Can You Use Shower Curtains on Windows? We Asked the Pros

Some shower curtains are so pretty, you want to take them outside the bathroom.

The other day, I was wandering through one of my favorite home goods stores—one of my top weekend activities—and I saw a beautiful Turkish towel–esque curtain folded on a shelf. I’ve been looking for curtains for my living room and thought these might work. But when I took a good look at them, I realized they were shower curtains.

An existential crisis began. Could I use a cotton or linen shower curtain as a window curtain? I’m a huge fan of shower curtains used in unexpected ways, and I’m no stranger to using very intentional items for different purposes, like a diaper bag as my weekend purse or an infant’s playmat as a kitchen floor mat. But there has to be some reason shower curtains can’t be used as window curtains, right? Otherwise they’d all just be called curtains. But how could I know for sure?

Rather than let my existential crisis drag on, I turned to two design pros.

“It really depends on the material,” says Austin, Texas–based designer Maureen Stevens. “Not all fabrics are made the same, and not all fabrics fall right as far as being a drapery.”

Christie Leu, of Maryland-based Christie Leu Interiors, admits to using shower curtains for several other purposes.

“You can repurpose lovely fabric for a window shade or panel,” she says. “It is rare that there may not be a bit of sewing involved to make it the right length, and clip on rings can be added easily.”

Leu even used a shower curtain—with some pipes and shower rings—to create a barrier for her basement utilities.

“I used a lovely linen from Pottery Barn, which really saved time and money,” she says. “No finishing edges or creating pleats or tabs.”

Stevens says that, like with any décor, a great pattern, color, or texture can work as a curtain to accent windows and rooms, but it all depends on the material. (Meaning no plastic shower curtains in the living room.)

“But hey,” she says. “If it passes the materials test, I say go for it! Because really, these Anthropologie shower curtains can double as a window curtain any day in my book.”

So there you have it: A shower curtain can go in the living room—if it’s an appropriate material. You may not be able to get that sheer, ethereal look using shower curtains as window treatments, but 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).

Because, really, does it matter what it’s supposed to be, as long as you really love it? Next time I see a shower curtain I like, I may just hang it in my living room. After all, there are so many gorgeous shower curtains out there, and I only have one shower—but several windows.

5 Ways to Protect Window in Shower

Placing a window at the shower space has several uses. Apart from making your shower look elegant, it helps bring in fresh air and extra light. Besides, you can even enjoy a beautiful outside view right from your shower.

But as moisture is common with this space, you might have to deal with potential damage on your window. So can homeowners keep these fittings safe from damp o?

Luckily, it’s possible to keep water from gathering around the sill. With the following tips, you will know how to protect window in shower rooms. Moreover, they don’t take up your time or cost a fortune.

Best Ways to Protect Window in Shower

1. Vinyl-Clad Windows Housed In A Wooden Jamb

Do you need a simple way to fix the tile with the window jamb, especially after providing a pitched sill? If yes, consider covering a window in vinyl and placing it in a wooden frame.

By adding both materials, your window gets the protection that it needs. First, the vinyl keeps damp from the window itself while the wooden jamb offers dependable support for it. But to get the best results, keep the window away from the shower spray.

• Like traditional tiled showers, cover the shower area with cement board. You should also allow this material to stay level with the window jamb. Then, use a good silicone caulk and seal the space between the frame and centerboard. Even if the caulk offers a seal, you will need extra materials to keep the wetness out.
• Wrap a piece of waterproof material -Schluter’s Kerdi works well – over the window jamb and joint. This material will entirely cover both fitting and keep them safe from damp. To secure the membrane to the wood, add thin-set that contains latex.
• Waterproof window sill helps drain water from a shower or bathroom window, so install one. Instead of going with wood, use latex-modified thin-set to fix a piece of Corian materials. For easy pitching, slowly build the thin-set from the back of the sheet and try to it mix it stiffly. With the sill in position, cover the area with tiles as you would with the shower.
• Add Silicone Caulk: After tiling the surface and sealing the grout, look for a point between any two planes and add some silicone caulk. You can start from the spot where the window touches the freshly tiled jamb.

Since the window stays on an exterior wall, heat or cold can weaken any of the materials. With this in mind, perform annual checks for defective joints, grout, or caulk.

2. Hang Shower Curtains with Rods from the Shower Ceiling

A set of ceiling hung shower curtains comes as an ideal way on how to protect window in shower. Apart from keeping the shower spray out, this solution ensures your privacy by preventing any outside view. If you can’t find one, a ceiling rod track for bay window curtains should help.

