High Impact and Low Commitment: The 7 Best Shower Curtains Belong on Every Renter’s Radar

Editor favorites in gingham, ombré, psychedelic swirls, and more.
The Best Shower Curtains

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Reading up on Domino’s shopping guides is like having your own personal product concierge. We do the tedious part—deep-dive research, hands-on testing, and tapping experts for advice—so all you have to do is hit “add to cart.” That’s why we call them Simply the Best.

Shower curtains are a renter’s best friend: They are low cost, high impact, and—perhaps most important—landlord approved. Sure, you may not be able to tile the floor or replace a dated medicine cabinet, but the right curtain works wonders to inject color and style. And for homeowners, too, shower curtains can be that final accent to complete a bathroom renovation.

With this in mind, we set out to find the best options to help transform your space without any elbow grease. Ahead, there’s a curtain style for every personality, like a classic white with tassels for traditionalists who don’t take themselves too seriously, and a soothing gradient in organic textile for modernists who style like they’re designing their desert hideout. Covered in graphic prints, gingham, and punchy florals, here are the best shower curtains to swiftly refresh your bathroom.

Our Favorites

Best Graphic: Quiet Town Beacon Bubble Shower Curtain

Material: Cotton canvas | Size: 72-by-72 inches | Needs a liner: Yes

What we like:

  • Can be made in custom dimensions
  • Machine washable
  • Weighty, versatile material

Worth noting:

  • Not quick-drying

Why we chose it: Laid-back design and easy to clean.

Quiet Town’s signature geometric forms add a playful pop to any stock-standard white bathroom. The Beacon Bubble features circle and semicircle shapes in clay and coral (colors that are reminiscent of a nature hike) and a touch of lavender. It’s also made from 100 percent, USA-grown, milled, and dyed 10-ounce cotton canvas and constructed in a GOTS-certified Brooklyn factory using a double-needle stitch for durability. Every detail from this eco-conscious husband-and-wife design team (including the interior seams with cotton binding and Turkish brass grommets) is well thought-out. 

Best Gingham: Heather Taylor Home Gingham Shower Curtain

Material: Cotton | Size: 72-by-74 inches | Needs a liner: No

What we like:

  • Can tumble dry on low heat after washing
  • Affordable

Worth noting:

  • Can wrinkle 
  • Only two color options

Why we chose it: A timeless pattern made from organic cotton.

Heather Taylor Home’s gingham designs hit just the right note—they’re trend-forward rather than twee. The brand’s latest collaboration with West Elm includes this playful shower curtain made from GOTS-certified organic cotton in blue, marigold, and nutmeg, as well as a matching bath mat and towels. Peep the founder’s Laurel Canyon home tour for styling ideas galore. 

Best Floral: Schoolhouse Blooming Field Shower Curtain

Material: Cotton | Size: 72-by-72 inches | Needs a liner: Yes

What we like:

  • Playful pattern 
  • Easy to machine wash and dry
  • Plastic-free

Worth noting:

  • Sewn-in eyelets can be more delicate

Why we chose it: Adds a pop of pattern and color to simpler surroundings.

Schoolhouse does florals right. Think: springtime meadow vibes rather than your grandma’s tablecloth. Featuring creamy ochre poppies set against a deep green color palette, the Blooming Field Shower Curtain pairs well with a classic white subway tile bathroom or traditional washroom. Constructed from percale cotton from Portugal, with sewn-in buttonhole eyelets (that fit most types of hardware), this signature design also comes in a sham and duvet cover, should you want to extend the theme beyond the tub.

Best Waffle: Hawkins New York Simple Waffle Shower Curtain

Material: Loose knit cotton | Size: 69-by-69 inches | Needs a liner: No

What we like:

  • Quick drying and won’t shrink 
  • Extra seamed holes for durability

Worth noting:

  • Heavier  
  • Can stretch out when wet

Why we chose it: Textural yet soft and no liner needed.

Tested and loved by Domino’s editors, this Hawkins New York shower curtain ticks all of our boxes: It is made from soft, stonewashed cotton sourced from Portugal; is quick drying; and comes in an extensive color palette. Choose from 12 muted shades like peacock, blush, sage, and mustard, and go wild with coordinating towels, robes, and slippers. Go on, you deserve it. 

Best Stripe: Bolé Road Textiles Shower Curtain

Material: Cotton | Size: 72-by-72 inches | Needs a liner: Yes

What we like:

  • Hand-spun 
  • Washer- and dryer-friendly
  • Unique design

Worth noting:

  • Pricey  
  • Delicate dryer cycle only

Why we chose it: Artistic flair that feels one of a kind.

Set at an affordable price point, the Bolé Road Textiles Shower Curtain features a timeless stripe design in charcoal, tan, classic black, and blush pink. While the curtain is machine washable, the cotton fabric is a bit thin and may be prone to snagging, so it needs to be ironed after washing. You can “dress up” the curtain even more with the right shower hooks, too (aka the earrings of the bathroom). 

Best Tassel: Serena & Lily French Tassel Shower Curtain

Material: Cotton | Size: 72-by-72 inches | Needs a liner: Yes

What we like:

  • Machine washable 
  • Lightweight material

Worth noting:

  • All-white curtain can get dirty

Why we chose it: Clean aesthetic with a pop of contrast.

