The right shower curtain can make a powerful statement in an otherwise lackluster bathroom. Or when done in softer-hued tones, it may create a soothing effect in a space where you’d rather play down specific design elements. When decorating her neutral-toned bathroom, decorator Carrie Carrollo “prioritized the look of the shower curtain.” She found it to be the easiest, cheapest, and most impactful way to make a significant difference in her “boring rental bathroom.” Here are a few things to look for when selecting a shower curtain, as well as picks that range from sustainable to purely cheerful.
Best overall | Best clear | Best waffle-style | Best combination | Best linen | Best (less-expensive) linen | Best for kids | Best hookless | Best stall-sized | Best liner
Best overall shower curtain
EVA Plastic| No Liner Needed | Rings
This wildly popular shower curtain is made from an EVA material that has no plasticky smell. The appeal of this curtain is its slightly thicker vinyl, which is enhanced by clear weighted stones sewn into the bottom — all designed to prevent it from blowing up against you while you shower. It comes in 14 solid colors and a range of sizes.
Best clear shower curtain
EVA Plastic | No Liner Needed | Rings
“Although the clear vinyl material isn’t ideal for privacy,” says Carrollo, “it’s easy to clean and makes a fun statement in any bathroom.” Strategist senior editor Crystal Martin is also a fan. “Looking out through this transparent curtain feels like wearing OJ-colored glasses,” she says. “It’s a small morning treat that I’ve come to love.”
Best waffle-style fabric shower curtain
Organic Turkish Cotton | Liner Needed | Rings
“I can’t resist anything waffle weave,” says Carrollo, “and I love this one. It’s plush, and a fabric like this is easy to throw in the washer. Plus it looks superclean.” She thinks it would be great to “balance out a bathroom with a more bold design on the walls or floor.”
Best combination shower curtain
Cotton and EVA |No Liner Needed | Rings
The Shower Liner System from Outlines combines a nontoxic, mildew-resistant, fully recyclable part called the “Keep” that you keep, and another part called the “Replen,” which is the lower portion of the shower liner that needs replacing. The Keep is made from 100 percent white cotton canvas, and the Replen is made from certified EVA — a much safer alternative to PVC. This liner system is designed to reduce plastic waste by two thirds. I’m using it now and can report that it looks great and the Replen is easy to attach.
Best linen shower curtain
Linen | Liner Needed | Rings
If you’re looking for a soft, textured curtain that’ll seamlessly match the rest of the linen throughout your house (duvet, sheets), Strategist senior editor Simone Kitchens recommends this style from Parachute. She bought it in white (it also comes in chambray gray) and says it feels soothing in any setup — including her former pink-tiled 1950s bathroom in Los Angeles.
Best (less-expensive) linen shower curtain
Polyester | Liner Needed | Rings
This style looks like linen but really it’s fully washable polyester, and it comes in a range of pleasing neutrals, from blush to taupe to a soft blue-gray called “Tide Pool.”
Best shower curtain for kids
Polyester | Liner Needed | Rings
From a pink-and-magenta rugby stripe to a Rothko-esque cornflower-blue-navy-white pattern, this washable and dryable polyester style for kids comes in a bevy of cute patterns and colors.
Best hookless shower curtain
Vinyl | No Liner Needed | Grommets
This simple white hookless style will appeal to those looking for a slightly less busy showerscape.
Best stall-size shower curtain
Polyester | Liner Needed | Rings
Not everyone needs a bathtub-width shower curtain; some require only a shower-width one. This version is made of durable, washable polyester and comes in 15 colors.
Best shower-curtain liner
PEVA |No Liner Needed | Rings
Made with an eco-friendly PEVA material, this waterproof liner comes in clear, frosted, and white vinyl, as well as a white fabric option.
Some more shower curtains we've written about
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