If you can’t carry out a remodeling project on your window, these solutions serve as ideal ways to protect window in shower enclosure. Besides, you will use for a long time until you renovate the tub or shower itself. Furthermore, they do a great job of allowing air or light into the building.

3. Choose Waterproof Window Treatment

When it comes to using regular window treatments to protect your shower window, you need to consider items that boast of waterproof materials. Try using vinyl window blinds as they require minimum maintenance and cleaning. But you should choose one that can cover the whole window completely. With this size, the shower spray will not touch the curtain.

To install the blinds, fix the curtain on the tiled wall by using the grout lines. You can also mount it on the wall directly, but you will need a diamond drill bit.

4. Place a Waterproof Curtain on Your Window

Do you need another way on how to protect window shower from water spray? Well, placing a shower window waterproof curtain directly over your window should go a long way.

For this task, plastic or nylon products will do a great job as they can withstand damp and require minimal care. Most people love well-lit bathtimes, so purchase a see-through shower curtain made from the materials mentioned earlier.

Using a transparent one will also allow you to see amazing outdoor scenery from your shower window. However, this idea does not offer much privacy due to its transparency.

5. Use Glass Blocks Instead

Instead of using a waterproof window sill fitting, replacing the window for glass block is a good approach for shower spaces. Asides preventing any damage, glass blocks can help bring natural light to the bathroom. To install this material, you will need to fill the spaces with glass mortar.

Most home improvement or online stores have glass blocks for sale. But before purchase, determine the number of blocks required by measuring the window.

How to Get the Right Protection for Your Shower Window

Before learning how to protect the window in shower spaces, your choice must define the overall look of the room. With the ideal method, you should get a proper mix of cover and light to space. Since you have access to many options, the following tips will help you pick the perfect choice.

1. Consider the Room Space and Window Size

Check out the dimensions of your room, particularly before applying waterproof shutters for shower window or any other methods. As expected, the size depends on your particular needs or requirements.

Let’s say you don’t want your shower times to become public, choose a two and a half-inch real dark colored blinds – with vinyl- for a perfect mix of light control and privacy. If you want something unique, these blinds should measure between two and a half-inch while using no holes for routing.

Also, the measurement of your window will guide you in choosing a suitable treatment plan. For instance, you might prefer a remodeling project that features tiny openings or massive shower windows. To protect windows with shallow features like sills or frames, think about an inch thick real vinyl blinds or the slim metal ones.

Overall, the way you use your space plays a significant role in finding a good idea of how to protect window in shower rooms. For this purpose, use enough time to study the room.

2. Determine Your Lighting Needs

Next, find out the amount of light that you would love to have in your space. Then, try out roman or cellular shades that control brightness via up and down movements.

Wrap Up

Windows come as ideal fixtures to have in a shower or bathroom. When it comes down to it, they provide ventilation and light to these spaces. Sadly, water from your bathtimes can lead to the window in shower rotting if you neglect to protect it.

However, you can avoid this issue by using various methods. For instance, using a vinyl casing for your window and the jamb should do the trick. You can also hang some shower curtains from your ceiling while glass blocks and vinyl blinds also help.

But before using any of the ideas, try to know the measurement of your shower window. Also, know the right amount of light and privacy that you need for the shower space.

Top 15 Best Shower Curtain Rods in 2021 – Complete Guide

Shower curtain rods are structures fitted into the wall to hold up the shower curtains. These curtains prevent water from splashing out of the enclosure you are showering in. The water from the shower sluices along with the curtains and falls into the enclosure while the rest of the bathroom remains clean and dry. Shower curtains also add personality, style and character to the bathroom. But you need a rod to hang them up. Rods may be thin or thick, long or short, curved or straight. They may be made of metal, bamboo, wood or plastic. They may be silver, brass or coloured to match your decor.

Read our latest guide abou the best handheld shower heads.

Types of Shower Curtains

There are different types of shower curtains depending upon their shape, design and installation process.

Straight Rods – These shower curtains are the most common and popular ones. As they are easy to install and easily available at various manufacturers. They can also be constructed easily. The rod is fixed at the two ends using brackets while the curtain is hung using rings or hooks. These rods can also be used to set up a double straight shower curtain.

Curved Rods – These curved shower curtain rods are designed for curved shower enclosures or bathtubs. The curtain hangs along the inner sides of the curtain so that the water flows into the tub and drains off. These rods are installed exactly the way straight rods are installed.

