Best Shower Curtains For Walk- In Shower – Top 10 Picks
Does water still splash onto your bathroom floors even after installing curtains in your walk-in shower? Then you might have chosen the wrong curtains. The standard-size shower curtains are too short, narrow, or lightweight and cannot withstand water splashes. Low-quality drapes also blow inward during the shower. There are many types of the best shower curtains for walk-in showers, including heavyweight polyester curtains, PEVA/EVA curtains, waffle-weave curtains, and many others.
When I encountered the same problem, I tried different curtains in my walk-in shower and now listed some of my best picks. These drapes look and function well in your modern bathrooms with walk-in showers. Have a look at them.
Comparison Table of Best Shower Curtains for Walk-in Showers
| Shower Curtain Type | Best For | Privacy Level | Typical Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| PEVA (8–10 Gauge) | High-moisture bathrooms and everyday use | Medium to High | 2–5 years |
| EVA Shower Curtains | Budget-friendly and lightweight walk-in showers | Medium | 1–3 years |
| Polyester Shower Curtains | Stylish bathrooms with frequent daily use | High | 3–7 years |
| Coated Polyester Curtains | Bathrooms needing extra water protection | High | 4–8 years |
| Heavy-Duty Vinyl Curtains | Family bathrooms, rental properties, and commercial spaces | High | 3–6 years |
| Stall-Size Shower Curtains | Compact shower stalls and small bathrooms | Medium to High | 2–5 years |
| Poly-Blend Shower Curtains | Bathrooms requiring a balance of style and function | High | 2–4 years |
| Heavy-Weighted Shower Curtains | Open walk-in showers with strong airflow | Medium to High | 3–6 years |
| Extra Long / Extra-Wide Curtains | Oversized walk-in showers and high ceilings | High | 3–7 years |
| Waffle-Weave Fabric Curtains | Luxury and hotel-style bathrooms | High | 3–6 years |
Top 10 Best Shower Curtains for Walk-In Showers
Looking for walk-in shower curtains for your modern bathrooms? Then your research ends here. Check the list of the curtains that you can use for the walk-in showers.
1. PEVA (8 to 10 Gauge) Shower Curtains
PEVA curtains are manufactured from high-quality polyethylene vinyl acetate. This is durable vinyl-based plastic. These drapes have a heavy gauge ranging from 8 to 10 to help reduce billowing when air circulates during the shower. Polyethylene Vinyl Acetate shower curtains are widely used because they are fully waterproof, easy to maintain, and durable. You clean these curtains when you plan to clean the shower tiles once a month.
These drapes do not absorb water, reducing the risk of mold and mildew growth. I have tried this curtain with metal grommets, weighted hems, and rust-resistant eyelets. They performed very well and looked elegant. These shower curtains are available in standard, extra-wide, and extra-long sizes to perfectly fit your walk-in showers.
2. EVA Shower Curtains
The next walk-in shower curtains on the list are EVA. These are made from non-chlorinated plastic and are waterproof. So there will be no problem with water splashes over the luxury flooring in the bathroom. I prefer these shower curtains due to their lightweight design and easy installation. Another notable feature of EVA fabrics is their mold- and mildew-resistant properties because they do not absorb water.
These drapes are less durable than the thicker PEVA curtains. When you choose these drapes with a heavier gauge and weighted hems, they will not blow in. Keeping these curtains neat is not as difficult; they only require regular wiping and rinsing.
3. Polyester Shower Curtains
The third high-quality window curtains on the list are polyester shower curtains. These drapes are highly durable and water-resistant. They dry very quickly, minimizing the chances of mold and mildew growth. To keep them neat, you can machine wash them on a gentle cycle with mild detergent. This way, soap scum, grime, pet hair, and stains will be removed. Polyester shower drapes allow air- and tumble-drying.
These drapes are easy to adjust. You can easily hang them over the tension rod and ceiling-mounted tracks. These curtains are available in various colors, styles, and designs to suit minimalist and bold bathrooms. Even with high use, these drapes will not fade or shrink.
4. Coated Polyester Curtains
The next entry in the list of best shower curtains for walk-in showers is coated polyester. They work exceptionally well in the shower due to the coating that offers added water resistance. These curtains are very durable and hold their shape very well even with high use. Coated polyester curtains are a very affordable and durable option for upgrading your walk-in showers and protecting bathroom floors from water splashes.
Like every synthetic curtain fabric, these drapes are machine washable on a very gentle cycle. With a range of colors, designs, and styles available, you can design your washroom as per your desires. With the protective coating, there will be no chance of mold and mildew growth.
