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How to Install Shower Curtain Rods

Holly Honeycutt

By Holly Honeycutt
Updated April 19, 2023

If you don’t have a shower door, you’ll need a shower curtain and rod. They come in a wide assortment of colors, materials and finishes. We’ll explain the different types and show how to easily install a shower curtain and rod in your bathroom.

Skill

Beginner

Time

Few Hours

A white bathroom with a black and white striped shower curtain, white tub and shelf with towels.

Tools and Materials

Tools

Materials

Note

Product costs, availability and item numbers may vary online or by market.

How to Install a Tension Rod

A chrome tension shower rod with silver hooks and a blue shower curtain.

Tension rods are easy to install because they don’t require any drilling or tools. They won’t damage the walls either, so they’re ideal for renters. Shower tension rods are adjustable, so they can fit most standard or oversized showers. To install a tension rod, simply extend the rod to the wall, twist and tighten in place.

How to Install a Fixed Curtain Rod

A brushed nickel fixed shower curtain rod with silver hooks and a white shower curtain.

Fixed curtain rods require some tools and screws, but they provide a more secure installation than tension rods. The mounting hardware is usually included when you purchase the shower rod. Installation can vary based on the type of rod that you purchase, so make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Installing a fixed rod is a simple do-it-yourself project that can be completed in four easy steps.

Instructions

6 Tips to Choosing a Shower Curtain & Accessories

A bathroom with dark green walls, a black and cream shower curtain and a white clawfoot tub.

If you're refreshing your bathroom, a new shower curtain, rod and hooks is a good place to start. Here are a few considerations.

1. Shower Curtains
Shower curtains are typically 72 inches wide by 72 inches long. Long shower curtains are 72 inches wide and 72 to 84 inches long. Extra-long shower curtains are 96 inches long. To create the illusion of height, purchase an extra-long shower curtain and hang the rod close to the ceiling.

2. Materials, Colors and Patterns
Shower curtains are usually made of polyester, cotton, polyethylene vinyl acetate (PEVA) or vinyl. Shower curtains come in an endless array of colors, but the most popular options are white, cream, clear or blue. They also come in a wide variety of patterns, including graphic prints, florals, stripes, animals, birds and geometric shapes.

3. Installation Types
There are two ways of hanging a shower curtain. Most shower curtains require shower rings that hook onto the rod. A hookless shower curtain has large rings so you can easily slip the curtain on and off. 

4. Shower Curtain Liners
If a shower curtain is made of vinyl or PEVA, you won’t have to worry about using a shower curtain liner because these are waterproof materials. However, if your shower curtain is cotton or polyester, you’ll need a shower curtain liner that hangs between the shower curtain and the tub. Consider a liner with a weighted hem to keep it in place.

5. Shower Curtain Rods
There are a few types of shower rods. The most common type is a straight rod where the shower curtain and liner hang together. For a roomier feel in your shower, consider a curved shower rod. With a double shower curtain rod, you hang the shower curtain on one rod and the liner on the other. Shower rods are available in numerous finishes, including chrome, brushed nickel, black matte, brushed brass or bronze. 

6. Shower Curtain Rings and Hooks
Shower hooks are open ended. Simply slip the hook through the holes in the shower curtain and/or liner and hang them from the shower rod. Shower rings have a clasp closure to ensure that the shower curtain or liner won’t slip off.