The Best Shower Curtains For Showering In Style
Washable fabric and PEVA curtains that stand up to daily use without going mouldy at the hem.
Our quick verdict
Our pick of the best shower curtains is the iDesign Poly Shower Curtains. It's a washable fabric curtain with a weighted hem and reinforced hook holes, so it hangs neatly over most baths and doesn't tear when it's yanked open. If your rail sits high or you're curtaining a floor-level shower, the EurCross Narrow Shower Curtain is the better buy, with lengths up to 238cm.
DIY Works is reader supported. If you buy through our links we may earn a commission, which never changes what we recommend. How we make money.
Our Picks At A Glance
- Check price of iDesign Poly Shower Curtains
Best Overall
iDesign Poly Shower CurtainsStandard baths where a plain washable fabric curtain suits the room
- Check price of Ansio Herringbone Shower Curtain
Best All-Rounder
Ansio Herringbone Shower CurtainAdding subtle texture to a bathroom without spending much
- Check price of Funria Waterproof Shower Curtains
- Check price of EurCross Narrow Shower Curtain
- Check price of AmazonBasics PEVA-Shower Curtain
Best Weighted
AmazonBasics PEVA-Shower CurtainChoosing exactly how heavy a curtain hangs to stop it clinging
- Check price of ZSZT Extra Long Shower Curtain
Best Standout Design
ZSZT Extra Long Shower CurtainMaking the shower curtain the bold focal point of the bathroom
Two things decide how a shower curtain behaves day to day, its drop and its weight. One that stops short lets water onto the floor, and one that trails in the bath stays wet and starts to spot. A light curtain billows in and clings, which is where a weighted hem or magnets earn their place.
Fabric drapes better and goes in the wash, while PEVA wipes clean but holds its packaging creases, as the Funria Waterproof Shower Curtains did for weeks. The six below take in fabric and plastic curtains in standard and extra-long drops.
How We Tested These Shower Curtains
We've hung a variety of shower curtains across the Airbnbs and rentals we manage over the years, and the ones that last are the ones that keep mould at bay and stand up to regular use.
Choosing one comes down to the room. The two photos below are the most recent curtains we've put up, each picked to suit the bathroom it hangs in.
For each curtain we looked at how well it was made, whether it kept mould and mildew at bay, how it stood up to use and how it looked in the room. Sizes, warranty and value for money came into it too, along with our research on the curtains we haven't hung ourselves.
The Best Shower Curtains We'd Hang
Measure from your rail to the floor or the bath edge before choosing a length. The curtains below range from standard 180cm drops to extra-long options.
Best Overall
iDesign Poly Shower Curtains
Best for: Standard baths where a plain washable fabric curtain suits the room
Check Price On AmazonThe iDesign Poly is a fabric curtain made from waterproof polyester, and water beads off the surface rather than soaking in. iDesign also treats it to resist mould and mildew.
It's a standard 183 x 183cm, so it fits most baths and shower rails in UK homes. The hem is weighted so the curtain hangs straight and doesn't drift in towards you, and the hook holes are reinforced so they won't tear when someone yanks it open.
iDesign offers seven styles, all in a single solid colour, and the curtain can go in the washing machine when it needs a refresh. If you want a pattern, you'll need to look elsewhere on this list.
What we like
- Waterproof polyester that water beads off
- Mould and mildew resistant
- Weighted hem keeps it hanging straight
- Reinforced holes resist tearing
- Machine washable
- Seven style options
What to know
- Only available in single colour designs
Our verdict
The iDesign Poly is the curtain we'd hang over most baths. It's plain in a good way, sitting neatly in any colour scheme and going straight in the wash when it needs it. The only thing it can't do is pattern, so if you want the curtain to be the talking point, the ZSZT Extra Long Shower Curtain is the one to look at.
Best All-Rounder
Ansio Herringbone Shower Curtain
Best for: Adding subtle texture to a bathroom without spending much
Check Price On AmazonThe Ansio has a herringbone weave pattern that looks more expensive than it is, and there's a plain charcoal grey version if you'd prefer something quieter. It's made entirely from polyester and measures 180 x 180cm, enough to cover a standard bath.
Twelve plastic hooks come in the pack, so you can hang it straight away without buying rings separately. Ansio says it's mould and mildew resistant, and it goes in the washing machine when it needs freshening up.
The weak point we found in testing is the material itself. It's very thin, so it doesn't feel as solid as it looks. It still looks smart from the bathroom door, though.
What we like
- Herringbone or charcoal grey designs
- 12 plastic hooks included
- Machine washable
- Mould and mildew resistant according to Ansio
- 100% polyester
What to know
- The material felt very thin in our testing
Our verdict
Herringbone texture on a small budget is what you're paying for here, and it does lift a plain bathroom. The thin material is the catch, which makes it better suited to a guest bathroom than one used by the whole family every morning. A heavier option such as the iDesign Poly will stand up to more.