Serena & Lily is known and trusted for its impeccable craftsmanship, and this cotton canvas shower curtain lives up to the brand’s reputation. The dainty tassel detail is the best quality we found on the market; the material is weighted so it stays flush and comes in navy, white, smoke, and French blue color options. 

Best Liner: LiBa Bathroom Shower Curtain Liner

Material: Vinyl| Size: 72-by-72 inches | Needs a liner: N/A

What we like:

  • Can be a stand-alone curtain
  • Eco-friendly PEVA material

Worth noting:

  • Wipe clean only  
  • Not mildew resistant

Why we chose it: Affordable and ultraclear to keep water where it should be.

Never underestimate the power of a decent shower liner. The LiBa Bathroom Shower Curtain Liner is not only one of the most affordable options available, but it has garnered rave reviews from more than 100,000 shoppers. Available in four finishes, including frosted clear and white, this best-seller is made from durable vinyl—so if you clean it properly, it should last several years. 

How We Chose These Products

The goal of any shower curtain is to nail both form and function: You want it to add a unique element to your bathroom, while also keeping sudsy water where it is supposed to be. The best-designed shower curtains reflect your personal style and are a joy to use—not a bathroom accessory you wish you could live without. We researched materials that are durable and low-maintenance to care for and sourced options that range in price. Finally, we called on our in-house style team to weigh in on shower curtain tips.

Our Shopping Checklist

Curtain Material

There are two main options: fabric made from natural fibers (such as cotton, hemp, silk, and canvas) and synthetic materials (including polyester and vinyl). We prefer products made from Global Organic Textile Standard–certified cotton (GOTS), since they’re processed with nontoxic chemicals and meet social sustainability standards for workers. However, polyester varieties tend to be most popular because they’re easy to clean and can be more affordable. Plastic and vinyl shower curtains also typically double as a liner. Keep things bright in your shower with a translucent plastic or vinyl shower curtain; see-through options are ideal for letting light into the shower whether you have a window or not. Your bathroom light (or natural sunlight) can shine through the rest of the bathroom, even when you close the curtain. 

Size and Weight

The standard size for a shower curtains is typically 72-by-72 inches; however some designs may run a bit wider (up to 79 inches) for larger spaces. For heavier materials, you’ll want to pay attention to your shower rod’s weight capacity to avoid any tumbling curtains.

Liners

Shower curtains typically don’t come with a liner; they often must be purchased separately. A thick, durable vinyl liner is a popular option since it’s easy to spray clean with disinfectant and won’t get waterlogged. But there are also linen and cotton liners available that can easily be thrown in the wash and left to hang dry. They do, however, require a bit more upkeep since they tend to attract mold and mildew. Also, be on the lookout for liners made of eco-friendly materials such as PEVA (polyethylene vinyl acetate). Or you can give this shower liner recycling subscription a go.

Rings and Rods

Shower curtain rings are an under-the-radar bathroom accessory, while rods are the backbone of your whole shower curtain operation. Our style editor, Julia Stevens, recommends keeping materials cohesive. “It’s ideal if your curtain rings are the same metal as your shower rod,” she says. “So if you have a stainless steel rod, go for stainless steel rings. But if your rod is plastic or another nonmetal material, you can slot in any ring material.” We typically turn to the basics when it comes to shower rods, like a convenient tension rod you can count on to stay put (sans installation). 

Ask Domino

Q: Are all shower curtains machine washable?

Nearly all shower curtains (even plastic and polyester varieties) are machine washable or can be hand-washed with either regular detergent or a natural cleaner made from baking soda and white vinegar. Hang dry to reduce shrinkage and lightly iron or steam the fabric to reduce any wrinkles. Of course, as with any new fabric, be sure to check the specific recommended care from the manufacturer. 

Q: What is the best cleaner for shower curtains?

Most fabric shower curtains are machine washable, which is truly a dream come true—every few months, toss it in the wash to freshen it up. If your curtain is not, however, keep a germ-free space with the best shower cleaners (we heart plant-based ingredients and sustainable packaging the most), including Grove Shower Cleaner and Method Daily Shower Spray. A quick spray post-shower should do the trick for daily upkeep. To DIY your way to clean shower days, check out this extensive list of cleaning tips, which gives intel on the wonders of cleaning with vinegar. 

Q: Do you always need a shower curtain liner?

Yes! While polyester and vinyl curtains are waterproof, a liner helps protect the fabric and keep your bathroom floor dry.  

Q: Does a shower curtain go inside or outside the tub?  

A shower liner should remain inside the tub to do its job of keeping water from spilling out into your bathroom. That said, a decorative shower curtain should remain on the outside to protect it from mold and mildew.

And no, your shower curtain is not supposed to touch the floor! Hang it so your curtain hem is a few inches off the floor to help limit moisture from building up.

Q: How often should I replace my shower curtain?

If you use a shower liner and regularly spray it down with bleach or a disinfectant of your choice to fight mold and mildew, your shower curtain should last several years. However, you should probably throw it in the wash every couple months, since the bathroom is one of the most bacteria-ridden places in the home. 

The Last Word

Picking up a new shower curtain is a high-impact, low-cost opportunity to reinvent your bathroom. The best shower curtains are the hardworking barrier between a wet tub and your floor, but they’re also the underrated cherry on top of the room’s design. Choose your favorite colors, textures, and styles to make a personal statement—and with no tools required.