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Shower curtains may be one of the hardest-working products in any bathroom. Aesthetically, they provide a focal point for your bathroom decor. Functionally, they keep water from spraying everywhere and turning your bathroom into a waterpark. But whether you like to start or end your day with a shower, a good shower curtain will keep all that water contained inside the tub or stall and won't blow towards you, sticking to your skin while you're sudsing up.
For this list, the Good Housekeeping Institute experts researched, tested and analyzed some of the most popular shower curtains on the market, considering material, size, extra features, durability and ease of cleaning when choosing our top picks. From luxury cotton shower curtains to hookless styles with snap-in liners for easy removal and cleaning, these are the best shower curtains you can buy.
Our top picks:
1
Best Overall Shower Curtain
Outlines The Shower Liner System
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2
Best Value Shower Curtain
Home Depot StyleWell Charleston Green and White Chevron Shower Curtain
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3
Best Hookless Shower Curtain
River Dream No Hooks Required Waffle Weave Shower Curtain
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4
Best Shower Curtain Liner for Small Bathrooms
Maytex Clear Mesh Pocket Quick Dry Shower Curtain
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5
Best Shower Curtain for Shower Stalls
ALYVIA SPRING Stall Fabric Shower Curtain Liner
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6
7
Best Shower Curtain for Low Lighting
Barossa Design Hotel-Style Cotton Waffle Shower Curtain
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8
Best Extra-Wide Shower Curtain
Riyidecor Floral Wildflowers Shower Curtain
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9
Best Shower Curtain Design
Anthropologie Leopard Shower Curtain
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10
Best Shower Curtain for Kids
The Company Store Wilderness Camp Shower Curtain
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You can read more about how we chose the curtains on this list at the end of this guide. Looking for more ways to upgrade your bathroom? Check out our favorite bathroom organization ideas and our guide to the best bath towels.
1
Best Overall Shower Curtain
Outlines The Shower Liner System
1
Best Overall Shower Curtain
Outlines The Shower Liner System
Pros
- Doesn't billow or cling
- Recyclable liner is easy to replace
Cons
- Expensive
- Only comes in two colors, white and frost
"The Outlines Shower System solves a pesky bathroom cleaning challenge in a new and innovative way," since it's designed to work as a shower liner or a stand-alone shower curtain, says Carolyn Forté, executive director of the Home Care and Cleaning Lab. In fact, she loves this -winner so much that she uses it in her own bathroom at home. It's not particularly stylish, but in our Lab tests, the curtain stayed securely attached and hung perfectly in place without blowing into the tub, thanks to two silicone-coated corner weights.
Your first shipment includes a set of stainless steel hooks and reusable, machine-washable 100% cotton top that attaches to a removable, mildew-resistant vinyl bottom liner with magnetic snaps. You can also opt for a set that comes without the hooks for $50 instead of $75. If you sign up for Outlines' Replen Plan, you'll get a new bottom liner every three to nine months for a fee of $25; to replace, simply detach it from the top and send it back in a provided pouch for recycling.
| Material | PEVA and Cotton |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 71” x 72” |
2
Best Value Shower Curtain
Home Depot StyleWell Charleston Green and White Chevron Shower Curtain
2
Best Value Shower Curtain
Home Depot StyleWell Charleston Green and White Chevron Shower Curtain
Pros
- Machine-washable
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Need to buy hooks and liner separately
Priced well, this fabric shower curtain is an affordable option that's also durable and stylish. The green-and-white pattern would look particularly chic in an all-white bathroom!
When our Textiles Lab analysts machine-washed it according to its care label, they noticed no changes in appearance or feel. It features a buttonhole top, so you'll need to buy hooks separately to hang it in your bathroom; it also requires buying a separate shower liner.
| Material | Cotton/Polyester Blend |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 72" x 72" |
3
Best Hookless Shower Curtain
River Dream No Hooks Required Waffle Weave Shower Curtain
3
Best Hookless Shower Curtain
River Dream No Hooks Required Waffle Weave Shower Curtain
Pros
- No separate hooks required
- Removable liner included
Cons
- Some reviewers say the colors are slightly different than pictured
Threading your brand-new shower curtain onto the rod hook by hook can be a super frustrating experience — especially when, two days later, half the rings have popped open. This hookless shower curtain saves you the trouble, thanks to built-in split plastic rings that allow you to easily slide the curtain onto the rod without taking it down. The mesh window along the top allows light through while the bottom maintains privacy, and a snap-on replaceable liner is easy to remove. According to the brand, the curtain is machine-washable and water-resistant. In addition to the standard size it also comes in extra-long and shower stall sizes, plus you can choose from nine different colors.
