The 17 Best Shower Curtains for Your Bathroom

Jul 17, 2023

Wait until you see our best overall pick, the Outlines Shower System—it’s eco-friendly.

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BHG / Lecia Landis

When decorating your bathroom, it’s easy to focus on the larger details. But a bathroom makeover can easily be achieved by changing one eye-catching detail, and that's your shower curtain.

Whether your space is large, small, newly renovated, or in desperate need of some sprucing, upgrading your shower curtain is a simple way to elevate and add personality to your bathroom.

“People look to shower curtains to add warmth, texture, and personality to their bathroom,” says interior designer Ruthie Jackson. “They are an inexpensive and low-risk way to introduce a fun pattern.”

We’ve identified the 18 best shower curtains that instantly up your bathroom game—from statement-making florals to hotel-quality neutrals. Keep reading to find our recommendations for the best shower curtains.

Outlines

It's affordable, stylish, and sustainable, making it a triple threat.

It's pretty plain, so if you are looking for a pop of color or pattern, you may want to look elsewhere.

We think that the sustainability of this product makes up for it. Just because it doesn’t look like a conversation starter, that doesn’t mean it isn’t one! There’s plenty to talk about with our best overall pick.

The top part of the shower liner, The Keep, is made of 100% sustainable cotton and is reusable and machine-washable. Meanwhile, the bottom part of the shower, the Replen liner, is recyclable. The upper portion of the curtain is reusable and machine-washable, while you recycle the lower portion on a schedule of your choosing to keep your bathroom mold- and grime-free.

Ahead of purchasing, you’ll take a quiz that decides the frequency with which you receive new Replen, and send your old one back for recycling. Unlike other plastic liners, the Replen liner is made of 100% certified non-toxic PEVA, which makes it better for the environment than PVC liners. It also doesn’t look like a boring old shower curtain, though it is easy to clean like a plastic one.

Price at time of publish: $50

Product Details: Dimensions: 71 x 72 inches | Material: 100% cotton canvas, certified non-toxic PEVA | Hanging Method: Grommets for shower hooks or rings | Care Instructions: Machine wash.

Amazon

A hotel-quality shower curtain at an extremely affordable price.

It's made out of polyester that is not 100% waterproof.

The AmazerBath Waffle Shower Curtain is the best shower curtain for when you’re looking to spruce up your bathroom on a budget. There are many colors available, including black, white (in both matt polyester and heavy-duty polyester), cream, gray, khaki, sage green, purple, navy, and mustard yellow. No matter the style or color of your bathroom, there’s an option for you.

Something to consider is that the curtain is made out of polyester, which is not 100% waterproof, though it can naturally repel some water. Therefore, to keep your curtain from developing mold or mildew, it is recommended that you use it with a 100% waterproof liner.

The waffle fabric is heavy, draft resistant, and opaque, so it won’t kick up in the shower or leave water all over your bathroom floor, and it offers you plenty of privacy.

Price at time of publish: $17

Product Details: Dimensions: 72 x 72 inches | Material: 100% polyester | Hanging Method: Grommets for hooks or rings | Care Instructions: Machine wash.

West Elm

It offers chic details and high-quality fabric, making it the best shower curtain for the neutral lover.

The Organic Stripe Jacquard Shower Curtain from West Elm is featured in white and frost gray options.

Looking for a neutral shower curtain can be overwhelming because there are so many to choose from. Both are designed of super-soft 100% cotton that falls in drapes for an elegant look. The Organic Stripe Jacquard Shower Curtain keeps the busyness to a minimum. Neutral does not need to be boring, though—the jacquard stripes, which are woven right into the cotton base, add texture to the curtain, which adds texture to the rest of the room. The curtain’s tasseled edges add to its bohemian feel.

