Using Shower Curtains as Window Curtains [Pros and Cons]
Bathrooms are often one of the smallest rooms in your home, but that doesn’t mean they are easy to decorate.
For example, if you have a shower that requires a curtain or a shower bath, there are many options available to you on the market.
Shower curtains are convenient. They are mainly used to prevent water and moisture from leaving the bath or shower area and add privacy while showering. But, they are also handy at keeping your bathroom looking pretty.
Reasons to Choose a Shower Curtain over a Door
Increased Privacy
The reality is many people share the bathroom with other family members (anyone who has ever had a kid barge into their bathroom unannounced knows what I’m talking about here!). So the privacy of the shower curtains can certainly be a benefit.
Lower cost
Shower doors can get expensive. However, if you’re on a tight budget, you can buy many sets of shower curtains before you equal the cost of a semi-frameless or utterly frameless shower door.
Easy DIY Installation
Whether you’re using a tension rod or a more permanent curved or straight shower rod – the curtains are an easy DIY project (shower door installations require much more skill).
Design flexibility.
Whether you’re decorating style is Victorian, Country, Arts and Crafts, Rustic (or virtually any design type), you’ll be able to find a curtain to match your vision.
Flexible rods for pedestal or clawfoot tub/shower combinations.
If you’ve got a pedestal or clawfoot tub with a showerhead, a curved shower curtain system is the only way.
Cost-effectively increase space.
Use a curved shower rod to cheaply open up your tub/shower combination for more space.
Access to the entire shower area.
Suppose you have a family member with mobility challenges who need a walker or wheelchair assistance. In that case, a shower curtain will often be the answer to achieving an accessible design.
Types of Shower Curtains
There are several types of shower curtains, each with unique features.
- Vinyl shower curtains
A low-maintenance shower curtain that’s a pro at repelling moisture. Available with clear paneling if you’re the type of person who doesn’t like to be completely closed off while taking a shower.
- Cotton shower curtains
A popular choice with near-endless options in terms of design. Just be sure to pair a cotton curtain with a vinyl or polyester liner since cotton does tend to absorb the moisture instead of repelling it.
- Decorative shower curtains
If you’re more concerned with form than function, consider a decorative shower curtain, generally made with more luxurious fabrics, such as faux silk or linen, and paired with embellishments like ruffles or sequins. But, again, just be sure to pair with a functional liner so you don’t end up with mold.
- Hookless shower curtains
If you want to forego curtain rings, opt for a hookless shower curtain, which slips directly over the shower rod for a more streamlined look. You can find hookless varieties in a range of materials and styles, and many also include built-in liners.
- Microfiber Shower Curtains
Microfiber shower curtains provide a soft-to-the-touch alternative to plastic curtains and work well to wick away moisture as you shower. Residual wetness evaporates quickly, so mold and mildew don’t stand a chance when these curtains are hung in a well-ventilated bathroom.
Microfiber shower curtains, especially when fitted with magnetic weights, are also heavier in consistency than other shower curtain fabrics, which allows for stability when the water pressure is severe, or your heat vent or bathroom fan blows out air. Best of all, these curtains are machine washable, making cleaning and maintenance a breeze.
Deciding between glass shower enclosures and traditional shower curtains for your bathroom can be difficult. While shower glass is easy to clean, elegant, and more cost-effective in the long term, shower curtains are cheaper upfront and can be changed periodically.
Using Shower Curtains as Window Curtains.
A shower curtain can go in the living room—if it’s appropriate material. You may not be able to get that sheer, ethereal look using shower curtains as window treatments.
Still, for dark curtains that block out light and preserve your privacy, a shower curtain might be just the thing (especially if no window curtain panels have caught your eye).
It’s not like there aren’t tons of great curtain options on the market. The problem is that they’re often relatively expensive, especially for linen and other specialty fabrics. Moreover, if you have a lot of windows, the cost of drapery and different types of window treatments does add up. Sure, you can go curtain-less, but drapery, blocking the sun when needed and providing some semblance of privacy, definitely brings instant polish to a room.
So the next time you’re considering buying new curtains (or if you haven’t gotten around to it yet in your current place), I suggest you start by looking for something comparable (and likely cheaper) in the bathroom section.
Since shower curtains tend to be wider than drapery panels, you’ll be getting more bang for your buck when it comes to fullness.
Grommet top curtains are a go-to choice for window coverings for a few reasons.
First, the grommets make sliding the curtain panels open and closed easy.
Second, curtain panels are a great way to add softness, color, pattern, and texture to a space.
But that much fabric can break the budget, and good quality grommet top curtains can also be expensive but don’t worry. I’ve got a secret source for unique fabric that will get you the same look as some designer stores.
A good secret is to use fabric shower curtains, and here is how to make grommet top curtains with them.
How to make grommet top curtains from fabric shower curtains.
Grommet top curtains function the best (slide open and closed) and look the best (lay nicely) if they have a lot of structure at the top and have evenly placed grommets.
Using grommet tape made getting the spacing and the structure needed for a high-end look so simple.
