What are the best curtains for the bathroom - materials and design

Expert: Anna Maslova

*Review of the best according to the editors of expertology.ru. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective in nature, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.

Bathroom curtains are still relevant today. Modern models are very different from those that were available when our mothers and fathers and grandparents were young. Our article will tell you which option to choose from the variety of fabrics, structures, and designs presented. Expertology experts prepared a rating, selecting the 9 best curtains for the bathroom.

Choosing material

The selection of curtains should begin with the choice of material. After all, a curtain should not only be beautiful, but also practical: keep its shape, not get wet, and be pleasant to the touch. The most popular curtains are made from:

• Polyethylene. This variety is cheaper than other options, but it looks too simple, and you need to use the plastic curtain carefully, it is easily torn or chewed by a cat. Polyethylene can be transparent, glossy or matte, with various ornaments and patterns.

• Fabrics. Special fabrics with water-repellent properties are used for production. They retain moisture well and protect the floor and walls from getting wet. Designer models are often made from linen impregnated with a special composition. A weighting material is installed along the bottom edge. The service life of such curtains with careful use reaches 12 years.

• Vinyl. The material in question is much stronger than polyethylene and does not require special care. Vinyl curtains are easy to clean, since dirt is not absorbed into their surface; for example, you can wash them in a washing machine.

Thus, if the budget is very limited, then the most suitable option is a polyethylene curtain. In addition, this material is available in any color. When the quality of the material and functionality come first, it is better to opt for vinyl copies.

Curtains with 3D patterns, description of pattern application technology

For bathroom curtains in 3D format, a marine theme is often chosen, although here, of course, there are no restrictions, and bright and beautiful scenes on any theme are appropriate. Vinyl curtains with the effect of water droplets look interesting. Looks realistic.

Such “droplets” cannot be wiped dry

In order for photo curtains to look organic, the walls should be neutral in color, as too many accents will overload the small space of the room.

Photocurtains are produced using modern technologies, and you cannot do without a production printer. The process begins with the work of a designer who creates a picture with a three-dimensional effect, after which special equipment (laser engraving or embossing at the discretion of the manufacturer) transfers the design onto a canvas (made of vinyl or polyester) and fixes it.

Modern technologies make it possible to transfer very realistic images onto fabric

Curtains, regardless of type, are washed manually or in a washing machine at a temperature of 40°C, without spinning. After which you can immediately hang it on the cornice so that there are no creases.

Features of sliding curtains in the bathroom

Photo - 27 White curtain with eyelets

Sliding products for the bathroom are a rigid structure that opens like a compartment. To create them, two materials are used:

• glass – has high strength and safety. There are transparent, mirror and matte varieties. They do not allow water to flow under the bathtub in order to avoid the appearance of mold and mildew in hard-to-reach places;
• plastic – it is practical and easy to install; it looks like glass, but is less durable.

Photo - 28 Short curtain for the bathroom

Photo - 29 Designer curtains for the bathroom

Photo - 30 Original solution for the bathroom

Photo - 31 Custom solutions for the bathroom

Photo - 32 PVC bathroom curtain

Photo - 33 Glass curtains separating the bath and shower

Important! Glass and plastic systems keep the room completely dry. The tightness of the structures allows you to use the room for decoration with any textile products.

Design solutions - which one to choose?

Rigid curtains

They are made of tempered glass, which has a high degree of strength.

The most unusual option is a rigid bath curtain, which is made of glass. These curtains are considered a premium segment, since their installation costs much more than installing classic curtain options. Among the disadvantages are the rather high cost, heavy weight, and labor-intensive installation, which will also require additional costs.

Such curtains have a significant advantage over ordinary ones, since they are the most practical and do not lose their presentable appearance for many years.

A similar option is a plastic bathroom curtain. It clearly wins in price, safety and practicality compared to the glass version.

You can apply any design on the plastic, as well as make it transparent or matte.

According to the type of design, curtains can be hinged, sliding or accordion-style. The last two types are the most common options, as they do not take up extra space in the bathroom.

Sliding curtains for the bathroom are not only excellent protection against splashes, but also complement the interior in an original way.

Swing curtains for the bathroom open like a door to the outside, which requires additional space in the room, and is not always convenient. When installing rigid curtains made of glass or plastic, you should worry about ventilation and leave space for ventilation to avoid the appearance of fungus in the room.

Such curtains are represented by an opening mechanism in the form of doors.

Bamboo curtains are very beautiful and will perfectly complement almost any interior, but they are very rarely used in the bathroom, as they do not have a practical function.