| Material | Polyester |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 74" x 71"; 80" x 54"; 86" x 71" |
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4
Best Shower Curtain Liner for Small Bathrooms
Maytex Clear Mesh Pocket Quick Dry Shower Curtain
4
Best Shower Curtain Liner for Small Bathrooms
Maytex Clear Mesh Pocket Quick Dry Shower Curtain
Pros
- Pockets for toy and bath product storage
Cons
- May need to buy a separate shower curtain for privacy
This shower curtain features nine mesh pockets — four small, three medium and two large — to help optimize space in your bathroom. If you have kids, the two large pockets along the bottom are the perfect size for storing bath toys while the small pockets along the top are good for keeping certain bath products out of reach so they're not accidentally snatched by little ones during bath time. Made out of waterproof PEVA, the brand claims it's easy to clean by wiping down with a damp cloth. Take note that because this product is clear, you'll need to buy an additional opaque shower curtain if you need privacy.
| Material | PEVA |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 70" x 72" |
5
Best Shower Curtain for Shower Stalls
ALYVIA SPRING Stall Fabric Shower Curtain Liner
5
Best Shower Curtain for Shower Stalls
ALYVIA SPRING Stall Fabric Shower Curtain Liner
Now 24% Off
Pros
- Weighted corners prevent billowing
Cons
- Some reviewers say it runs short
Shower stalls are obviously narrower than tubs, which means using a standard size shower curtain is not ideal. Designed specifically for small bathrooms, this shower curtain comes in a variety of widths to fit different sizes of stalls and includes magnets sewn into the bottom corners to help prevent billowing. With over 10,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, fans say it "repels water" and "dries quickly" and looks like new even after multiple washes. While it's technically a liner, many reviewers say they've skipped buying a separate shower curtain since this one offers enough privacy on its own. Choose from 17 sizes and 14 colors, but note that not every color comes in every size.
| Material | Polyester |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | Available in 17 sizes from 36" x 72" to 108" x 72" |
6
Best Extra Long Shower Curtain
CAROMIO Extra Long Shower Curtain
6
Best Extra Long Shower Curtain
CAROMIO Extra Long Shower Curtain
Pros
- More length than typical extra long shower curtains
- Machine-washable
Cons
- Need to buy hooks separately
- No weights, so prone to billowing
If you need an extra tall shower curtain, this 96-inch tall bad boy is a strong option. Compared to other extra long curtains on the market that clock in at around 86 inches, this one adds an additional 10 inches. (But if 96 inches is a tad too tall, the brand also offers an 84-inch option, in addition to the standard size of 72 inches.) Available in five colors, its buttonhole top is a great alternative to grommet tops that can tend to be prone to rusting. According to the brand, the curtain is water repellant and machine washable; Amazon reviewers say that while the fabric is sheer and lightweight, it can function as a liner and a curtain in one.
| Materials | Polyester |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 72" x 96"; 72" x 72"; 72" x 78"; 72" x 84" |
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7
Best Shower Curtain for Low Lighting
Barossa Design Hotel-Style Cotton Waffle Shower Curtain
7
Best Shower Curtain for Low Lighting
Barossa Design Hotel-Style Cotton Waffle Shower Curtain
Pros
- Includes detachable bottom liner
- Mesh top for better visibility in dark bathrooms
Cons
- Not all colors available in all sizes
If your shower area doesn't have overhead lighting, a solid curtain can make for a very dark showering experience. Shaving in the dark? No thanks! This mesh-top shower curtain allows light to stream through the top half, while the solid bottom half offers privacy. It comes in eight different colors and five different sizes, but be aware that not all colors come in all sizes. This curtain features a detachable fabric liner that snaps on and off for easy removal and cleaning. According to the brand, the metal grommets are rust-resistant while the waffle-weave fabric is water resistant.
| Materials | Cotton/Polyester Blend |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 72" x 72"; 71" x 75"; 71" x 78"; 71" x 84"; 180" x 70" |
8
Best Extra-Wide Shower Curtain
Riyidecor Floral Wildflowers Shower Curtain
8
Best Extra-Wide Shower Curtain
Riyidecor Floral Wildflowers Shower Curtain
Pros
- Super wide for free-standing tubs
- Includes hooks
Cons
- Some sizes come with plastic hooks instead of metal
While free-standing bathtubs are elegant, finding a curtain to go all the way around the perimeter so you can shower in them as well can be a big ask. Not only is this water-repellant option a full 108 inches wide, it also features a pretty wildflower design. Don't need an extra-wide curtain but still like the pattern? It also comes in 18 other sizes, ranging from stall-friendly options to extra-long versions (and don't worry — each one comes with the appropriate amount of hooks). Take note that some sizes come with plastic C-shaped hooks instead of metal ones.