Made out of 100% organic cotton, this shower curtain is certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard for ethical production. While we love that it is sustainable, the material of the curtain means that you should use a liner to keep it from attracting mold or mildew. Be aware that cotton can shrink, so you’ll need to follow the care instructions carefully to avoid that fate. When you wash the curtain, you can wash it in warm water on a gentle cycle and tumble dry it low.

Price at time of publish: $70

Product Details: Dimensions: 72 x 74 inches | Material: 100% cotton | Hanging Method: Buttonholes for shower hooks or rings | Care Instructions: Machine wash warm on a gentle cycle, and tumble dry low.

Walmart

This shower curtain keeps water where it belongs—in the tub—with a draft-resistant bottom.

This vinyl shower curtain is treated with an agent to resist mildew and has a reinforced mesh header with rust-proof grommets to avoid tearing around the rings.

Hate it when your shower curtain catches a breeze and can’t stay put? At an affordable price, the Zenna Home White Super Heavyweight Vinyl Shower is the best shower curtain that keeps the water out. Because this is a vinyl shower curtain and not a cloth curtain, it’s not recommended that it be washed in your washing machine. Instead, it is recommended that you keep up with the cleaning by wiping the material with a damp cloth and shower clean so that you won’t need to deal with grime or mildew build-up. You should also fully open the curtain after use to dry.

The Zenna Home shower curtain comes in four colors: white, beige, clear, and Frosty. It is suitable on its own or paired with a decorative curtain, serving as a liner instead. It’s draft-resistant, which means it’ll stick close to the tub instead of attempting to stick to you while you shower.

Price at time of publish: $15

Product Details: Dimensions: 72 x 72 inches | Material: Vinyl | Hanging Method: Grommets for shower hooks or rings | Care Instructions: Wipe with a damp cloth.

Target

If you’ve got an extra-wide tub, you’ll need a curtain that provides you with more than enough coverage.

If you have a shower that exceeds the standard measurements of 72 x 72 inches, you don’t have to buy a custom curtain to make your space look luxurious.

Target’s classic waffle shower curtain comes with an extra three feet of length. The curtain is a waffle weave, which gives it a spa-like feel, and it comes in three colors: taupe, gray, and blue.

Made of 100% Polyester, the fabric is meant to repel water to keep mold and mildew away, and your shower curtain looking brand new. The Spa Waffle Curtain is long enough to cover the extra length of a custom shower, but it has also been treated with 3M Scotchgard water repellent treatment so that it doesn’t absorb water, and it’s stain resistant.

Price at time of publish: $40

Product Details: Dimensions: 10 x 72 inches | Material: 100% polyester | Hanging Method: Buttonholes for shower hooks and rings | Care Instructions: Machine wash.

Amazon

With water-repellent fabric and plenty of colors to choose from, this curtain offers plenty of options to spruce up a small space on a budget.

Typical shower curtains are 72 x 72 inches. The stall shower curtain measures 32 x 72 inches and is made for stall showers.

It can be used as a liner alongside a more decorative shower curtain or on its own. It comes in a few colors: white, black, graphite gray, and navy.

Washing your fabric shower curtains is extremely important to avoid mildew and mold stains. You can machine wash the N&Y HOME Fabric Shower Curtain, which is made of water-repellent, polyester fabric.

This stall shower curtain has two strong magnetic weights in the bottom corners that keep your shower space secured, and your water from getting all over the bathroom floor.

Price at time of publish: $10

Product Details: Dimensions: 36 x 72 inches | Material: Polyester and polyester blend | Hanging Method: Grommets for shower hooks and rings | Care Instructions: Machine washes cold with similar colors.

Quiet Town

Made of non-toxic EVA, Quiet Town’s clear shower curtains come in a handful of colors and patterns, bringing an updated feel to a classic curtain.

It's made of non-chlorinated EVA that is PVC and BPA-free, which means it’s not harmful to you or the environment, like some other plastics.

Who says clear shower curtains have to lack personality? Not here. The shower curtain is described as “luxuriously heavyweight,” which means it’ll stay put while you’re staying clean, and the heavy, 12-gauge EVA won’t stick to you in the shower.