5. Vinyl Shower Curtains (Heavy Duty)
Curtains made from heavy-duty vinyl are also an ideal choice for walk-in showers. These curtains are heavy-duty and resist tears, scratches, and daily wear for many years. They are fully waterproof and help to keep water splashes within the shower area. When you choose the curtains with weighted hems and reinforced grommets, there will be very minimal billowing.
These curtains are best installed in family bathrooms, rental properties, and other commercial spaces. These drapes do not accumulate soap scum, stains, and mildew, which helps keep the drapes clean. Some styles of vinyl shower drapes also allow machine washing. So make sure to read the care label before maintaining these drapes. The best thing that I really like about these curtains is that they are available in frosted and solid finishes. So these drapes offer privacy and functionality side by side.
6. Stall-Size Shower Curtains
These curtains are specifically designed for compact shower enclosures. Stall-size shower curtains offer a narrower, longer fit than standard drapes. These curtains are ideal for spaces where you require solid coverage without extra fabric bunching up. Usually, these drapes are available in 36 x 72 inches and 54 x 78 inches. You can choose the one that best fits your shower layout.
These curtains are made from polyethylene vinyl acetate or waterproof polyester to keep water splashes within the shower area. They help contain water effectively in smaller spaces, reducing splashes outside the shower area. For improved durability and water protection, you can use the added liner with these drapes. Use these curtains in narrow bathrooms, apartments, and shower areas that need space-saving curtains.
7. Poly-Blend Shower Curtains
These drapes are the most practical choice for bathrooms that need both functional and aesthetic upgrades. These shower curtains have a liner made from a cotton-polyester blend. The most attractive feature of these curtains is their quick-drying feature. They do not absorb water like ordinary fabrics. There will be 50% fewer chances of mold and mildew growth.
These drapes offer an upgraded look compared to the ordinary curtains made from plastic fibers. Whether your bathroom is traditional or modern, these curtains can blend in perfectly. They are easy to clean and best suited for frequently used bathrooms.
8. Heavy Weighted Shower Curtains
Another great addition to shower curtains are heavy-weighted curtains. They are designed by sewing magnets and stones into them for weight. To provide privacy, these curtains hang straight and stay very close to the shower area. I would suggest installing them in your bathroom that faces strong airflow. They are exceptional in controlling the drafty or open shower areas where lightweight curtains tend to move.
Depending on the fabrics used, these curtains are either water-resistant or waterproof. You will get these drapes in different finishes, including clear, frosted, and fabric-style.
9. Extra Long / Extra-Wide Shower Curtains
Usually, standard-size curtains come in a 72-inch length, which is unable to cover the gaps at the bottom of walk-in showers. So, you need extra-long, extra-wide curtains for privacy and to control water splashes. Choose the curtains that are almost 78 to 82 inches long and 108 inches wide. I have used these drapes with weighted hems, and the results were exceptional.
For fabric options, you can get these curtains in polyester, PEVA, and other waterproof fabrics. These curtains are mostly hung in master bathrooms and modern walk-in showers with very high ceilings.
10. Waffle-Weave Fabric Shower Curtains
If you want to achieve a luxurious, hotel-style look in walk-in showers, you can install waffle-weave fabric shower curtains. They are manufactured with textured polyester and other synthetic water-resistant fabrics. These curtains add visual depth, giving your bathroom a spa-like look. Cleaning these curtains is so easy because they are machine washable on a very gentle cycle. Moreover, they are also very quick to dry.
For smooth curtain gliding, they come with rust-resistant grommets. You can also combine these curtains with a waterproof liner to offer matchless protection. Before choosing these curtains, you must analyze your bathroom design and color palette for maximum aesthetic appeal.
Why Do You Need Curtains in Walk-in Showers?
Curtains in walk-in showers are not a luxury. This is a mandatory element that can offer many practical and aesthetic benefits.
- Control Water Splashes: These drapes keep the bathroom floor dry by keeping the water splashes within the shower area.
- Offer Privacy: For the open walk-in shower, these curtains offer extra privacy.
- Make the Shower Area Feel Warmer: Shower curtains minimize the open, exposed feel of some walk-in showers and help maintain a moderate temperature.
- Pocket-Friendly Option: Installing shower curtains is usually more pocket-friendly than installing shower doors.
- Add Style: Stylish walk-in showers bring color, patterns, and texture to the bathrooms.
- Offer More Flexibility: Shower curtains are very easy to open, close, and replace when you want to give your bathroom a new look.
