The best shower curtain rod is monumental for your bathroom decor and privacy. When buying, you need to pay attention to a few factors, including your bathroom layout and your personal preference. We compiled a list of different shower rods you can choose from, from style, finish, sturdiness, and more factors.
What is a Shower Rod?
Shower curtain rod is an essential item you need to hang your shower curtain. It is also referred to shower curtain rail/ pole or traverse pole. It can be fitted above the bathroom windows, or along the edges of bathtubs and showers. The best shower curtain rods are extendable and can be of different types of material; aluminum, plastic and even wooden types.
Apart from the material, curtain rods also vary in types; fixed and adjustable straight rods, tension rods, fixed or adjustable curved rods, track rods, circular, L-shape and D-shape types of curtain rods. Then, you can also prefer a tension rod hen you do not want to install screws into the wall, or you can choose the conventional way of fixing the rod.
1. Amazon Basics Tension Shower Curtain Rod
- Multi-purpose tension curtain rod for shower stalls, bathtubs,...
- 7/8-inch diameter rod and 1.4-inch finials with rubber end caps...
- Durable, lightweight metal construction
- Chrome finish; easily coordinates with existing bathroom...
- Easy to install with spring pull rod and rubber suction cups; no...
This best shower curtain rod from Amazon Basics comes at an affordable price and with rave reviews to give you a guarantee of quality. The tension shower curtain rod extends from 36 inches to 54 inches when installed to give you the best coverage.
As a tension rod, it does not need you to drill holes in the wall since the installation is quite easy. The lightweight rod is made of metal with a chrome finish to coordinate with other bathroom accessories for the best style. The rod also comes in bronze, nickel, black, and white finishes if you want another finish.
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2. BRIOFOX Shower Curtain Rod
- 1, TOP #1 304 Stainless Steel Shower Curtain Rod on...
- 2, Never Rust: Super-Thick 304 Stainless Steel (5 Years...
- 3, Non-Slip: Tension Mechanism inside maintains powerful te...
- 4, Apply for All Surface, Include Wallpaper Wall, Tile Wall,...
- 5, Briofox Provides One-Year Limited Maintenance or Replacement.
This shower curtain rod for tension shower is of stainless steel and comes in brushed nickel. What we appreciate in it compared to some other options, is that it does not rust, and it is relatively easy to maintain clean. The shower curtain rod has been carefully crafted to suit rental homes or any homes, which you may wish not to drill the walls of the bathroom. This tension mechanism is really durable and how can you work with it after the attachment that it has the capability to withstand 30 pounds of weight.
You can use this long materials shower curtain rod on various type of surfaces walls such as tidy, wallpaper wall, wooden frame, etc. The rod comes in a slim design and in various color that will fit perfect in your bathroom. Besides, the shower rod has a one-year manufacturer’s maintenance offer.
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3. TEECK Shower Curtain Rod
- 【Superior Material】-Made from premium 304 stainless steel,...
- 【Easy to Install】-The adjustable shower curtain rod is...
- 【Spring Pull Rod & Rubber Suction Cup】-The shower curtain rod...
- 【Multifunctional】-This shower curtain rods can be used in...
- 【Excellent Service】-If you have any dissatisfaction with our...
This shower curtain rod is made with 304 stainless steel and has a non-slip exterior that will not rust. It is also available in different finishes that will match your bathroom accessories. It is an adjustable shower curtain rod that extends from 40 to 73 inches but is also available in other sizes to fit your bathroom size.
As a 1-inch diameter rod, you can expect this curtain rod to hold most shower curtains. It is also easy to install by rotating the rod until you get the best tension. This multifunction tension rod is also suitable for use in other areas of your house.
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4. PrettyHome Adjustable Curved Shower Curtain Rod
- 【Corrosion Resistant】: This chrome finished adjustable curved...
- 【Customize To Fit Your Shower】: Telescoping design for this...
- 【Extra Space】: Unlike traditional straight tension shower...
- 【Easy Installation】: Screws and mounting brackets are...
- 【Installation Tips】: Please read anchor instructions...
This best adjustable curved shower curtain rod has the high quality aluminum material. It is a telescoping shower curtain rod that leaves enough space as you bath within the tub. The mounting shower curtain rod is most durable, the time it will take to install it may take a while but you will find it very easy.
