A shower curtain has one main job: To keep water inside the tub and not all over your bathroom floors. But the best shower curtains aren’t simply functional pieces: They also add a pop of color or texture to a room that can often use some extra visual appeal. After all, “transforming your bathroom into a luxurious haven doesn’t have to be a permanent commitment,” says interior designer Jennifer Ma of Dwell & Oak. Our top pick overall, the Quince Luxe Waffle Shower Curtain, is a high-quality yet affordable pick that can elevate any space.
If your current curtain could use an upgrade, your first order of business is deciding which type of material you want. Fabric shower curtains are the most eco-friendly and convenient to care for, since most can be run through the washer and dryer. Those with small or poorly ventilated bathrooms may want to consider quick-drying plastic or vinyl options, though. Then, once you’ve got your new curtain, “hang your shower rod high for an illusion of height and space,” Ma says. Also, “don’t forget to pair your chosen curtain with a washable liner to minimize environmental impact.” (This one for $8 is a great option.) Ahead, here are the best shower curtains to serve as the new focal point of your bathroom.
Crafted from 100% organic cotton, this waffle shower curtain from Quince offers a luxurious spa experience without the luxury price tag. “If you crave an organic, modern feel, the waffle texture of this Quince shower curtain is a game-changer,” says Ma. “It introduces a layer of texture that elevates your bathroom aesthetics.” The honeycomb weave is soft yet durable, and it holds up nicely in the washing machine. It’s available in three colors (white, gray and sand) and has a crisp, neutral look that matches any décor style. Meanwhile, the top holes are reinforced with additional stitching to help it hang securely without any sagging. Like many of Quince’s products, it offers the premium quality of high-end brands at a more budget-friendly price and also comes with a generous 365-day return policy.
Pros:
High-quality product
Can be machine washed and dried on tumble low
Cons:
Only comes in one size
Best Value Shower Curtain
An Affordable Yet Nonetheless Elegant Option
Threshold Waffle Weave Shower Curtain
Size: 72 x 72 inches| Material: Cotton and polyester | Machine washable: Yes
If you’re seeking the elegant look of a waffle shower curtain on a tighter budget, look no further than this one from Target’s Threshold brand. Available in crisp white or dark gray, it has a textured square weave that offers a spa-like feel, but at half the price of our top pick overall pick. This one is made from a combination of cotton and polyester that’s OEKO-TEX certified, meaning they’re free of harmful chemicals. It’s also strong enough to hold up to regular machine washing. The metal grommets are another handy feature that makes hanging and removing the curtain feel like less of a chore.
In the same way that linen is a go-to fabric for wearing on hot, humid days, the material is ideal for bathrooms because it’s naturally breathable. Brooklinen not only makes our favorite set of cooling bed sheets, but also has a lightweight linen shower curtain that dries quickly—an especially important feature in smaller bathrooms or those with little ventilation. It’s produced using the same soft linen as its signature sheets and has a lived-in look for those seeking a more relaxed vibe. Since it’s fully linen, you can toss it in the washing machine on cold and tumble dry on low for convenient care. You can purchase the shower curtain by itself or as part of a complete set with hooks and a waterproof, recyclable PEVA (polyethylene vinyl acetate) liner.
Pros:
Lightweight and soft
Dries quickly
Cons:
Linen material wrinkles easily
Some customers have trouble keeping the curtain on the Brooklinen hooks
Best Plastic Shower Curtain
A Colorful, Clear Pick That’s Downright Joyful
Quiet Town Sun Shower Curtain
Size: 72 x 72 inches and 72 x 84 inches| Material: Ethylene-vinyl acetate | Machine washable: No
This vibrant shower curtain from Quiet Town is made using ethylene-vinyl acetate, a plastic that’s chlorine-, PVC- and BPA-free. The 12-gauge EVA is thick and sturdy, so the sheet drapes nicely along the tub rather than sticking to it like some flimsy plastic ones tend to do. It has brass grommets and curved corners that contribute to its unique appearance and comes in a rainbow of colors, ranging from more muted pastels to bright neons. Quiet Town does note that the color saturation depend on the draping and lighting. Additionally since it’s plastic, the curtain should not be exposed to high temperatures; it can only be cleaned by hand.
Pros:
Available in an array of fun colors
Cons:
Not machine washable
No returns
Best Shower Curtain System
An Eco-Friendly Option Delivered Straight To Your Door
Outlines The Shower Liner System
Size: 71 x 72 inches| Material: Cotton and PEVA | Machine washable: Yes
Outlines’ all-in-one system is the sustainable answer to constantly replacing and tossing grimy plastic liners. Each starter set arrives with the following components: the Keep (a reusable cotton top liner), the Replen (a non-toxic PEVA bottom liner) and two silicone-coated steel anchors. The concept is simple. The Keep and Replen attach via magnets and stay anchored with the corner weights. When the bottom liner needs changing, simply mail it back and Outlines will handle the recycling. To determine how often you need to swap out the bottom piece, simply take Outline’s quiz, which takes factors like water hardness, frequency of use and ventilation into consideration. The brand will make sure a new Replen arrives by the time you need it.
This Clorox shower curtain is the best of both worlds. It’s made of fabric but also provides a waterproof seal, thanks to its weighted magnetic hem. (In other words, no additional liner is needed.) In addition, “they’re treated with an antimicrobial treatment, so they really, really resist [mold],” says lifestyle expert and interior designer Evette Rios. She has used Clorox curtains in small, windowless bathrooms and found them to be effective and long-lasting. The semi-sheer material is another bonus for tiny spaces since it allows some light to filter through.
Turkish cotton is known for its superior quality, which is why it’s the material of choice for plush, absorbent bath towels. Those who already own Turkish towels may want to complete their bathing experience with this aptly-named Parachute Cloud curtain. Woven from four layers of gauzy organic Turkish cotton, the resulting shower curtain is airy, breezy and perfectly minimalist. While it’s on the pricey side, fans of Parachute vouch for the softness and effortless style.
Kids are known for changing their minds quickly. If you’d rather not risk committing to their current favorite character or theme, consider this fun option from West Elm. The color block edge not only brings a bit of personality to bath time, but it also serves a practical purpose for all the splashing and bubbles. “It’s very smart to have the darker color at the bottom to cover up any staining, which is inevitable with any shower curtain that you use,” says Rios. “They also have really beautiful colors, like a dark blue and a goldenrod yellow.”
Pros:
Available in an array of colors
Made in fair trade-certified facility
Cons:
Not waterproof
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted team is full of experts in all things home-related. We’ve tested, reviewed and researched many types of home textiles, including towels, bath mats and sheets. The author of this story, Patty Lee, is a lifestyle writer and editor who has more than a decade of experience covering products in the home and kitchen space. She has reviewed and written content about a variety of products, from toaster ovens to bread knives to tabletop fire pits.
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