13 Best Shower Curtains for Cohesive Bathroom Design (2026)

The Best Shower Curtains Are Modern and Mildew-ResistantShop our editors’ best buysThe best shower curtains take up a significant amount of visual real estate in your bathroom, meaning they can define the entire style of the space. Finding a high-quality option that matches your design scheme can quickly take the space from dingy to spa-like. Going for a minimalist look? Play with texture by investing in a waffle-weave shower curtain, made with long-staple organic cotton for a premium touch. If bold patterns are more your vibe, opt for a cotton-linen floral shower curtain or one with a retro plaid print to serve as the focal point in your bathroom.Several of the picks on this list have been put to the test by our team of editors and contributors to see how they hold up against moisture, humidity, and normal wear and tear. Between fabric, plastic, and water-resistant picks, we’ve collected a lineup of designer shower curtains that are also a breezy way to revamp your bathroom decor.Our Top PicksBest Sheer DesignQuiet Town Sun Shower CurtainRead moreMost VersatileBoll & Branch Organic Cotton Waffle Shower CurtainRead moreBest PatternAutumn Sonata Bibi Shower CurtainRead moreOur Top PicksMore AD-Approved Shower CurtainsFind the Right Hooks for Your Shower CurtainHow to Care for a Shower CurtainFAQsHow We ChoseBest Sheer DesignQuiet Town Sun Shower CurtainMaterial: EVA PlasticDimensions: 72" squareMachine washable? NoCreate a translucent accent wall of sorts with this water-resistant Quiet Town pick that lends a burst of color to your bathroom. It can be used by itself or as a shower liner if you want more privacy with an opaque shower curtain. “I was hesitant about the aesthetics of a plastic shower curtain, but I actually love the fact that it’s transparent,” says shopping writer Julia Harrison, “It makes our teeny tiny bathroom feel bigger, and it lets in light so I don’t feel like I’m showering in a dark cave.”Most VersatileBoll & Branch Organic Cotton Waffle Shower CurtainMaterial: CottonDimensions: 73x73.5"Machine washable? YesThis waffle weave shower curtain feels substantial and adds texture while still sticking to neutral tones. Shopping director Rachel Fletcher calls it her “Tried and true, perfectly perfect, classic white shower curtain.” It’s available in both white and a very light gray, both of which would make a space feel open and airy. Plus, Boll & Branch makes some of the best bath towels we’ve come across, so you can outfit your whole space in one go. And if you’re looking to keep your curtain looking fresh, follow this tip from Fletcher: “I pair it with a washable liner and bleach every few months to keep it looking good as new.”Best PatternAutumn Sonata Bibi Shower CurtainMaterial: 100% Organic cottonDimensions: 72" squareMachine washable? Tes, up to 40ºC/104ºF on a normal cycle. Line dry or machine dry on low-heat.Harrison, a self-proclaimed “textile freak,” says she thinks Autumn Sonata is “doing some of the most interesting pattern work with at-home basics right now.” Drawing inspiration from its own archives, Autumn Sonata’s prints pull from ancient pieces across the world—this particular shower curtain is reminiscent of late 19th-century Japanese paper impressions inspired by Indian “sarasa” textiles. This curtain is made from 100% cotton, treated for mildew resistance and water repellency resulting in “a piece that feels heirloom-like and ancient, just hanging unassumingly in your bathroom. It feels royal to have it,” says Harrison.Best Retro PrintPhoto: Yelena Moroz AlpertGreenRow Cotton Linen Shower CurtainMaterial: 70% Cotton, 30% LinenDimensions: 72" SquareMachine Washable? YesThe handsome check in muted yellow and lilac hues makes the GreenRow cotton-linen shower curtain stand out. “As soon as I saw the print, I knew it would be the ideal addition to my bathroom clad in vintage maroon tile,” says contributor Yelena Alpert. “The retro pattern drew me in, but it was the quality that proved durable. Each seam is immaculately stitched and the fabric has a nice weight, which keeps it from feeling flimsy as I open and close the shower curtain.” Alpert’s curtain did have a seam in the middle, which might not be preferred by some, but it’s because the design is supposed to limit fabric waste.Best Coastal StylePhoto: Katherine McLaughlinPhoto: Katherine McLaughlinUrban Outfitters Multi-Striped Patterned Shower CurtainMaterial: 100% CottonDimensions: 72" squareMachine washable? YesCoastal and cozy, this striped shower curtain from Urban Outfitters ties your bathroom’s whole look together with a bit of at-sea influence. Digital features editor Kate McLaughlin was