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Because when was the last time you replaced your shower curtain liner? pink shelf liner
It may come as a surprise, but your shower curtain liner does more than simply keep water in your shower or bathtub instead of on the bathroom floor. The best shower curtain liners also prevent mold and mildew (which we know not only looks gross but also poses a health hazard) by keeping your shower curtain dry. This is great for extending the longevity of your shower curtain itself, which can save you money on purchasing one replacement after another.
To simplify your shopping altogether, we rounded up a list of the 20 best shower curtain liners on the market, evaluating each one for material, size, installation, and price. We also spoke to interior designers Stephanie Mahaney of Stephanie Rae Interiors and Bob Berriz of Berriz Design for expert advice on how to shop for the best shower curtain liner like a pro.
“I think because a shower curtain liner isn't something you will have forever, you might as well have some fun with it,” Mahaney says, and we agree. Decorative shower curtain liners can seriously liven up a plain bathroom space, and with bold and colorful options like the sunset-themed Quiet Town Sun Shower Lido Pop or the aquatic-inspired Eforcurtain Colorful 3D Water Cube Shower Curtain Liner, there are plenty of choices to match your style.
Looking for a solid-colored decorative shower curtain liner instead? N&Y Home Fabric Shower Curtain Liner (a budget-friendly polyester and polyester blend) comes in 15 unique color choices. Another fun option is the Kenney Decorative Printed PEVA Shower Curtain Liner, which has a bright multicolored pattern on the bottom.
Fabric shower curtain liners are softer and more luxurious than their plastic counterparts. While fabric liners tend to be slightly more expensive, you’ll get an elevated look for the higher price point. “There's something about the texture and aesthetic of fabric that enhances the overall atmosphere of the bathroom,” Mahaney says. For a clean, airy look, one of our favorites is the Brooklinen Linen Shower Curtain Set, which is a clean white option.
Another fabric shower curtain liner we love is The Company Store Fabric Shower Curtain Liner, a 100% polyester material that’s soft and even machine washable. Less expensive fabric shower curtain liners include the Truly Calm Embossed Fabric Microfiber Shower Curtain Liner, which comes in three neutral shades so as not to overpower the rest of your bathroom. Also budget-friendly is the Maytex Water-Repellent Fabric Shower Curtain Liner, which is semi-sheer for extra privacy.
Clear or plastic shower curtain liners are tried-and-true classics that match just about any style. They’re also the best at repelling water, mold, and mildew and tend to be less expensive. Be sure to look for clear shower curtain liners labeled as “PEVA” or “EVA,” which are healthier types of plastic that don’t off-gas (or release harmful chemicals into the air). Luckily, most clear shower curtain liners today are made with PEVA or EVA plastic, so you don’t have to worry too much about off-gassing.
A fan favorite at Real Simple is the West Elm Shower Curtain Liner, a simple yet elegant EVA vinyl shower curtain liner. Those looking for a savvy and space-saving storage solution can also opt for the Amazon Basics 8-Gauge PEVA Shower Curtain Liner, which has nine pockets for all of your shower products or even your tablet or smartphone. For a simple, no-frills buy, the Down Luxe Waterproof Clear Shower Curtain Liner is your best bet. It’s made from PEVA plastic and has three magnets to prevent water spillage. Likewise, Glacier Bay PEVA Shower Curtain Liner has a similar construction, plus a frosted finish option.
Is a heavy-duty shower curtain something your bathroom needs? You might have a powerful shower head that sprays water, or you might share a shower with other household members, meaning your shower curtain liner should be more durable to withstand additional use. So, how exactly do you determine which shower curtain liner is heavy-duty? Berriz says to look for thicker materials, but in case you’re shopping online, here are our favorite picks.
An upscale yet durable option is the Crate & Barrel White Shower Curtain Liner, which has magnets to keep the material from billowing around your legs (or you from accidentally stepping on it). The Liba Waterproof Plastic Shower Curtain Liner also has a heavy-duty eight- or 10-gauge plastic, which means it runs on the thicker side. Last but not least are the Parachute Shower Curtain Liner—it’s water-resistant and has a clean, airy, and neutral look that pairs well with any shower curtain—and the Kate Aurora Hotel Heavy Duty 10 Gauge Vinyl Shower Curtain Liner, which also comes in an extra-long length.
