A small‑yet‑big change

If you’ve grown tired of your bathroom and you’re dreaming of giving it a makeover, don’t jump straight into radical changes. Before you start chipping off the tiles and replacing the bathroom furniture, try a simple, inexpensive update first – buy a new shower curtain and invest in a few small accessories – such as soap dishes, colourful soaps, hand towels, an organiser for bathroom toiletries, or perhaps a candle holder in a similar colour palette. Changing the curtain will take no more than a minute, and the effect can be truly spectacular.

The range of shower curtains is very wide; you can choose from different materials, styles, textures, patterns and colours. It’s worth seeing the curtain not only as a functional barrier against the bathroom getting soaked, because it can also be a wonderful decoration, bring the bathroom to life and serve as the main accent of the interior scheme. Curtains can be plain, or come in all sorts of patterns – geometric, and even animal prints. You can find curtains with reproductions of famous works of art, with photographs – the creators’ imagination knows no bounds. There are also special curtains with children’s motifs that will encourage any little one to take a bath.

Shower curtains are made from polyester, cotton, vinyl or blends of these. The choice of material depends on individual preference and does not affect the durability of the curtains. Make sure the fabric has enough weight so it doesn’t cling to your body while you’re showering. It’s worth choosing a water-resistant, quick-drying fabric. Some curtains also have special antibacterial coatings that help keep the bathroom hygienic. Besides appearance, practicality matters too. Fortunately, some textile curtains are machine-washable, which makes them much easier to keep clean. Especially with light-coloured curtains, check that they can be washed at higher temperatures. This also helps prevent the growth of bacteria and mould. Polish manufacturers of curtains often offer a warranty on their products.

In bathrooms with a muted colour palette you can go for a curtain in a vivid colour; you can also opt for bold patterns. Such a curtain will be a striking accent to which you can match other elements – decor and accessories. In interiors with patterned tiles or strong colours, it’s best if the curtain fits into the room’s main palette. If the curtain is only meant to protect against splashes, you can choose from fabrics that are completely or partially transparent. If it is also to serve the purpose of protecting privacy, the curtain should definitely be opaque. When choosing the size of the curtain, remember that a shower curtain often bunches up in use. Also pay attention to the appropriate size of the eyelets in the curtain used to attach it to the rod.