Best Value
Funria Waterproof Shower Curtains
Best for: Wipe-clean plastic curtains for busy family bathrooms
Check Price On AmazonFunria's curtains wipe clean with a cloth instead of going in the wash, because they're made from a waterproof plastic blend of 70% EVA and 30% PE. Funria says the material is non-toxic and mould resistant, and it's designed to resist blowing in towards you when the shower's on.
There are four styles to choose from, including two spliced extra-long versions with a clear panel that lets light through to the bath. Twelve hooks with reinforced heads come with each curtain.
One thing caught us out when we hung one. The fold creases from the packaging stayed visible for weeks afterwards, so unpack it well before you need it looking its best, or iron it before hanging.
What we like
- Waterproof EVA and PE blend
- Wipes clean with a damp cloth
- Designed to resist blowing inwards
- Four styles including extra-long options
- 12 hooks with reinforced heads
What to know
- Packaging creases stayed visible for weeks after we hung it
Our verdict
In a busy family bathroom, a quick wipe beats taking the curtain down for a wash, and that's the Funria's strength. The clear-panel versions are a nice touch over a dark bath. Plan for the packaging creases, though, because they don't drop out quickly. Anyone wanting the softer look of fabric will be happier with the iDesign Poly.
Best Extra Long
EurCross Narrow Shower Curtain
Best for: High rails and walk-in showers needing a longer drop
Check Price On AmazonThis is the curtain to look at if your rail sits high or you're curtaining a walk-in shower that runs to the floor. EurCross specialises in shower curtains and makes this one in lengths from 182cm right up to 238cm.
It's made from EVA, which EurCross describes as non-toxic, mildew resistant and antibacterial, and it wipes clean with a damp cloth. Six anti-corrosion metal grommets take the matching plastic hooks, and three magnets along the bottom help hold it against the bath or tray.
There are three finishes, cobblestone, frosted or clear, and all three let light through. Frosted and cobblestone blur the view, but if you share a bathroom and want privacy, a fabric curtain is the better choice.
What we like
- Lengths from 182 to 238cm
- Magnets in the hem hold it in place
- Anti-corrosion metal grommets
- Mildew resistant and antibacterial according to EurCross
- Wipes clean with a damp cloth
What to know
- All three styles are see-through to some degree
Our verdict
Buy the EurCross if a standard curtain stops short of where you need it. The longer drops sort that out, and the magnets in the hem stop it flapping about. Every style is see-through to some degree, though, so in a shared bathroom a fabric curtain like the iDesign Poly gives you more privacy.
Best Weighted
AmazonBasics PEVA-Shower Curtain
Best for: Choosing exactly how heavy a curtain hangs to stop it clinging
Check Price On AmazonWhat makes the AmazonBasics PEVA curtain different is that you pick its weight, with light, medium and heavy versions on offer. A heavier curtain hangs straighter and is less likely to billow in and stick to you mid-shower.
There are eleven designs and two lengths, 183cm or 200cm, so it covers both standard baths and slightly taller rails. PEVA is water repellent and easy to wash down, and the eyelets are rust-resistant brass.
The curtain hangs from eyelets, so check that the hooks or rings you already have fit them before you buy.
What we like
- Choice of light, medium or heavy weights
- Eleven designs to pick from
- 183cm or 200cm lengths
- Rust-resistant brass grommets
- Water repellent and easy to clean
What to know
- Hangs from eyelets, so check your hooks or rings fit
Our verdict
Clingy curtains are the problem this one fixes, as long as you order the heavy weight. With eleven designs and a 200cm length on offer, it covers most baths for very little money. Check your rail first, because it hangs from eyelets rather than hooks.
Best Standout Design
ZSZT Extra Long Shower Curtain
Best for: Making the shower curtain the bold focal point of the bathroom
Check Price On AmazonThe ZSZT curtain is all about the print. It uses a high-definition 3D digital print of a colourful tree, and in a plain white bathroom it becomes the first thing you notice when you open the door.
Underneath, it's practical enough. The fabric is 100% polyester, waterproof and mildew resistant, and it can go in the washing machine at a low temperature. A weighted hem helps it drape, and the electroplated holes come with C-shaped plastic hooks.
Its 200cm drop suits a slightly higher rail than a standard 180cm curtain. Because the print does all the talking, it won't work in a bathroom that already has busy tiles or wallpaper.
What we like
- Bold 3D digital tree print
- Extra-long 200cm drop
- Weighted hem for a better drape
- Machine washable at low temperatures
- C-shaped hooks supplied
What to know
- The bold print won't suit every bathroom
Our verdict
Hang the ZSZT in a plain white bathroom and it gives the room the focal point it's missing, while the weighted hem and washable polyester keep it practical. In a room with patterned tiles or wallpaper it'll clash, and something calmer like the Ansio Herringbone sits more comfortably.
How To Choose A Shower Curtain
Shower curtains look simple, but the material, size and fixings make the difference between one that lasts and one that's in the bin within a few months. Here's what we look at before buying.