Track Rods – These shower curtain rods do not require hooks or rings. They are used to accommodate showers and tubs. The curtains run along the gliders that are used to hang the curtains. The gliders prevent the curtains from falling or sliding off the rod.

Circular Rods – These rods are also called carousel rods. This type of shower curtain rod can only be used when the shower or tub is standalone or not attached to the wall. These rods are hung from the ceiling or nailed from the wall. A single or a pair of curtains are hung from this arrangement. The shower may be overhead or at the wall. They come in various designs and styles.

Tension rods – These rods are the easiest to install and can be used in any type of bathroom. These rods do not need adjustments or hooks to install. They use the spring suspension mechanism which does not require nails or screws. This way your walls remain intact and unscarred.

Read our complete guide about the best high pressure shower heads.

Various Shapes of Shower Curtain Rods

Shower curtain rods may be straight or curved. You can pick one that complements the decor of your bathroom.

L- shaped curtain rods – The rods are fitted into brackets nailed into the wall. The rod is fitted into these brackets and may or may not be supported from the ceiling. This makes a square or rectangular enclosure and with two curtains that part at a corner. This design is popular for corner tubs. They save space and are pleasant to look at too.

D-shaped curtain rods – These rods form a D-shape when two rods are connected. This shape of the curtain rod is installed in a similar manner as the circular ones.

How to Choose A Shower Curtain Rod?

When choosing a rod to hang up your shower curtain consider the following factors;

Décor – The rod should complement or contrast with your décor. This causes the rod to blend in or stand out in the decor. These rods come in various materials and styles. They should match with the bathmat, rugs and towels. Or should be a statement piece that stands out for its art and design.

Materials – Shower curtain rods may be aesthetically pleasing or utilitarian. They are manufactured to specifications that are able to hold up the weight of the wet curtain and towels. These rods are used to hang and dry damn towels. Thus, they should be made of metal, plastic, chrome, bamboo or wood. They come in various styles, colours and shapes. For a modern look match them with the chrome plated fixtures and faucets. If you like a rustic old world look then match then wood and bamboo would be a good option.

Shape – You can curtain off a triangular or rectangular area using a straight or L-shaped rod shower curtain rod. Or you could use a D-shaped, or circular rod to hang up the curtains. Most shower curtain rods are adjustable but it is prudent to measure the area to get the correct size.

Wall type – Bathroom walls are lined by tiles, but the walls around the house may be drywall, concrete, marble, etc. Rods may have to be mounted by nailing or screwing brackets or angles into place. While the tension rods have springs that expand by twisting and adhering to the wall due to friction. You can use them on any wall – no nails, no screws no drills no scars.

Features to Consider While Purchasing Shower Curtain Rods

Design – The concept of design includes the shape, colour texture and material of the rod.

Size – Measure the space in which you are going to fit the rod and match it with the dimensions in the advertisement. These rods are sold by their length and weight. Mostly, they are easy to return or exchange but why not get it right the first time.

Installation – It should be easy to set up these rods – whatever shape or size they are. This is important as most of these sales are Do It Yourself and you should not be frustrated.

Mechanism – The mechanism of removing the rod to put up or bring down the curtains to change should be easy.

Materials – The material used to make shower curtain rods should be strong and resilient. It should be able to take the weight of the wet curtain, the towels or clothes you may hang on it. And if you slip in the shower or tub and grab onto the curtain or the rod it should be able to break your fall if not prevent it.

Rustproof – If the rod is made of steel it should be rustproof to withstand the moisture and steam from the shower and bath.

Rot and mildew resistant – If the rod is made of wood or bamboo it should be treated to resist swelling, rot and mildew.

Locations – A shower curtain rod can be used to hang the curtains elsewhere too. They add extra storage space, privacy and a cosy look to the place. Tension rods are especially versatile in such a case. No holes no mess simply set the tension of the spring and fit it.

Angles and brackets – Most shower curtain rods require a bracket or an angle to set them at the intended angle. This is true for both types of bars – straight and curved.

High-quality pads – The pads on the tension rods should grip the surface and not scar it. The pads could be made of thick felt, rubber or silicone.

Double rods – Allow you to hang two curtains. You can even experiment with different curtains from different rods. Besides the set-up becomes strong enough to hold more weight. You can hang a curtain liner to prevent the curtain from touching the toilet seat which is usually situated close to the bathtub or shower.