Updated at: 01-11-2022 - By: Sienna Lewis

Your flat or house may be in need of a new shower curtain. Understanding the normal shower curtain dimensions is a good starting point because it is just as significant in terms of deciding on the best selection as how it will look in general.

Three common shower curtain sizes are ubiquitous in their capacity to suit any standard shower. And while they only vary slightly, picking out the right one is important to ensure that you don’t end up with an inadequate curtain that allows water to drip out onto your floor.

Standard Shower Curtain Size: Which One Fits Your Shower?

  • 70 by 70 centimeters
  • Inches: 70 x 72
  • 72 × 72 inches.

Special sizes, such as 70 x 84 inches or 72 x 84 inches shower curtains, extremely large showers (144 x 72 inches), and shower stalls, are also available (54 x 78 inches).

How to measure a shower curtain by Byretech - YouTube

To get the most out of your shower curtain, you don’t have to make sure it fits perfectly every time. A few extra inches in width or height won’t be a big deal, but you don’t want your shower curtain to drag on the floor.

Measuring For a Shower Curtain

A conventional shower curtain size is unlikely to fit the exact proportions of your shower. If you’re looking for an exact match, you’ll need to look at a variety of other aspects.

  1. The first step is to figure out the dimensions of your shower. In the United States, shower curtain sizes are typically measured in inches, thus measure from wall to wall. Shower curtains should be somewhat broader than the shower itself, so keep this in mind. This is so that when you pull it closed, it hangs with folds rather than being entirely taut. This can be accomplished by increasing the shower’s width by 12 inches. You’ll get a far better result if you add an extra foot of fabric.
  2. The next step is to gauge the height of your shower. Shower curtains do not hang from the ceiling to the floor. Measure from the shower rod to your floor and then deduct 8 to 10 inches for the rings on the curtain. It is possible to alter the height of many shower rods, so if the normal sizes don’t fit, you may simply raise or lower the rod as needed.

Types of Shower Curtains

In addition to the size, you should consider the style of your shower curtain. It is possible to choose from a variety of shower curtain options, each with its own set of advantages.

Low-maintenance shower curtains made of vinyl are great at repelling water. If you prefer not to be entirely enclosed while showering, this option is also available with clear paneling.

With nearly infinite pattern possibilities, cotton shower curtains are a popular choice for many people. Because cotton absorbs moisture rather than repels it, it’s best to use a vinyl or polyester liner with a cotton curtain.

If you’re more concerned with style than function, choose a decorative shower curtain, which is typically composed of more luxurious fabrics like imitation silk or linen and coupled with embellishments like ruffles or sequins. To avoid mold, it’s important to use a functioning liner with this product.

A hookless shower curtain is an option if you don’t want to use curtain rings and prefer a more streamlined design in your bathroom. A variety of materials and styles are available, and many also come with built-in liners.

Tips for Choosing the Best Shower Curtain

As you browse for a shower curtain, there are a few additional important aspects that you may want to keep in mind.

  1. It’s time to let the light in. As a general rule, you’ll want to go with a shower curtain that lets in light from your fixtures and/or windows if you don’t have a shower light.
  2. Maintain a mold-free environment. One of your shower curtain’s worst enemies will always be mold. Always use a curtain liner to protect your curtain, and if your bathroom lacks adequate ventilation, a vinyl curtain can be the best option.
  3. Consider the design of your bathroom. Although your own taste is vital, it’s also important to ensure that the shower curtain you choose doesn’t conflict with the rest of your bathroom decor. When deciding on a shower curtain style and color scheme, keep in mind the overall design of your bathroom.

And that’s all there is to it. Starting with the size of your shower and working your way out, you should be able to choose the perfect curtain for your bathroom.

4 Steps to Pick the Perfect Shower Curtain Size

The job of purchasing a new shower curtain is sometimes ignored when moving into a new home or remodeling your bathroom. If you’re wondering, “What size shower curtain do I need?” it’s understandable.

Shower curtains often come in three sizes: 70 × 70 inches, 70 x 72 inches, and 72 x 72 inches. These are the most common measurements. Showers in most homes can be fitted with one of these three sizes. You may, however, need a different size for an extra-large shower, or for showers that are enclosed in an enclosure.

Is this all still a bit perplexing? We’re here to help, so don’t be afraid. Choosing the right size shower curtain for your bathroom is as simple as following these four simple steps. Your shower singing will start right away!

1. Measure the Width

Make sure that your shower curtain is wide enough by taking a measurement of its length in inches. Take a tape measure and measure the entire shower area from wall to wall to get an accurate reading of the size. Once you’ve done that, add another 12 inches to make sure the curtain can still reach the two walls and give adequate coverage.

