New Shower Curtains

Archive for the ‘Buying Tips’ Category

If you’re searching for new shower curtains, you may be wondering where to find that perfect addition to your bathroom.

Shower curtains are available in all sorts of different locations, and where you go to shop for one will depend on what you’re looking for: material, style, price and quality, just to name a few different considerations.

Most major department stores in your area should carry shower curtains. Just head over to the bathroom section and see what’s available. Department stores will vary in the selection of shower curtains they carry. You should be able to find shower curtains for sale on their own as well as thematic shower curtains as part of a complete bathroom set, including bath towels, bath mats, toothbrush holders, soap dispensers and toilet brush holders. Further, department store shower curtains will usually be quite cost-effective.

Shower curtains can also be found in specialty stores. You may have a bathroom specialty shop or boutique, a bathroom supply store or other home-centered furnishing store in your area. In all likelihood, you will probably find a larger selection of shower curtains in these types of stores, including shower curtains made with different and unusual materials. Shower curtains found in specialty stores may also be better quality. However, better selection and quality usually means a higher cost, so that is something you’ll need to consider.

In addition, you can sometimes find used shower curtains at garage sales and consignment or second-hand stores. The selection here will definitely be very limited, and the quality sometimes questionable. But if you’re not too finicky with style and color and if you don’t mind used or worn materials, then this is easily the cheapest solution.

Finally, you can venture out and try online shopping, which is growing in popularity as the shopping method of convenience. Try eBay, online bathroom supply stores and chains and even the website of your favorite department store—they may carry shower curtains that aren’t available to you locally. However, make sure you factor in the shipping cost into your overall cost for purchasing shower curtains. As well, check to make sure there is a return policy in case you don’t like them or they don’t work in your bathroom.

Making the decision between plastic and cloth shower curtains depends on your needs and budget.

Shower curtains are both functional and decorative. When choosing a shower curtain there are two main considerations. The first consideration is whether the shower curtain is made of the right fabric that will fit your (or your family’s) needs. The second is whether the design of the shower curtain matches your décor.

You are likely to find designs in both plastic and cloth shower curtains that you like and that will match your décor. Once you do then you need to decide, do you want plastic or cloth.

Plastic shower curtains are very waterproof. Because of this there is no need to purchase a shower curtain liner in addition to the curtain itself. They come in a vast array of colors and designs to match almost any bathroom décor. However, they are not as luxurious looking as a cloth shower curtain.

Plastic shower curtains are a good choice for kid’s bathrooms because of how waterproof they are. They often come in bright colors and fun patterns that kids would enjoy in their bathroom. Some of them are even clear with scattered designs on them making it easy for parent’s to check on littler ones who are taking a shower.

Another positive feature of plastic shower curtains is that they are inexpensive. If you like to change your décor frequently but don’t have a big budget, it doesn’t cost a lot to change them out. Also, if they become moldy, they can be thrown away and replaced inexpensively.

Cloth shower curtains are more luxurious looking than plastic ones. However, they are not waterproof so it is still necessary to purchase a liner to keep water in the shower and off of your bathroom floors.

Like plastic curtains, there are many choices of colors and designs. They are a good choice in a master bathroom that isn’t frequented by children or in a guest bathroom that you want to look warm and inviting.

Cloth shower curtains are usually more expensive than plastic, but they can easily be thrown in the washing machine so they don’t need to be replaced as often. Once washed, they can simply be hung back on the shower curtain rings and allowed to air dry. It’s also possible to purchase washable liners so they can be washed right along with the shower curtain.

When selecting your new shower curtains you want to give some thought to the curtain rod you will select as well.

The Straight Truth about Shower Curtain Rods
When you think of shower curtain rods, you probably envision a straight bar stretching from one side of your shower or bath enclosure to the other. And that is precisely what a straight rod is. Attaching these can be simple and not-so-simple, depending on your tools, expertise and they type of rod you choose.

Tension rods are the easiest, least invasive rod choice. No tools are required to install one of these and exact sizes aren’t needed. There is a spring inside the rod and a screw that loosens or tightens the spring, depending on which direction you rotate the rod. The tension created when the spring pushes out toward each wall is what keeps this rod in place.

An anchored shower curtain rod requires screws and anchors to attach to the shower or bath walls. You may need to acquire a drill bit for your particular wall material, be it tile, stone, marble, ceramic or plastic. Before you pre-drill the holes needed for screws, make sure the holes are lined up and level.

The Not-So-Straight Truth about Shower Curtain Rods
Square not your style? Do you have a tub in the corner and don’t want to enclose it with a common enclosure? Looking for modern décor in your bathroom? Then you might enjoy the look and utility of a curved shower curtain rod.

These come in many styles, shapes and installations. Most are metallic in finish, from gold to nickel to chrome, some shapes are available in a basic white as well.