The brand offers multiple colors for its transparent curtains, ranging from hot pink to forest green and black. Keep in mind that the colors may appear more or less saturated, depending on the lighting in your bathroom and the way you choose to leave it draped.

A clear shower curtain offers little privacy for obvious reasons. If you’ve got a busy home with high foot traffic and only one bathroom, you might not be able to let someone into the bathroom to brush their teeth while you’re using the shower.

The great thing about translucent shower curtains is that they allow plenty of light to get into the shower. Jackson says that people forget about lighting when looking for the best shower curtain. She says that if you don’t have a lighting fixture in your shower, keeping your shower curtain light (or, in this case, clear) helps keep the space bright. She also recommends ensuring that the rod is mounted low enough to let light in.

Price at time of publish: $38

Product Details: Dimensions: 72 x 72 inches | Material: 100% EVA | Hanging Method: Grommets for hooks or rings | Care Instructions: At the first sign of soapy residue, wipe clean with a gentle spray cleaner.

West Elm

Luxurious, yet neutral and classic, this choice draws the eye and makes you feel like you’re at a spa instead of in your master bathroom.

When looking for a waffle shower curtain, you want something that gives off luxury spa vibes.

The Plush Waffle Shower Curtain from West Elm is made from incredibly soft, ethically sourced cotton and comes in four colors: copper, oatmeal, frost gray, and white.

The texture of the curtain adds dimension to your space, and what makes this one the best shower curtain for the waffle-weave lover is that it has enough heft that it stays put and isn’t see-through. This shower curtain has two extra inches on a standard curtain, measuring 72 x 74 inches.

You can machine wash this shower curtain to keep it clean and mildew-free, but keep in mind that due to its texture, it may extend slightly when hanging, but retain its size once washed.

Price at time of publish: $70

Product Details: Dimensions: 72 x 72 inches | Material: 60% cotton, 40% polyester | Hanging Method: Buttonholes for shower hooks or rings | Care Instructions: Machine wash, and tumble dry.

Parachute

This curtain is a modern take on the classic checkered pattern that is easily styled and oh-so-soft.

Made of soft, garment-washed, and yarn-dyed cotton in Portugal, the curtain’s neutral checked pattern features natural white and bone hues.

Neutral while still making a statement. The gauzy shower curtain’s delicate pattern is easy to match with your bathroom. When it comes to splurging, it feels good to do so on a quality product that is also environmentally friendly.

Parachute is Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified, which means that this shower curtain surpasses the highest standards of testing for harmful chemicals and synthetics. Though the shower curtain is soft to the touch, it is not artificially softened, which means that you won't be unknowingly affected by harsh chemicals that can sometimes be used in these cases.

Parachute also offers free carbon-neutral shipping and returns, which is also good for the planet.

Price at time of publish: $109

Product Details: Dimensions: 72 x 72 inches | Material: 100% cotton | Hanging Method: Buttonholes for shower hooks or rings | Care Instructions: Machine wash.

Anthropologie

Maximalists rejoice! Who needs to wallpaper their bathroom when this choice will bring your shower to full bloom?

The Agneta Shower Curtain from Anthropologie is as eye-catching as wallpaper without all of the stress of making a permanent decision about your bathroom decor.

You can let the curtain be the star of the show by using it to add some pop to a neutral bathroom, or let your maximalist take over and use it to accentuate a more colorful space. This bold print comes with either a navy or white background and is made of 100% organic cotton, making it lightweight and easy to clean.

Price at time of publish: $88

Product Details: Dimensions: 72 x 72 inches | Material: Organic cotton slub | Hanging Method: Buttonholes for hooks or rings | Care Instructions: Machine wash.

Society6

A piece of art in its own right, this shower curtain is gorgeous and abstract to look at.

Art comes in all forms, but we bet you didn’t expect it to come as a shower curtain.

