Shower Curtain Sizes, Liners and Rods: A Practical Buying Guide
A standard American shower curtain is 71 in. wide x 71 in. long; the “extra long” size you probably want is 71 x 79 in. Stall showers take 48 x 72 in., and a curved or wrap-around rod needs 95 x 79 in. Buy the fabric curtain for looks, add a separate waterproof liner behind it, and match the rod to your tub width before you order anything.
What size shower curtain do I need?
Measure the rod length first, then add 12 inches so the curtain gathers instead of stretching flat. For length, measure from the rod to the floor and subtract 2 inches so the hem clears the tile.
| Curtain size | Fits | Example | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 48 in. W x 72 in. H | Stall / corner shower | White stall curtain, 8 rings | $26.99 |
| 71 in. W x 79 in. L | Standard 60-in. alcove tub, extra long drop | Extra long polyester, 12 rings | $36.99 |
| 71 in. W x 79 in. L, hookless | Same, no rings needed | Hookless Cubic curtain | $43.99 |
| 95 in. W x 79 in. H | Curved, corner or wrap-around rod | Extra wide, 16 rings | $43.99 |
| 71 x 79 in. liner | Behind any of the above | Waterproof liner | $23.99 |
The mistake to avoid: buying a 71 x 71 in. curtain for a tub whose rod sits high. You end up with a hem that floats above the tub rim and water on the floor every shower.
Do I need a liner behind a fabric shower curtain?
Yes, unless the curtain itself is vinyl or PEVA. Polyester fabric curtains are water-resistant, not waterproof. They will wick water through at the hem within a few months. The liner is the part that gets wet, gets mildewed, and gets replaced; the decorative curtain stays dry and lasts for years.
Our waterproof liners are 71 x 79 in. at $23.99 in white, gray, black, navy blue and mustard yellow. Hang the liner inside the tub and the curtain outside. Reversing them is the single most common cause of a wet bathroom floor.
Which rod should I buy: tension or wall mounted?
Use a tension rod for a standard alcove tub between two walls; use a wall-mounted rod for corner showers, freestanding tubs and anywhere the rod carries a heavy fabric curtain plus a liner. A tension rod holds by friction against two opposing walls, so it needs both walls and it will slip if overloaded.
- 28–47 in. tension rod: $33.99–$34.99, chrome, white, black or silver. For stall showers and short alcoves. Our best-selling rod overall is the chrome stainless steel 28–47 in.
- 43–79 in. tension rod: $44.99–$46.99. This is the range that covers a standard 60-inch tub.
- Wall-mounted corner rod, 35.4 x 35.4 in.: $41.99–$44.99, for a corner shower where there is no second wall to push against.
- L-shaped corner bathtub rod, 37–71 in. long x 31.5 in. wide: $54.99, for a tub that sits in a corner with one open side.
- Ceiling mount support, 24.3 in.: $29.99, adds a third anchor point for a long span or a freestanding tub.
See all shower curtain rods.
How many rings does a shower curtain need?
Twelve rings for a standard 71-inch-wide curtain, eight for a 48-inch stall curtain, sixteen for a 95-inch extra-wide curtain. Curtains are punched with a matching number of grommets, so count the holes rather than guessing.
Shower curtain rings are $7.99 for a set of 12. If you want the hardware to disappear, use clear rings; if you have black faucets and a black towel bar, matte black rings tie the room together for the price of a coffee. Hookless curtains such as the Cubic skip rings entirely and are the fastest option to take down and wash.
Polyester or vinyl: which lasts longer?
Polyester lasts longer and washes better; vinyl and PEVA are cheaper and fully waterproof but go brittle. The practical answer for most bathrooms is both: a polyester curtain outside, a PEVA liner inside.
| Polyester fabric | Vinyl / PEVA liner | |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproof | Water-resistant only | Fully waterproof |
| Machine washable | Yes, cold, tumble low | Wipe or wash cold, air dry only |
| Typical lifespan | Several years | 6–18 months |
| Drapes well | Yes | Stiff, clings |
| Price here | $26.99–$43.99 | $23.99 |
How do I keep a shower curtain from getting mildewed?
Close the curtain fully after every shower. A bunched-up curtain traps water in its folds and that is where mildew starts. Pulling it flat across the rod lets it dry in an hour instead of staying damp all day.
Beyond that: run the fan or crack the window for 20 minutes, wash the liner cold every 4–6 weeks with a couple of towels for abrasion, and let it air dry rather than tumble drying, which warps PEVA. A liner that has gone spotted and stiff is not worth rescuing. At $23.99 it is a consumable.
If your curtain is already covered in soap scum and pink film, the cleaning routine is a separate job. See how to clean plastic shower curtains and shower mats.
Common questions
Can I use two curtains on one rod? Yes. Two 48 in. stall curtains on a 71 in. rod gives you a center-opening shower. You will need 16 rings and the panels will overlap by about 20 inches, which is what keeps water in.
Does the curtain have to touch the floor? No. Outside the tub, a hem 1–2 inches off the floor looks intentional and stays clean. The liner, on the other hand, should hang inside the tub and reach below the rim.
What goes on the floor in front of the tub? A 32 x 20 in. bath rug outside, and a suction-backed non-slip mat inside the tub. They are not interchangeable.
