penetration.

When choosing curtains for the bathroom, you should take into account its size and design, which element can be a curtain rod. Among the wide variety, you can choose unusual rounded rods or with design delights in the desired color. The main thing is to focus on functionality and your taste.


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