Whether you are only just moving in, or you feel like reinventing your bathroom, the shower curtain is more important than it seems. You’ll need to carefully consider the size of your shower curtain because it will likely occupy a decent amount of attention in the room. This presents a great opportunity for personal style, and there are plenty of options to choose from. The shower curtain may be easy to overlook, so our thorough research will help you select the best size.
A typical shower curtain must be large enough to cover a standard bathtub and be at least twelve inches longer than the tub's top edge. However, the curtain will probably need to be longer for a walk-in shower. Conversely, the curtain will need to be smaller for a shower stall. If you have a unique home, it may become necessary to take specific measurements for your new shower curtain. Still, shower curtains do have standard sizes for different purposes:
- 72 x 72 inches
- 72 x 78 inches
- 36 x 72 inches
Sure, an ordinary shower curtain may seem mundane at first thought. But a shower curtain is just like any other curtain, with room for both practicality and personal design. As such, your shower curtain can be just as rewarding as your living room curtains. The shower curtain should be chosen accordingly, but designs can really vary. Keep reading to learn which shower curtain is best for you!
![Gray themed bathroom with gray tiles on the floor and wall matched with a gray shower curtain, How Long Is A Shower Curtain? [Standard Shower Curtains Sizes]](https://homedecorbliss.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/How-Long-Is-A-Shower-Curtain-Standard-Shower-Curtains-Sizes-683x1024.jpg)
72 x 72 inches
Click here to find this curtain on Amazon.
The average bathtub in a typical home is going to measure sixty inches long. And as a general rule, the shower curtain should be at least twelve inches longer than the bathtub. That’s why most shower curtains are seventy-two inches wide. Maintaining those extra twelve inches allows the shower curtain to close comfortably.
Shower curtains that are 72 by 72 inches will also be tall enough to cover the top edge of a bathtub. After all, aside from privacy, a shower curtain is essentially meant to keep water from spilling outside the tub.
Further still, shower curtains that are 72 by 72 inches are likely an appropriate height to keep from touching the ground. If the shower curtain touches your floor, it’s likely to become unsanitary over time. This is certainly true for shower curtains that are long enough to crumple onto the floor in a heap of folds.
72 x 78 inches
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Ultimately, the shower curtain would need to be longer for a walk-in shower. There is no bathtub in a walk-in shower, removing the typical frame of reference. The shower curtain needs to do more than cover the top edge of a bathtub. Otherwise, the shower curtain won’t block nearly enough water. Furthermore, walk-in showers probably don’t have an existing curtain rod. This would demand an even taller shower curtain.
The absence of a bathtub may also change the width of your shower. Longer shower curtains typically retain the standard width of seventy-two inches. But shower curtains that are seventy-eight inches tall also offer a variety of widths to accommodate any setting.
Can You Use A Shower Curtain In A Walk-In Shower?
A walk-in shower is designed without a clunky bathtub to step over. In fact, many walk-in showers are designed to avoid the installation of a door or shower curtain altogether. The idea is to make your room feel more spacious.
However, some circumstances may still demand a shower curtain. A shower curtain offers privacy and prevents water spillage. Besides, the shower curtain is always a fine opportunity to add some style.
So, while it may not be traditional to use a shower curtain for a walk-in shower, it is certainly possible. However, for a walk-in shower, the shower curtain is more likely to serve an aesthetic purpose. Fortunately, there are plenty of shower curtains that are designed to accommodate a walk-in shower.
36 x 72 inches
Click here to find this smaller curtain on Amazon.
Shower stalls are primarily interior designs, which enclose some of the bathtub area. This results in a small booth that is specifically designed to further control water spillage. A shower stall may even be equipped with a showerhead that also reduces water spills.
A shower stall is only a portion of your full shower area. As such, a shower stall will require a much smaller shower curtain. Naturally, the shower curtain should still maintain its typical height. The standard width for a shower stall curtain is thirty-six inches.
However, the widths of a shower stall can vary greatly. The shower stall curtain should be measured for your own unique shower. After all, showers can dramatically differ. It’s best to measure your shower area before you purchase any shower curtain.
How Do You Measure A Shower Curtain?
The shower curtain itself comes in pre-set sizes. If you want to determine the appropriate curtain size for your shower, you’ll only need to take some simple measurements.
Firstly, you can measure the width and height of your bathtub. The shower curtain should be twelve inches wider than your bathtub. Otherwise, the shower curtain will not close properly. The shower curtain should also be tall enough to cover the top edge of your bathtub.
Secondly, you may want to consider your curtain rod. If your curtain rod is already installed, it would probably be a hassle to change. Instead, allow your shower curtain to conform to the height and width of your curtain rod. Ensure that your shower curtain will remain about two inches from the floor. Also, make sure that your shower curtain will still have enough room to close properly.
How Far Off The Ground Should A Shower Curtain Be?
Your shower curtain must remain at least two to five inches off the ground. Your shower curtain should never be long enough to drape onto the floor. Otherwise, the shower curtain will crumple up and eventually become unsanitary over time. The folds of your shower curtain can become a host for mold, which is terribly unhealthy.
Mold is actually a kind of fungus, which thrives in moisture. Unfortunately, the point of a shower is to produce moisture. As such, shower curtains are especially vulnerable. Sadly, most people don’t think to close their shower curtain after taking a rinse. But closing the shower curtain is the best way for the curtain to dry, preventing mold and other grime.
If you want to learn more, be sure to check out our post, which is all about how far shower curtains should be from the ground.
How Often Should You Change Your Shower Curtain?
Even when a shower curtain is regularly washed, it won’t last forever. It’s typically best to replace your shower curtain every six months. This is even true for those who routinely wash their shower curtains.
However, humidity can drastically change from one home to the next. If you live in an area with tough humidity, you will likely need to replace your shower curtain even more often. This is even more necessary for bathrooms that are poorly ventilated. Your shower can become an awful breeding place for mold and mildew. In fact, your shower curtain can even accumulate more scum build-up from different soaps or beauty products.
If you want to be completely sanitary, you can check out our detailed guide on how to properly wash your shower curtain, as well as your curtain liner.
Summary
Shower curtains can be the focal point of your bathroom. If you want to maintain a healthy bathroom, you’ll need to regularly exchange your shower curtain with appropriately sized replacement. Using the right shower curtain and properly taking care of it can make all the difference for your bathroom. Now that you know the standard sizes of shower curtains and how to measure your own custom curtain, you can finally take a shower and relax.