Fixing up your bathroom? Click here to learn to pick the right shower curtain that goes with your color scheme and decor.

People spend a lot of time in the bathroom—in fact, the average person spends about 12,000 hours showering in their lifetime.

With so much time spent in the bathroom, you want it to look its best. But once you paint the walls, upgrade your linens, and remodel the space, what else can you do?

You can make sure you pick the right shower curtain!

Not sure where to start? Follow these simple tips to find the perfect curtain for your bathroom.

Before you can start shopping for options, you have to figure out how large the shower curtain needs to be.

Take the time to measure your bath enclosure. Remember, this may have changed after your bathroom remodel and the curtain size you used in the past may not work anymore.

Most homeowners find that a 72” by 72” curtain works well. But if you’re closing off a bathtub with a decorative surround, think about going shorter. This will let you show off that new bathtub surround while still giving you the privacy you want in the shower.

However, if you’re looking for a curtain to help enclose a walk-in shower, keep things on the longer side. Remember, the curtain helps keep water inside the shower area. If you choose a curtain that’s too short, you’ll end up with splashes and spray where you don’t want it.

Vinyl and plastic shower curtains are a standard of most bathrooms. They’re easy to clean, they’re affordable, and they come in fun colors and prints.

But they’re far from the only option.

Many homeowners prefer the look and feel of a high-quality fabric shower curtain instead. These shower curtains cost a bit more, but they’re often machine washable and make your bathroom look nicer instantly.

If you decide to choose a fabric curtain, look for one that’s made of cotton for best results. Cotton curtains can stand up to the daily use and wear and tear in your home without looking worn out.

For budget-conscious updates to your bathroom, vinyl curtains will work. Just be ready to replace them once a year to keep them looking fresh and clean.

After your remodel, you probably have a good idea about what colors you want to use in the space. Use these colors to help you choose the perfect shower curtain.

Remember, you don’t have to match them perfectly. But the curtain you choose should at least have complementary colors that make the colors you want to highlight pop when people walk into the bathroom.

If you’re wanting to keep things simple, choose a neutral color. Off-white, ivory, gray, and earth tones are all great choices.

Your shower curtain is one of the most noticeable parts of your bathroom. Think of it as a changeable accent wall.

The curtain you choose can set the tone for your bathroom and the rest of its décor. Use that to your advantage.

If you want to make a statement, use a vibrant pattern that works with the rest of your linens and colors. But if you want to keep things simple and sleek, choose a single-color curtain that helps direct the eye to features you want to highlight.

If you ever need to change things up or want to refresh the look of the space, all you have to do is invest in a new curtain.

The shower curtain may be the most visible part of your bathroom, but it’s not the only component you need to consider. You need to think about the curtain liner as well.

The liner helps keep the curtain from getting wet during regular bathing. This helps minimize the amount of soap scum, water spots, and mildew that can collect on the curtain itself.

Over the course of time, your shower curtain will stay cleaner and look better when the liner fits it perfectly. Use the measurements for your shower curtain as a guide to choose a good liner.

The cheapest options are almost always going to be plastic, but like vinyl shower curtains, these will need to get replaced every year or so. Instead, consider investing in a quality fabric liner that you can wash every month or two to keep mildew at bay.

Believe it or not, shower curtains come in different textures and those textures are a great way to add dimension to your bathroom.

Think about how those textures will impact the way your bathroom looks. For example, ruffles are a great way to dress up an otherwise contemporary design. Curtains with fringe create an air of Boho chic.

Smooth curtains can work, but you’ll want to add texture elsewhere in the bathroom. You can accomplish this with rugs, artwork, towels, and even the paint on the walls.

Choosing the right shower curtain is a way to show your personality. Don’t be afraid to express yourself!

If you love a certain pattern or color, look for curtains that incorporate those in their designs.

Remember, it’s your bathroom. You’re going to be the one who sees the interior multiple times each day. When in doubt, choose a curtain that makes you happy.

Use these tips to help you pick the right shower curtain for your bathroom the first time. Just make sure it’s true to your personal tastes and aesthetic.

Looking for more helpful tips on transforming your house into a home that reflects your unique personality? Check out our recent posts.