Yes, you can use regular curtains in the shower, but only if you pair them with a waterproof liner. Because regular curtains aren’t water-resistant, you will need a traditional liner (vinyl, PEVA, or a water-repellent fabric) to keep water inside the tub.
You're going to need a curtain that not only has a rod pocket, but has the tab pockets as well. You'll need regular shower curtain hooks, an extra long liner. You're gonna thread the hook through the liner like usual and then just hook it to the tab part of the curtain. Now you have a curtain and liner all on one rod.
Yes, you can absolutely use regular window curtains as shower curtains. This designer hack allows for more style, taller dimensions, and custom widths. You just need to follow a few simple guidelines to make sure the curtain remains durable and waterproof in your bathroom.
Just grab a longer set of regular curtains, pair them with an extra-long waterproof liner, and hang the rod a little higher. It really does make a huge difference. If you've ever felt totally underwhelmed by the shower curtain aisle, same.
For a shower curtain alternative, the best options include installing glass shower doors or fixed bath screens for a permanent, high-end look. For renters or budget-conscious alternatives, you can use acrylic shower screens, waterproof fabric curtains, or even a heavy-duty shower curtain liner suspended on a modern curved rod.
To create a makeshift shower curtain in a pinch, use large heavy-duty garbage bags, a plastic drop cloth, or a spare bedsheet. Cut the material to size, punch holes for your hooks using scissors or a hole punch, and reinforce the holes with tape so they don't tear.
Martha Stewart famously doesn't use traditional curtains in her homes, joking she could write a book titled "A House With No Curtains." Instead of heavy drapery, she prefers clean sightlines and opts for options that maximize natural light.
Yes, you can absolutely put curtains in a bathroom, whether for the shower or the windows. The key to success is choosing the right materials, such as quick-drying synthetic fabrics, and ensuring adequate ventilation to prevent moisture issues.
Instructions
To keep water in a doorless shower, use a mix of physical barriers like a flexible silicone threshold dam or partial glass screen. Make sure the shower floor slopes sharply toward the drain and that the showerhead points inward rather than toward the entrance.
Yes, shower curtains are still widely used. They remain a popular, budget-friendly staple, especially for tub-shower combos, renters, and families with young children. Recently, they have also made a massive design comeback as an easy, high-impact way to add texture, color, and personality to a bathroom.
A shower curtain that doesn’t need a liner is typically made of a heavy, water-repellent fabric (like thick polyester or nylon) or features an interior TPU lamination that causes water to bead up and roll off.
Shower curtains are waterproof or water-resistant barriers specifically designed to contain water inside the bathtub and repel mold. In contrast, regular curtains (like standard window drapes) are made of absorbent fabrics intended for privacy and light control, which will trap moisture and quickly grow mold in a humid bathroom.
Yes, you need either a shower curtain, a liner, or a glass door to prevent water from splashing onto your bathroom floor.
Curtain trends in 2026 are shifting from purely functional covers to architectural statement pieces. The top looks emphasize rich, natural textures, layered depth, warm neutral and earth-toned palettes, and smart home integration to bring quiet luxury and character to interior spaces.
Using standard window curtains as shower curtains is a brilliant design hack to elevate your bathroom's aesthetic. You just need to install a waterproof liner behind the drape. This approach gives you endless choices in fabric, length, and style, instantly making the space feel more luxurious.
Using regular curtains as shower curtains is a great way to add custom, designer-quality texture to your bathroom. To do this, always hang a standard, waterproof shower liner behind the regular curtain. Use traditional shower curtain rings through the top of both the curtain and the liner to hang them on a single or double rod.
The cheapest way to waterproof shower walls depends on your starting point:
Replace your traditional shower curtain with these functional and stylish alternatives:
Using a shower curtain comes down to a simple rule: the waterproof liner goes inside the tub to keep water off the floor, while the decorative fabric curtain stays outside to catch stray splashes and add style.
Martha Stewart avoids curtains in her homes because she is an early riser who relies on the morning sun to wake up naturally. She also prefers unobstructed, panoramic views of her outdoor landscapes and uses minimalist shades to protect her furniture and rugs from fading rather than heavy drapery.
To make a bathroom look expensive, avoid loud, trendy, or purely stark colors. Instead, design professionals recommend deep, moody jewel tones (emerald green, navy blue) or sophisticated, warm neutrals (creamy beige, taupe, deep olive). Paired with the right finishes, these palettes evoke a luxurious spa feel.
The newest trends in window coverings focus on smart motorization, natural eco-friendly fabrics, and layered dimensions. Homeowners are blending high-tech functionality with sustainable, organic textures to create spaces that feel both elevated and grounding.
Martha Stewart has been diagnosed with vitiligo, an autoimmune skin condition that causes patches of skin to lose their pigment.
To instantly modernize your space, skip stiff, overly formal window treatments and cheap "quick-fix" drapes. Designers recommend avoiding grommet headings, bulky valances, and sterile stark white fabrics in favor of warmer palettes, natural textures, and tailored pleats.