Curtains made of soft materials

A bathroom curtain made of soft materials is the most common and convenient option. The obvious advantages include:

• low price;
• availability;
• safety;
• large selection of colors;
• ease of installation;
• easy to operate.

They can be washed in an automatic machine at temperatures up to forty degrees.

Today the market offers a huge variety of original bathroom curtains, many interesting colors and designs.

Variety of fastening systems

Among the variety of options for fastening systems, the following can be distinguished:

• hooks or rings. This mounting option is the most popular. To install the structure you will need a rod. Holes are made along the upper edge of the curtain and rings or hooks are threaded, making sure to take into account the height of the model when directly attaching it;
• Magnetic clamps. They look like clothespins with magnets. Can be used for various curtains;
• eyelets. These are convenient devices in the form of rings that are inserted into the holes of curtains. The rod is pulled through holes with grommets;
• screen with pocket. It is an original device similar to the scenes. During installation, the rod is threaded through a fabric fold, thereby masking it;
• chains. To use this type of fastening, you need to have an appropriate ceiling height. Because first a cornice is installed, chains are inserted into it and the canvas is hung on them.

Design features and selection tips

When deciding which curtain models to choose, you should consider useful recommendations:

• It is important to choose the appropriate mount. These can be grommet designs or regular rings. There are different shapes of rods that allow you to implement flexible, non-standard solutions;
• Before purchasing, you should decide on the type of product. Rigid models are suitable as capital structures. If you need to frequently change the interior of a room, then you should prefer soft options;
• When choosing a suitable product, you should take into account the dimensions of the room. The height of the ceilings matters;
• accessories are painted in different colors. The color of the products must be in harmony with the general color background of the room. Neutral blue, yellow or pink shades can be used;
• The installation height of the rod is determined in advance. The canvas must not reach the floor. Rings and grommet fasteners require a different approach.

By choosing interesting, high-quality accessories for the bathroom, you can create a stylish, functional interior. In addition to quality characteristics, the service life of the product is affected by proper installation of the structure and regular maintenance.

How to choose glass curtains for the bathroom

Photo - 34 Curtains for the bathroom

When choosing curtains for the bathroom, many are already moving away from standard plastic curtains and prefer glass instead of curtains. The glass curtain for the bathroom is a durable design that is absolutely waterproof and has a long service life - up to 15 years.

Photo - 35 Plastic curtain for the bathroom

Photo - 36 Glass curtain for the bathroom with a pattern

Photo - 37 Light curtain for the bathroom

There are several types of glass curtains:

• swing doors – reminiscent of interior doors;
• sliding – frequently used partitions that open using rollers or special grooves;
• glass folding – installed on any type of bathtub, the doors fold like an accordion;
• corner – have different configurations with straight and semicircular guides;
• fixed - they consist of one part without a rotating mechanism and are easily fixed on the side.

Photo - 38 Elite curtain for the bathroom

Photo - 39 Designer curtain for the bathroom

Photo - 40 Designer curtain with a marine motif

Important! Hinged curtains are only suitable for spacious baths, as they take up a lot of space when opened. For small rooms, sliding systems are most often used.

Photo - 41 Neat curtain for the bathroom made of glass

Depending on the type of partitions chosen, the installation of glass curtains has its own sequence of actions and technology. Glass ones are attached to the wall, so you will first need to install a wall profile.

Original and beautiful ideas for curtains in the bathroom interior with photos

Original bathroom curtains can add bright colors to any interior. But you should approach their choice very carefully; sometimes they can reduce the cost of the entire image. For example, if your bathroom is designed in an antique or luxury style, then polyethylene curtains with a daisy pattern will clearly ruin the whole look.

A textile bathroom curtain will definitely give the bathroom the effect of chic and luxury.

Unusual curtains for the bathroom are a great idea for a gift, but when purchasing such a gift, you must know exactly what style your friend’s bathroom is decorated in and have a good understanding of the intricacies of design. To do this, it is not necessary to study a lot of design literature; it is enough to follow fashion trends and have a sense of taste. You can also always get inspired by ideas from the Internet.

The choice of curtains for the bathroom is so wide that everyone can choose what they like and suit the overall design.

Types of structures

Plastic and glass curtains can be made in various ways.

Stationary ones are made from solid fabric on one side of the bathroom. With their help you can visually expand the space and reliably protect the room from water

The shape of this type of curtain can be varied: semicircular, rectangular, straight. They are usually installed in miniature rooms, since sliding structures take up little space.

An accordion curtain, or folding one, consists of several parts. Their number depends on the shape and size of the bathroom. They must be used very carefully, as their design is very fragile.

