If you’re planning a bathroom update and wondering whether shower curtains still have a place as a shower room idea, you’re not alone. Once considered a default, they’re now often dismissed as outdated, unhygienic or simply a stopgap until a glass screen is installed.
But are shower curtains really obsolete, or have they just fallen out of favour as bathroom design trends have shifted? And in practical terms, how do they actually compare to glass screens when it comes to space, cleaning and day-to-day use?
To get a clearer picture, we asked bathroom specialists whether shower curtains are still being used, when they make sense in modern bathrooms, and how to make them feel intentional rather than temporary.
Does anyone use shower curtains anymore?
If you’ve spent any time looking at bathroom inspiration lately, it’s easy to assume shower curtains are officially out. Glass screens and walk-in showers dominate most modern bathroom design, and curtains are often associated with older rentals or quick fixes rather than intentional choices.
But specialists say that perception doesn’t tell the full story. While shower curtains are no longer the default, they’re still widely used in bathrooms where flexibility and ease of use matter more than a fixed screen.
Designers continue to favour shower curtains in certain layouts, such as compact bathrooms and spaces with sloped ceilings or tricky corners like loft conversion bathrooms. What’s more, Blanca Sanchez, founder of Halo Design Interiors, says shower curtains “work brilliantly for shower-over-bath layouts and narrow footprints, where a rigid panel or door would feel cramped or awkward.”
They’re also a practical option in level-access showers and wet rooms, where being able to pull the curtain back fully makes the space easier to move through and adapt for different users. In other words, while shower curtains may not be the most talked-about option right now, experts agree they’re still very much in use, just in more thoughtful, layout-led ways than before.
Blanca Sanchez is a professional interior designer and founder of Halo Design Interiors. She has extensive experience of working with private clients, developers and also architects, property consultants and industry specialists. Her projects have led her to locations throughout the United Kingdom, including London and the Home Counties, as well as projects completed globally.
Why shower curtains get a bad reputation
Let’s be honest, shower curtains have a bit of an image problem, and according to the experts, it’s not entirely unwarranted. For many homeowners the association is with flimsy liners, lingering damp smells and the constant worry that water is escaping onto the floor.
“Curtains need good ventilation and periodic washing to prevent mould,” cautions Blanca Sanchez. Without regular airflow and cleaning, even a good-quality curtain can quickly start to look tired, which is where many hygiene concerns stem from.
Movement and maintenance are other common frustrations. Unlike a fixed glass screen, a curtain can shift while you shower, which may allow water to escape if it’s not properly weighted or correctly hung. And while glass screens require wiping to prevent limescale, shower curtains rely on consistent care to stay fresh. Choosing the wrong material can make this upkeep doubly hard, as cheaper options are more likely to discolour or harbour mildew.
In short, shower curtains tend to get a bad rep when they’re treated as an afterthought. Poor materials, inadequate bathroom ventilation and incorrect fitting can all undermine their performance – but when maintained properly, experts agree many of these issues are avoidable.
Shower curtains vs glass screens
At first glance, choosing between a shower curtain and a glass screen can feel like a purely aesthetic decision. But bathroom specialists say the real differences tend to show up once you start using the space every day.
Cost comparisons
“A shower curtain can be the better choice where budgets are being carefully managed,” says Keeley Sutcliffe, design manager at BC Designs. Curtains are quicker to install and easier to replace, which can make them a sensible option when you’re updating a bathroom gradually or trying to keep bathroom renovation costs under control.
Glass screens, on the other hand, usually cost more upfront and are chosen with longevity in mind. “A well-specified screen is a long-lasting solution,” explains Richard Eaton, design manager at Tissino. While screens are typically more expensive, he notes they’re less likely to need replacing over time due to wear or discolouration, which can make them feel like better value in the long run.
Keeley Sutcliffe is Brand Manager for award-winning British bathroom designers, BC Designs. Since 1999 the award-winning company has been leading the way with its thoughtful, innovative and considered bathroom designs.
