Get the Perfect Shower Curtain Fit for Your Garden Tub

Installing a properly fitted shower curtain for your garden tub can be a confusing process. With so many options for sizes, shapes, and styles, it's easy to end up with either inadequate coverage or excessive billowing fabric. By taking some simple measurements and following a few guidelines, however, you can determine the ideal curtain and rod for your unique tub design.

With this advice, you'll be able to enjoy a beautiful, functional shower curtain that contains water and moisture without hassle.

Measure Your Garden Tub Properly

Achieving excellent garden tub shower curtain coverage starts with accurate measurements of your tub size and configuration. Some key numbers you'll want to document include:

• Length and width of tub base
• Height of tub sides
• Distance diagonally across tub corners
• Space available on ceiling and walls for rod mounting

For curved, rounded, or uniquely shaped tubs, trace the outline onto paper so you can reference the exact contours later. Note any inward slopes along the walls that may impact usable curtain space. Measure across the topmost edges to account for an inset tub position or non-rectangular form.

Get accurate dimensions

To calculate shower curtain dimensions, start by carefully measuring your garden tub along the interior from outer edge to opposite outer edge. Note the length, width, and corner-to-corner diagonal measurements. Repeat for the exterior tub edges along the rim or lip. These numbers provide baseline figures to work from when selecting your shower curtain size.

Account for slope and curves

If your garden tub features any rounded sides, bubbled edges, or sloped walls rather than straight vertical sides, pay special attention when measuring. Trace the exact outline of the tub onto paper or use a flexible tape measure to chart the nuanced contours. This allows you to account for the unique shape when mounting the rod and calculating curtain coverage.

Add 12 inches for optimal coverage

Once you have the basic interior garden tub measurements, add 12 inches to the width. This provides sufficient additional inches for the shower curtain to clear the tub edge on both sides and meet in the middle with stacking room to spare. Avoid skimpy curtains or excessive billowing fabric.

Select the Best Shower Curtain Size

Armed with your tailored garden tub dimensions, you can now choose a shower curtain that offers full coverage without overwhelming your space. Consider ceiling height restrictions and spray range to determine ideal length when selecting from standard sizes:

Standard tubs: 70 x 70 in, 70 x 72 in, 72 x 72 in

The most common and widely available shower curtain dimensions suited for typical garden tub installations are 70 x 70 inches, 70 x 72 inches, and 72 x 72 inches. These configurations work well for average ceiling heights with basic tub shapes. Just ensure your custom width measurement falls within a few inches of these standard options.

Taller tubs: 78 x 72 in

For more elevated garden tub designs or higher overhead space, choose an extended length shower curtain measuring 78 x 72 inches. The added length prevents water over-spray while the width still contains splashes. This also allows for more enclosure folds and billowing room if desired.

Consider ceiling height and spray range

Evaluate your unique garden tub and bathroom configuration to determine ideal shower curtain length and width combinations beyond the common sizes noted above. If you have a dramatically sloped tub or cathedral ceilings, adjust dimensions accordingly to control and contain water. Check spray patterns during test showers as well.

Match Shower Curtain Shape to Tub Design

Beyond basic sizing, it's pivotal to pick a shower curtain rod shape that complements the contours of your unique garden tub:

Freestanding tubs: Circular or oval rods

For a garden tub positioned away from walls in a more central location, a bendable circular or oval shower rod can surround the entire exterior. Measure across the widest points and add a few inches to determine minimum circle diameter for the rod.

Built-in tubs: Straight or curved rods

If integrating your garden tub into framed alcoves or against walls, mounting straight or slightly curved rectangular shower rods across the openings provides containment. Pick metal rods with adjustable tension for a customized bend fit.

Ensure 1-2 inch curtain-to-tub clearance

Regardless of the shape, the shower rod should position the curtain just outside the garden tub edges while leaving 1-2 inches of clearance. This gap prevents water spraying beyond the curtain without excessive fabric dipping into the bathing space.

Calculate Total Shower Rod Length Needed

Measuring for sufficient shower rod length requires strategically positioning rods or pole supports to traverse the entire garden tub opening. Factor in additional length to accommodate sloped sides or rounded corners if applicable.

Measure across tub at topmost points

Stretch a soft measuring tape across your garden tub ledge from the highest point on one side to the tallest edge on the opposite side. This yields the minimum shower rod length required to adequately cover the bathing space.