A playful take on a classic striped pattern, this shower curtain is a work of art. (No, really, you can buy it as a print if you’re not ready to commit to a full curtain.) That means that you can let it shine as the centerpiece of your bathroom.

Made of 100% polyester, you don’t need an art degree to keep this piece looking brand new—just machine wash and tumble dry to keep mildew and mold at bay. This curtain is also longer than your standard shower curtain, measuring 71 by 74 inches. The additional length gives you options when it comes to how high you’ll hang it.

Price at time of publish: $42

Product Details: Dimensions: 71 x 74 inches | Material: Polyester | Hanging Method: Buttonholes for shower hooks or rings | Care Instructions: Machine wash, and tumble dry.

Quince

Linen shower curtains tend to cost a pretty penny, coming in at $50, but this version is luxurious and high-quality while staying affordable.

At nearly half the price of most competitors, this curtain adds a crisp, classic touch to their bathroom.

The shower curtain comes in white, light gray, and sand, and the earthy tones make it an easy match with your current bathroom decor. Woven from 100% European flax, the fabric is pre-washed to add some softness and a lived-in vibe, and the brand promises that it only gets softer over time.

Because of its material, you can wash the shower curtain with like colors on the gentle cycle and either line dry or tumble dry on low. If you’re worried about wrinkles, don’t! When you steam up your bathroom during your showers, the linen will lose any wrinkles.

Price at time of publish: $50

Product Details: Dimensions: 72 x 72 inches | Material: 100% European flax | Hanging Method: Button holes for hooks or rings | Care Instructions: Machine wash cold, hang dry.

Bed Bath and Beyond

Not a fan of shower rings or hooks? This curtain doesn’t use them.

You’re off the hook when it comes to buying hardware to hang this shower curtain from Bed Bath & Beyond.

This curtain feature splits to easily slide over your shower curtain, should you decide to ditch alternate installation methods. The rings on the shower curtain are split so that they can be hung efficiently and without any equipment. The shower curtain is machine washable and water resistant, featuring an “It’s a Snap” fabric liner that is antimicrobial and treated to resist mildew. You can buy replacement liners as needed.

The top portion of the shower allows air to properly circulate while you shower, so while it’s not weighted with magnets like other shower curtains, it stays in place.

With eleven colors to choose from, the Hookless Waffle Shower Curtain fits seamlessly with your existing bathroom decor. The curtain comes in black, blue, cream, white, dark gray, gray, mist blue, navy, jade, red, and sea blue. It also comes in multiple sizes, so you can purchase it to fit your stall, standard, long, or extra-long shower.

Price at time of publish: $43

Product Details: Dimensions: 71 x 74 inches | Material: Polyester | Hanging Method: Split ring, hookless design | Care Instructions: Machine wash.

Urban Outfitters

This shower curtain is stylish and affordable.

The citrus design has a hand-painted feel, which sets this patterned shower curtain apart from other designs that are screen printed on polyester or vinyl.

Orange you glad we chose this pattern? Plenty of shower curtains boast pretty designs, but this one is refreshing (and not just because it's citrus) because it is unexpected. The colors are vibrant and bright, which helps lighten up a room while showing off your personality in the space. Made with 100% cotton, this shower curtain is not water-repellent or resistant—you’ll want to pair this design with a shower liner in order to keep it from collecting mildew or mold. You can machine wash it, but keep in mind that cotton has a tendency to shrink if not cared for properly.

We love that this design uses buttonholes versus grommets for shower hooks or rings, leaving the design uninterrupted and giving an organic feel to the draping. It fits a standard shower, measuring 72 x 72 inches.

Price at time of publish: $39

Product Details: Dimensions: 72 x 72 inches | Material: 100% cotton | Hanging Method: Buttonholes for shower hooks or rings | Care Instructions: Machine wash.

West Elm

This curtain keeps your design aesthetic cohesive while making a colorful splash.