Included into the package are the screws and mounting brackets that will enable you to have a successful installation. Further you will require a 5/16 inch drill for the holes.
We brought this affordable shower curtain rod with an adjustable bracket which can be mounted for a perfect position to stretch from the tub or shower. Besides, as an adjustable curtain rod it also has lengths of 38 and 72 inches to stop water penetrating, and also to provide privacy.
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5. Zenna Home Rustproof Adjustable Tension Shower Curtain Rod
- SHOWER ROD WILL NEVER RUST: Strong, lightweight aluminum...
- ADJUSTABLE AND MADE TO FIT YOUR SHOWER: Adjustable-length tension...
- EASY TO INSTALL IN JUST 2 STEPS: No drilling, no tools and no...
- LIFETIME GUARANTEE AGAINST RUST, AND LOOKS GREAT TOO: Chrome...
- NOT JUST FOR YOUR SHOWER: Rod also can be used to hang curtains...
The Zenna Home rustproof adjustable tension shower curtain rod is specifically designed to allow individuals to hang up shower curtains without the use of drill or other tools. Measuring from 54 to 88 inches this aluminum rod is suitable for use in most tub and shower spaces, including those with unique large spaces. Designed from rustproof aluminum it is a durable product which has a chrome finish that goes well with most styles of a bathroom.
The Zenna Home Rustproof Adjustable Tension Shower Curtain Rod is a good product for those users who want easy to use rustproof tension rod and suitable for any size shower curtain. However, its tension design may not find a suitable application in those who require that extra strength or support.
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Types of Shower Curtain Rods
Depending on the type of curtain rod you want to buy then you may need to consider your bathroom and how this shower curtain rod can fit in the layout and what type of theme you may have created. Here are six types of shower curtain rods which you have to evaluate today.
a) Straight rod
Straight rods are the easiest to find when in the market. As you can imagine, these run across two walls and are best for rented apartments or homes. Still, you will have three choices to make if you decide to go for a straight shower curtain rod.
b) Curved shower curtain rod
A curved curtain rod is ideal when you have a unique bathroom layout. The curved design runs from one wall to the other, but it leaves more elbow room, so the shower curtains are not touching you as you shower. There are four types of curved rods you can choose from.
c) Track shower curtain rod
If you have previously had problems using round rods, perhaps what you need is the track rod. If is not a hook type and the best for curtain installation as it is provided with gliders. When using the gliders,; the curtain cannot slip off easily, this makes the track ideal for use in the wash rooms.
d) Circular shower curtain rods
Do you happen to have a standalone clawfoot tub? If you need to have your carousel rod fixed to the walls and the ceiling pillar, then a carousel rod is more advisable. It will design what a better bathroom decoration would look like to give the vintage look while at the same time provide privacy to enable you to comfortably bath.
e) L-shaped shower curtain rod
You will need an L-shape rod when your tub and shower are placed against a wall or if you have a corner shower. This particular shower curtain rod has one actually corner at one end of it. During installation, you shall fix the two ends to the wall surface while using a ceiling rod to support the L shape. A curtain rod is stylish making the enclosed space provide the best privacy when needed.
f) D-shaped shower curtain rod
These are a set of the u shaped curved shower curtain rod and the straight shower curtain rod mounted on the wall. You will fit one end into the wall and the other and then hung the U-shaped rod from top of the wall.
This bath installation is perfect for a bath and shower position which is situated in the middle of a long wall. This D-shape gives an aesthetic work of architectural design to enclose only a section to stop the water spreading while offering the necessary seclusion at the same time.
Factors to Consider for Your Best Shower Curtain Rod
a) Material
When it comes to curtains rods there is something that you must know and that is the material that the curtain rod is made from. Metal is the best type of material to be used in constructing a shower curtain rod that will last a long time. Finish choices that include stainless steel, chrome and brass allow you to coordinate with faucets, light fixtures, and towel bars.
If choosing a shower curtain made of plastic material, you will easily find a color that can complement the other fixtures in the room. But unfortunately, plastic rods are not very much durable in their usage.
