Shower curtain rail and rings buying guide

Vital for holding up a shower curtain, a shower curtain rail has to adapt to any restrictions on layout and installation of your shower or bathtub. So which type should you go for? And what material and what type of installation method? Also, don't forget about the all-important shower curtain rings.

Choosing the right shower curtain rail for you will be primarily influenced by the layout of your bath or shower. This depends on whether the rail can be installed:

• between two parallel walls - opt for a straight curtain rail;

• in a corner - it's best to choose a corner rail;

• on a ceiling - pick a curved shower rail or umbrella rail.

Other key factors:

• size - some models are extendable, others can be shortened;

• installation method - choose between screw on or suction cup;

• the material and design of your shower curtain rail should match the rest of your bathroom.

Now you just have to choose the rings to hang your shower curtain up on the rail with. Whether plastic or metal, white or patterned, they should be convenient to both attach and remove from the curtain rail to ensure the shower curtain is easier to install and maintain.

There are several rail types, depending on the shape and size of your shower or bath.

Straight shower curtain rail

These shower curtain rails are the most common and are installed between two parallel walls. They can either be shortened or extended to properly fit the space.

Corner shower curtain rail

Also known as L-shaped rails, this style is ideal if your shower is nestled into the corner of the bathroom. Given that this type cannot normally be extended or shortened, their measurements must be taken accurately. However, angled shower rails are available from 80 cm in length to over 190 cm.

Oval, curved or semi-circular shower curtain rail

Attaching to one wall only or the ceiling, this type of shower curtain rail provides all-round protection, perfect for a freestanding bath, for example.

Umbrella shower curtain rail

Also called fan shower curtain rails, this style unfolds 180° and folds up like an umbrella, with the shower curtain hanging from the rail's various spokes (usually around a dozen).

Shower rails come in three main types of material, with a matt, shiny or lacquered finish and plain or patterned. Here are a few examples:

• chrome-plated metal - dipped in a chrome bath, these shower curtain rails have a shiny, mirror effect, and are water and scratch-resistant.

• aluminium - strong and light, aluminium shower curtain rails are very sturdy.

• plastic - plastic shower curtain rails are the least expensive of all, but also the least sturdy and durable.

Installation methods

Installing your shower curtain rail will depend on which type of rail you pick. The options are:

• screw-on, which requires drilling into the walls, but is also sturdier;

• suction cup, which is easy to install, and avoids drilling into partition walls, but isn't as strong.

Installation guidelines

Your shower curtain rail shouldn't be installed too low to prevent water from splashing out over the top of the curtain, or too high to ensure it can be easily drawn back and forth. The recommended height is one suitable for the tallest shower user, although in general, around 1.9 m.

Use a pencil to mark the height you want to install either end of your curtain rail at. If you've chosen a screw-on rail, drill into the partition wall and insert wall plugs, then attach the pole.

If you've gone for a suction cup rail, position either end of the rod at the appropriate height, then tension out the rod so that it sticks to the wall.

Shower curtain rings hook over the rail and attach through the eyelets of the curtain, allowing it to slide along the pole. Whichever style you pick (round, oval, open hook, etc), the rings should be as easy as possible to attach to the rail, as well as to remove, allowing for regular maintenance of the shower curtain. When it comes to the right material for shower curtain rings, there are a few options.

Plastic

In this case too, you'll find plenty of budget options made from this material. Additionally, plastic shower curtain rings are sturdy and come in a variety of colours. However, they should only be used with fairly light shower curtains.

Metal

Metal shower curtain rings are stylish and durable, and can support heavier curtains. However, make sure they are suitable for wet environments.