Add extra inches for slope/curve

If your tub interior features any bubbled or sloped sides, determine the additional diagonal distance between the lowest interior tub points compared to the exterior top ledge. Add this increased length to your measurement to ensure the shower curtain can hang properly withoutrestriction.

Consider ceiling supports for long rods

For especially lengthy straight shower curtain rods or continuously curving circular forms, include sturdy ceiling supports at regular intervals. This prevents excessive drooping over time from rod and curtain weight.

Choose Durable Shower Curtain Fabrics

Shower curtain materials directly impact longevity, water repellence, and maintenance requirements. Seek out quality fabrics designed to withstand humid bathroom conditions.

Waterproof vinyl and polyester blends

Vinyl shower curtains with polyester backing layers provide waterproof barriers that contain overspray and moisture within the tub zone. Vinyl surfaces also resist soap scum and mineral buildup well.

Mildew-resistant treatments

Since shower curtains around garden tubs receive significant humidity exposure, confirm any fabric, vinyl or poly liner features a mildew-resistant treatment. This specialized coating prevents dark mold and soap scum stains over continual use.

Reinforced tops for grommets

Check that the tops of shower curtain panels contain reinforced button holes or durable metal grommets. These withstand the weight of a loaded curtain without ripping and make shower rings glide smoothly.

Find Shower Curtains to Match Decor

An essential yet often overlooked shower curtain consideration for garden tubs involves coordination with surrounding bathroom aesthetics. Use these tips to blend styles seamlessly:

Coordinate colors and patterns

Select a shower curtain featuring color tones and geometric shapes or botanical patterns that complement your sink, floors, artwork and other decor elements. Repetition creates a cohesive feel.

Contrasting liner and exterior

Consider a solid-hued shower curtain liner interior to pair with a more vividly patterned exterior layer. This allows the bright design to stand out when the curtain is open without competing once drawn closed.

Bring in accessories like rugs

Expand your garden tub shower curtain into a full vignette via accessories like plush bath mats, matching ceramic soap dishes, and decorative towel racks echoing the curtain fabric.

Install Secure Mounting Hardware

Shower rods for garden tubs demand reinforced brackets, tension poles, or ceiling anchors to sustain the additional length and weight required. Measure carefully and test attachments before trusting expensive electronic hardware exposure.

Wall brackets, tension poles, or ceiling

Choose heavy-duty wall mounts, counterbalanced spring rods, or securely fastened overhead supports oriented perpendicular to tub opening. This prevents sagging and allows smooth gliding.

Corrosion-resistant metals

Seeking out aluminum, stainless steel, or enameled brackets prevents rusting from routine moisture contact. Plastic polymer rods also resist corrosion effectively.

Use set screws to stabilize

If installing extra-long straight shower rods or structurally spanning oval tracks, secure periodic set screws into ceiling Studs or pre-drilled wall anchors. This geometry reinforcement keeps the rod straight and reduces swaying.

Layer in a Water-Repellent Liner

For maximum shower curtain containment and simplified cleaning around garden tubs, add a separate water-repellent liner for your primary decorative curtain. Vinyl and polyurethane coatings provide protection.

Plastic, polyurethane coating

Seeking shower curtain liners made from long-lasting PEVA plastic or coated in a liquid polyurethane waterproof barrier prevents moisture passing through to your expensive patterned curtain exterior.

Cross-ventilation to prevent moisture

Allow space between your shower liner and exterior curtain for air to flow freely. Small weep holes along the liner bottom also improve ventilation to avoid mildew growth issues.

Wash periodically

To prevent soap scum buildup on plastic or polyurethane liners, remove them periodically and wash gently via your tub, sink or washing machine. Avoid harsh chemicals and let air dry fully before rehanging.

Installing the optimal garden tub shower curtain setup to contain splashes while complementing your space depends on careful measurements, durable water-repellent materials, secure mounting hardware, and decor coordination. Now that you know the right curtain sizes, shapes and styles to seek out, you can create a functional and beautiful bathing oasis in your own home.

With accurate tub dimensions, allowances for slope adjustments, custom rod forms, reinforced brackets, and attractive accessory inclusion, you can build a garden tub enclosure that works in harmony with your lifestyle and living environment.