Shower Curtains – A Buyer’s Guide
For most of us, our day starts or ends with a shower. They are about more than just keeping clean; they also help relieve muscle tension and relax. Considering how often we spend in the shower, it makes sense to carefully select the largest piece of the shower, and largest single item in the whole bathroom, the shower curtain.
Shower curtains, first and foremost, offer valuable functions when showering. They not only keep water inside the shower enclosure, but also provide privacy. Choosing the right curtain should start with this in mind.
To stop the curtain from collecting dust or dirt, or posing a tripping risk, the hem of it needs to be more than an inch or two (2.5 to 5 cm) above the floor. However, to keep the water from spraying onto the floor, the curtain must reach below the top of the bath tub. There is some leeway regarding the exact height it needs to be. Hang the curtain higher or lower depending on the how nice the bath tub looks.
With so many colors and styles to choose from, never settle for anything but the prefect curtain for the bathroom. With the shower curtain being the largest single item in any bathroom, it has a huge effect on its look and feel.
Spend time considering what will go with the existing colors in your bathroom, and who will be using it, before making any purchase. There is everything from soccer themes for sports enthusiasts, to Disney themes for children. For those who would like plain colors or simple designs, there are a wide range of those available also.
The type of material is something else to consider when buying a shower curtain. Most are manufactured from vinyl, cloth and plastic. There are pros and cons to each type that need to be taken into account when making a purchase.
Plastic and vinyl are commonly used as they are very functional and cheap. Being naturally waterproof, they meet the main requirement. Furthermore, they come in so many styles and colors, that one easily can be found to suit any bathroom.
Some people prefer cloth because it generally looks look nicer. However, it costs more and is more prone to mildew. Therefore, cloth curtains normally have stitched in waterproof linings for better functionality.
An alternative material is hemp, which is a heavy fabric made from plant fiber. Since it is naturally resistant to bacteria and fungus, it is not so susceptible to problems such as mildew or soap stains. Furthermore, it does not require a waterproof lining.
Finally, whichever shower curtain you opt for, you will need to maintain it if you want it to remain doing its job, and looking at its best, for more than a few months. It is advisable to wash and dry it at least once a month. The better shower curtains can simply be put in a washing machine, with a cup of bleach to kill bacteria. Inexpensive cleaning sprays can also be used to keep them free of mold.
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‘Buy Shower Curtains‘ is a comprehensive information source on buying shower curtains, shower curtain care, and everything else about shower curtains.
Posted by Carlos Sagastume on February 5, 2010. Filed under HUD Homes.
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