October 15, 2010

A Few Reasons That Shower Curtains are an Attractive and Useful Alternative to Clear Doors

Glass wall shower doors make functional and stylish additions to any bathroom. The glass door protects your bathroom from water damage by preventing water from escaping the shower stall; the glass also acts as an insulator, keeping heat in during winter days. If other people will be using the bathroom while you’re showering, the glass door provides some privacy. Unfortunately, not everybody can afford to fit glass shower doors into their budget, since they can be pricey. In this case, shower curtains might be a more affordable option.

A shower curtain serves many of the same purposes as a glass shower door, but at a more cost-effective price. For example, a long shower curtains can keep water from escaping just as well as a glass door. They are available in a broad range of designs, from traditional Victorian prints to the newest modern styles, and are made from a variety of materials. How it will fit with the look of the rest of the bathroom is a question you should always ask yourself when selecting a shower curtain design. But you can also let the shower curtain dictate the overall design theme of the bathroom and then pick the accessories to match. A clear square glass vase with just a touch of color to match the shower curtain would be a nice touch.

The next decision you will have to make is what material your shower curtain will be. Vinyl shower curtains can be opaque or transparent, and come in a variety of patterns; since they are water-resistant, they are also easy to clean and maintain. Cotton and linen curtains provide a more elegant look, but since they get wet, they easily develop mildew and will need more maintenance. Fabric shower curtains are also more expensive than vinyl ones. The most low-maintenance curtains are those made of hemp, since they are made of anti-fungal and anti-bacterial material that will resist soap stains and mildew.

You also need to decide if you should use a shower curtain liner. Liners are thin sheets of plastic hung inside the shower to keep water from reaching the curtain. Curtain liners are a must if you plan to use fabric curtains. Liners will help you keep shower curtains in good condition for months or even years. Liners can also be used instead of curtains, but if you want privacy they will not provide it since they are transparent.

After you’ve decided on the design of your shower curtain, select shower rings to go with it. If you choose hook rings, they are simple to install but fall off easily; plastic rings keep the curtain secure on the rod but are harder to hang. Then decide on the look of the curtain rings and how they work with the curtains and the overall look of the bathroom. While you can buy a set of matching curtains and rings, you might want to mix and match different ones to come up with a style that you like. While not as important as choosing your modern curtains for other rooms, you should put a decent amount of thought into your shower curtain decisions.

Once the curtain has been installed, make sure that you regularly maintain it to ensure that it stays clean and free of bacteria and mildew which may be the cause of diseases and allergies among your family. If you have a fabric curtain, wash it around once a month in a washing machine with hot water and a cup of bleach to disinfect it. Vinyl curtains can also be thrown in the washing machine along with two towels to help get them cleaner. You can also wipe down plastic curtains with a wet sponge and detergent. After cleaning, hang the curtain up again to dry. You can also avoid mildew by ensuring your bathroom is well-lit, particularly if it does not get a lot of natural light. With the right maintenance, your shower curtain can last as long as a year or possibly even longer.

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