If your bathroom's looking a little worse for wear it's high time you invested in one of the best shower curtains. Refresh your tired (and possibly mold-ridden) shower curtain for a drastic change of look.
After scouring through pages upon pages of reviews and products, I've come up with a trusty selection, each design earning a minimum of four stars and kind words aplenty from doting shoppers. From boho beauties to fabric fancies, this guide has your back — whether you're a minimalist or a maximalist.
While you're on a roll with bathroom decor you might want to get rid of that ugly garbage can and switch it for a cute bathroom trashcan. And if you don't own a shower caddy then it's time to clear up your countertop and the sides of your tub, too.
The best shower curtains to buy
Why you can trust Real Homes Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
The prices below were correct at the time of publishing.
Boho shower curtains
Say what you like, but if you're not getting a kick of kooky every morning, you're missing out. That's why I'm going all-out with rich, artsy designs and cool ombré touches. From here on out, it's boho a-go-go.
Size (in.): 72 x 72
Made from: Polyester
Colors: 4
Price: From $19.07
Coming in a whole spectrum of colorways, this striped piece is a surefire way to inject some life into an otherwise boring bathtub. I mean, who is waking up to the sight of this and not feeling fab? It's easy to care for, and suitable for cold machine washing, plus it can be tumble-dried on low heat. I could see this chiming neatly with a bright and airy rental, spreading joy to every housemate. Plus, the reviews are choc-a-block with gushing words, praising its beautiful design and high-quality fabric.
Size (in.): 72 x 72
Made from: Cotton
Color: White and blue
Price: From $23
Who said you can't be a minimalist and a bit of a bohemian? Not me, that's for sure. For further proof, simply look to this dégradé delight, which crescendoes from white to aqua via minty green. Replete in 100% cotton, it's guaranteed to add panache, plus chill vibes aplenty. Where shoppers are concerned, this is just the ticket, offering robust construction and easy cleaning. Oh, and it's lightweight, too. Plus, at that price, you can hardly argue.
Size (in.): 72 x 72
Made from: Polyester
Colors: 2
Price: From $12.97
Doing boho on a budget is easier than you think. This piece is a case in point, offering a unique and tasteful print, plus quality you can trust. Drying quickly after use, it's an absolute breeze to assemble, plus, it can be cleaned and ironed if and when needed. Just opt for a low temperature. Word on the street? This is a real aesthetic asset to any bathroom, and it's exceptionally effective at preventing water spills and mildew buildup. Yep, I'm here for it.
Black and white shower curtains
Sometimes, you can't beat a classic. Sure, it might be simple, but the humble black-and-white shower curtain is almost certain to match your bathroom decor, plus it's eternally on-trend. That said, you can still flex your interior nous by opting for chic designs like these.
Size (in.): H72 x W70
Made from: Polyester
Colors: 2
Price: From $38.99
Primed in statement nautical stripes — either in a dark gray or navy — this machine-washable piece is made with hardwearing polyester that's sure to last. As for the buttonholes, these are no less robust, so you needn't worry about tears. According to reviewers, it's the perfect weight, the color is vivid, and it hangs beautifully. In short, you can expect one heavy-duty piece that's perfect for rentals and new homes alike. And believe me, that coastal look is very in. All aboard!
Size (in.): 72 x 72
Made from: Cotton
Colors: Black and white
Price: From $29.95
Serving farmhouse chic, this windowpane design hands elegantly, offering a clean drape in your bathroom. Woven, it's an artisanal design, complete with a tasseled fringe. Oh, and you'll be pleased to hear it's 100% cotton and machine washable, primed with modern metal shower hooks in matte black. And yes, those exquisitely fine black lines are giving low-key bougie. I'm very into it. The shoppers' take? It's a great quality piece your bathroom will thank you for.
Size (in.): 72 x 72
Made from: Polyester
Colors: 2
Price: From $19.29
Somewhere between Aztec and Boho, the pattern on this piece is incredible. It comes in either black with white details or white with black details (my fav). As for the spec, the product scores high, serving up a tightly woven fabric, rust-resistant grommets, breathability, and a smartly weighted hem to prevent it from bunching up the sides of your bath. Oh, and you're all good to machine wash this piece — just opt for a gentle cycle and like colors. The shoppers' verdict? It's truly waterproof — unlike a lot of allegedly waterproof pieces out there — and fits perfectly in cute but quirky bathrooms.