Richard is senior design manager at Tissino and is responsible for designing many of Tissino's market-leading bathroom products. His speciality areas are showers, baths and heating, and he enjoys nothing more than developing products that people enjoy using on a daily basis, while making sure they look the part.
Flexibility comparisons
One of the biggest advantages of a shower curtain is how adaptable it is. “Curtains are quicker to install, easier to replace, and allow the bathroom to evolve over time without committing to a fixed enclosure,” Keeley explains. That flexibility can be especially helpful in households where needs change, or in family bathrooms that have to work hard for different users.
Shower screens trade that adaptability for structure. Richard Eaton points out that many homeowners prefer the sense of permanence a glass screen provides, particularly in bathrooms designed for long-term use where a clearly defined showering area feels more intentional.
Maintenance & longevity comparisons
Maintenance is often where the romance of a shower curtain wears off. “Curtains need more regular laundering to stay hygienic, they are less effective at containing water than a fitted screen, and poor-quality options will date quickly,” warns Richard. Without regular care, it’s easy for them to start looking tired.
He explains that glass screens are “easier to keep clean over time” and less prone to types of mould or discolouration when properly specified. While glass still needs regular wiping, it generally holds up better than fabric that may need replacing every few years.
Aesthetic comparisons
Visually, curtains and screens create very different moods. Used thoughtfully, curtains can soften a bathroom and introduce “colour, texture or contrast into a space that might otherwise rely entirely on tile and sanitaryware,” Keeley Sutcliffe says. This can be especially appealing in spaces that feel a little stark, or in more traditional bathrooms where too much glass can feel out of place.
That said, Richard Eaton notes that glass screens have come a long way. “This is no longer limited to plain, clear glass,” he says, pointing to fluted or reeded finishes, framed profiles and partially screened designs. In smaller bathrooms especially, he adds, a screen can help the space feel calmer and more ordered, which often makes day-to-day cleaning easier too.
Shop glass shower screens
Create a sleek, industrial look with this black Crittall-style shower screen, combining toughened safety glass with a statement frame for a modern, high-end finish that’s easy to fit and built to last.
Upgrade your bathroom with this brushed-brass shower screen, featuring easy-clean tempered glass and a pivot design for effortless access, combining everyday practicality with a refined, contemporary look.
Bring a clean, modern finish to your bathroom with this frameless sail-shaped bath screen, crafted from 8mm toughened glass with a smooth hinged design for flexible, everyday use.
How to make a shower curtain look intentional, not outdated
According to designers, shower curtains only feel outdated when they’re treated as an afterthought. “The simplest approach is to specify it with the same care given to a screen,” says Blanca Sanchez. She recommends starting with proportion, explaining that a full-length curtain with a weighted hem and generous fullness will always hang better and feel more substantial than a lightweight option.
Hardware choice also makes a noticeable difference. Sanchez advises using “a ceiling-fixed or elegantly curved rail” and matching the finish to your brassware so it reads as part of the overall scheme. Small details can make all the difference, so she also suggests using “rustproof rings or gliders” to help the curtain hang neatly and move smoothly.
Fabric and colour should be treated as a design decision rather than a last-minute add-on. Sanchez recommends choosing “a calm, tonal fabric or a subtle pattern that ties to the tiles or stone,” which helps the curtain feel integrated rather than visually disruptive.
When these elements come together, a shower curtain stops feeling temporary. Detailed properly, Sanchez says, it can “look considered and sit comfortably in modern bathrooms,” proving that with the right approach, a curtain can feel intentional rather than outdated.
Shop stylish shower curtains
Bring a relaxed coastal feel to your bathroom with this easy-to-hang, machine-washable shower curtain, featuring soft turquoise stripes and a wave-edge detail.
Turn your shower into a statement with this Aubusson-inspired curtain, combining vintage French charm with durable, water-resistant fabric for a bold, characterful bathroom update.
Add a playful, design-led touch to your bathroom with this Maeve shower curtain, featuring scalloped edges and embroidered detailing on soft cotton twill.
Not sold on shower curtains? We have a guide to the best over-bath shower screens to explore instead. And if you’re set on a wet room, make sure you do your research and read our wet room flooring guide first.