The swing version resembles a regular door on a mount. They are very practical, but only in a large room.

Mounting options

According to the method of attachment to the guides, curtain designs are used, the choice of which depends on the shape of the bathtub and the material from which the curtain fabric is made:

1. Fastening with a rod and crocodile clips. This design is often used for polyethylene, textile and polyester curtains. The clothespins are attached to the bar using rings. The pipe can be straight or curved if the shape of the bath requires it. It is best to choose plastic clothespins - they do not rust in high humidity conditions like metal ones and do not tear the fabric. If opened abruptly, plastic clothespins can release the curtain, while metal ones can tear them.

   
   Attaching curtains with clothespins

2. Grommet designs are the most expensive type of fastening. This method is not used on short-lived and cheap materials. In this case, the curtains are attached to the rod using rings, but holes are made directly in the curtain and bordered with metal stop rings, the diameter of which corresponds to the size of the rod. The eyelet designs are very convenient. The curtains glide easily, do not fall off or come off. The downside is that the metal of the rings will rust over time.

   
   Attaching the curtain to the eyelets

3. Another way to hang curtains on a rod using rings is magnetic clips. Loops with magnets at the ends are made of metal or fabric. This type of fastening will not hold fabric items with weights. The thick vinyl construction with magnets may also not hold up. But a curtain made of polyester or soft polyethylene will hang perfectly.

4. The simplest method of fastening, which is often used when sewing curtains yourself, is a pocket . The upper edge of the fabric is folded and hemmed so that the barbell easily fits into the resulting sleeve. You can sew a strip of fabric onto the fabric from the wrong side, leaving the edge free. The curtain with a pocket is difficult to move along the guides. Curtain tiebacks can make operation easier.
5. Occasionally, designs with ceiling cornices are used in bathrooms . In this case, a chain or rope is attached to the upper edge of the canvas, to which the hooks of the cornice cling.

Installation nuances

Installing curtains over the bathtub to protect the interior from splashes must take into account the design of the cornice, supporting elements, wall materials, ceiling partitions and their linings.

Installation height

The vertical level of the cornice relative to the side of the bathtub primarily depends on its design:

• ceiling - attached to a floor slab or profile specially mounted on it under a suspended or suspended ceiling;
• string and rod - must be fixed to the walls taking into account the height of the curtain, the lower 20 cm of which will be tucked inside the bowl during operation.
• L-shaped or semicircular rod - the length of the suspension at the corner of the structure should be sufficient for fixation to the ceiling, the side parts are attached to the walls.
  Cornice height.

The installation height of frames with guides for curtains made of polycarbonate and glass is determined by the manufacturer and is indicated in the instructions.

Mounting method

Installation of brackets is carried out using dowels and nails to main walls and floor slabs. To do this, markings are made, blind holes are drilled, plastic dowels are driven in, then nails with a “ruff”.

This method is not suitable for drywall, even covered with tiles. Therefore, even when installing the frame for gypsum plasterboard systems, you should add a profile at the site of future fastening. The same applies when decorating a bathroom with PVC panels.

Installation of a profile ceiling cornice or arched, corner curtain hangers is usually carried out by installers of suspended ceilings along with lighting fixtures.

Thus, there are several ways to install a curtain rod in a bathroom. The choice usually depends on the renovation budget and the interior of the bathroom.

Selecting curtain size

The easiest way is to buy a standard size curtain. The following standard sizes are available:

• 200 x 200 cm;
• 180 x 200 cm;
• 180 x 180 cm.

But if you don’t want to miscalculate the size, then you need to take the correct measurements.

The length is determined from the height of the shower head to the edge of the bath plus 20–25 cm. You can choose a length just below the side or to the middle of the bath. Floor-length curtains are also relevant. They look good and can completely cover the space under the bathtub.

When selecting the size, the presence of an image on the fabric is taken into account. If you plan to purchase a model with a composition or a large pattern, you will need a width slightly shorter than the cornice. Then the image will be clearly visible. Otherwise, it will be deformed by folds and not the best impression will be created. If you intend to have a small pattern or a repeating floral pattern, it is better to choose a wider curtain to create folds.

How to make a curtain with your own hands

In order to make a curtain with your own hands, it is best to choose polyester. Even if you cannot purchase material with special impregnation, polyester has good moisture-repellent properties even without it. Moreover, it is easy to work with.

The bar is installed depending on the shape of the bath - straight or curved. You can use a cornice or wire.

The dimensions of the product must correspond to the size of the bathtub, taking into account the drapery. When cutting, you need to take into account seam allowances: leave 2 cm on the sides, 4 cm on the bottom and top.