* Crescent curved curtain rod adds up to 6” more room at the top of the shower and helps prevent leaks due to the inward curve at either end. Anchor installed.
* L-shaped corner shower rods are usually cut to fit and are great for showers and baths located in a corner. Anchor installed.
* Oval, circular, rectangular and D shape shower curtain rods hover over a shower pan or bathtub. Fastened to ceiling with riser.
* Neo-angle shower curtain rods are usually cut to fit and range in sizes, shapes and angles for corner showers. Anchor installed.
* U-Shaped shower rods are designed for tubs and showers located against only one wall. They are installed with anchors attaching the two ends (top of a “U”) and riser support in the middle.

Picking a shower curtain seems simple but it can be a daunting task when you see just how many options are available to discerning consumers.

Bath boutiques, and even discount retailers, offer a wide selection of shower curtains in a dizzying assortment of colors, textures and material.

Before deciding on a pattern for your shower curtain, it helps to take an inventory of your bathroom. Look at the type of flooring you have (vinyl, ceramic tile, etc.), the color and style of your fixtures, and the texture and color of your vanity top (melamine, marble, granite, Corian, etc.). Make note of the style of door the bathroom has, as well as any mirrors, windows and coverings that you wish to keep. If you have a digital cameral, snap a few shots of your bathroom so you can see it from a different perspective, and also so you will have color samples to take with you when you go shopping. Lighting can also make an impact on the pattern of your shower curtain. For example, if you have very traditional light fixtures, you may not want an ultra contemporary pattern on your shower curtain. Old and new can be blended into a cohesive style, but it takes a degree of skill to make the look cohesive and stylish.

Browse: one of the best ways to pick a shower curtain is to take a no-pressure trip to see what is available. Shop with your eyes, but also with your fingers. Shower curtains are available in a wide range of materials, from plastic to linen, to terry cloth to beads. The pattern on which you decide may be affected by the material of which your curtain is made. For example, a textured terry cloth curtain may look better as a solid than as a print.

Color: find a color you can live with. In fact, find a color you love, as you are likely to see your shower curtain every single day. However, try to avoid colors that will clash with the tones of your bathroom’s fixed elements such as tile or fixtures.

Pattern: patterns can add a lot of personality to your shower curtain, and can set the atmosphere of your bathroom. A delicate floral might set the tone for a very feminine room, while playful bubbles might be great for a kids’ bath. Be aware, however, of trendy patterns that quickly date themselves. In that case, you may end up replacing your shower curtain earlier than anticipated.

Variety: due to its size, the shower curtain makes a big impact on the look of your bath. As an added bonus, they are very easy to change, so if you can afford the indulgence, buy a couple different shower curtains to reflect the different seasons, or simply your mood.

Comparing shower curtain materials is essential before replacing or purchasing new shower curtains.

Shower curtains come in an array of varying materials, and there are different benefits and some drawbacks to each.

Vinyl is a very common material for shower curtains and also one of the most popular choices. Vinyl is a sturdy, waterproof plastic designed for use in moist areas. Vinyl shower curtains are easily cleaned and maintained and don’t ruin easily. They also come in an assortment of colors, sizes and styles to suit your preferences. In addition, vinyl shower curtains are also relatively inexpensive and great for keeping water inside the bathtub or shower.

Fabric shower curtains are also available as a stylish and unique alternative to vinyl. Most fabric shower curtains are waterproof; however, some are not, which will require an additional purchase of a vinyl liner to help protect the curtains.

Fabric is actually a broad term, as there are many different fabrics available for shower curtains. Polyester is the most popular material. Polyester shower curtains are very durable and practical, and although they need to be cleaned periodically, they are normally washable. Although fabric shower curtains tend to be more expensive than their vinyl counterparts, polyester is a fairly cost-effective material. Some polyester shower curtains are even shower-proof and antibacterial or antifungal.

Other materials for fabric shower curtains include hemp, nylon, cotton, silk, leather, suede and lace. Natural cotton shower curtains are reusable and strong and are quick and easy to wash and dry. Some types of fabric shower curtains tend to run rather expensive and may require special care, such as 100 percent natural, organic European hemp shower curtains. These metal-free, antibacterial and antifungal curtains boast durability, eco-friendliness and insulation, but the biggest size—including rings—costs $99 US, and the care is quite extensive.

It’s important to consider and compare the different shower curtain materials available when purchasing new curtains so you can make the best choice for your bathroom needs.

Since shower curtains can actually range in price from the discount version to the high end type you need to do your price comparisons before purchasing.

Some people may assume that most shower curtains are essentially the same when it comes to price. However, in reality, there is a fairly broad price range for shower curtains depending on a number of factors, including the type of shower curtains and where you purchase the curtains.

For example, shower curtains can cost a mere $5 US if you purchase a used set at a garage sale; they can also cost upwards of $100 if you select top-quality shower curtains from a specialty shop.