Fabric Or PEVA
Most fabric curtains are polyester with a water-repellent finish. They hang and drape like a proper curtain, feel softer and can go in the washing machine. PEVA and EVA curtains are plastic, so they're fully waterproof and wipe clean, but they crease more in the packaging and can feel cold and clingy if they're thin. Some people hang a fabric curtain on the outside for looks with a plastic liner inside to take the water.
Measuring For The Right Length
Measure from the rail to where you want the curtain to finish. Over a bath, it should hang well inside the bath edge so water runs back into the tub. In a walk-in shower, it should stop just above the floor. Standard curtains are around 180cm square, and extra-long ones run to 200cm and beyond. Too short and water escapes under the hem, while too long means the bottom sits in water and grows mould.
Keeping Mould At Bay
A mould-resistant treatment helps, but ventilation does most of the work. After each shower, pull the curtain fully closed so it dries flat instead of bunched in folds, and run the bathroom extractor fan for a while. If black spots do appear, our guide on getting rid of mould covers safe ways to treat it, and fabric curtains can go in the wash.
Weights, Magnets And Hooks
A weighted hem or magnets along the bottom stop the curtain billowing in towards you, which happens because warm air from the shower rises and draws cooler air underneath. Check whether hooks or rings are included and that they suit your rail. Metal grommets and reinforced holes last longer than plain punched holes.
Curtain Or Screen
A curtain is cheaper, quicker to fit and easier to change than a glass screen, and it's the obvious choice for a rental or a quick refresh. A screen keeps water in more reliably and looks more permanent. If you're weighing up the two, our guide on how to fit a shower screen shows what the upgrade involves.
Your Shower Curtain Questions Answered
How do I stop my shower curtain blowing in?
To stop a shower curtain blowing in, choose one with a weighted hem or magnets along the bottom, or pick a heavier weight such as the AmazonBasics heavy PEVA. The curtain moves because hot air rising from the shower pulls cooler air in underneath. Keeping the bathroom door open slightly and running the extractor fan also reduces the pull.
Can you put a shower curtain in the washing machine?
You can put most fabric shower curtains in the washing machine on a cool, gentle cycle, and the iDesign Poly, Ansio and ZSZT are all listed as machine washable. PEVA and EVA curtains are better wiped down with a cloth and mild detergent, as the heat and spin can crease or damage the plastic. Always check the care label first.
What length shower curtain do I need?
The length of shower curtain you need is the distance from your rail to just inside the bath, or just above the floor for a walk-in shower. Most baths suit a standard 180cm curtain, while higher rails need 200cm or more. Measure before buying, since a curtain that's too short lets water escape under the hem.
When should you replace a shower curtain?
Replace a shower curtain when mould won't wash or wipe off, the hem has started to discolour or the hook holes are tearing. A fabric curtain that's washed regularly lasts much longer than a cheap plastic one left to stay damp. Drawing the curtain closed after every shower so it dries flat helps it last.
Which shower curtain would you pick for a busy family bathroom?
The Funria Waterproof Shower Curtain is the one for a busy family bathroom, because the EVA and PE blend wipes clean with a cloth and doesn't need washing. It comes with twelve reinforced hooks. The packaging creases stayed visible for weeks when we hung one, so unpack it well before you need it looking its best.
Is the Ansio Herringbone curtain strong enough for everyday use?
The Ansio Herringbone suits a guest bathroom better than one the whole family uses each morning. The herringbone weave looks smart for the price, but the polyester is very thin, so the construction doesn't feel as solid as the look suggests. A heavier curtain such as the iDesign Poly will stand up to more daily use.
Which of these would you choose for a walk-in shower with a high rail?
The EurCross Narrow Shower Curtain is the one to choose, because it comes in lengths from 182cm up to 238cm. That covers a high rail or a walk-in shower that runs to the floor. Three magnets along the hem help hold it against the bath or tray. Every finish lets some light through, so it gives less privacy than fabric.
Is the iDesign Poly curtain a good choice if I want a pattern?
No, the iDesign Poly only comes in solid colours, so it's not the one if you want a pattern. It's the curtain we'd hang over most baths, with water-repellent polyester, a weighted hem and reinforced hook holes. For a pattern, the Ansio Herringbone adds texture on a budget, and the ZSZT Extra Long has a bold printed tree design.
Our Favourite Shower Curtains
The iDesign Poly is the shower curtain we'd pick for most bathrooms, with water-repellent polyester, a weighted hem and the option to throw it in the wash. If yours keeps clinging, the AmazonBasics PEVA in its heavy weight fixes that for very little money.
A new curtain looks its best against fresh sealant, so if the bead around the bath has gone grey, our guide on sealing a bath is worth a look too.
Richard has spent years renovating properties and turning them into rentals and Airbnbs. Like a lot of people he started out as a beginner, and these days there isn't much DIY he won't take on.