You need to install a shower curtain according to its length. Compare it with shower height and install its rod between 75 to 77 inches from the floor. A standard shower curtain size is typically 72 inches long. When you install curtains between 75 and 77 inches, you don’t get your bathroom floor wet nor make your bathroom look gross as the curtains bottom won’t touch the floor.
But it’s important to place the rod correctly to avoid accidents, especially if you have children or pets at home. For that purpose you must first measure the standard shower curtain size and your bathroom walls properly. The latter process becomes easier when you have the measurements beforehand. With that said, let’s get into the step-by-step process of standard shower curtain size installation in your bathroom.
Step 1: Hang the Rod 6-10 Inches Below
Standard shower curtain size is usually 70 to 72 inches long. Before drilling or securing the curtain rod, make sure to double-check your measurements. The shower curtain rod height should be 6 to 10 inches below the ceiling to ensure good airflow.
Poor quality can lead to moisture and mold growth over time. Keeping good airflow helps prevent mold and mildew. If your bathroom has ventilation directly above the shower, you can hang the curtain rod higher.
Step 2: Create a 1-Inch Gap Between Rod and Curtain Top
Hooks or rings create a small space between the rod and the top of the curtain. This space can be about 1 to 2 inches, depending on the design. Make sure to include this space in your measurements. For example, if your curtain is 72 inches long and the ring adds 1 inch, use this formula for rod placement:
Shower Curtain Rod Height = Curtain Length + Ring Space + Desired Overlap
Avoid using crooked rods, as they can impact both the look and function of your curtains. You can hem the curtain or use fabric extensions to get the right length. If you’re tall, hang the rod high enough to avoid bumps. Add 2 to 3 inches to the standard rod height. If your curtain is 72 inches long, place the rod about 75 to 77 inches above the floor.
Step 3: Stop Water Leakage by an Overlap of 1-Inch
To prevent water leaks, the liner should overlap the tub lip by at least 1 inch for showers and 3 inches for tubs. This overlap helps keep water inside the bathing area. Leave a gap of 0.5 to 1 inch between the curtain’s bottom and the floor. This gap prevents the curtain from dragging and helps avoid dust or moisture buildup.
PEVA Liners are also affordable and mildew-resistant, ideal for preventing water leakage. If your curtain is 72 inches long, has a hook drop of 1 inch, a tube height of 14 inches, and an overlap of 3 inches, you can calculate the ideal rod height using this formula:
Rod Height = Curtain Length + Hook Drop + Tub/Shower Height – Desired Overlap = Height
Rod Height = 72 + 1 + 14 – 3 = 84 inches
How to Make Sure Your Bathroom Looks Appealing With New Curtains?
After measuring shower curtain length and installing them, these post-installing tips can help you elevate your bathroom’s aesthetic appeal.
Hang the Rod Closer to the Ceiling
This elongates the room and creates a spacious and luxurious feel. Use extended-length curtains for this effect. If the front of your tub or shower area is unattractive, hang the curtain lower to hide it. And to show off stylish tubs or detailed tile work, hang the curtain higher so these features can be seen. If the front of your tub or shower is unsightly, hang the rod lower to conceal these areas. Make sure the curtain still clears the floor to avoid dust accumulation.
Use a Longer Liner to Reduce Splashes and Spills
In homes with children, it’s important to have this overlap and containment, so that the kids remain safe when they take baths. The height of the tub’s edge or shower curb is important for keeping water inside. Measure the height from the floor outside the tub to the top of the tub. After that, measure from the tub floor to the top edge on the inside. These measurements help make sure the liner covers the tub edge properly to keep water contained. The curb often measures about 3 to 4 inches high. Make sure the liner extends at least 1 inch over the edge for showers and 3 inches for tubs.
Final Words
Now that you know the standard shower curtain size when installing shower curtains and also how to install them, here’s a quick recap. Save these takeaways so that the next time you install a shower curtain in your bathroom, you do it perfectly.
- The average shower curtain size is 72-inch curtain typically calls for a rod height of 75 to 77 inches from the floor.
- Hanging the curtain rod higher on the wall can make the small bathrooms with low ceilings seem larger.
- Double glide roller hooks hang both the curtain and liner separately, ensuring easy maintenance.
- For wider showers, use two curtains or custom-sized options to get proper coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the proper shower curtain height?
The average curtain size is 72 inches wide and tall. Adjust the shower curtain height so it doesn’t touch the floor. This helps keep mold away. Make sure it is at least 72 inches above the floor.
Should you hang a shower curtain higher?
When you hang a shower curtain, make sure the bottom is 1 to 3 inches above the floor. This helps water drain and keeps the curtain clean.
Where is the proper placement of a shower curtain rod?
To hang your shower curtain, make the bottom hem about five inches below the top of your bathtub. Adjust the shower curtain length to this height, and mark the wall above the top of the curtain with a pencil. Repeat this measurement on the other side.
How to install shower curtains properly while maintaining bathroom cleanliness?
You need to do beforehand measurements of bathroom walls and your curtains. Hem your curtains or use fabric extensions to compensate for what’s missing. For cleanliness and aesthetics make sure the curtains don’t touch the floor or allow water splashes.
