Showering should be an experience of comfort, cleanliness, and tranquility. One essential part of that experience is your shower curtain.
A well-chosen and fitted curtain can be stylish and functional for your bathroom. But how exactly do you ensure that you have the perfect shower curtain fit?
Let’s dive into the simple steps to guide you toward a perfect shower curtain fit for your space!
To measure a shower curtain, you must determine its height and width measurement. The standard shower curtain sizes are 70 x 70, 70 x 72, and 72 x 72 inches.
Start by measuring your shower curtain across from one wall to the other. Then add 12 inches to this width dimension.
To get the height of a shower curtain with curtain rings, you’ll need to deduct 8 to 10 inches. Remember, shower curtains don’t need to fit perfectly if they don’t drag on the floor.
How Do You Measure a Shower Curtain For a Shower Stall?
When measuring a shower curtain, you must establish its width and height.
Step 1. Begin by determining the width of your shower. Measure one wall to the other in inches. It’s important to note that the ideal shower curtain is marginally wider than your shower.
Step 2. Add an extra 12 inches to your shower’s width. This additional foot of fabric will contribute significantly towards achieving the desired aesthetic.
Step 3. Next is to evaluate the height of your shower. Avoid measuring from the ceiling to the floor. Instead, measure from the shower rod down to the floor. Then deduct roughly 8 to 10 inches to accommodate for the curtain rings.
Step 4. If your measurements do not fit the standard curtain sizes, modify the height of the rod.
Shower Curtain Size and Dimensions
Shower curtains come in various sizes to fit different showers and bathtubs. Here are some of the most common dimensions:
Standard Size: The common dimensions for shower curtains are 70 x 70, 70 x 72, and 72 x 72 inches. These sizes are typically sufficient for most standard bathtubs.
Stall Size: For standalone shower stalls, these are a bit smaller than full bathtubs. You might use a curtain that measures 54 inches wide by 78 inches long (54″ x 78″).
Extra Long: Some showers or bathtubs are taller than average. It might need an extra-long curtain. These typically measure 72 inches wide by 84 inches long (72″ x 84″) or 72 inches wide by 96 inches long (72″ x 96″).
Extra Wide: An extra-wide curtain may be necessary for uniquely wide showers. These might measure 108 inches wide by 72 inches long (108″ x 72″).
How Do You Measure For a Hookless Shower Curtain?
Measuring for a hookless shower curtain is a similar process to a curtain with hooks. However, you don’t have to account for the height of the rings or hooks.
A hookless shower curtain is a type of shower curtain that doesn’t require hooks or rings to hang it up. Instead, it’s designed with built-in features. These snap-on loops often allow you to hang them directly on the shower rod.
Here’s how you do it:
Step 1. Measure from the spot where the top of the curtain will hang. This is usually where you will install the shower rod and where you want the bottom of the curtain to reach.
Step 2. Typically, for a bathtub, the shower curtain should hang an inch or two above the top edge of the bathtub. For a shower stall, you may want it to be about 72 inches from the top of the rod to the floor.
Remember, hookless shower curtains will hang directly on the rod. Therefore, you don’t need to account for the few extra inches that hooks might typically add to the height.
How Do You Measure For a Neo Angle Shower Curtain Rod?
Neo Angle Shower Curtain Rod from Amazon
A neo-angle shower curtain rod is typically designed to fit neo-angle showers. These are showers placed in the corner of a bathroom with a diamond-like shape.
Here are the steps to measure:
Step 1: Measure each wall starting from the corner where the two walls meet. Then calculate along each wall where you intend to mount the rod.
Step 2: Measure the angle. Most neo-angle shower curtain rods are usually designed to fit a 135-degree angle. Compare this with the length of your shower rod. Find the difference between the two measurements and split that number in half. This will be the amount you need to trim from your shower rod.
Step 3: Last is to measure the center line. The total width should be the combined lengths of the rods to ensure the curtain fully closes.
How Do You Measure a Shower Curtain For a Clawfoot Tub?
A clawfoot tub is a standalone bathtub with a unique shape. Given the circular shape of the tub, you may need an extra-wide or even a circular curtain to enclose the tub fully.
Step 1. Measure around the whole perimeter of the tub where the shower curtain rod will be. Clawfoot tubs are often oval-shaped. So, you will likely need an extra-wide shower curtain.
Step 2. Subsequently, measure the vertical height of your shower curtain rings. Subtract this height from the initial measurement you took. This measurement will determine the suitable length of the shower curtain.
Step 3. Shower curtains for clawfoot tubs hang lower because the tub is usually elevated. You want the curtain to hang low enough to prevent water from splashing out but not so low that it drags on the floor.
How Much Bigger Should a Shower Curtain Be Than the Shower?
A shower curtain should typically be around 10 to 12 inches wider than the shower itself. This extra width helps to ensure adequate coverage. It is important if you’re using a curtain with a horizontal pattern.
As you can see, the shower curtain height is a few inches longer than the height of the rod. However, the bottom of the curtain should not drag on the floor or lie inside the tub, where it can soak up water. A good rule of thumb is for the curtain to hang about 1 to 2 inches above the floor or edge of the tub.
Remember, these are just guidelines. The exact size of your shower curtain will depend on the size and layout of your shower. It may also depend on your personal preference for how you want your bathroom to look. Always measure your shower area before purchasing a shower curtain to ensure a good fit.
Should the Shower Curtain And Liner Be the Same Size?
Usually, the shower curtain and liner should be roughly the same size. This allows the liner to prevent water from reaching the shower curtain.
However, there can be some slight variations in size, especially in terms of length:
- Width: The liner should be wide enough to cover the entire shower or bathtub. It adds a bit of extra width to ensure full coverage when the curtain is usually closed. Therefore, it is typically the same width as the shower curtain.
- Length: The liner often hangs slightly lower than the shower curtain. The shower curtain should hang 1 to 2 inches above the floor to prevent water damage and mildew growth. On the other hand, the liner can hang inside the tub. This helps direct water back into the tub or shower instead of onto the floor.
Always double-check the dimensions before purchasing a shower curtain or liner. This is to ensure they match your shower or tub size and each other.
Does Shower Curtain Size Matter?
Yes, the size of your shower curtain does matter. The primary purpose of a shower curtain is to prevent water from splashing out on the bathroom floor.
A curtain that is too narrow may fail to contain water effectively. This can lead to a wet floor, potential slip hazards, and possible long-term water damage.
In addition, a shower curtain that’s the right size for your bathroom will look better. If it’s too long, it could drag on the floor, which can cause the bottom of the curtain to become dirty or mildew. If it’s too short, it can look odd and might not provide enough privacy.
A curtain too wide for your setup might bunch up more than necessary. As a result, it can cause creasing and accelerated wear and tear.
Shower curtains also provide privacy in the bathroom. A curtain that is too small won’t provide adequate coverage.
Selecting the right size for your shower curtain is more than an aesthetic choice. It’s practical and impacts the product’s safety, privacy, and longevity.
Regardless of your tub or shower type, the correct curtain size ensures a clean and safe bathroom. So, take your time to measure accurately and select a curtain that’s just right for your space.