Mid-century modern is making a major comeback, and this shower curtain makes extending this design aesthetic into the bathroom simple.

This one is shaping up to be the best shower curtain for mid-century modern lovers. With abstract shapes by Donna Wilson, who is known for her colorful textiles and bold, bright colors, this shower curtain could easily become the focal point of your bathroom. Because there are many colors represented, it’s simple to match any of the curtain’s bold hues to your bathroom, keeping the other decor simple and letting the shower curtain shine.

It's woven from soft, draped organic cotton grown without pesticides or chemical fertilizers, making for a healthier home that's friendlier to the environment.

To care for this abstract shower curtain, which is made of 100% cotton, you can machine wash it in warm water. Use non-chlorine bleach when needed, and then tumble dry it.

Price at time of publish: $45

Product Details: Dimensions: 72 x 74 inches | Material: 100% organic cotton | Hanging Method: Buttonholes for shower hooks or rings | Care Instructions: Machine wash, and tumble dry.

Bed Bath and Beyond

It’s easy to overdo it when it comes to a design element like ruffles, but this shower curtain is the Goldilocks of ruffled shower curtains—it’s just right.

No more ruffling feathers, just shower curtains.

Available in white, there isn’t any choice in color for this shower curtain, but the ruffle designs make it anything but plain. Three ruffles at the top of the curtain and three at the bottom add a feminine, chic touch.

This ruffled curtain is made of 100% polyester, so while it does have some water-repellent properties, it’s not entirely waterproof. You should consider using a liner—it could be fabric or plastic—to keep the bottom of the curtain from developing any mildew or mold, because it is white.

Price at time of publish: $26

Product Details: Dimensions: 72 x 72 inches | Material: 100% polyester | Hanging Method: Button holes for shower hooks or rings | Care Instructions: Machine wash, and dry.

Target

It's well-made, functional, and fun.

Parents know the struggle of kids who love something one day and are suddenly in love with something else the next.

What better place to pretend to be swimming with sharks than in your very own bathtub? We love this curtain’s design. (There are other options on the website if sharks aren’t your kiddo’s thing.) At an affordable price, the Pillowfort kid's shower curtain comes in plenty of colors and patterns to fit your child’s personality. Available are stripes, polka dots, waves, the alphabet, rainbows, mermaids, and more. That means you can change out their shower curtains to suit their interests.

Made out of 70% polyester and 30% cotton, we’d recommend using a liner for this shower curtain, to avoid the common issues of mold and mildew from leaving it damp. We also suggest following the care instructions carefully so that you won’t open your dryer and find that your shower curtain has shrunk! The curtains are designed to be easy to clean and machine washable.

The shower curtain is designed with buttonholes on top that make it easy to install and drape. All you need are some shower hooks or rings.

Price at time of publish: $18

Product Details: Dimensions: 72 x 72 inches | Material: 70% polyester, 30% cotton | Hanging Method: Buttonhole top for shower hooks or rings | Care Instructions: Machine wash, and tumble dry

When choosing the best shower curtain for your home, it’s important to take into consideration not only your design aesthetic and the practical needs of your bathroom. The Outlines Shower System is our best overall pick, because it matches any aesthetic while creating less waste and encouraging cleanliness. We also love that you can set your schedule for recycling your liners, depending on your habits and needs.

If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, the AmazerBath Fabric Shower Curtain is a functional, affordable shower curtain.

While looking for the best shower curtain, you’ll want to be aware of what size you’ll need. It’s as simple as measuring the width and height of your shower from the curtain rod to the floor. Standard shower curtains are 70 x 70, 70 x 72, or 72 x 72 inches. They are meant to fit a standard bathtub, which is typically 60 inches long.

When measuring your shower curtain, add 12 inches to the width to ensure that the curtain will be able to reach both walls, with some wiggle room for a more relaxed fit. When measuring for the height, subtract one or two inches to ensure you’ve got a small gap between the curtain and the floor. If you’re using shower hooks, subtract another inch.

