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Are Shower Curtains Supposed to Touch the Floor?

Are Shower Curtains Supposed to Touch the Floor?

It can be said that shower curtains are a crucial component of one’s bathroom’s interior design and are a major focal point. Therefore, you should be certain that you’ve given shower curtains careful consideration. Aesthetics and color scheme are likely the first things you will consider, and you may even base your choices on those aspects. But what about usability? Is it even safe for your shower curtain to touch the bathroom floor?

Your shower curtain conventionally shouldn’t touch the floor. To accomplish this, your shower curtain should hang 75 inches or 77 inches above the floor and be 72 inches long on average. However, if you prefer the aesthetic of the curtain lowered to the floor, you can have it hang longer.

That being said, let us look at this topic in detail.

Should Shower Curtains Touch the Floor?

Some individuals think it adds to the finished aspect of the bathroom to let the shower curtains reach the floor. Others want to conceal their ugly front tub or shower pan.

Either way, both of them can simply be accomplished by lowering the curtain rod a couple of inches so that the shower curtain is resting on the floor. However, to ensure that your curtain is at least as high as the shower to avoid water splashing over it.

It makes sense to prioritize aesthetics when choosing to hang your shower curtain, but there are some issues and risks to consider associated with letting a curtain pool on the floor.

Firstly, the probability of bathroom fall incidents increases when we introduce tripping hazards like a grazing shower curtain. Since 2001, slips or stumbles have been the leading reason for hospital visits and have caused 15% of every accidental death in the United States.

Secondly, moisture left over from a shower or bathing in a bathtub contributes to the growth of mould and mildew. In your bathroom, shower curtains are typically the prime place for mold to form. You may lessen the likelihood of mildew growth by keeping the shower curtain off the ground.

Hence, it is crucial to take extra precautions in a bathroom and can be done simply by raising your shower curtain above the floor. A shower curtain's typical size in the US is roughly 72 x 72 inches. The shower rod should be installed between 75 and 77 inches above the floor so that the shower curtain can hang two inches above the floor.

What Should the Length and Width of a Shower Curtain Be?

As previously mentioned, the average shower curtain is around 72 inches in length, but for claw-footed or stand-alone tubs, there is an extra-long alternative that is about 84 inches. 

What should be the length and width of the shower curtains

Now, even though their length varies little, their width can. A shower curtain might be 58, 70, 72, or 188 inches wide for various showers sizes. Shower or tub curtains for wrap-around showers or tubs are more likely to be longer in width. Your shower curtains should be the exact width of your shower space so that your décor and style won’t be compromised.

How to Take Measurements For Your Shower Curtains

Taking measurements of the lengths and widths of a shower curtain before buying one is easier than you may think.

Start by taking an initial measurement from the curtain rod to the floor and deducting around 10 inches from it. When looking for a shower curtain to match your tub, this would consider the height of the bathtubs. Subtract 2 inches from the total measurement to prevent a shower curtain from extending to the floor. This would be the required length of the shower curtain.

Next, measure the length of the showers or the length of the curtain rod and add 12 inches to acquire the correct widths of the curtain. With the additional 12 inches, the curtain will reach both ends and have enough fabric to provide the draping fold effect.

How High Should the Curtain Rod Be Hung?

While the height of shower curtain rods is not standardized, there are still certain basic principles you may follow:

  • Ideally, your shower curtain should not hang over the side of the tub. It makes it challenging to sweep or vacuum your bathroom floor. Additionally, it presents a trip risk, increasing the risk of injury.
  • Before installing permanent brackets, always utilize a tension rod to verify the exact height. After finishing the measurements, you may install your frames without drilling any further holes. 
  • Last but not least, your desire and the height of the curtain should dictate where you place the curtain rod.

How to Prevent a Moldy Shower Curtain?

Moldy shower curtains are not only ugly, but they are also dangerous to your health. However, there are ways to prevent mould and mildew from growing on anything that is frequently in contact with water.

Firstly, leaving the shower curtain in such a way that will let it dry evenly can prove to be beneficial. Try hanging your curtain with fewer wrinkles and folds which would cause it to absorb less moisture.

To wash a fabric curtain, use washing detergent. But before hanging them, make sure to completely wash and dry them.

Further for plastic, vinyl, or inner curtains, spray distilled white vinegar and wipe them off. Any potential mildew will be eliminated by doing this.

However, you might need to replace your curtain if you find that it has started to mould or mildew. This guarantees that any possible health risks brought on by mould are avoided.

What Material Should Your Shower Curtain Be?

Even though acquiring precise hanging measures is crucial, there are other factors to take into account when buying a shower curtain. While looking for a shower curtain, variables including materials and style should be taken into account. 

What material should your shower curtain be

Among the materials used to make shower curtains are cotton, vinyl, polyester, and microfiber. Each material has factors that distinguish it from the rest and the bathroom’s design and aesthetics can be highly influenced by the material of your shower curtain. 

Therefore, below are the three primary shower curtain materials discussed in detail, so that you can decide for yourself which fabric you prefer.

1. Cotton

Despite costing more, cotton shower curtains are a great choice. Due to the high quality of its fabric and design, cotton shower curtains may offer your bathroom a luxurious appearance and atmosphere.

Cotton curtains require monthly maintenance to keep them in excellent condition. Also, keep in mind to purchase a liner to match your cotton curtain if you decide to buy one. 

You must buy a cotton shower curtain that has an anti-mildew or anti-bacterial coating. By doing this, you can be sure that your shower curtain will be shielded from mould due to the moist, damp circumstances in a bathroom.

2. Vinyl

Since vinyl shower curtains cost less and require less maintenance than fabric alternatives, they have started to become a popular choice. These curtains are simple-to-clean and come in a variety of colors and designs making it simple to harmonize bathroom decor.

Furthermore, due to vinyl being inherently water-resistant, mold, and mildew growth are less of an issue. For those that intend to change the appearance of their bathroom constantly or don’t want to spend much on a shower curtain, vinyl curtains are also a fantastic alternative.

3. Polyester

Polyester, commonly referred to as microfiber, is a hard-wearing material that is simple to wash by hand or machine. Like vinyl, polyester shower curtains are also water-resistant. 

Shower curtains made of polyester, as opposed to vinyl curtains, will look more like fabric and be heavier. Make sure your railing can support them because of their size and weight. For people who have stronger water pressure, polyester shower curtains can be a better choice.

Final Words on If Shower Curtains Should Touch the Floor

To sum it up, letting your shower curtain touch the floor or not is a subjective choice. Some like it, others don’t. However, shower curtains touching the floor cause the risk of tripping and mold growth. To prevent these risks, your curtain should hang at least 2 inches above the bathroom floor.

Lindsay Reed

Hi, I'm the founder of ProjectPerfectHome.com! I created this website to be a resource for everyone who wants to make the best home possible.