If a pocket is planned, the top allowance should take into account the width of the hem. First of all, fold the edges twice and stitch them. Along the bottom edge, you can put a chain or other weighting material into the hem.

If the curtain will be hung with clothespins, the top edge should be reinforced with adhesive interlining. For hanging, you can use other types of fastening: loops or bows made of the same fabric, a pocket, and others. The loops are made from similar fabric.

The width depends on the chosen style, and the length depends on the diameter of the base, to which 1-2 cm is added for freedom of movement of the curtain.

The easiest way to make loops is double. First, the end edges are processed with a simple hem. Then the side edges are sewn together with the allowances inwards, stitched around the perimeter and sewn to the curtain.

Pros and cons of fabric curtains

Textile curtains for the bathroom have the following advantages:

1. High-quality textiles are environmentally friendly materials. Does not cause allergies.
2. An effective fabric bathroom curtain has weighting at the bottom, which ensures that it performs its function and makes it very comfortable.
3. Thanks to the moisture-repellent impregnation, the fabric does not allow water to pass through or absorb it. Liquid flows down the surface of the curtain. This property of curtains protects the room from steam, moisture, and therefore from mold.
4. A large assortment of similar curtains of various colors, textures and methods of fastening allows you to choose a product for a room decorated in any style.
5. The fabric bathroom curtain is easy to care for. There are no stains or dirt left on it. This product can be machine washed and hung up to dry.
6. A roll screen can be made from textiles.
7. Textile curtains are pleasant to the touch and do not stick to the body during bathing, unlike polyethylene curtains.

The disadvantages of textile curtains include the fact that they need to be washed regularly. At the same time, this makes it easier to care for the product, prevents the growth of mold in the fabric fibers and destroys bacteria.

To prevent the appearance of mold, curtains need to be dried regularly. Another drawback is the short service life of such products, which is only 2-3 years. Double fabric curtains last longer.

Successful design examples

A fabric bathroom curtain can solve any problem and make your dream come true:

• If there are small children in the house, you can hang a curtain with a child's drawing. Select a product with images of dolls, cars or animals. When the children grow up, the curtain can be removed and thus easily get rid of the children's design.

Example of children's design

• A young girl’s bath should be decorated with a curtain with lush flounces.
• It is easy to find a suitable romantic design for newlyweds, which will turn the bathroom into a real paradise.

Manufacturers and reviews

Domestic manufacturers produce good models of fabric curtains for the bathroom, but the most famous are the products produced in Germany, Italy and Switzerland.

In addition to practical and simple models, Swiss manufacturers have invented curtains for the bathroom that absorb sunlight, and when it gets dark, they emit it back. But such a curtain is not suitable for every room, since the bathroom must have a window through which the sun's rays can penetrate.

Bathroom with window

Roller blinds

Roller blinds are usually used to decorate windows in kitchens, living rooms, bedrooms, and summer terraces. However, they are also very appropriate in the bath, as they save space - just raise the curtain to the ceiling.

The material for roller blinds, which are supposed to be used in the bathroom, must withstand the ingress of water, so the fabric must be treated with a waterproof compound. Dirt does not linger on this fabric, so caring for it is easy: just wipe with a sponge and detergent and rinse with water.

So far, roller blinds are used quite rarely in bathrooms, and it is difficult to find a suitable illustration. However, it is easy to imagine how it will look if you look at the curtain you like in the interior of a living room or kitchen.

Rating of the best bath curtains

Based on considerations of practicality, optimal cost and design, then polyester fabric curtains can easily be called the best and at the top. They are relatively inexpensive, do not require maintenance, and are easily machine washable. A large selection of colors and prints will help you find a solution for every room.

Vinyl curtains are also good in decorative and practical terms, but when choosing this material it is important to give preference to quality products from well-known manufacturers. The product is preliminarily assessed not only visually, but also for foreign odors.

When buying a glass or plastic screen, it is better to give preference to the first. It is more durable, easy to care for, although it requires a lot of attention, it looks stylish and well-made. Over time, the plastic will become cloudy or yellowish, and scratches will appear on the surface. Glass is not afraid of this, and to clean it you can use various, including aggressive, detergents with a pronounced disinfectant effect.

Rules of care

Care depends on the design features and materials from which the curtains are made. Curtains need to be dried and washed regularly. Fabric, polyester and vinyl items should be washed and ironed when possible. Do not use aggressive detergents, hard brushes or sponges. This may damage the protective layer on the surface of the material.

After each bath, curtains should be rinsed, shaken, straightened and dried so that moisture does not linger in the folds.