House Grail is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

How to Hang a Shower Curtain: 5 Easy Steps

modern bathroom with shower curtain liner in the bath

A shower curtain in the bathroom is an essential item. Not only does it look good, but it prevents water from splashing on the floors and protects your privacy.

A new shower curtain needs to be installed following a few simple steps. In this article, you can learn all about the crucial steps of installing a shower curtain in your washroom. Keep reading to learn more.

house divider

The 5 Simple Steps for Hanging a Shower Curtain

There are a few easy steps that you need to take when installing a new shower curtain in a bathroom. First, you need a rod. There are 2 types of rods that you can use for the best results: mounted rods or tension rods.

Below is a step-by-step process to follow:

1.  Measure and Mark the Installation Height

shower curtain hooks

Use a measuring tape to measure the installation height of the rod in your bathroom. First, confirm the measurements of the curtain. Most standard curtains are a perfect square measuring 74 inches on each side.

Using these curtain measurements, determine the distance between the base of the curtain and the floor surface. It’s best to always leave 2 inches of space between the curtain and the floor. This prevents too much moisture from accumulating on it. If you have a tub, ensure the curtain hangs 5 inches from its edge.

On the individual walls, measure the space where the rod will be fixed. Ensure that it’s 4 inches more than the curtain width and make any adjustments that you need to make. Use a marker to mark where the curtain rod will be on both ends of the bathroom walls.


2. Install a Mounted Rod

If you are using a mounted rod, you first have to set it up. This requires permanent installation on the wall of the bathroom. Check the set you have for the mounted rod that comes with the appropriate amount of screws and brackets to follow the installation guidelines.

Check where you marked the installation height and drill the wall to install the first bracket. After fixing the bracket on one side, you can proceed to the other side.

After that, fix the rod on the mounting brackets and ensure that it is firmly set up on the wall. Confirm the strength of the mounted rod before hanging the curtain.


3. Using a Tension Rod

white shower curtain
Image Credit: Ana Anderson, Shutterstock

If you prefer a tension rod, it has its own installation procedure. A tension rod will have two interlocking shafts. Start by locating the point where the shafts fit together and place your hands on both sides.

Twist the tension rod in a counterclockwise manner to increase its length. Keep expanding the tension rod until its ends hit the spots you marked on the wall initially. Keep adjusting the point where both ends rest until you have a strong setup.

Continue to expand the rod until you have a stable hold. Check to see that the rod is set firmly on the wall before you start hanging the curtain. The rod must feel stable on the wall, or you risk it falling down later.


4. Add Curtain Hooks to the Shower Rod

Curtain hooks must be hung before you hand the shower curtain. Most standard rods require a dozen hooks, which is how you find them packaged at the store.

Standard curtain hooks open and close easily as you add each to the curtain rod. Check to see that all the hooks slide from end to end with ease.


5. Hang the Curtain

shower curtain clips
Image Credit: Sagrapho, Shutterstock

Check your curtain for the holes you’ll use to hang it up. Start to place it on the hooks and snap each hook shut as you proceed. The hooks will hold the curtain up and make it easy to slide from end to end. If you’re using a clear liner, you can line it up with the shower curtain before you place both on the hooks.

As you thread the shower curtain and liner on the hooks, check for any designs. Any visible design should face outward where the person who walks into the bathroom can enjoy it. After that, inspect your work before you leave the bathroom.

Check to see that both the shower curtain and rod are secured well. Confirm that the rods are straight and the curtain moves from end to end with ease. If you see the rod leaning, the curtain is too heavy for it. If not, you’re good to go.

house divider

Should a Shower Curtain Touch the Floor?

Some people may prefer the shower curtain touching the floor rather than hanging a few inches from it. But is this the best way to do it? Should you get a long shower curtain or install it in a way that it touches the floor?

Having the bathroom curtain touching the floor may look better. However, aesthetics aside, this might not be the best way to install bathroom curtains. Remember, you need the setup in your bathroom to be as practical as possible. Unfortunately, long curtains that touch the floor and are heavy aren’t practical.

There is a higher chance of you tripping and falling in the bathroom when the curtain touches the floor. This is dangerous in a wet bathroom, which is why leaving a few inches from the floor works better.

Another issue that comes with wetness is mold and mildew. When the curtain touches the floor, it leaves wetness all over. Since the water is warm and the bathroom is humid, this is the perfect environment for mold and mildew to grow.

These microorganisms pose a huge health risk in your home and are better avoided. Prevent mold and mildew from growing on your shower curtain by leaving about 2 inches between it and the floor. While the choice of height is personal, consider the practicality and health risks involved.

Is It Better for a Shower Curtain to Hang Inside or Outside the Bathtub?

Whether a shower curtain should hang inside or outside the bathtub is a personal choice. However, always note that when the curtain hangs out of the bathtub, you risk splashing water everywhere as you take a bath or a shower. Some water will end up on the floor since the curtain drips on the outside. Therefore, it might be better to keep the shower curtain inside the bath.

However, if you have a liner and a curtain hanging in your bathroom, things can be different. Have the liner hanging in the bath and the curtain hanging out of it. The liner will keep the moisture inside while the curtain hangs outside as you like it.

wet shower curtain
Image Credit: eyepark, Shutterstock

Should You Leave a Shower Curtain Open or Closed?

When taking a shower, it’s better to close the shower curtain. Its main purpose is to ensure water won’t splash all over the room. When you’re done, you have to open the curtain and step out of the bath. As you do so, remember to close the curtain once more.

At this time, the shower curtain is dripping wet. If you leave it open, you risk mildew and mold forming on it. Therefore, health-wise, it’s better to leave the shower curtain closed when leaving the bathroom. Plus, it looks more aesthetically pleasing since the design is on full display.

Do Shower Curtains and Liners Hang From the Same Hooks?

In a bathroom, you can hang both the shower curtain and liner from the same hooks. This is because you’re only setting up one rod in the bathroom. So, both the curtain and liner hang on it using the same hooks.

Some people do set up 2 rods for aesthetic purposes, but it is all about personal preferences when designing your bathroom.

house divider Conclusion

Installing a shower curtain requires only a little bit of time and the items you want to use. Choose whether you want to install a mounted rod or a tension rod before you start. Always check the measurements of the curtain and leave it 2 inches off the floor.

It’s better for shower curtains not to touch the floor. Also, decide if you want to use a liner or not. A liner is better if you want the shower curtain to hang outside the bath. When you use the bathroom, ensure you leave the shower curtain and liner closed to allow them to dry. This prevents mold and mildew growth.


Featured Image Credit: Artazum, Shutterstock

Contents

Related posts

OUR categories

Project ideas

Hand & power tools

woodworking

Garden

Automotive