Have you ever experienced shower curtain rod disasters? If you’re like me, you’ve had shower curtains crash to the floor while you’re showering. The shower head sprays water all over the floor while you struggle to pick up the shower curtain rod and hang it back on the sides of the shower.
This has happened to me not once, but multiple times. I know, you’re wondering why I didn’t learn the first time. I never researched all the types of shower curtain rods available. Maybe it was laziness, or I just bought what was convenient.
Well, I want to save you the flooded bathroom floor, and the frustration of trying to hang up a shower curtain rod while you’re dripping wet. I did do my research after all and came up with a list of the different types of shower curtain rods.
They all have their pros and cons, but you can decide which one works for your shower, whether it’s a tub/shower combination or a stand-alone shower stall.
I hope the following shower curtain rod list helps you keep your floor dry while singing in the shower.
8 Types of Shower Rods to Prevent the Worst Shower of Your Life
1. Life-changing permanent fixed shower rod stands the test of time and your shower
Whether you are a do-it-yourselfer, or you need to call for help to install a permanent shower rod, it can be a life-changer. You never have to worry about the shower curtain and rod collapsing into your shower, with the curtain sticking to your wet legs as you try to hang it back up.
Permanently fixed shower rods are nothing new. In fact, they are standard in most older homes. As time went on, permanent shower rods were replaced with new, convenient shower rods.
The good thing about permanent shower rods mounted on your wall is that they remain where you put them. The inconvenient thing about them is that you have to unscrew the rod from the wall if you want to replace it.
Pros:
- Simple, effective, and sturdy
- Takes the weight of heavy curtains without falling
Cons:
- Requires tools and drilling holes in the wall
2. A genius adjustable shower rod that you just twist and squeeze onto your shower wall
A single tension shower rod is convenient and simple to install. As long as you get the tension set correctly, your rod should stay where you put it. These are available in plastic or stainless steel.
The two ends of the shower rod have rubber pads that grip the shower wall as you turn each rod piece in opposite directions.
Just don’t hang any wet towels over the rod. Tension rods can’t hold the weight, and you know what happens then.
Pros:
- Easy installation
- Lightweight
- Fits most shower sizes
- No tools required
Cons:
- The curtain rod can loosen and fall
- Doesn’t support heavy shower curtains
3. Double curved tension shower rods solve the problem of hanging the shower curtain and liner on the same hooks.
This double curved shower rod uses tension to attach to your shower walls. The length isn’t adjustable, which is why it curves. Most likely, you will need someone to help you hang this rod because you have to bend both sides of the rod to catch the wall.
Pros:
- Simple to install
- No tools or drilling required
- Designed to hang the shower curtain and liner on separate rods
Cons:
- Can slip down slippery surfaces
- Requires two people to install
- Doesn’t hold heavy curtains
4. Live dangerously, but keep things simple with a curved single tension shower rod.
Single curved tension shower rods aren’t really dangerous, but they do tend to fall, especially when a heavy shower curtain gets wet. If you’re willing to take the chance, tension shower rods attach to your wall using a tension spring.
These shower rods only adjust about 2 to 3 inches, so make sure you measure the distance between your shower walls before purchasing this type of shower rod.
Pros:
- Easy installation
- No tools needed
- Doesn’t damage walls
- Removable
Cons:
- It tends to fall if you have a heavy curtain or pull on it too hard.
- Requires specific size measurements for the best performance
- Might need two people to install
5. If your shower is a corner dweller, an L-shaped shower rod is just the thing for you.
For those of you who have a corner shower or bathtub, an L-shaped shower rod is a good choice. It’s perfect for corner spaces, and it’s less expensive than installing glass shower doors.
L-shaped shower rods are usually adjustable, but only by a few inches, so make sure you measure your shower area before selecting this rod. These shower rods are available in various lengths.
Pros:
- Easy to install
- Most models are sturdy
- Economical
- Nice for tight corner spaces
Cons:
- Depending on the model, it could require screws or glue.
