Taking a shower, only to find that you have messed water all over the bathroom afterward, is an inconvenience. When your shower does not have a door fitted to protect against the splashing water, then a curtain is definitely needed.
Even when it seems like the shower curtain has a good fit, you may still find the water escaping into the bathroom. This is often due to an incorrect method of measuring for a shower curtain.
We will take a closer look at the standard shower curtain sizes that are available on the market. We also provide a step-by-step method that you should use to measure both the height and width of your shower and tell you which size would be the better fit for your measurements.
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The Standard Shower Curtain Sizes Available on the Market
Several standard shower curtain sizes exist when shopping for these products. You will usually need to choose between these and ensure the one you decide to buy will provide an appropriate fit for the opening in your shower.
The majority of shower curtains that you will find tend to provide an adequate fitting for bathtub showers. The standard length of a bathtub in case a shower is installed will usually be around 60 inches (but can vary).
However, a curtain that is exactly as long as is the bathtub will not be able to keep water on the inside. That’s why it should always be a bit longer.
While some shower curtains come in unique lengths, the standard sizes that you are going to find today include:
- 70 inches by 70 inches
- 70 inches by 72 inches
- 72 inches by 72 inches
While these are the standard sizes, you should always do some measuring to find which one may be most suitable for your shower.
A Step-By-Step Guide to a More Accurate Measurement for Shower Curtains
Whether you are looking to buy one of the standard shower curtain sizes or consider something with more unique measurements, you do need to measure your shower first.
Measuring the Width of Your Shower Opening
Start by measuring the width of your shower opening. Take your tape measure and measure the distance between the two sides of the shower opening. If you have a bathtub shower, then you will need to measure the width of the tub.
Once this measurement has been taken, you will need to make a calculation. The best way to ensure there is enough coverage is to take the numbers and add a few inches. If your bathtub has a width of 60 inches, for example, then the curtain should be somewhere around 70 inches wide.
If you opt for a shower curtain that has the exact same width as your bathtub or the opening of the shower stall, then it will not offer adequate coverage. Meaning, the water would splash out of the shower into your bathroom.
Measuring the Height of Your Shower Opening
The next step of the process is to measure the height of your shower opening – and then determine how long the shower curtain needs to be.
With the height of the shower curtain, you need to subtract from your measurement instead of adding. You do not want your shower curtain to be too long. When the curtain drapes on the floor of your bathroom, it will promote moisture in the material. This, in turn, creates the perfect environment for the buildup of mildew and mold – which could ultimately be harmful to your health.
The rod that will hold your shower curtain should ideally be installed at the time when you do this particular measurement. This will provide a more accurate view of how long the curtain should be.
Measure from the location of the rod toward the floor. Then, you should subtract a total of 10 inches. For example, if the measurement from the curtain rod to the floor is 80 inches, you want to subtract the 10 inches to avoid the curtain draping on the floor – this would give you a measurement of 70 inches.
It is important to note, however, that when adding a curtain to a shower stall, this equation may not work. This is because there is no bathtub to catch the water that falls to the ground. In this particular case, you do not want to subtract a full 10 inches, but rather just two inches.
This would allow the curtain to block water that falls to the ground but still ensures that it does not lay flat on the floor.
Another important factor that you need to consider is any changes that curtain hooks might add. Some hooks may add an inch or two to the height of your curtains once they are installed.
Related article: Homemade Daily Shower Cleaners
Reducing the Need for Reinstallation
One common problem that some people find when installing a rod and shower curtains is an incorrect placement. When the rod is placed into the wall through drilling and a set of screws, then it is a permanent placement – and moving the rod would cause unpleasant markings on the walls.
This is why you should consider first doing a test before you decide where exactly you want to install the curtain rod.
A tension rod is one of the best ways to help you find the perfect area for the permanent installation to take place. The tension rod can be easily adjusted according to your needs – even multiple times if needed.
Place the tension rod in the area that you feel would be most suitable. Hang your curtains on the tension rod. After a few showers, you should get an idea of how well the specific position of the rod works.
If you find that the curtains are draping on the floor, then move the tension rod up. If there is too much water escaping into the bathroom, then consider lowering the position of the tension rod instead.
Once you find that perfect spot, then you may consider a permanent installation.
Final Words
While there are several standard shower curtain sizes to choose from, failing to do an accurate measurement of your own shower first can lead to disappointment.
Make sure you follow the guidance we provided. A better fitting curtain can provide a significant reduction in the water splashing outside of the shower area.
Related article: How to Clean a Shower Curtain Without Taking It Down
