Choosing a Shower Curtain for your Clawfoot Tub

 

 

Clawfoot tubs are very different from traditional tubs. These vintage-style tubs don’t rest against a wall, and instead are freestanding, offering a beautiful focal point for your bathroom. They’re great for soaking in at the end of a long day and offer a unique spa-like quality to the space. But this tub can also be used as a shower – if you have made the decision to add a shower head to your tub, you’ll need to find a shower curtain that not only matches the rest of your vintage bathroom design, but one that works with your clawfoot tub as well. Here’s how to go about choosing the best shower curtain for your bathroom: 

 

What You'll Need

There are three pieces you should be looking for: a shower liner, a curtain and a curtain rod or enclosure. Pay attention to the length of your rod, or the size of your enclosure, because it will need to fit your specific clawfoot tub.

Height also needs to be taken into consideration, because the rod is often attached to either the ceiling or the walls to hold it in place. Before purchasing any type of curtain or rod, use a measuring tape to figure out the exact length of the tub from the inside. Then do the same with the width – write down those dimensions and have them with you when you’re shopping for a shower curtain. Having the right measurements will ensure that your shower curtain rests comfortably inside your tub.

Shower Enclosures

Vinyl or cloth shower liner?

 

When choosing a shower liner for your clawfoot tub, you have to decide whether to go with vinyl or cloth. There are advantages and disadvantages to both materials. While fabric looks more elegant and tends to hang better, vinyl doesn’t attract as much mold and mildew and can easily be cleaned and wiped down. In fact, you can simply toss your vinyl shower liner in the washing machine with some detergent, vinegar and a few towels so that the liner doesn’t rip. The vinegar will easily remove the soap scum that has built up, as well as any mold or mildew that may have found its way onto your liner. Hang up your liner after it’s been washed to let it air dry in your bathroom.

Get the right accessories

 

Check out these accessories for your clawfoot tub that will make your bathing experience more enjoyable and improve the look of your shower:

Magnets: Oftentimes shower liners can tend to cling to you in the shower, which can be quite annoying. You can easily prevent this from happening by attaching small magnets along the base of the liner so that it always sticks to the tub, and not to you.

 

Roller ball shower curtain rings: If you’re constantly pulling the curtain back and forth to get out of the shower, the frequent sliding of the shower rings can remove the finish from the rod. But with roller ball shower curtain rings, your curtain will roll easily and smoothly, keeping the rod in perfect condition after each use.