Fabric shower curtains
These days, the fabric shower curtain reigns supreme, leaving the traditional vinyl plastics in its wake. Besides looking *way chicer*, it's also far easier to clean. Count me in.
Size (in.): 72 x 72
Made from: Woven cotton
Colors: 2
Price: From $39
Cayooooot! Bringing a fruity frisson to shower time, this retro-inspired design is a must for anyone keen to add a little magic to their bathroom — after all, rentals can be a bit dreary. Constructed solely from cotton, it comes in a peachy print, plus one equally playful cherry design. According to shoppers, this lasts years, and it immediately makes a bathroom look adorable. In fact, people couldn't praise it enough. And yes, it looks just like the photos: bright, joyous, and delicious. Yum!
Size (in.): H71 x W79
Made from: Polyester
Colors: 6
Price: From $7.99
Whether you go for the lavender purple, white, or oatmeal colorway, one thing is sure: this chic design will look and act the part. With exceptional water repellence and a simple, no-nonsense design that can be mixed and matched with any home, this can also be machine washed (go cool) and tumble dried (medium). Oh, and reviewers could not rate it highly enough. It's simple, plain, and stylish, working well with standard as well as taller shower rods. Personally, I'll be opting for a few at a time — after all, it's good to change the scenery every once in a while.
Size (in.): 72 x 72
Made from: Polystyrene and cotton
Color: Multi
Price: From $38.99
You're never too old for a healthy splash of color. At least, not where I'm concerned. Take this digitally printed design, for example. It's durable, fade-resistant, and sure to brighten up your restroom. Plus, it can be machine washed up to 30º and ironed up to 110º. So, what are you waiting for? Shoppers found the colors to be just as vibrant as the pictures, and they work brilliantly with the other decor in a bathroom, bringing the space alive. As for the quality, it's a big thumbs up, too.
FAQs
Can fabric shower curtains get wet?
Absolutely! Often, the fabric designs are treated or lined so they can be used without worries. That said, there are some considerations to keep in mind. "Many fabric shower curtains are made from materials like cotton, polyester, or a blend, which are often water-resistant but not completely waterproof," says Brad Smith, the lead interior designer at Omni Home Ideas. "These curtains typically require a plastic liner on the interior side of the shower to prevent them from getting excessively wet and to protect them from mold and mildew." Don't panic, though. There are loads of shower liners out there, specially designed to prevent mildew and mold buildup. Try Amazon, to start.
"Some higher-end fabric shower curtains come with a waterproof coating or are designed to be used without a liner," adds Smith. "However, even with these curtains, it's essential to ensure good ventilation in the bathroom and to allow the curtain to dry fully between uses."
Make sure to keep your shower curtain clean to stay on top of mildew and mold.
Do all shower curtains fit?
By and large, most shower curtains come measuring approximately 72 x 72 inches, with the occasional variation around this. As Omni Home Ideas' interior buff, Brad Smith, puts it, "This size typically works well for standard bathtubs and showers." Chances are, this will work perfectly for the average renter or dorm-dweller's bathroom, but there's no harm in checking. A simple measure of your tub and shower should set you straight. "If you have a larger shower or a custom-sized shower, you may need to look for extra-wide or extra-long shower curtains," adds Smith. Fortunately, there's plenty more to choose from — just see some of the top retailers listed below.
Where to buy a shower curtain
Still not found your dream shower curtain? Don't sweat it. We've put together the top retailers below, where you're guaranteed to find a perfect fit.
- Amazon shower curtains
- Etsy shower curtains
- H&M shower curtains
- Target shower curtains
- Urban Outfitters shower curtains
- Walmart shower curtains
- Wayfair shower curtains
How we chose these shower curtains
After hours of research, we pulled together a handful of well-designed pieces we love. Our criteria? If it didn't earn a minimum of four stars among reviewers, plus plenty of nice words, then it wasn't making the cut. Just this moment, we haven't tested every product, but you can rest easy knowing that shoppers don't lie. After all, it's their opinion that matters most. Practical? Check. Stylish? Double-check. *Actually* improving users' lives? Always.