For the most part, shower curtain liners tend to be less expensive than shower curtains themselves, but like any product, there are luxury and budget buys. We love these four under $20 if you’re specifically looking for a cheaper option that doesn’t skimp on quality.
The BigFoot Shower Curtain Liner, for example, comes in three options—lightweight, standard, and heavy-duty—and it’s also made from PEVA plastic with rustproof metal grommets. Mainstays Lightweight PEVA Shower Curtain Liner costs less than $3 and fits most standard showers. The Pottery Barn EVA Vinyl Shower Curtain Liner is semi-opaque for extra privacy, while the Room Essentials Lightweight Color Shower Liner is a $3 steal that comes in three color options (Target’s Room Essentials line never disappoints).
As we know, shower curtain liners come in various materials, each with its own pros and cons. At the least expensive end are plastic shower curtain liners, which tend to be the most durable and will match just about any shower curtain.
Fabric shower curtain liners, on the other hand, tend to be softer and have a more high-end look. However, of course, each shower curtain liner material has its drawbacks.
Mahaney says plastic liners lack the warmth and elegance that fabric alternatives have, but some fabrics may take longer to dry, which might influence your buying decision.
“I find that a lot of linen fabrics, especially if they are thick, take longer to dry than thinner cotton alternatives,” she says. A pro tip to combat this? Leave the shower curtain expanded when it's drying. If it’s left scrunched, it will take a lot longer to dry.
You’ll want to measure your shower or bathtub, as well as the space above and below it, to guarantee your shower curtain liner will fit. This means that it doesn’t cover only the shower enclosure itself but will also be long enough to ultimately keep your floor dry.
“For sizing, measure your shower enclosure and add a few inches for overlap to find the right curtain—it's always better to go larger than smaller,” Berriz says.
Mahaney adds that you can also use extra length to your advantage. “I like when the shower curtains and liners are hung close to the ceiling to make the space feel elevated,” she says. “I would measure the height of your bathroom ceilings and get the tallest shower curtain you can find.”
For the most part, shower curtain liners are fairly easy to install, although you may need to purchase hooks separately. Options like the Brooklinen Linen Shower Curtain Set, though, come with 12 hooks to easily install the shower curtain liner to your existing rod (a win!).
There are also hookless liners, which means they slide directly onto your shower curtain rod, so think about which installation method is easier for you. Do you prefer to thread your shower curtain liner on decorative hooks (which means you won’t have to take your shower rod down when it’s time to swap your liner or curtain out), or would you rather have a hookless shower curtain liner and avoid hooks altogether?
We’ve touched on this a bit, but we’ll reiterate that a shower curtain liner serves many important purposes, like preventing water from spilling out of your shower or bathtub and onto your bathroom floor. It also helps prevent mold and mildew from growing on your shower curtain because it creates a barrier that keeps your shower curtain dry.
There isn’t one liner that’s inherently “better” than another. Like we mentioned earlier, plastic shower curtain liners tend to do a better job repelling water than fabric ones, but fabric shower curtain liners are softer to the touch and tend to have a more stylish look, so the choice is ultimately up to you.
The general consensus is that shower curtain liners should be replaced every six months if you live in more humid regions (or if your bathroom doesn’t have great ventilation), otherwise, once a year is a safe rule of thumb to follow.
This helps ensure that mold and mildew don’t build up in your shower. You can also wash your shower curtain liner in the washing machine if it’s fabric or spray a plastic shower curtain liner with a solution of vinegar and water to keep it clean.
shelf liner 15 inches wide This article was written by Ashley Zlatopolsky, a bedding and bath writer for Real Simple who has covered these topics for more than 10 years. To find the best shower curtain liners, we evaluated factors that matter most, like material, price, and ease of installation. For expert insight and advice, Ashley also spoke to interior designers Stephanie Mahaney and Bob Berriz.