First, the type of shower curtains must be considered when comparing costs of shower curtains. Obviously, higher quality shower curtains will cost more than those of poor quality. In addition, fancy, specially designed and more complicated shower curtains tend to cost more than plain, simple, single-colored shower curtains.

But more often than not, it is the material that will determine whether you’re coughing up $20 or $80. Vinyl and polyester shower curtains are on the less expensive side, ranging anywhere from $10 to $50, depending on additional factors such as style, quality and location. Other fabric shower curtains, including shower curtains made of cotton, nylon, hemp and lace, are typically higher in price, ranging from about $20 to approximately $100. For example, Rawganique.com sells 100 percent organic hemp shower curtains from Europe from $69 to $99.

Secondly, when comparing costs of shower curtains, where you make the purchase is also a determining factor. Second-hand shower curtains at garage sales or consignment stores will be the cheapest. Shower curtains at department stores are generally reasonably priced, whereas those found in specialty shops tend to be a bit pricier. Finally, consider shopping online. There are many great deals online, but it’s important to factor in shipping costs as well as to find out if the companies are reputable and whether they have an acceptable return policy.

When considering buying shower curtains, you need to determine a budget and an acceptable price range for you. Then you can determine where to look and if you can afford the type of shower curtain you would prefer in your bathroom.

When shopping for a shower curtain for a child’s bathroom you will find that there are many styles, colors and themes to choose from.

If you have chosen to decorate your child’s bathroom, you’ll first need to make a decision regarding the color scheme. Children tend to like bright colors and these will do well in a bathroom designated for your child’s use. The important thing is to get them involved with the choices for their bathroom. One place to start with the decorating is to find a shower curtain for the bathroom.

You’ll find shower curtains in many different designs, including those that are specifically for a child’s bathroom. Whatever the age of your child, you’re sure to find something that they will enjoy. From Disney characters to an aquatic theme, you’ll find them in abundance at department stores and home improvement stores. One thing to be wary of, however, when decorating your child’s bathroom is choosing an actual theme, such as Disney characters. The reason for this is once you start, you won’t want to stop and the bathroom will look overdone.

One way to alleviate this “overdone” look is to choose a shower curtain with a theme and simply work around this with the colors in the bathroom. For example, if you choose an aquatic them and have an ocean background with fish on the shower curtain, you can match the color of the towels, soap dish, and toothbrush holder to a color that stands out on the shower curtain. You do not have to have fish themed accessories for the bathroom, just match them to the colors.

When you choose a color scheme for the bathroom, you will have the choice of choosing a bright solid color shower curtain or perhaps one with a design, such as stripes and polka dots. If you choose a solid color, you will find that your bathroom will look less cluttered. A solid color will allow you to work around the color and you won’t be stuck to a certain design that your child may get tired of soon after.

The important thing to remember when choosing a shower curtain for your child’s bathroom is to make sure it is easy to clean and maintain. Go for a sturdy fabric so that it won’t tear easily. Remember, if you can’t find the specific color or design that you want, shower curtains are relatively easy to make and you can make them from any type of fabric that you want to. You’d simply have to purchase a liner for it.

Shower curtain rings do more than hold up a screen between you and the rest of your home.

They are a valuable accessory in your bathroom, one that is often overlooked. There are many more ring and hook choices than the generic, plastic white rings.

The difference between a shower curtain ring and a shower curtain hook seems somewhat elementary. A ring is round; a hook is in the shape of, well, a hook. A hook lies on top of the curtain rod while a ring surrounds it. The differences, however, extend beyond the simple fastening mechanics. It extends to style.

Shower rings typically come in two materials – plastic and metal. The plastic rings come in colors that span the spectrum and metal rings are offered in a few different finishes. Does your bathroom use gold accents? Look for gold plated or gold painted metal rings. Is your bathroom all shades of blue? Look for plastic blue rings.

Want to say a little more? Are plastic and metal rings too plain for your taste? Then you should start shopping for shower hooks.

While the functioning piece of shower hooks are usually plain metal, the adornments on the outside, where the curtain meets the hook, is decorated. Animal shapes include moose, bears, pandas, turtles, frogs, flamingos, snakes, dragonflies, butterflies, yellow ducks, bees, doves, birds, fish and more. There are flower ornaments of all styles, shapes and colors. Lighthouses, birdhouses, log homes and houseboats have all made their way to shower curtain hooks. Funny sayings and funny shapes (like the Kokopelli) appear on other hooks.

If you like hooks but don’t want to make a loud statement with them, you can also find them with plain colored circles, squares, hearts or other geometric shape. Still can’t find the hooks that are perfect for your bathroom? Make your own.

Decoupage or glue pictures, wallpaper scraps or any paper you like onto wooden disks (from a craft store). Cover again with white glue or decoupage solution. Let dry completely, then hot glue onto hooks.