Choose the Perfect Shower Curtain for Your Walk-In Shower
When it comes to containing water and maintaining privacy in a walk-in shower, finding the right shower curtain is crucial. Unlike standard tub showers, walk-in showers require an extra-long shower curtain that offers full coverage without falling inward.
To help you select the ideal curtain for your walk-in shower, this guide covers everything from optimal sizing and materials to matching your preferred decor. Read on for tips on choosing shower curtains that balance style with high-performance functionality.
Why An Extra Long Shower Curtain Matters for Walk-In Showers
Walk-in showers create beautiful, spa-like spaces, but require shower curtains longer than the standard size. Without adequate length, you'll end up with spraying water and damaging moisture beyond the shower itself.
An extra long shower curtain contains water inside the shower enclosure and prevents leaks through the sides from air gusts or excessive movement. Proper curtain coverage also limits humidity permeating into your bathroom.
Prevent Water Logging on Bathroom Floors
Standard 72-inch long shower curtains meant for bathtubs often fall 6 inches or more short of a walk-in shower opening. When the curtain fails to reach the sides and bottom, spraying water readily escapes.
Over time, water build up on bathroom tile or grout leads to potential growth of mold, mildew and bacteria. It also raises the risk of slippery floors and accidents.
Achieve Full Coverage on Large Shower Openings
Even if you have a relatively narrow walk-in shower, a standard shower curtain may not stretch fully across the opening. This allows moisture to spray outside the enclosed glass walls.
Wider and deeper walk-in showers require extended curtain length and often additional width. Measure the dimensions of your walk-in entrance to find a custom fit.
Recommended Shower Curtain Length for Walk-In Showers
When looking for the best shower curtain specifically to contain water inside a walk-in shower:
- Aim for a minimum length of 78 inches
- Measure the height and width of your shower entrance beforehand
- Allow for an extra 6-12 inches if you'll install the curtain on a curved rod
Understand Why Standard Curtain Sizes Don't Fit
The average bathtub with shower measures 60-72 inches across. Shower curtain manufacturers design standard sizes based on the typical 60 x 72 inch tub.
By contrast, walk-in showers remove the size constraints of a tub. Their dimensions vary greatly based on bathroom layout and design.
Look for 78 Inches or Longer
For most walk-in shower designs, shower curtains around 78 inches deliver adequate coverage while allowing sufficient overlap.
If your walk-in has a deeper than average floorplan, consider going longer. Extra long shower curtains come in lengths up to 96 inches for a custom fit.
Take Exact Measurements
Knowing the precise width of your walk-in shower opening ensures buying the optimal shower curtain length.
Consider rounded rod adjustments too. Curtains hung on curved rods require more overlapping fabric to wrap cleanly across the contours.
The Benefits of Heavyweight Shower Curtains
Along with length, the weight and density of your walk-in shower curtain plays a role in functionality.
Due to their enclosed space, walk-in showers generate air currents as hot and cold temperature meet. Lightweight vinyl or polyester curtains easily blow inward as water sprays.
Heavyweight fabric shower curtains or those with weighted bottoms provide a practical solution for maintaining coverage over the shower opening.
Weighted Density Prevents Blowing Around
Thicker, more dense shower curtains prevent billowing inward from gusts of air or temperature changes in a walk-in.
Weights sewn into the bottom portion of the curtain also help keep it hanging straight down without continuously blowing in your face.
Stays in Place Against Water Spray
The intense spray pattern of showerheads in walk-ins also impacts curtain choice. Lightweight standard curtains get pushed around by water.
A weighted and tightly-woven fabric limits how much spray impedes the curtains ability to hang straight across the entire opening.
Fewer Repositions Needed
When your shower curtain retains its coverage on its own without frequent repositioning, it saves time and frustration.
The right weighted density also eliminates the need for other contraptions like shower curtain liners or dangling magnets to keep curtains closed.
Top Materials for Shower Curtains in Walk-In Showers
For longevity, water resistance, easy cleaning and appealing looks, pay attention to shower curtain fabric and composition.
Walk-in shower curtains see plenty of humidity and moisture. Choosing mold, bacteria and tear-resistant materials ensures adequate protection.
Waterproof and Durable Fabrics
Vinyl shower curtains stand up well to wet environments, require only an occasional wipe down for cleaning and tend to last over the long term.
For those concerned about vinyl's plastic content, polyester shower curtains serve as an environmentally friendly alternative while remaining waterproof and fast-drying.
Mildew-Resistant Materials
Repeated exposure to warm vapor and liquid water takes a toll over time. Selecting shower curtain materials specifically treated to prevent mildew buildup and stains helps maintain appearances.
Anti-microbial silver ion technology woven into fabric kills bacteria and prevents odors even with frequent use.
Extra Lining for Additional Water Barrier
For extra assurance your walk-in shower water stays put, use a shower curtain liner in addition to a primary curtain.
Liners act as an added layer of protection on the inside to block overspray. Some liners attach via built-in magnets or Velcro strips for adjustable overlap.
Finding the Correct Shower Curtain Style
A final consideration for selecting ultimate walk-in shower curtain involves matching aesthetics and decorative taste.
Factor in design elements like color, transparency, hardware finishes and motif types to complement your bathroom's existing style.
Design Aspects to Evaluate
Before browsing different curtain options, note aspects like:
- Your color scheme, patterns and textures already featured
- Preferred opacity or ability to filter light
- Type of hardware finishes (oiled bronze, satin nickel, etc.)
Knowing bathroom elements needing tying together or contrasting accents helps narrow suitable styles.
Types of Styles to Choose From
The range of aesthetic formats shower curtains come in means you can likely find one matching your walk-in shower decor.
From simple one color curtains to bold graphic prints to coastal themes, select whatever helps achieve your designed look.
Those favoring a clean, minimalist aesthetic may appreciate solid shades of grey, white or beige with subtle horizontal banding.
For a punch of pattern, choose lively florals, geometrics inspired by Moroccan tiles or abstract watercolor designs.
Top Shower Curtain Picks for Walk-In Showers
If researching specifications for long, durable and stylish shower curtains seems daunting, simply select one of these top-rated choices to start:
Barossa Design
Boasting thousands of positive reviews, Barossa Design shower curtains come in lengths up to 96 inches for even extra large walk-in showers.
Made from thick polyester instead of vinyl, their heavyweight fabric prevents billowing yet remains machine washable.
Rust-proof metal grommets allow smooth gliding along curved rods too. Barossa Design offers a 90-day money-back promise as well.
For those favoring decorative shower curtains, AmazerBath's striped nautical themed curtain provides a pretty maritime look starting under $15.
The polyester fabric proves colorfast and water-repellant while the weighted bottom keeps it hanging properly. Plus the 78 inch length works well for most walk-in showers.
As a dual-sided design, this curtain also acts as its own liner to simplify buying just one piece.
When it comes time for cleaning, simply detach the curtain from the rings and machine wash.
Finding and installing the perfect shower curtain takes your walk-in from stunning to welcoming. By following fundamental guidelines of proper length, weight and quality construction, you can choose durable curtains containing water without constant fussing.
Take precise measurements, factor in design style preferences, and review top recommendations to navigate all the options with confidence.
Before you know it, you'll have a functional and fabulous-looking curtain custom fit for your walk-in shower space.