You will need:
Grommet Tape
You will need 2 yards per panel
Grommet Rings
The number of rings needed will depend on how many panels you make.
Note: You will need to know the measurement of your curtain rod before ordering grommet rings. There are different sizes.
Sewing Machine
Use a known favorite sewing machine for home decor projects. It sews through thicker fabrics without a problem, isn’t complicated, and isn’t expensive.
Fabric Shower Curtains
You will most likely need two curtains per panel, depending on your ceiling height. Double-check the dimensions of the shower curtains you purchase.
Suggestions for sources for fabric shower curtains are:
- Target
- Amazon
- Overstock.com
- Hayneedle
Step 1:
Cut your shower curtains to create your curtain panels.
You will need two shower curtains for a floor and ceiling panel. You can use the bottom hem of one shower curtain as the top hem of the curtain and then cut off the bottom hem about 1 inch below one of the stripes as far down as you can.
Then you cut the hem off of a second shower curtain about an inch above or below the s stripe colors stripe 2:
Finally, sew the two shower curtains together to get your desired length.
Sew the two pieces together right at the edge of each stripe so that when they hang, you can’t tell there is a seam and the stripes continue seamlessly.
Step 3:
Prepare your bottom hem.
You can prepare your bottom hem by folding the fabric twice to make a 2 1/2-inch hem. This gives the bottom of the curtain some weight, so it will hang nicely.
Step 4:
Apply the grommet tape.
Using grommet tape makes this pretty much foolproof. I laid my tape out along the backside of my curtain about 2 inches down from the top and pinned it. Then, following the instructions with the grommet tape, I sewed along the yellow lines.
Step 5:
Cut the grommet holes and attach the grommet rings
Using scissors, cut out the fabric circles using the grommet tape as your guide.
Once your circles get cut, snap on each grommet ring.
You could forgo the grommets and use standard curtain clip rings to secure the shower curtains to your drapery rods for a more straightforward option. No-sew tape could also be used for hemming, though depending on the size of your windows, you might need to sew two curtains together for length.
Another option for additional length (if you need it) is to trim out your shower curtain with extra fabric in a contrasting color or pattern. You can do this in two ways:
- Buy two shower curtains and hang them.
- Or one curtain and cut it in half!
You can just hot glue the edge you cut and fold over and glue. Then, if they are too short, you can add a fun fabric panel to the bottom.
Some other Unexpected Use for a Shower Curtain.
Shower curtains are good for more than adorning your shower. Specifically, they make excellent tablecloths. Like combs and rubber bands, shower curtains can be used to solve a problem outside their primary purpose, and they’re surprisingly effective.
- Cover floors when you paint.
Drop cloths are a must when applying a new coat of color on your walls, but paint can sometimes seep through cotton cloths or newspapers. Use a durable shower curtain instead (it gets made to contain moisture, after all).
- Give kids a safe place for craft time.
Glue, markers, scissors: There are countless ways your table could get damaged during arts and crafts time. Good thing shower curtains are affordable, so if your kiddos do mark it up (as we expect they will), it won’t bother you — unlike the sting of a ruined fancy tablecloth.
- Create an apron for super messy chores.
A few occasions (toilet cleaning, gardening) require a more heavy-duty apron than baking cupcakes. So instead, use a DIY apron created from a protective shower curtain for those chores. Bloggers online can give guidance on getting started.
- Protect Tables
Again, a shower curtain’s washable and water-resistant nature makes it perfect for protecting your surfaces from paint. It’s useful for any sort of messy project. For example, spread a clean curtain over a table before giving kids clay or glitter to play with, or throw it over a picnic table before spreading out a sticky snack.
- Pet-Proof Car Seats
Your furry companion may love going for adventures in the car, or they may associate it with the vet’s office and put up a fight.
Pet owners know how hard it is to clean fur out of car seats. So before the next trip, layout a shower curtain over the entire backseat, tucking it into the seat to keep it in place. (If you’re using a slippery vinyl shower liner, cover it with a towel to keep your pet from sliding around.)
- Line Drawers
No one wants to think about precisely what that crud is in the corners of their junk drawers. So instead of cleaning those corners, it’s far preferable to lift a drawer liner and toss it out, leaving a clean surface behind.
You can buy drawer liners in a store, but cutting up an old shower curtain is a free alternative. Pull the drawers out and trace them on the curtain to get the perfect fit.
- Under Tents or Sleeping Bags
Sleeping under the stars is only relaxing when you’re warm and dry. You need a barrier between your tent or sleeping bag and the cold, damp ground. Old shower curtains are great for this purpose. They fold or roll up reasonably tight, so carrying one shouldn’t add extra bulk to your next camping trip.
- Make Draft Stoppers
One drafty door can send a cold breeze through your home and raise your heating bill as you try to compensate. Keep rooms warmer using draft stoppers, which are just fabric tubes filled with rice or other insulators.
Making them yourself does require some basic sewing skills. A shower curtain liner isn’t great for this purpose, but a sturdy fabric shower curtain would work well.