Shower Curtain Too Small or Bunching? Get the Correct Dimensions
Having a properly sized shower curtain is essential to contain water and prevent leaks, yet many of us end up with shower curtains that are either too small or overly large. A shower curtain that is too narrow or short results in constant adjustments during showering to keep water in, while an oversized curtain with excessive fabric can become a tripping hazard. Understanding standard shower curtain dimensions and measuring your enclosure accurately is key to picking the optimal size shower curtain for your space.
In this blog post, we will walk through everything you need to know to measure your shower enclosure, calculate the proper width and length, and choose a shower curtain that fits perfectly. You'll learn how to factor in extra width for overlap and account for the height of the curtain rod and rings. We'll also cover the consequences of shower curtains that are too big or too small, and considerations based on material and bathroom layout. Follow our guide to finally solve shower curtain size issues!
Measuring Your Shower Opening
When shopping for a new shower curtain, the very first step is taking accurate measurements of your shower enclosure. This ensures you get a curtain that fits properly without being too cramped or leaving excessive fabric.
Determine Shower Width
Start by measuring the full open width of your shower from wall to wall. Use a tape measure to measure across the entire enclosure at the point where the shower curtain will hang. Be sure to measure across the exact area you will cover with the curtain. Round your measurement up to the nearest whole inch. This number gives you the minimum width your new shower curtain must be.
Factor in Extra Width
Simply using the width of your shower enclosure is not enough for a shower curtain. You need to add extra width to allow sufficient overlap on the sides. The standard recommendation is to add 12 inches to your shower width measurement. This results in 6 inches of fabric overlapping on each side when the curtain is closed. Those extra inches are crucial to keeping water contained.
Without enough overlap, a narrow shower curtain will blow inward when the shower is on. Water will drip onto the floor, defeating the whole purpose of having a curtain. Going larger than 12 inches is fine too, especially in very wide showers. However, too much extra width leads to its own issues, which we will cover later.
Consider Shower Shape
For showers that are not a standard square or rectangle, take measurements at both the top and bottom of the enclosure as well as in the middle. Some showers taper in or out from top to bottom. Others may have rounded corners or protrusions that require more width in certain spots. Use the largest width measurement to size your curtain appropriately.
This is especially important for neo-angle or quadrant showers that are wider at one end. Take measurements at the front and back to ensure you have enough width for the whole angled enclosure.
Account for Shower Curtain Rod and Rings
When measuring for shower curtain length, you need to add a few extra inches to allow for the hardware that hangs the curtain. The curtain rod and rings that suspend the curtain from the rod add 2-3 inches of height. So if you measured 72 inches from your tub to the ceiling, purchase a shower curtain that is 74-75 inches long. This prevents the curtain from coming up short.
Choosing the Optimal Shower Curtain Size
Once you have precise measurements, it's time to purchase your new shower curtain. Get one that matches those dimensions for the best fit and performance. Here are the benefits of the right size and potential issues if your curtain is undersized or oversized.
Benefits of Proper Width
When you choose a shower curtain wide enough for ample side overlap, you prevent water from escaping the enclosure while you shower. A properly wide curtain also eliminates the need for constant adjustments to block water. You can enjoy your shower without battling to keep the curtain in just the right spot.
A curtain with sufficient width enables full range of motion when you shower without hitting or pressing against the curtain. This allows shaving legs or washing young children easily without limited space.
Consequences of Too Narrow
A shower curtain that is too narrow or short for your enclosure fails to serve its purpose. Excess water will drip onto the floor around the sides, leading to a slippery mess you need to clean up each time. Plus you will likely need to continually readjust the curtain angle or position while showering to contain the water.
When the curtain lacks adequate overlap width, it will blow inward when the shower is on. The curtain will stick to your body uncomfortably. And the narrow width means the sides likely do not fully cover the edges of the tub or shower walls, allowing leaks.
Dangers of Overly Wide Curtains
On the other hand, selecting a shower curtain that is far too wide leads to a different set of frustrations. Excess fabric extending well past the shower walls ends up bunching up on the floor. This bunched curtain gets in the way when you exit the shower. More problematically, it can create a tripping or slipping hazard.
An overlong and wide curtain also looks messy and unkempt. The extra fabric prevents the curtain from hanging nicely when slid to the side. And it interferes with bathmats on the floor outside the tub. Measure carefully to avoid choosing a curtain that is overly large for your space.
Material Considerations
The material you choose for your shower curtain impacts how strictly you must adhere to perfect dimensions. Plastic shower curtains usually require trimming to custom fit smaller showers. The rigid material does not gather or flex as much. So accurately measure your enclosure before purchasing to know the exact size needed.
Fabric shower curtains have a bit more leeway for flexibility and gathering. Natural fabrics like cotton and linen can bunch attractively. And fabrics with grommets allow pulling the header tight. So they do not need to match your shower width quite as precisely.
In the end, match the shower curtain material and texture to your bathroom decor. Just account for how much it can conform to different widths when sizing.
Hanging Your New Shower Curtain
After doing the hard work to calculate the ideal new shower curtain size, you want to hang it properly. Follow these tips for professionally installing your shower curtain.
Mark Height on Wall
Determine the optimal height for the curtain rod and mark this spot on the wall with painter's tape. Measure from the top of the tub to the ceiling. Leave 1-2 inches between the ceiling and top of the curtain for the best look. Mark a level line at this height around the entire perimeter of the shower area.
Select Proper Hanging Hardware
Choose an appropriate curtain rod for your shower enclosure. Curved rods work well for rounded neo-angle showers. Straight rods cover basic tub and shower combos. Ensure the length fits your space. And pick finishes that match your bathroom decor, like brushed nickel, chrome, bronze, or oiled-rubbed bronze.
Hang Curtain Evenly
Install your curtain rod using the marks you made. Check it is even and level with a small bubble level. Hang your new shower curtain from the rod using glider rings. Make sure the curtain is hung evenly with the same amount of overlap at both ends. Pull the rings to the edges for full coverage.
After learning the techniques for measuring shower enclosures and calculating curtain dimensions, you can finally install a shower curtain that fits your space perfectly. No more wet floors or constant adjustments! Just smooth operation and discreet style.
Measure your unique shower opening, account for overlap and hardware, and shop for the right size. Then hang your new curtain evenly and professionally. With the right know-how, you can solve shower curtain size issues once and for all. Just follow our guide for measuring success!