Consider the size of the window before purchasing a curtain. Standard shower curtains are available in one of three sizes, as previously mentioned:

  • 70 by 70 centimeters
  • Inches: 70 x 72
  • 72 × 72 inches.

Don’t stress if your shower isn’t a regular size. Step 4 explains how to use a custom-sized shower curtain.

Buying Guide to Shower Curtain | Bed Bath & Beyond

2. Determine Where the Rod Will Go

Before installing the shower curtain rod, you’ll need to figure out the best method for doing so. On the inside or the exterior of your shower, this decision will have to be made.

The inside mounts fit perfectly between the openings and extend from wall to wall, ensuring a tight fit. Since they can extend beyond the opening, exterior mounts offer a little more freedom.

You should always buy your shower curtain before you mount your shower curtain rod, in case you need to make any alterations to your measurements.

Using a spring-rod to hold the real curtain rod in place while you measure can be beneficial at times. You’ll need to figure out the curtain height once you’ve nailed down the specifics of the rod.

3. Measure the Height

Decide how high off the ground you want your curtain to be. Your shower curtain should be hung so that the bottom is about 1 to 2 inches above the floor.

However, even if there is no official guideline, hanging your shower curtain too high or too low might lead to water dripping onto the floor and causing mold or mildew, or worse, you could trip over the curtain when entering or exiting your shower.

Measure the distance from where the rod will go to the floor with a tape measure. Hooks and the gap between the curtain and the floor should be taken into account.

4. Special Shower Curtain Sizes

You now have all of the data. When shopping for shower curtains, keep in mind that a typical shower curtain is approximately 72″ wide by 72″ long. With 12 inches of extra fabric, they’re meant to suit a 60-inch tub.

To be safe, make sure your shower and rod are of the same dimensions. As a matter of fact, not all showers are alike. Here are a few instances in which extra care must be used.

Oversized Showers

Showers and tubs come in a wide range of sizes, even though most homes and flats have the same-sized fixtures. Shower curtains up to 108 inches wide are available if your shower is wider than the normal 60-inch tub.

You may also buy two shower curtains and hang them together. Depending on the size of the shower, you may have more than 12 inches of curtain left over if you choose this choice. Tie backs are an option in this situation.

Stall Showers

A full-sized tub has standard measurements and methods that differ slightly from a small stall shower. In comparison to regular showers, stalls are both higher and narrower in design.

Shorter in width but longer in length, stall shower curtains are more common than regular shower curtain lengths. Standard dimensions are 50 x 78 and 54 x 78. The stall’s width can be measured in the same way as a regular bathtub. Measure the length of the curtain from one end to the other, then add 12 inches to account for the curtain’s natural sway.

Make sure the curtain falls long enough to keep water from dripping onto the floor but not so long that it drags. It should just extend to the shower’s curb, allowing it to direct water inside while posing no danger to anyone using the shower.

Curved Curtain Rods

Make sure you measure the complete length of the rod if you have this type of rod. Shower curtain rods that are 6 inches longer than the regular length are the most common. There will only be roughly six inches of free cloth if the regular 72-inch curtain is used.

Shower curtains that are big are your best bet in this circumstance because they will still give ample coverage. The extra time it will take to get one will be worth it if you don’t want to give up the extra inches.

Why That Curtain is So Important

Even though your bathroom is most likely the tiniest room in your house, it’s likely to be responsible for the most vital tasks. Adding a shower curtain to the decor of your bathroom isn’t simply an afterthought, it’s the centerpiece.

The shower curtain is an essential decorative feature, but it also protects your flooring from water damage and keeps you and your guests from tripping and falling over one other.

Choosing the right size shower curtain is critical, so make sure you measure your shower before you buy. As a result, you’ll spend most of your time fiddling with the curtain and may even end yourself in the cold.

If your curtain is too large, you’ll have to deal with it bunching up and becoming wet all the time, and that’ll almost certainly lead to mold and mildew growth.

As a result, you must take the time to accurately measure your space before purchasing a curtain, rather than simply assuming what size you’ll need. You’ll save a ton of time, effort, and money in the long run. Now it’s time to put up the curtain.

Should Shower Curtain and Liner be the Same Size?

As with the majority of shower curtains, the usual liner is 70 inches wide by 72 inches long. The ideal length for your shower curtain liner is between 5 and 6 inches longer than the height of your tub’s rim. The linings for the curtains of the shower can can be ordered in custom sizes as well. For example, a shower stall liner is 54 by 78 inches.

Does the Shower Curtain Go Inside the Tub?

Always place the shower curtain liner within the tub or shower base when using a curtain. Shower curtain liners are often composed of vinyl or plastic and are designed to keep water from dripping out of the shower. When it comes to decor and privacy, curtains are typically preferred over liners because of their practicality.

What Size Shower Curtain Do You Need?