Pro tip: if you don’t already have a curtain rod installed, using a spring rod gives you the flexibility to try out different heights so that you can be sure you love the look of your curtain before committing.

When choosing the best shower curtain for you, you’ll want to consider the material. Whether it’s for aesthetic purposes or otherwise, there are typically two material types to choose from plastic or fabric.

Plastic shower curtains can be used without a liner and are easy to clean, while fabric shower curtains typically need a liner (though this can also be fabric) and must be washed to prevent a buildup of mold and mildew. Fabric shower curtains are a bit more friendly to the environment.

Polyester is a popular choice for shower curtains, as it is water- and mildew-resistant. If you choose a shower curtain made from a non-water-resistant material (like silk, for example) you’ll need a shower liner to prevent any damage.

When shopping for a plastic shower curtain, look for PEVA curtains—they’re waterproof but do not contain PVC, which isn’t good for you or the environment.

There are a few ways to hang your shower curtain that largely depend on the style of your shower. First, determine whether you are hanging your curtain with a mounted rod (one that is permanently affixed to your bathroom walls) or with a tension rod (a temporary rod that you’ll have to install yourself). You can then determine whether you’ll be hanging your shower curtain using shower hooks or rings, or whether it can be hung without them.

If you’ve chosen a fabric shower curtain, you can keep it clean by putting it in the washing machine. Add baking soda to help fight the grime that may have built up over time. Be sure to read the instructions for your specific shower curtain, as certain fabrics may shrink in the dryer.

Plastic shower curtains can be washed with the shower spray of your choosing during your cleaning routine, soaked in baking soda and vinegar to remove residue, and then scrubbed or even put into the washing machine on the cool setting alongside some towels. Just be sure not to put your plastic shower curtain into the dryer.

While this is generally a matter of preference, there are a few factors to take into account when choosing the best shower curtain for your bathroom. Plastic shower curtains are simple to clean, but some can have a strong odor and harmful chemicals.

If you’re going with a plastic shower curtain, keep in mind that those containing PVC are less eco-friendly and contain more chemicals than PEVA or EVA curtains. Fabric shower curtains are a more sustainable choice than plastic and are easy to throw in the washing machine. (Be sure to do so regularly, to avoid mold and mildew!) One added benefit of a fabric shower curtain is that you don’t have to throw it out every time it gets moldy, like you do its plastic counterpart.

The standard size of a shower curtain is 72 x 72 inches, which is long enough to extend over the edge of your tub and hang a few inches from the floor. Going with a longer shower curtain, 72 x 84 inches, makes it so that your curtain nearly touches the floor. The choice is mostly an aesthetic one, but be sure that you choose a length that keeps water from escaping during your shower.

“I like to mount them high and buy them long. Use a ceiling mount rod or track to keep the look tidy,” says Jackson. Of course, if your shower is custom-built, you’ll have to consult the measurements to make sure that you get a shower curtain that suits your space.

A shower liner serves two functions: It keeps water inside your shower instead of all over your bathroom floor, and it keeps your shower curtain, which may not be water-resistant, from getting wet and developing mold or mildew.

When choosing a fabric shower curtain, take note of whether it is made of water-resistant materials; if it is, then there’s no need for a liner (unless you’re looking for extra coverage, in which case, adding a liner is a stylistic choice). If your fabric shower curtain is not made of water-resistant or quick-drying material, a liner may be necessary to increase its lifespan.

Essentially, it’s up to you and your cleaning preferences—don’t forget to pull the shower curtain over the edge of the tub before showering if you haven’t got a liner! You don’t want to end up with a mess!

Andrea Wurzburger is a freelance writer at Better Homes & Gardens. For this story, she consulted Ruthie Jackson to learn more about how to choose a shower curtain for more than just aesthetics and spent several hours researching shower curtains by comparing product reviews, customer recommendations, and product specifications.