How To Hang Custom Shower Curtains
Shower curtains are a basic home necessity that enhances the bathroom decor and provides privacy and warmth. Hanging them can be done quickly and easily with a little bit of advanced planning and some basic equipment. To get the right look, feel and fit, many people prefer to use custom shower curtains. It is easier to measure and hang them with two people, but it can be done by one determined or industrious person.
Measurements
To find the proper width and height for the shower curtain, the shower or bathtub-shower combination opening must first be measured. Use a metal tape measure to determine the distance of the full width of the opening from side to side. If there is a person helping, they can hold up one end of the tape. Otherwise, clip or fasten the end of the tape measure securely to one side and keep the device level until it reaches the other side. Height is measured from the bottom of the existing shower curtain rod to the floor. For the vertically challenged, it may be necessary to use a sturdy chair or stepstool to reach the rod without pulling or leaning on it. For custom-designed showers that are larger than standard spaces, it might be necessary to order an extra long shower curtain. Custom sizes also include extra wide shower curtains, which come in handy for bathtub and shower combinations in a handicap accessible or master bathroom.
Liners
Depending on the material and appearance of the curtain, it may be helpful to use a liner. Adding a liner on the inside has two main purposes. It prevents a see-through effect with opaque or clear curtains. It is made of water-resistant material, such as vinyl or plastic, and prevents the outer curtain itself from getting wet and lessens the chance for mold or mildew accumulation on the fabric. Liners come in a variety of colors, and typically should match the color of the bathroom decor. The number, size and placement of grommet holes in the two layers should match.
Rings
There are several methods for curtain installation. Hanging them using rings or hooks is the most convenient. They typically come in sets of 12 in metal or plastic styles. The ring is inserted through the curtain grommets and clipped around the rod. If a liner is not used, simply start at either end and insert one end of a ring or hook through the grommet, then slide the open end over the rod. Close the ring or hook. Be sure that the pattern or “right” side of the fabric is facing the outside, or rest of the bathroom. When doing this installation alone, it is easier to hang one ring on one end, then go to the other end and do one ring at a time. If there are two people, they can start at opposite ends and work their way towards the middle.
When using a liner, match up the “wrong” sides or backs of the liner and curtain to each other with corresponding grommet holes. The liner faces the shower’s interior. For tub models, it is customary to let the liner hang inside the tub, with the curtained layer on the outside. This prevents the floor from getting wet during showers while keeping the curtain dry.