Bathroom Curtains

Choosing bathroom curtains is a question of function, form and aesthetic value. The location of the window and desired window treatments must be considered in choosing what is right for you. Form can mean curtains, blinds or a cornice. And, you need to decide what best suits the look of your bath.

First, location must be taken under regard. A window over a tub or shower, or if you have more than one, and one of those is situated over the tub or shower, you must give some thought to what steam and consistent moisture exposure mean for the treatment. Whether you choose a cornice board and blinds, or curtains and blinds in combination, the fabric and materials constructing them must withstand the conditions. They also must be able to withstand frequent cleaning or laundering to remove mildew. Soap carried on steam build up quickly. It then must be removed as well. Any materials constantly exposed must be durable and able to remain attractive after repeated cleanings.

When considering function, a few criteria enter your decision making process. Are you concerned about privacy? Looking to accent the décor? Seeking a combination of the two? Curtains are easy to shop for and can be even custom made at a reasonable price if you shop around rather that make an impulse purchase. Custom curtains can add greatly to your bathroom design because you have the ability to choose fabric, design and dimensions. They can be drawn back for light and then closed when the bath is in use. Combined with blinds, they can make for a very attractive and functional addition to the room. Cornice boards make a clean and very appealing window treatment. They may be combined with curtain or blinds for a personalized look. Cornice boards can be made by even the most novice DYI’ers. Simple tools like a measuring tape, hand saw and a staple gun, combined with materials can allow you to make a custom cornice without paying the price to have one commissioned. They can be mounted at a higher level to give the appearance of a larger window, as can curtains.

For reasons of visual appeal, you need to consider the look you are going for. Longer, more abundant fabric in curtains creates a feeling of luxury. While shorter, less full amounts of fabric or even just a window topper or cornice had a more minimal ‘feel’. So consider the ambiance or look you wish to create, shop carefully and then enjoy the space you created.

• Avoid buying long curtains because they will be more prone to mildew, and definitely avoid curtains that extend all the way to your bathroom floor.
• Avoid fabrics that are dry clean only. You’ll not only want to be able to wash your bathroom window treatments regularly, but such fabrics don’t do well in the hot humid environment of a bathroom.
• Top half curtains are a good choice when it comes to your bathroom windows because they avoid many of the shortfalls of other types.
• Match the theme of your bathroom. There’s no point having a modern bathroom then putting up 1960’s frilly net curtains.

Maintaining privacy in the bathroom is a must, and along with frosted glass bathroom curtains are a key part of achieving this. In some cases the frosted glass on the window alone may be enough to assure privacy. There are also many bathroom windows that have clear glass, in which case some kind of window covering is essential. A bathroom curtain is the ideal way to achieve that while maintaining the overall look of the bathroom.