particularly impressed with the feel of the curtain, made from 100% Oeko-Tex certified cotton, calling it “lightweight and breathable.” She added that “it was extremely easy to hang up, and added a nice soft texture to a room that’s otherwise full of hard materials like tile, acrylic, and stainless steel.” McLaughlin also mentions that it came out of the wash good as new, “(a quality our previous PVC curtain didn’t possess).”Bolé Road Textiles Shower CurtainMaterial: 100% CottonDimensions: 72" SquareMachine Washable? YesBolé Road Textiles, a Brooklyn, New York-based design brand, is known for their vibrant color-blocked motifs on accent pillows, table linens, throw blankets—and now shower curtains. It’s impossible not to smile when admiring this design. Handwoven by Ethiopian artisans, the striped detail at the bottom is reminiscent of a rainbow.Serena & Lily French Tassel Shower CurtainMaterial: 100% CottonDimensions: 72" SquareMachine Washable? YesIf your bathroom decor leans more coastal, it would be a shame if you overlook Serena & Lily’s French tassel shower curtain. The beautiful simplicity of the white cotton body is accentuated with six tassel colorways to give this bathroom staple a bit of playfulness. Just imagine it adorning a claw foot tub—you may never want to leave your bathroom again.Nickey Kehoe Shower CurtainMaterial: 100% cotton duckDimensions: 72" SquareMachine Washable? YesThe hand-stitched buttonholes are just one example of the attention to detail bestowed on the Nickey Kehoe cotton shower curtain. Unlike basic cotton, this design has a heavier weight that is more like a canvas, allowing it to drape gracefully along your tub. Its structured silhouette will also look polished as a partition into a vintage tile shower.Quince European Linen Shower CurtainMaterial: 100% European flaxDimensions: 72" SquareMachine Washable? No. Soak in lukewarm water for 15 to 30 minutes, gently hand wash with a neutral detergent, and avoid using bleach.We are not surprised that the Quince European linen shower curtain is one of their best-selling offerings—after all, their European linen sheets are a staff favorite. If it’s anything like the bedding set, the woven material likely has a slight nubby texture to give this fabric shower curtain a somewhat lived-in, relaxed feel.Hawkins New York Essential Striped Shower CurtainMaterial: 100% yarn-dyed cottonDimensions: 72" SquareMachine Washable? YesStripes are timeless and the Hawkins New York Essential shower curtain encapsulates the idea. Whether you go with a classic ivory-and-flax or a more modern olive-and-sage hue, this pattern will carry you through any bathroom makeover. Note the stitched curtain hook holes for durability.Pierce & Ward Cotton Linen Stripe Shower CurtainMaterial: 100% CottonDimensions: 72" SquareMachine Washable? YesFrom AD100 firm Pierce & Ward, here’s a curtain that encapsulates the English cottage vibe we know you’ve been trying to achieve this season. While the diffused stripes appeal to the more minimally-inclined connoisseurs among us, the built-in tie details offer a hint of texture. If you’re keen on a matching moment, this regular curtain with more exaggerated ties from the collection will help tie-in your window treatments to the overall theme (pun intended).Tina Carroll Geometric Watercolor Shower CurtainMaterial: PolyesterDimensions: 71x74"Machine Washable? YesPatchwork prints, especially done up in watercolor hues, are a refreshing way to dial up the saturation in the bathroom without settling on any one solid hue. This polyester shower curtain from Etsy embodies a Japanese boro vibe, and it’s also fast-drying and backed by several five-star reviews.Ferm Living Chambray Shower CurtainMaterial: Cotton chambrayDimensions: 63"x80.7"Machine washable? YesSubdued stripes? Yes, please. This Ferm Livng option will make your bathroom look a little more buttoned-up and even comes with a water-repellant backing so it can live in your tub for years before getting completely slimed up with mildew.Find the Right Hooks for Your Shower CurtainWhile some curtains come with their own shower curtain hooks, others require you to have them on hand or buy them separately. At the same time, sculptural or more artistic hook sets present themselves as an opportunity for a stylish and unexpected design moment. Below, a few hand-picked faves.Goowin Shower Curtain Rings (Set of 12)IKEA RUDSJÖN Shower Curtain Rings (Set of 12)Utopia Alley Shower Curtain Hooks (Set of 12)Quiet Town Venice Hook Stainless (Set of 12)How to Care for a Shower CurtainEven quick-drying shower curtains can start to accumulate mildew along the fringe, no matter how careful we are with cracking the window or