Shower curtains: what are they and how to choose?

A large number of bathrooms are now equipped with showers. Sometimes they replace the bath, sometimes, if the area allows, they combine both elements. A modern shower cabin can be very complex, equipped with hydromassages, saunas, radio and other functionality. There are also extremely simple designs that are used exclusively for their intended purpose. Despite their comfort, shower cabins visually give the impression of being bulky and massive. Therefore, many are limited to pallets and curtains, and sometimes equip showers without pallets at all.

Fashion trends in design are more inclined towards airiness, lightness, brevity. Therefore, showers without fences, pallets are in great demand. These are not exactly booths, nevertheless, they cope with their function perfectly. Blinds in such structures play a huge role both as a fence and in interior design. First of all, it is worth evaluating all the pros and cons of these types of cabins.

Plumbing fixtures must have a number of qualities, without which it is impossible to equip a bathroom. A shower curtain is a prerequisite if no doors are provided initially. This shower has a number of advantages:

• technically the design is as simple as possibleif you follow the operating rules, the cabin will serve for many years without any complaints;
• this option is available to almost everyone, since the cost is quite budgetary;
• tightness - water flows into the pan without spreading over the floor, curtains reliably close the space from above;
• repairing such a device is easy, install - too;
• planning even a small bathroom space is easier - neither the walls of the cabin, nor the bulkiness of the bathtub will occupy the area;
• range pallets and curtains allows you to choose options for every taste to any style, you can safely experiment with color.

As for the shortcomings, they also exist, among them are:

• careful hermetic finishing of the bathroom in terms of renovation;
• it is necessary to select high-strength and reliable materials;
• a professional should install the structure, otherwise the installation of the sewer can be disrupted.

Today the market offers a huge range of shower curtains. The choice of such a detail is quite a responsible matter, since the curtain should organically fit into the design solution.

According to the type of design and shape, the following types of curtains for shower cabins are distinguished:

• frame - glass or plastic sliding curtains, highly hygienic, stylish options;
• frameless - made of waterproof fabric, excellent space saving, inexpensive, easy to install.

These two main types can have different designs:

• rectangular in shape, rounded - like soft and hard;
• roll - not too widespread yet, very original variety;
• swing - by the type of ordinary doors, suitable for large areas, can only be rigid;
• folding - fold up like an accordion, there can be two or more sections, very compact and mobile;
• retractable - consist of two panels, one stationary, the other pulls out, takes up little space;
• corner - great for corner installation;
• partial - is attached to the board and covers only part of the shower.

And also curtains are subdivided by size, material, price category. Despite the popularity of glass and plastic curtains, fabric curtains do not give up their positions. It is important to choose the right bar with fastening for them, as it provides comfort of use. Curtain rods also have their own classification:

• wooden - natural, eco-friendly material, does not tolerate moisture too well, needs high-quality processing, looks stylish, harmoniously fits into rustic country styles, Provence, the price is high;
• plastic - the most budgetary, lightweight, practical, suitable for lightweight curtains, most often of the rectangular type;
• metal - can be straight and angular, durable, stylish, fit perfectly into modern interiors, treated with anti-rust compounds.

As for the materials of the curtains, they are quite diverse.

Several options belong to the group of soft elastic materials.

Fabric:

• a very popular look, but not every fabric is suitable for these purposes;
• only special materials impregnated with a water-repellent compound are used;
• polyester is the basis of such a curtain;
• fabrics of a natural type are not suitable, since frequent wetting will lead to destruction, in addition, for reasons of hygiene, this is impractical - fungi and microorganisms can start;
• there are elite natural fabrics that are impregnated with special compounds, they are very comfortable to the touch, hygienic, but expensive;
• fabric curtains are pleasant to use;
• often equipped with lower weights;
• care is simple - machine wash.

Polyethylene:

• inexpensive, not too practical;
• detergents leave streaks;
• unreliable in terms of damage;
• colors and prints are extremely diverse;
• water resistance is excellent.

Vinyl:

• are made of polyvinyl chloride;
• very durable, but not all varieties are safe and environmentally friendly;
• PVC compounds contain chlorine and other harmful substances;
• it is very important to evaluate the composition of the fabric before purchasing;
• dyes are persistent, safe, the brightness of the pattern is not washed off over time;
• very dense and durable material;
• pleasant to the touch, does not allow moisture and dirt to penetrate inside;
• dries very quickly, can be washed by hand;
• mold does not form on vinyl;
• colors and designs are varied;
• affordable price.

Significantly different from elastic in appearance and in the way of installation.

Plastic:

• very light synthetic material, perfectly keeps its shape;
• may have an ornament, drawing, pattern;
• the shape is different - from rectilinear to bending, curvilinear;
• popular with designers and admirers of non-standard solutions;
• affordable price;
• rather fragile material, cracks, chips can form if used carelessly;
• require regular cleaning from streaks.

Glass:

• they look very impressive and noble;
• safe from the point of view of ecology;
• highly hygienic, long service life;
• visually do not clutter up the space;
• require careful maintenance, as stains are formed;
• breaking tempered glass is almost impossible;
• quite heavy;
• are expensive, complex configurations are even more expensive.

It is necessary to choose curtains for a shower taking into account not only practical considerations, but also the interests of the design of the room, the general style. Designers recommend paying attention to a number of nuances of interior solutions.

• In romantic destinations such as provence, polyethylene curtains will look ridiculous. It is better to dwell on a floral print, pastel shades, textile materials. Ruches and frills will perfectly fit into the composition.

• If the style of the bathroom is discreet, modern, for example, loft, minimalism, it is worth turning to glass.

• Ecostyle will be a comfortable backdrop for both glass and textiles. Natural colors are preferable - greens, brown.

• Plastic will be a great addition scandinavian bathroom. This is a universal solution, practical and concise.

• Classic bathrooms rooms are decorated with fabric-type curtains. They should give the impression of heavy curtains. Decorative elements in the form of gold garters and bronze are acceptable.

• Modern style complemented by atypical lines, curvature of forms. You can use any options that look non-standard. Transparency, dullness without ornament are excluded. The tree will fit perfectly into the design composition.

• Polyethylene is appropriate in bathrooms without clearly marked stylistics, in a neutral palette. A bright spot in the form of a curtain perfectly diversifies the ensemble.

First of all, you need to remember that the curtain performs a number of functions:

• zoning;
• protective function;
• decorative function.

Therefore, the choice must be made, taking into account all three main purposes of this interior detail. First of all, the curtain must harmoniously fit into the overall style, be practical, reliable, highly hygienic and safe. PVC fabrics are more reliable than polyethylene and natural fabrics. Polyester curtains are the most fragile of the fabric variations. Vinyl is prone to fading, but if there are no windows in the bathroom, this fact does not really matter.

For information on how to install a curtain in a shower stall, see the video.