Which clear shower curtains are best?
A clear shower curtain can make a small bathroom seem more airy and spacious. When you’re going for a calming, spa-like feel in your bathroom, adding dimension with a see-through curtain is a sure-fire visual technique. But clear doesn’t have to mean boring or lacking a design aesthetic. Clear curtains come in patterns that are sure to add personality to your bathroom. If you’re looking for a beautiful and inexpensive clear shower curtain, the is the way to go.
In this article: , and
What to know before you buy a clear shower curtain
A clear shower curtain is distinct from a clear liner
Although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, a liner and a curtain serve different functions. The liner, which is generally made of PVC or some other waterproof material, goes inside the tub, and its job is to keep the water from splashing out of the shower. The , which can be either fabric or plastic, goes outside the tub and ties your bathroom’s aesthetic together. You can use just one decorative plastic shower curtain for both jobs, but if you like the clean look of a shower curtain that goes to the floor outside your shower, you’ll want to go for the combo.
Clear doesn’t mean without a pattern
The idea behind adding a sheer shower curtain is mainly to let light through and to use every bit of space in your bathroom to help the eye see the space as larger. This is particularly helpful in smaller, older bathrooms or in apartments where space is at a premium. But just because you want to make your bathroom look light and airy, that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice beauty and appeal. Find a clear shower curtain with a subtle pattern, such as leaves or branches, to add beauty without sacrificing light.
Hooks can complete the look
If you’re looking to create the illusion of more space, you’ll want to accentuate your clear shower curtain with shower hooks that recede from view and don’t distract. Think subtle white hooks for a light-colored curtain, or even ones with small crystal detailing. Avoid heavy-looking hooks like wrought iron.
What to look for in a quality clear shower curtain
Easy washability
One of the advantages of having a separate fabric shower curtain and liner is keeping the shower clean. You can easily discard plastic liners once they get opaque or yellowed and mildewy, and you can toss fabric shower curtains in the washing machine regularly to keep them looking and smelling fresh. However, you’ll want to make sure that your fabric curtain won’t start to show wear after just a few rounds in the wash. While synthetic shower curtains dry quickly if they’re accidentally splashed while you shower, they can begin to show signs of wear faster than cotton and linen shower curtains.
Design cohesiveness
As a rule of thumb, clear shower curtains tend to be well-matched for modern decor. The look can feel a bit stripped down for a more classic home. But if you’re looking to incorporate the airiness of a clear curtain while also keeping your classic decor, accessorize the bathroom with fancy towels or humidity-friendly wall baskets to tie the look together to the rest of your home.
The hotel look
You’ve probably stayed in a hotel with a shower curtain with a clear panel near the top and a solid portion for the rest of the curtain. This look exudes a peaceful, spa feel, and it brings in the benefits of a see-through curtain while allowing for modesty if your shower is likely to be interrupted by small children or roommates.
How much you can expect to spend on a clear shower curtain
Clear shower curtains can cost as little as $15. A designer option with a high-quality weave, such as linen, will cost around $60 or more.
Clear shower curtain FAQ
What are the pros and cons of using only one decorative plastic shower curtain?
A. Choosing a clear shower curtain with a pattern, such as pebbles or bamboo shoots, achieves two goals in one: It adds a decorative touch to your bathroom while keeping water from splashing out of the shower. It’s a perfectly viable choice, especially for smaller apartments, second homes, guest bathrooms and any bathroom that doesn’t get used daily. For a bathroom that gets a lot of use from multiple family members, a fabric curtain outside and a plastic liner inside are a better choice.
How can I extend the life of my plastic shower curtain?
A. If you do decide to buy just one decorative plastic shower curtain to act both as liner and curtain, you’ll want to extend its life as much as possible. The main things that deteriorate a plastic shower curtain are mold and mildew that build up due to the moisture in bathrooms. Be sure to run the bathroom fan after a bathroom gets steamed up during a shower, and shake excess water off the curtain after use. You can also keep a spray bottle with a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water and spray the curtain down after everyone is done showering for the day. You can also buy pre-made products for the same purpose, although vinegar will do the trick without the additional expense.
What’s the best clear shower curtain to buy?
Top clear shower curtain
What you need to know: This simple, elegant shower curtain adds instant visual space to a cramped bathroom.
What you’ll love: This understated, classic curtain is unobtrusive enough to match most decors and comes in either white or gray. It also washes well and retains its shape through regular wear.
What you should consider: This is very sheer, so if you want a bit more privacy, you may want to opt for a curtain with an opaque panel.
Top clear shower curtain for the money
What you need to know: Although billed as a liner, this cobblestone-patterned thick plastic can do double duty as a curtain and liner, particularly in less frequently-used bathrooms.
What you’ll love: This two-in-one solution is attractive and lets light through to give your bathroom an airy, spacious feel.
What you should consider: You’ll have to replace this as frequently as you would a liner, so you’ll need to work to keep it from developing mildew to extend its life.
Worth checking out
What you need to know: This spa-inspired curtain gives you the benefits of a see-through shower curtain while also providing an opaque bottom panel.
What you’ll love: This is a high-quality curtain that will last. It will add instant elegance to your bathroom and comes in various colors.
What you should consider: You’ll have to air-dry or dry on low to keep the mesh intact.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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