How to Measure the Right Size for Shower Curtains?
Shower curtains work best when you choose the right size. Check the way I measure the shower curtains for walk-in showers:
Measure the Width: Start measuring your shower opening from wall-to-wall. Add at least 12 inches to the exact length for perfect overlap. For instance, if the wall-to-wall distance is 48 inches, add 12 inches more to it. The curtain should be at least 60 inches.
Measure the Length: Start by measuring from the curtain rod to the floor. Make sure to subtract 1 to 2 inches for hook drops. If you skip this step, the curtain will touch the floor and can be a reason for mold and mildew growth.
Sizing Cheat Sheet
| Shower Opening | Curtain Size (W × L) |
|---|---|
| Narrow Stall (32–42") | 54" × 78" |
| Standard Walk-In (48–60") | 72" × 78" |
| High-Mounted Rod | 72" × 84" |
| Ceiling-Height Rod | 72" × 96" |
| Wide / Doorless (70"+) | 108" Wide |
How to Choose the Best Shower Curtains for Walk-in Showers?
To buy the perfect shower curtain for a walk-in shower, keep a few important factors in mind. Some of these factors are mentioned below:
1. Consider Right Length and Width
Always measure your walk-in shower to determine the right length and width for the curtains. Curtains that are too long or too short cannot perform well and look awful.
2. Pick a Heavier or Weighted Curtain
Choosing lightweight curtains for the walk-in shower is a very wrong decision. These can blow inward and stick to your body when air circulates. The ideal pick for the walk-in shower is a drape with weighted hems with stone or magnets. Alternatively, you can choose heavy-gauge materials (8-10 gauge) that hang straight.
3. Select Waterproof or Quick-Drying Materials
The performance of the walk-in curtain directly depends on the material used for its manufacturing. So, you must choose fabrics that are waterproof or allow quick drying. For the waterproof feature, you can choose PEVA, EVA, vinyl, and coated polyester. Meanwhile, polyester and waffle-weave fabrics dry very quickly.
4. Always Check Mold and Mildew Resistance
A walk-in shower is a humid place, so you must select the curtains that can deal with this humidity without causing mold and mildew growth. Always select the curtains with non-absorbent materials like PEVA or polyester that do not develop mold and mildew growth.
5. Select an Easy-to-Clean and Maintain Option
When choosing curtains for walk-in showers, choose a fabric that is easy to maintain and clean. Curtains that are machine washable are a plus. This way, the soap scum, grime, and stains are easy to remove from these curtains.
6. Consider Durable Hardware and Hanging Styles
Considering hardware and hanging styles for the curtains is also an important step. You must select rust-resistant metal grommets or reinforced eyelets. You can also consider the hookless designs that allow easy control. You should also know where you are going to hang the curtains on a tension rod, wall-mounted rod, or ceiling-mounted track so that you can buy the rod accordingly.
7. Never Skip the Liner
Choosing curtains with a waterproof liner is best for adding an extra layer of protection. It is mandatory if you are choosing decorative curtains. I prefer to buy the curtains and liner sets or a snap-in liner for convenience.
8. Match The Curtain Style for the Bathroom
For a balanced look, you must select the color, texture, and finish of the curtains that can complement your bathroom. To get the hotel-like feel, you can choose waffle-weave shower curtains. For the minimalist feel, you can go for the frosted finishes that suit a minimalist space.
Final Thoughts
Shower curtains are the most crucial element in walk-in showers, offering privacy, water splash control, and aesthetic appeal. There are multiple options available, so selection can be tricky. You can select your curtains from the above-mentioned options and upgrade your walk-in shower the way you like. Always keep in mind that your selected curtains must be waterproof, easy to clean, and mold-resistant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best shower curtain for a short walk-in shower?
For the small walk-in shower, you can choose stall-sized heavyweight PEVA or coated-polyester shower curtains. The ideal height and width of these curtains are 36 x 72 inches or 54 x 78 inches.
What is the best shower curtain liner for a walk-in shower?
The highly functional liner used for a walk-in shower includes 8-gauge EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate. This is non-toxic and does not release any odor. This liner also resists mold and tearing.
What is the best shower curtain rod for a walk-in shower?
For walk-in shower curtains, you can choose the rustproof stainless steel tension rod in curved or L-shaped. For rental properties, you can pick the no-drill tension rod.
How often should I wash shower curtains?
You can wash your shower curtains once a month to keep them clean and free from soap scum. For the liner, you can rinse or wipe it after every few weeks.
