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29 Best Shower Curtains For an Instant Bathroom Upgrade (2023) | Architectural Digest

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29 Best Shower Curtains For an Instant Bathroom Upgrade (2023) | Architectural Digest

By Kristi Kellogg and Audrey Lee

Illustration by Gabrielle Pilotti Langdon

The best shower curtains do more than just shield your bathroom floor from an endless spray of water, they can also completely transform the space. Think about it: Hanging nearly floor-to-ceiling and spanning several feet, they’re more of a fifth wall than an accessory.

Even if you aren’t searching for a shower curtain that’s extra-long, hookless, quick-drying, or any other type of specification, it can still be difficult to find one that meets your preferences. If your interior design style is on the minimalist side, look for neutral hues in different textures, like a heavyweight curtain, waffle weave, or a shiny vinyl shower curtain. Keeping the colors minimal is also a good idea if you’re trying to figure out a solution for a small bathroom or shower stall. Smaller spaces could also benefit from lighter fabrics, like a lightweight linen shower curtain.

If you’d rather your shower curtain act as the focal point of your bathroom, there are some amazing options out there that will certainly draw focus away from weird tiles or dingy bathroom floors. Opt for a more decorative shower curtain option that integrates bright colors and modern designs.

To help guide you in the right direction, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite shower curtain options below.

All products featured on Architectural Digest are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

We think this abstract West Elm design from artist and designer Donna Wilson could easily hang in the MoMA (but would look just as nice in your bathroom).

Material: Cotton curtain, vinyl liner

This lightweight shower curtain is made of white cotton canvas and lined with bright blue tassels all the way around. This would be a lovely way to complement a bathroom with blue accents.

This waffle weave shower curtain feels substantial and adds texture while still sticking to neutral tones. It’s available in both white and a very light gray, both of which would make a space feel open and airy. Plus, Boll & Branch makes some of the best bath towels we’ve come across, so you can outfit your whole space in one go.

This eye-catching design is the perfect element to bring a jungle-feel into your space. It comes from Society6 artist Karen Fields, who specializes in bold florals and dreamy landscapes.

This polyester shower curtain from Etsy is fast-drying, and has many five-star reviews, with satisfied buyers agreeing that the highly photogenic curtain is a handsome choice to brighten up your washroom routine.

We love that Sean Brown’s take on an elevated shower curtain (that’s waterproof and mildew resistant) includes very cool chair renderings by Miki Dessine.

Combine an abstract landscape with an unexpected color palette and you’ve automatically leveled up your bathroom decor. The crisp, colorful choice is 100% polyester fabric and features a 12-buttonhole top. Conveniently, it’s machine-washable (as are all of Society6’s shower curtains).

Add a splash to your bathroom with this unique shower curtain featuring original art by Meredith Kenworthy. The mix of blue hues is absolutely idyllic.

Here’s another fun find from Society6. This polyester shower curtain comes in several bold hues, all featuring a contemporary herringbone pattern in white. There are matching bath mats and towels, as well, should you want to go all out with this print.

Neutrals meet bright hues in this perfectly balanced natural-cotton shower curtain. It’ll look stunning around a claw-foot tub or alongside a shower. The fabric is 100% handwoven Ethiopian cotton.

Brooklinen is one of our go-to brands for bedsheets, and as it so happens, they also make lovely, high-quality shower curtains. This set has everything you need: the curtain, of course, plus a waterproof PEVA curtain liner (that’s mold- and mildew-resistant) and 12 shower hooks. The shower curtain is available in several fun patterns (black dash, black window pane, and Oxford stripe are pictured above).

Material: Cotton shower curtain, PEVA liner

This fringed pick is sweet, simple, and about as fuss-free as a ruffle can get. It drapes elegantly, is machine washable, and is available in a handful of colors (including black, red, orange, and silver). Pair it with crystal shower curtain hooks, if you want to turn up the glam.

This water-resistant shower curtain features vertical stripes and comes in four different colorways so that you can match it to your taste. The bright blue adds a bright pop of color while maintaining a subdued nautical feel.

The colors of this canvas curtain by New York–based brand Quiet Town Home are inspired by earth and sky. It’s hand-sewn with durable denim hemming and features stylistic rounded corners. The top features metal grommets for hanging with hooks on your curtain rod.

How do you add flair to a solid color curtain? Pom-poms, of course. Seen here in dark linen, the cotton-blend curtain is also available in light gray and off-white. (The pom-poms are removable, so you can throw the curtain itself into the wash.)

Stripes and tassles? Yes, please. This Amazon find has racked up more than 250 glowing reviews, like this one: “I love the look, the tassels, and the length. The tassels allowed me to hang the curtains higher. The color is exactly what I expected. These curtains brighten up my bathroom.” Turns out we’re not the only ones who appreciate a great shower curtain!

If you prefer a more classic shower curtain, we highly recommend this water-resistant, thickly striped affair from Target. Shop the shower curtain in taupe, aqua, and gray (pictured).

Dimensions: 72" x 72", 108" x 72", 54" x 78", 72" x 84"

Meet designer Justina Blakeney’s take on the classic Greek key pattern. We love the pops of red, orange, and pink shining through the otherwise neutral color palette.

If your bathroom doesn’t quite have room for a collection of eucalyptus plants, you can still integrate them into your design with this fresh floral shower curtain. Though you can still pair it with a liner, the curtain itself is completely waterproof so that you don’t have to worry about mildew.

Dimensions: 72" x 72", 36" x 72", 60" x 72", 72" x 78", 72" x 84"

Another vibrant Society6 curtain, art history buffs and museum dwellers will appreciate this design, which pays homage to Henri Matisse’s 1911 oil painting The Pink Studio.

Hookless shower curtains are simple options you can weave right over the shower curtain rod. This option features a crisp white background and a wide, transparent horizontal stripe at the top. The coolest part is that it comes with a replaceable snap-in polyethylene vinyl acetate liner that you can change out.

Material: Polyester shower curtain, PEVA liner

Dimensions: 71" x 74", 71" x 77", 71" x 80", 71" x 86", 71" x 98"

This shower curtain is made with a woven organic cotton fabric that looks both soft and fresh. It’s lined with black stitching which adds a unique texture and design element without feeling overwhelming.

This artist series option for Deny Designs is romantic and simple, while still adding plenty of visual interest to your space.

Brighten up your day with this bestselling bathroom shower curtain from Urban Outfitters. This peach-dotted pick comes fitted with reinforced button holes so it won’t tear over time.

Minimalist style doesn’t have to mean boring. This neutral-hued beauty from Parachute is decorated with whimsical pom-pom tassels and contrasting vertical stripes. It’s machine washable but might need some steaming to get out any wrinkles.

Linen makes any room feel a little more natural and beachy, but boy can it get pricey. Quince’s lower-priced (but still high-quality) linen shower curtain is substantial and prewashed for optimal softness.

This botanical-printed jacquard shower curtain adds a touch of traditional luxury to any bathroom, but we love the contrast with a dark wall. Pair it with a plastic shower curtain liner and it'll hang in there the long haul.

Living in a rental? One way to amp up the style in a plain bathroom is to swap in a good shower curtain like this jewel-toned floral option from Anthropologie. No holes in your walls required.

29 Best Shower Curtains For an Instant Bathroom Upgrade (2023) | Architectural Digest

Drain This scalloped fabric shower curtain from West Elm is playful without feeling too twee. It has a loose cotton weave, and the best part? You can toss it in the washing machine if it gets a little stinky. (Don’t forget to pair it with a PVC liner though.)