Still, wooden shower curtain rods, though not very popular, do exist. These easily complement a farmhouse or a mid-modern design. But, you will have to paint the wooden surface to avoid it getting in contact with water and the rod must also be able to handle heat that is created in mixture with bunch of usage in bathroom.
b) Bathroom decor
Do you have those decorative covers on your bathroom walls that are stylish and can be easily cleaned? Perhaps you have a different color of walls, or a different style furniture and accessories. So, the shower curtain rod has to blend with the interior design. Also, by doing so you can also synchronize that the curtain rod is compatible with the idea you have in mind for your shower curtains, bath mats, towels and rugs.
c) Wall types
The design of the bathroom walls will define how you can fix other types of shower curtain rods. If you have tiles on your bathroom wall you might prefer tension rods because they do not involve drilling screws into the wall. However, especially if you have no tiles where you want to fit the rods you may have to use a drill to ensure that they are well fixed.
d) Shape
You will need to choose between five shower curtain rod shapes; straight, curved, L shaped, D shaped and circular. So you have to know that whether a double rod is suitable for your bathroom or not is not enough information about the shape. In selecting the shape of your shower curtain rods, you must keep in mind the structure of your bathroom because certain shapes were more advantageous in other bathroom structures.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Shower Curtain Rod
a) What is the difference between mounted rods and tension shower rods?
A mounted shower rod needs to fixed on the walls of your bathroom. Nevertheless, in addition to your walls being drilled, the mounted shower rods are most durable and dependable should you also want to ‘hang ‘heavier towels.
For tension shower curtain rod there are no tools needed for installation. However, it does not have handles, but it has suction cups at both ends for use. When installing, in order for cups to provide outwards force on the walls, one must twist the rods in the direction of cup separation. These shower rods are perfect for individuals in a rental house where you cannot install things using screws and nails.
b) Straight vs. curved shower curtain rod: which is better?
Speaking of space, you will be thrilled with a curved shower rod because it protrudes outwards to provide sufficient space as you shower. This shower curtain rod however affords you more space but grabs more space in the bathroom, therefore it is suitable for large bathrooms.
Straight shower rod is a simple design and doesn’t take much space once the installation has been done. However, what it does the work of preventing splashing and offer privacy the area you will not have ample space as you shower since the shower curtain opens to sit alongside the tub or shower. Nevertheless, the straight rod suits small baths and curtains that will not ill-affect from water and foaming splashes.
c) Which is the best shower rod for tiled walls?
If your bathroom is tiled, you can easily install a tension shower curtain rod when you don't want to drill holes into the wall. But, since the wall is slippery, you will also find that it is easier for the tension shower curtain rod to slip when moisture builds up. So, if you use the bathroom with other people, it might be best to avoid the tension shower rod.
Unlike a tension shower rod, a mounted rod provides better service over the years where you will not worry about it falling off. You install this rod by drilling holes into the tiled walls then fastening the rods with screws. As a result, you get a reliable installation that can carry heavy curtains and towels.
d) What is the best material for a shower rod?
A shower rod can be made with plastic, metal or wood. Plastic and wood shower rods look good and easily blend with bathroom décor but they do not last very long. The best shower curtain rods are those made of stainless steel or aluminum if they are made from metal. These last long, as well as are strong enough to hold shower curtains as well as towels, if that is what is desired.
However, when purchasing a metallic shower rod, there is nothing you will want to be associated with a shower rod that rusts. Rusting can cause your curtains to assume an unattractive color thereby making your bathroom décor dull. The vast majority of shower curtain rods are constructed of stainless steel metal that will not rust in any manner. But when comes across water and soap, it may pull some nasty stains that would require consistent wiping in between.
The other curtain rods made of aluminium are also very strong but they are also know to rot. So, if buying this shower rod, you should make sure that a shower rod has the best finish like chrome and brushed nickel to avoid this.
e) What accessories will my shower curtain rod come with?
The shower rod that you need to get, will have the installation hardware provided in case you wish to place the bar on your walls. But do not forget that you are going to have to find the correct drill to correctly countersink the screws.
Apart from the mounting hardware, the rods should also include shower curtain hooks in order to easily hang these curtains. However, ensure that your curtains are custom made to fit the hooks if you want a perfect match.