- The Center L section might sag with heavy shower curtains.
6. No need to jump through hoops to wrap an oval hoop shower rod around your tub.
If you have a freestanding bathtub that you use for showering, then an oval or rectangular hoop shower rod will do the trick for you. These have a classic design that is great for claw foot tubs. Many of the hoop shower rods come with ceiling support legs or wall mounts and are designed with aluminum or stainless steel.
Pros:
- Sturdy and permanent
- Tucks into the tub while showering to prevent water from spraying on the floor
- You can slide the curtain to one side to display your freestanding tub.
Cons:
- This rod requires installation tools and drilling holes.
- Might need help installing
7. You’ll flip over this curved flipping shower rod.
No matter if you have a small or large bathroom, this flipping shower rod adapts to your space. Its curved design gives you more room in the shower. Not only that, when it’s not in use, it rotates into the shower for a stowed position, giving you more bathroom space.
These rotating shower rods are wall-mounted and fit standard tub openings. They adjust a few inches, but you need to measure your opening to ensure a proper fit.
Pros:
- Clever, space-saving shower rod
- Easy to rotate inside and outside the tub
- Stays in place without slipping or falling
- Keeps the wet shower curtain off your body
- Provides more space for moving in the shower
Cons:
- Requires installation tools and drilling holes in the wall
- Need precise shower measurements before installing
- Might sag with a heavy shower curtain
8. Who knew there was such a thing as a retractable shower rod?
The retractable shower rod is an interesting concept, but you don’t see it very often. It’s a long stainless-steel rod that slides in and out of the wall using ball bearings. Of course, you have to have enough space inside your wall to accommodate the length of the rod.
It works by gently pulling the shower curtain, and the rod easily slides out of the wall. It covers the length of the tub and glides back into the wall when you’re done.
If you’re an adventurous home renovator, you might want to give a retractable shower rod a try.
Pros:
- Retracts when not in use
- Sturdy and stays in place
- Gives the feeling of space in your bathroom
Cons:
- This rod requires tools and drilling into the wall.
- Might need professional design and installation
- Hard to repair if the ball bearings malfunction
FAQs
Does a shower curtain rod attach to the wall or to the tile?
If you’re installing a fixed shower rod, you drill the holes into the drywall about one inch above the end of your tiled surface. Of course, if your entire wall is made of tiles, you’ll have to drill the holes through the tiles, but be careful not to crack them.
How far from the floor should I install the shower rod?
For the best performance, install your shower curtain rod about 74 inches above the floor. This ensures that you won’t bump your head as you get into the shower.
Also, shower curtains are usually 72 inches long, so the recommended 74-inch distance keeps your curtain off the floor.
How far from the tub should I hang the shower rod?
It’s a good idea to install your shower rod about one inch outside the edge of your tub. This way, it hangs straight over the tub when not in use, but easily tucks inside the tub when you need it.
Why are some shower curtain rods curved?
There are several reasons why you might want a curved shower rod. For one thing, they give you more room to move around in the shower, and the wet liner won’t stick to you. Plus, many people think curved rods look luxurious and upscale.
Keep in mind that if you have a small bathroom, a curved shower rod takes up more space. This will make your bathroom look even smaller.
Do I need a wider shower curtain for a curved shower rod?
A standard shower curtain will work fine for a curved shower rod. There’s no need to use a wider curtain.
How do I prevent my tension shower rod from crashing to the floor?
Some tension shower rods have plastic caps at the ends, which slide on slick surfaces. Even rubber caps can have this problem.
One way to fix your problem with the tension shower rod falling is to apply rubber shelf lining to the ends of the rod. Make sure you use durable glue, such as epoxy.
How much weight can a shower curtain tension rod hold?
Tension shower rods are easy to install and convenient, but you have to be careful about hanging wet towels or clothes on them. They can only hold about 20 pounds.
Also, take into consideration the weight of your shower curtain and liner before placing anything else over your rod. Tension shower rods tend to fall if you tug the curtain too hard or hang items on the rod.
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