The Shower Curtain Could Be the Missing Piece in Your Bathroom – 24 Designs to Transform the Space

It’s the largest surface in the room, yet somehow the most ignored. These shower curtains prove it deserves better

Devin Toolen's avatar
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Last updated In Ideas
three images of bathrooms with decorative shower curtains
(Image credit: Colours of Arley / GreenRow / Anthropologie)

The shower curtain is often the most overlooked element in an otherwise well-appointed bathroom – the last thing chosen, and usually the least inspired. Which is strange, given the sheer amount of visual real estate it occupies. Done right, it can anchor the entire space. Done wrong, it undoes all the good work around it.

Neutral white curtains have long reigned as one of the most popular shower curtain ideas – understandable, as you once wanted your shower curtain to be unnoticeable, blending into the background rather than becoming a feature of the room. However, bathroom trends have us moving away from all-white spaces to embrace bathrooms that are just as personality-driven as the rest of the home – which means shower curtains can now be used much like wallpaper, adding pattern and color.

a tiled bathroom with a recessed shower and a blue and white striped curtain

Though you can create your very own custom shower curtain with UK-based fabric brand Colours of Arley, you can also choose one of the brand's pre-made styles like the Cocktail Shower Curtain above.

(Image credit: Colours of Arley)

Patterned shower curtains can work wonders in otherwise muted bathrooms, like the fresh floral print of West Elm's Deco Blossom Shower Curtain or the heritage-inspired check of Hawkins New York's Gingham rendition. Even subtle stripes, like the soft tan and white on Brooklinen's Linen Shower Curtain, can bring a touch of visual interest to your bathroom.

If solid-colored curtains are more your speed, consider opting for styles with slight textural appeal, like this chenille-striped curtain from Wayfair or this lace-trimmed curtain from Williams Sonoma. These styles can make your bathroom feel dynamic and layered without looking too bold.

The Cut is all about Homes & Gardens helping you invest in pieces that feel current now, but won’t date as trends shift. Finds that elevate a room today and still feel right years from now. Whether it’s a sculptural accent chair or a chic pendant light, our editors will curate an edit that balances style, longevity, and quality. Consider this your shortcut to smart, beautiful shopping.

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Devin Toolen
Devin Toolen
Style Editor

Devin Toolen is a New York-based Style Editor for Homes & Gardens. After achieving her Bachelor’s Degree at Villanova University, Devin moved to Paris, France, to obtain her Master’s Degree at Parsons School of Design. Upon returning to the United States, Devin began working in the media industry with Cosmopolitan Magazine, where she wrote trend-driven fashion stories and assisted on set for many photoshoots, and later Livingetc, where she wrote interior design stories and assisted with the magazine’s social media pages. She has an appreciation for every aspect of personal style – from the clothes we wear to the design of our homes. In her spare time, Devin enjoys embroidery and antique shopping in the city.

With contributions from