How Many Shower Curtains Do I Need?

We're often concerned about how the curtains in the living room should appear but we overlook shower curtains. How many shower curtain panels do you need to buy to achieve the right balance between functionality and style? That's what we researched and we're sharing the answers with you.

It's better to hang two shower curtains for better water containment, to give you more privacy, and improve the look of your bathroom. It is also recommended that you hang them together with shower curtain liners to enhance water and mold resistance and protection for your curtains.

Hang in there as we tell you more about shower curtains. We'll also answer if shower curtain liners are essential and we'll help you choose the right shower curtain for your bathroom. Let's get started!

Do showers need two curtains?

Let's admit it. We put heavy emphasis on how we hang our living room and bedroom curtains. It's largely because aside from their functionality, curtains have become more like fashion pieces that'll help enhance the look of your interiors.

With each color, design, and texture that you choose, you can instantly change the look of your room. You can transform your interiors from simple and subtle to elegant and modern-looking with the right combination of these elements.

But how about shower curtains? Are there certain rules that you need to follow so you can hang them properly to optimize their function and style?

For starters, how many shower curtains do you need to hang? Can you just go with one curtain that'll fit the curtain rod from end to end?

To answer this question, you need to have a better understanding of what shower curtains are for. These are fabric or plastic panels that you put in your shower area to help keep the bathroom floor dry while you take a bath. This will make your bathroom safer and easier to maintain.

These curtain panels also give you enough privacy while you're taking a shower. And of course, they have the added benefit of adding style and decor to your bathroom.

Make It Two

Considering these uses, we can say that when it comes to shower curtains, two is better than one. Having two panels will give you full coverage. You can prevent water from seeping through the edges.

You'll have maximum protection so that the bathroom floor is kept dry and you can definitely enjoy more privacy while you're taking a bath.

This will also lend more style and drama and provide a symmetrical look to this part of your home. Just like in the olden days, you can part the shower curtains in the middle so you can enter your private chamber.

When you have two panels, the curtains' width won't look awkward as if they're too stretched out in your effort to keep water from reaching other parts of the room. You want them to have a relaxed look even when they are pulled close.

But of course, this is only applicable to standard shower areas. If you have an oversized shower, you would need more panels to cover the entire width.

If you have a stall shower, one shower curtain is often enough since its width is shorter. If you're using curved curtain rods in your shower, you need to measure its entire length, then add another 6 to 12 inches for full coverage.

Do you really need a shower curtain liner?

And while you're at it, you might as well grab two shower curtain liners to go with your shower curtains.

While these liners aren't mandatory, they will help a lot in improving the performance and extending the lifespan of your shower curtains especially if you're using fabric panels.

Shower curtain liners are made of plastic that has water-repellant and mildew-resistant properties. They'll help contain water in the shower area and won't make your curtains breeding grounds for mold and mildew.

Check out this clear shower curtain liner on Amazon.

Some liners are disposable but some can be washed and reused which is more environment-friendly and cost-effective.

They also come in different colors to complement the look of your shower curtain so that they won't stand out in your bathroom like a sore thumb.

When using shower curtain liners, you need to use double rods or double hooks so that you can hang them with the shower curtains.

Find these double-glide shower curtain rings on Amazon.

The liners are hung on the interior side of the shower area while the shower curtain is the one that's on the outer or exterior side since it sports the design that you want to feature.

Shower Curtain Buying Guide

Now that you know how many shower curtains (and liners) to buy, allow us to help you choose the best ones for your bathroom through this shopping guide.

Length

Shower curtains are available in three standard sizes - 70x70 inches, 70x72 inches, and 72x72 inches. There are also shorter and longer ones so you need to know the length that suits your bathroom.

Usually, shower curtains are floor-length so that they can contain water in the shower area.

To determine the right length, you need to measure from the lower edge of the curtain rod all the way to the floor. If you're using hooks and rings, measure from their tip to the floor or subtract around 1 inch from the rod-to-floor measurement.

If you have a bathtub, it is recommended that you subtract 10 inches from your measurement since water won't reach the floor while you're in the tub.

For more insight, read: "Do Shower Curtains Come In Different Lengths."

Material

Shower curtains are usually made of vinyl or fabric and each material has its own pros and cons.

Fabric shower curtains come in a wide variety of colors and designs and can make your bathroom look really stylish but they aren't completely waterproof.

Click this link to find this fabric curtain on Amazon.

Vinyl curtains are resistant to water and mold and easier to maintain but they have limited design options.

Check out this vinyl shower curtain on Amazon.

Either way, you get to choose if you want to go with solid colors for a more subtle look or go bold and adventurous with the prints that you choose. However, you always have to consider the other elements in your room when you choose the design.

Experts suggest that you use vinyl shower curtains for normal use and reserve fabric curtains for special occasions or use them in rooms that aren't used regularly such as the guest room.

Top Treatment

This refers to how you hang your shower curtains. Some shower curtains come with grommet holes while some have buttonholes on top.

For those with grommet holes, you just need to insert the curtain rod in the holes without any need for hooks. This works well for those with rods that aren't permanently fixed on the wall. Or look for curtains with split rings so that you can hang them easily without removing the rods.

Find this shower curtain with grommet holes on Amazon.

Meanwhile, you need to attach hooks to your shower curtain rod if you want to use curtains with buttonholes.

Check out this shower curtain with buttonholes on Amazon.

These are the main considerations when buying shower curtains. Make sure that the length, material, and top treatment suit your bathroom so that you'll have a breeze installing and using your chosen panels.

Learn more shower curtain hanging tips, read: "How To Get A Shower Curtain Rod To Stay Up."

Final Thoughts

It's best to go with two curtains if you have a standard shower or add at least 6 inches to the total width of your curtain rod if you have a shower with a different size. This way, you'll be more satisfied with the overall performance of your shower curtains.