Shower Curtains: The Ultimate Buying Guide
So, you’re in the market for shower curtains and you are wondering how to find those perfect curtains to match your bathroom. You’ve come to the right place – by the time you’re done reading this guide, you’ll know more than you ever wanted to know about shower curtains, liners, shower curtain rings and curtain rods. Let’s get started!
Shower Curtains - Balancing Practicality with Style
Shower curtains serve a very practical purpose, but finding that perfect shower curtain is about more than just practicality! Let’s face it, the real purpose of shower curtains are to keep water off of the bathroom floor and to maintain privacy. But I digress. Let me start with the practical considerations before jumping to what too look for in stylish shower curtains.
Shower Curtains 101
The truth is that you use your shower curtains everyday (at least, let’s hope you do). Think of your shower curtains as a “system” comprised of many parts, each of which come together to form a barrier between you and the rest of world, while also reflecting your personal style and tastes. The basic components of your shower curtain system are comprised of the shower curtain (primarily decorative), the curtain liner (primarily functional), the shower curtain rod, and the shower curtain rings.

Through daily use each of these components will be exposed to soap and water, which could eventually lead to mildew buildup and mold. Here’s one basic tenet to keep in mind: Go for quality! High-quality shower curtains and accessories are easy to maintain, will last a long time, and provide both decorative and practical utility.

Finding the Right Shower Curtain Style and Material
There are a lot of quality and style factors to evaluate when shopping for shower curtains. Some of the quality basics include quality of the material, detail in the stitching and grommets, and overall maintainability. Good shower curtains typically cost anywhere from $20 - $100.

There are a wide variety of materials to choose from, including fabric, plastic and vinyl. If your bathroom is formal and is fully accessorized, you’ll want to choose a curtain made from fabric such as cotton, linen or even silk. If the bathroom is informal – and primarily used by kids or guests – you may want something that is more fun and perhaps more colorful. eBay offers a huge variety of styles and colors to suit all tastes!

High quality stitching and grommets are also important. Good stitching – especially double stitching – means that your curtains won’t fray at the edges. OK, so what’s a grommet? I thought you’d never ask. Grommets are used to reinforce the holes in your shower curtain, and are typically made from plastic or metal (think of them as the eyelets in your lace-up shoes). Grommets make it simple to hang your shower curtain with rings. Most importantly, grommets provide structural integrity and prevent your shower curtains from tearing. Regardless of whether your shower curtains are made from vinyl, plastic or fabric, make sure your curtains come with grommets.
Liners for Shower Curtains – It Can Get Complicated
You’ll definitely need a liner for your shower curtains. Liners ensure that curtains stay dry and that there is a protective barrier that can deflect moisture. And while liners will need to be replaced more often than curtains, you should still go for quality. Look for the same features such as good stitching and rust-proof grommets. Good liners typically sell for $10 - $25, and come in standard or heavy duty quality (10 gauge or higher) grades. Quality liners will also come with magnets that will help keep the liner in place.

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