turning on the exhaust fan. Daily use and humid temperatures are bound to bring bacteria (especially if you also enjoy a good steam shower). We recommend, of course, a plastic liner to keep the fabric from getting soaked and drawing your curtain all the way closed after a shower so it can air out as effectively as possible. We also suggest a monthly cleaning of your shower curtain. For machine-washable curtains, it’s as easy as loading it in with your other linens, though more temperamental designs may require a wipe-down and a spot-clean. Double-check the care label, as some may require handwashing and air-drying. For stubborn mildew stains, try a mix of Borax and lemon juice and apply the mixture to your curtain before washing.Alyvia Spring Shower Curtain LinerEurCross EVA Clear Shower LinerFAQsCan I Use a Regular Curtain as a Shower Curtain?While you can use a regular curtain as a shower curtain, the swap isn’t recommended. The best shower curtains have durable stitching to support all the back and forth you’ll be doing pulling the curtains on the hooks. Plus, many shower curtains are treated for mildew resistance and water repellency. If you happen to have a window curtain that you want to repurpose, make sure to add an Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) plastic liner (it’s a better alternative to a Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) plastic shower curtain that may have VOC offgassing) to help keep mold at bay.How to Pick a Shower Curtain ColorBefore you can choose your shower curtain, determine your design aesthetic. Is your bathroom style coastal? Mid-century modern? Spanish revival? Then look at the features in your bathroom that are literally set in stone. If all-white subway tile is your backdrop, you can either choose a white shower curtain (like Boll & Branch’s waffle weave) to further that spa-like minimalist aesthetic or opt for a bold contrast to add some color. However, if your space is more like the red marble-covered primary bath of supermodel Paloma Eslesser, you’ll want to let the tile take center stage. In this case, a sheer, monochrome shower curtain (like Quiet Town’s Sun Shower line) can serve as an understated complement to your louder design choices.Which Shower Curtain Material Is Best?EVA shower curtains are phthalate-free, but still help with mildew resistance and are easy to maintain. However, we find that, as functional as these pieces are, when used alone, they don’t look elevated. For a more natural, durable material, we recommend a cotton, linen, or canvas shower curtain. Cotton and linen are still quite breathable and won’t trap moisture as easily as polyester. Plus, the material has natural gravitas that enhances the design. Of course, if you opt for a textile-forward shower curtain, it’s important to pair it with a completely waterproof liner. This will protect not only your fabric, but also your bathroom floor from getting soaked with shower spray and bathtime splashes.How Much Are Shower Curtains on Average?Like most home decor, the price range of shower curtains is vast. Styles on Amazon can start as low as $10 to $15. On the other hand, luxury retailers that focus on high-end design, Nickey Kehoe or Autumn Sonata, can start around $150 and go up from there. Our top picks for the best shower curtains fall in this price range.What Is the Standard Size of a Shower Curtain?Most shower curtains measure a square 72 by 72 inches. This is large enough to fit both shower stalls and bathtub shower combination units. Other common sizes we’ve seen measure 70 by 72 inches, and extra-wide options measuring up to 72 by 108 inches to fit rounded curtain rods or extra-long units.How We ChoseEvery one of the shower curtains in our top picks section has been tested in the actual homes of our editors and contributors. Over several months, our team has assessed the quality, durability, and, of course, aesthetic prowess of these curtains. This real-world testing has allowed us to evaluate the drying times, water resistance, and overall quality that these shower curtains claim to achieve. But there are only so many showers we have in our apartments and homes, so we’ve also decided to highlight a number of non-tested shower curtains from brands we trust. These options suit a wide range of price points and design styles, so each person can find the product that best suits them.Yelena Moroz Alpert is a contributor at Architectural Digest, covering content that spans commerce, interior design trends, and travel. As a former AD It Yourself editor, she knows all the painting and renovation tricks and has finally mastered folding a fitted sheet to free up her linen closet space. Her ... Read More