Should your shower curtain be inside or outside the tub?

Author: Kallie Schulist  |  Last update: Sunday, June 28, 2026

Caring for Your Shower Curtain Let the liner hang inside the tub and the curtain hang outside the tub for better airflow between the two.

Where should a shower curtain be placed?

You'll want to hang it at least 72 inches from the floor. Measure from the base of the shower or tub on each wall. Use a pencil to make a mark on each side. Then use a long level to be sure your shower curtain rod will hang evenly.

Does shower curtain liner face in or out?

The textured side should be facing out. If you look at the grommets, you can tell which way should be facing out - the smooth or front side of the grommet.

Do I need an inner shower curtain?

Will I need a liner for my shower curtain? You will, most likely, only need a liner if you have a cotton shower curtain, as cotton absorbs moisture more than the other materials mentioned. Most liners are made out of vinyl which naturally repels water.

Do hotel shower curtains go inside or outside?

If you are using the shower, or if the curtain is wet, the inner curtain goes inside the tub. No matter what it's made of, and regardless of whether there is an outer one or not.

Should Shower Curtains Be Inside Or Outside Tub? - Style Your Decor

Should a shower curtain be inside a tub?

Let the liner hang inside the tub and the curtain hang outside the tub for better airflow between the two. To help keep mildew at bay between washings, spritz a vinyl liner with a daily shower cleaner.

Should curtains face inside or outside?

Key Takeaways. The decorative side of curtains should typically face the interior of the room for aesthetic appeal. For optimal light-blocking, the lined side of blackout curtains should face the window. Hanging patterned curtains with designs facing inward enhances room aesthetics and showcases your style.

What is the best shower curtain to avoid mold?

While there are plenty of fabric options to choose from, both Varela and Roman Peysakhovich, Co-Founder of national cleaning company Onedesk, recommend opting for EVA vinyl, which "acts as a natural water repellent," says Peysakhovich, and is strongly resistant to mold and mildew.

What is the inside shower curtain called?

The shower liner is the vinyl part that goes inside the tub or shower. The shower curtain is the fancy part that goes outside. I personally call the vinyl part the shower curtain and try to get as funny and whimsical as I can with it.

How often should you change your inside shower curtain?

“It's very important to regularly change out your shower curtain, especially if you suffer from a chronic illness or autoimmune condition.” Carson points to guidance from the Cleveland Clinic, which also recommends replacing your shower curtain liner every six months to a year.

Which side of curtain lining faces out?

The coated side of both thermal coated and blackout coated linings must face the glass to maximize UV and mildew resistant properties. Thermal and blackout linings are not machine washable, they may be gently hand washed if necessary and drip dried with coated surfaces facing out.

What is the difference between a shower curtain and a shower liner?

Shower curtains typically hang outside of the bathtub and are used for privacy and style. They're often made of fabric that absorbs (rather than repels) water, meaning they're not waterproof and take longer to dry. Shower liners protect your bathroom and stop water in its tracks.

Why is shower curtain liner pink?

The pink tint on your shower curtain is often caused by a bacterium called Serratia marcescens. This bacterium thrives in moist environments and is commonly found in bathrooms. It produces a pinkish pigment, leading to the discoloration of various surfaces, including shower curtains.

What kind of shower curtain doesn't need a liner?

Cloth Shower Curtains That Don't Need a Liner
  • Cotton Canvas.
  • Nylon Canvas (Pack Cloth)

How do you properly use a shower curtain?

Grasp the shower curtain by its leading edge and gently pull until it is flush with the wall. Step into the tub, if you have not already done so. Then take the other edge of shower curtain and cautiously pull it in opposite direction until it, too, adjoins the wall.

Why you should always close the shower curtain?

After a shower, you should close the shower curtain to allow it to dry more effectively.

Should your shower curtain be inside or outside?

First and foremost when you are taking a shower, keeping the curtain inside helps keep warm air in and water from splashing out. Put the outer curtain outside the tub and the liner inside if you're using a curtain and liner set.

Do I need both shower curtain and liner?

Before you hang up a new shower curtain, you first need to buy a shower liner. Why? Because shower liners protect your shower curtain from getting wet and growing mold and mildew. A liner also keeps the water in the tub or shower.

How do you keep a shower curtain inside the tub?

Stick suction cups along your shower curtain to hold it in place. Buy shower curtain suction cups place them along the bottom edge of your curtain with the suction cup facing the tub. When it's time to take a shower, adhere each suction cup to the tub so the curtain stays in place.

Does black mold grow on shower curtains?

Is the bottom of your shower curtain pink or black, even though those are not in the color scheme of your bathroom decor? That's mold—and it's both unsightly and unhealthy to have around. While the easiest way to take care of the problem is to simply throw away the liner or shower curtain, you can salvage them.

What to avoid in a shower curtain?

The solution is to avoid shower curtains and liners made with PVCs. Instead, look for PVC-free shower curtains, which are widely available. A number of major retailers plan to offer more PVC-free shower curtains and two, Ikea and Marks & Spencer, are switching over to PVC-free products.

What can I spray on my shower curtain to prevent mold?

You can prevent mold from growing on your shower curtain liner by spraying it after each use with a solution of white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide diluted with water. If you use hydrogen peroxide, however, keep in mind that it will bleach fabric over time, so be careful not to get it on a cloth curtain.

What is the rule of thumb for curtains?

Measure the width of the rod from left to right. A common rule for displaying curtains properly says the curtains finished width should be at least 2 times the width of your window (if not more) to achieve a look of proper fullness.

Should curtains be the same color in every room?

Absolutely not. But it is entirely dependent on the type of room or rooms that are involved. Oftentimes, matching adjacent window treatments on the same wall ensures the room looks put together and cohesive. But that doesn't mean every single shade or drape needs to be the same.

How should curtains be placed?

3 **Hang at the Right Height**: For a luxurious look, hang curtains higher than the window frame, close to the ceiling. This makes your room appear taller. 4 **Find the Ideal Width**: Curtains should extend beyond the window frame by 6-12 inches on each side. This allows them to open fully and create a grander look.

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