Various sizes of shower curtains are available directly from the manufacturer, according to Bed Bath & Beyond. 72 × 72 inches is the most frequent size. 70 × 70 and 70 x 72 are also frequent measurements.

There are a few things to keep in mind while determining the correct shower curtain size. As opposed to a freestanding tub, a wall-mounted tub requires a smaller shower curtain. In order to prevent water from splashing out of a freestanding tub, a curtain must be able to cover the full tub’s perimeter.

Always add an extra 12 inches to your final measurement when determining the width of a room. This will prevent gaps when the curtain is closed and guarantee that it rests nicely against the wall. There’s no such thing as a little crack that won’t cause havoc on the carpet.

Even if a small amount of water on the floor can dry fast, it can pose issues in the long run. Mold and mildew can grow on a variety of surfaces in your bathroom because of the dampness. Water damage, mold, and mildew might begin to grow along the baseboards or other edges of the shower if water escapes from the shower.

How To Measure A Shower Curtain By Byretech - YouTube

Measuring Curtain Width

The width of the curtain can easily be measured. It’s as simple as taking a horizontal measurement of the space you have for your shower. This applies to both a walk-in and a bathtub-installed shower. This width will serve as the starting point for your measurements.

You don’t want to just buy a shower curtain in that precise size once you’ve measured the width. If you do this, there won’t be enough shower curtain to cover the opening, which increases the risk of water leaks. For a little more breathing room when the curtain is closed, add 12 inches to the original measurement.

There should still be room in the shower curtain when it is closed. If your shower is hitting at one end or the other, this will allow you to tighten it up a little more. Bottom line: no openings or gaps that could allow air to enter or water to collect on the floor.

It’s not a good idea to have the shower curtain pulled so tight that it covers both ends of the shower. An opening can be created by a single elbow bump, allowing water to splash onto the floor. Water damage, mold, and even a slip and fall hazard might result from this.

Freestanding bathtubs may necessitate a shower curtain that covers the entire area. There are extra-wide shower curtains available that measure up to 144 inches in width, which is more difficult to measure. If you’re looking to encircle a standalone shower or tub, you’ll want to go with this style.

If you’re searching for an extra-wide shower curtain, you may be better off opting for a shower liner. Depending on the width, the names will be different. Thin vinyl plastic and fabric are the most common materials used for the basic lining.

Measuring Curtain Height

When it comes to measuring the height of a curtain, it’s a little trickier than measuring the width. Your shower curtain doesn’t need to cover the entire ceiling to floor for a normal tub-installed shower. While it’s entirely up to you, leaving a gap at the top of your shower can aid in the removal of moisture and steam.

It’s also a bad idea to have the shower curtains laying around the tub. In addition to the danger of tripping, this area is a breeding ground for mold or mildew. A free-hanging curtain inside the bathtub helps keep water from dripping onto the floor.

Keep in mind that using curtain rings to hang the curtain will increase its overall length. Measure the distance from the curtain rod to the bottom of the tub after you’ve decided where to install it. This will provide you with a starting point.

Subtract 10 inches from the original measurement. These rings will add an additional two to three inches of curtain length, thus this will ensure that the shower curtain is properly hung above the shower or tub floor.

Installing the Curtain Rod

Showerheads and curtain rods are typically set at the same height. Some people, on the other hand, like the rod to be placed higher or closer to the ceiling. If you’re unsure about where to put your curtain rod, start by measuring the base of your favorite shower curtain.

Once you have the height of the shower curtain, you may work backwards to identify the optimum location for the rod. This gives you the freedom to choose a curtain design that complements your home’s style rather than being constrained by what is available in terms of height specifications.

The height of certain shower curtains ranges from 72 to 96 inches. Longer shower curtains are often only used for installations above the floor. For shower curtain rods that are at the same height as the showerhead, they normally won’t operate.

Shower curtains should never hang over the edge of the tub or stand at your feet as you use the shower. Bacteria, mold, and mildew can grow in folds and creases because of the water that accumulates there.

Final Thoughts

No matter if you need a freestanding or wall-mounted shower curtain, knowing your exact measurements ahead of time can make the procedure much more straightforward. A wide variety of conventional sizes, styles, and materials are available for shower curtains at Home Depot. Finding the ideal candidate will just take a few minutes of your time in advance.

What ever the width or horizontal dimension for your shower opening is, multiply it by 12. This is enough extra curtain to keep any spills or leaks from occurring.

Determine where your curtain rod will go, and then measure from the rod to the floor of the shower stall or tub to get the height or vertical measurement. Subtract 10 inches from the measurement in this situation. Once the curtain rings are attached, the curtain will not drag on the floor.

End of the road. Rest easy knowing that a leaky or poorly fitted shower curtain won’t lead to the growth of mold or mildew in your new, properly installed curtain.