Round Shower Curtain Rods
Buy the best round shower curtain rods selected and recommended by interior designers. By Mia Jones.
Your typical shower curtain rod goes in a straight line from one end of a rectangular tub to the other. But when you have a circular tub or shower, a free-standing tub, or want to create an outdoor shower, you’ll need one of these round shower curtain rods. Options include ceiling-mounted rods, wall-mounted ones and even rods that include the showerhead conduits.
Round Shower Curtain Rods
Buying Guide
Mia Jones
Interior Design Expert
Mia is a freelance bathroom designer and writer with over a decade of professional experience. From space planning, cabinetry, storage solutions, and tile design to hardware and fixture selections, she knows a thing about creating baths that strike a perfect balance between functionality and aesthetics.
The size shower curtain needed for a curved rod will not differ from that needed for a regular straight rod. Standard shower curtains measure 70” x 70” and work for curved rods as well.
Round shower curtain rods create more space, up to 33% more, for you as you shower, keeping your skin from touching the curtain. While this makes it feel more spacious, it doesn’t require more curtain to adequately cover the shower area. No special type of curtain is required to pair with a curved rod.
However, if you prefer additional slack in your shower curtain, go for an extra wide version of a shower curtain.
To determine the basic size for your shower curtain, first measure shower rod height from the tub floor to the top of the rod. Next, measure the length of the tub and add 12” to get the standard curtain length. Add an additional 2” - 3” in width to create the extra slack if desired.
If you have a round shower curtain rod and a regular shower curtain, you should be aware that you can use them together; however, your regularly-sized shower curtain may not be long enough (as your round shower curtain rod will, very simply, be longer than a straight one for the same space would be). To get the best coverage, purchase a longer shower curtain made for a round rod. However, in a pinch, you can use a regular size.
A round shower curtain rod works well around a freestanding bathtub. These shower curtains protect the floor and walls of your bathroom on all sides, allowing you to enjoy a shower in your freestanding tub. If your tub is a soaker tub, primarily intended for bathing, you can still enjoy the privacy that a round shower curtain provides.
To mount round rods, center the rod by positioning the arc in alignment with the tub’s edge. Mount the rod 2” above the height of the shower curtain. For example, install a rod 74” from the floor to fit a standard 72” shower curtain.