| Material | Polyester |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 108" x 72"; 72" x 84"; 72" x 78"; 72" x 72"; 36" x 72" |
9
Best Shower Curtain Design
Anthropologie Leopard Shower Curtain
9
Best Shower Curtain Design
Anthropologie Leopard Shower Curtain
Pros
- Machine washable
- Great style
Cons
- Need to buy liner and rings separately
If you're going for a look that straddles the line between elegant and playful, this leopard-print curtain from Anthropologie is a great option — the deep royal blue will stand out nicely against white bathtubs. Leopards aren't your thing? Anthropologie always has a great inventory of shower curtains with graphic designs ranging from florals to abstract patterns.
| Material | Cotton |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 72" x 72" |
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10
Best Shower Curtain for Kids
The Company Store Wilderness Camp Shower Curtain
10
Best Shower Curtain for Kids
The Company Store Wilderness Camp Shower Curtain
Pros
- 100% GOTS certified organic cotton
- Matching sheets available
Cons
- Need to buy liner and rings separately
- Not available for shipping to ME, OR, VT, WA
If you have little camping enthusiasts on your hands, this GOTS certified organic cotton percale shower curtain would be a great addition to the kids' bathroom. Beavers, raccoons and bears along with other critters play around tents and paddle canoes — it's enough to bring a little fun to anyone's morning routine.
| Material | Organic Cotton Percale |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 72" x 72" |
11
Best Graphic Shower Curtain
Americanflat Abstract Shapes 3 by Tetyana Karankovska Shower Curtain
11
Best Graphic Shower Curtain
Americanflat Abstract Shapes 3 by Tetyana Karankovska Shower Curtain
Pros
- Made in the U.S.A.
- Machine washable
Cons
- Need to buy liner and rings separately
From Target's exclusive artists collection, this graphic shower curtain gives off a warm, inviting feel with its burnt orange, cream and black color scheme and geometric shapes. Pair it with black bathroom accents for chic vibes, or with succulents and terra-cotta details for a more bohemian feel.
| Material | Polyester |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 74" x 71" |
How we chose the best shower curtains
To get a sense of what makes a good shower curtain, including the best materials to look for and how to clean them, our Textiles and Cleaning Lab pros weighed in using years of expertise in their respective fields. We combed through online reviews of the most popular shower curtains on the market, considering material, size, extra features, durability and ease of cleaning to determine top picks. This list includes our experts top-tested picks, as well as popular products with rave reviews from brands we trust.
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What to look for when shopping for a bathroom shower curtain
✔️ Materials: Depending on the type of material, the way you need to clean your shower curtain can vary. Plastic or vinyl curtains can be tossed in the washing machine on the gentle cycle with extra water and a couple of towels, but with fabric or decorative curtains it's best to follow the care label.
✔️ Hanging: If you want to utilize traditional shower curtain hooks, a style with grommets or holes for hanging is your best bet. There are even double sided hooks if you have both a curtain and a liner for easy hanging. If you'd rather not wrestle hooks onto your curtain, there are hookless shower curtains that utilize plastic rings that fit around a shower rod.
✔️ Liner: While a shower curtain provides style and privacy, the often transparent shower liner is what keeps water from spraying all over your bathroom. Some decorative shower curtains need to be paired with a liner to ensure a dry floor, but some many modern curtains are designed to be used on their own or as combos.
✔️ Size: When measuring, make sure to measure from the curtain rod to the floor for height, and the area you want to be enclosed for the width. Often that means measuring wall to wall, but if you have a freestanding tub with a shower, that means the entire circumference plus a couple inches to ensure there are no gaps in the curtain so water stays in the tub.
✔️ Style: This is the fun part! Make sure to pick out something that incorporates well into the style of your bathroom so you have one cohesive look. A pretty shower curtain can help lift your mood to start or finish your day, too.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
In her role as the assistant to the general manager of the Good Housekeeping Institute, Abigail Bailey brings a passion for home goods and all things that make life easier and more comfortable. She covers everything from travel games to home goods for GH. For this article, she spoke with Lexie Sachs, Executive Director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles Lab and Carolyn Forté, the Executive Director of the Home Care & Cleaning Lab. Sachs has over 15 years of experience in the textiles industry and a degree in fiber science from Cornell University, and she researches, tests and reports on all fabric-based products, lending her fabric-based expertise to this article. Forté brings over 40 years' experience in cleaning and oversees all testing and research involving cleaning appliances and products, and weighed in on cleaning considerations for this article.
Abigail Bailey
Abigail (she/her) is product reviews writer who has covered everything from kitchen gear to mattresses and smart blinds. She graduated from Louisiana State University with a B.A. in creative writing and earned her M.S. in publishing digital and print media from New York University. She currently works at Wirecutter, but has also spent time on staff at Good Housekeeping and The Southern Review literary magazine. In her free time you can find her quilting, cross-stitching or trying to figure out how to squeeze one more bookshelf in her tiny apartment.
