A shower curtain takes top billing in a bathroom, but getting the best shower curtain rod to hold it is just as important. A shower curtain rod must not only be sturdy enough to support the weight of the curtain but also complement the look of the bathroom.
The best shower curtain for the bathroom will depend on the size and configuration of the shower or tub/shower combo, the bathroom decor, and the weight of the shower curtain users plan to use.
- BEST OVERALL: Briofox Shower Curtain Rod 43–72 Inches
- RUNNER-UP: Teeck Shower Curtain Rod, 40–73 Inches
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: HBlife Tension Curtain Rod
- BEST FOR CORNER SHOWER: Sikaiqi L-Shaped Shower Curtain Rod
- BEST FOR CORNER TUB: PrettyHome L-Shaped Bathtub Corner Rod
- BEST HOOP WALL MOUNT: PrettyHome Shower Curtain Rod Hoop
- BEST DOUBLE-STRAIGHT: Zenna Home NeverRust Adjustable Double Shower Rod
- BEST DOUBLE-CURVED: Zenna Home NeverRust Double Curved Shower Rod
- ALSO CONSIDER: Amazon Basics Tension Curtain Rod
How We Chose the Best Shower Curtain Rods
The best shower curtain rods are easy to install—and stay in place without constantly slipping. They are made from durable materials and come in finishes that match most existing fixtures and bathroom decor. Our list of top picks covers the main types of shower curtain rods for shoppers and offers a range of options in terms of shape, material, and type of installation.
Because shower spaces come in a multitude of sizes, we included plenty of products with adjustable rods to cater to the size range. All our top picks are available in at least two finishes, including chrome, nickel, brass, black, and more, to match those most commonly found in bathrooms.
In our research, we made sure to look at ease of installation to round up a range of products that never put up a fight when being installed thanks to mounting brackets, suction cups, and instructions that are included. We also chose shower curtain rods that are durable, rust-resistant, or rustproof. These rods are made from high-quality materials that are also easy to install, with options for tension rods as well as more permanent mounted rods.
Our Top Picks
The best shower curtain rods should be strong enough to hold a shower curtain’s weight and be rust- and corrosion-resistant. Those with tension should have a strong spring. They also should be durable and complement a bathroom’s decor. The following shower curtain rods are good options for a variety of needs.
Photo: amazon.com
Available in two sizes designed to fit either shower stalls or tub/shower surrounds, the adjustable Briofox stainless steel shower curtain rod features a strong extension spring and can bear up to 30 pounds, making it a reliable shower curtain rod for heavier shower curtains. No tools are necessary for installation. Users only need opposing walls to fit this tension shower curtain rod between.
Twist the ends in opposite directions to lengthen or shorten the rod. Appropriate for tile, fiberglass, and painted drywall, the Briofox shower curtain rod has rubber endcaps that won’t slide on walls or leave scratches.
Product Specs
- Type: Tension rod
- Material: Stainless steel
- Shape: Straight
Pros
- Multiple finishes available to suit any current bathroom fixtures
- Strong support for heavy-duty curtains
- Easy to install compared to similar options
- Won’t slide or leave scratches on walls
Cons
- Can lose its grip over time
Get the Briofox shower curtain rod on Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
Made from premium stainless steel, the Teeck shower curtain rod won’t rust. Because it’s a tension rod, there’s no drilling required. The rod comes in four sizes and adjusts to fit between opposing shower walls or tub/shower-combo walls. By rotating the ends of the rod in different directions, the length can be adjusted.
The rubber endcaps suction to the walls without scratching. This rod is a great choice for use with tile or fiberglass surfaces.
Product Specs
- Type: Tension rod
- Material: Stainless steel
- Shape: Straight
Pros
- Rustproof design is suitable for long-term use
- Available in 4 sizes to suit multiple showers
- Adjustable; twist, springed design allows for extending and retracting
- Great for fiberglass and tile walls
Cons
- Can be difficult to fit tightly
Get the Teeck shower curtain rod on Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
Users don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a durable tension shower curtain rod that will complement a bathroom’s decor. The affordable HBlife tension curtain rod is available in several sizes and adjusts to fit shower stalls and tub/shower combos. It comes in a sleek, stainless steel finish to match any current stainless steel bathroom fixtures.
The rubber suction cups on each end of this curtain rod keep the rod firmly in place without damaging the bathroom walls, and the spring bar pops out so users can slide shower curtain rings on.
Product Specs
- Type: Tension rod
- Material: Stainless steel
- Shape: Straight
Pros
- Affordable compared to similar options
- Rustproof design allows for long-term use and durability
- Multiple lengths to choose from for any shower
- Attractive, simple design goes with many bathroom fixtures
Cons
- Spring can weaken over time; not as long lasting as a permanent fixture
Get the HBlife shower curtain rod on Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
The Sikaiqi L-shaped shower curtain rod can be fully mounted, which is the sturdier option, or attached with glue-on brackets that support the ends of the rod. The rod itself does not call for the use of additional ceiling-mounted support as some L-shaped rods do. This permits the user to hang a single curtain, rather than a split curtain, which is necessary with a ceiling support. The corrosion- and rust-resistant rod is suitable for all types of shower walls.
Product Specs
- Type: Mounted
- Material: Stainless steel
- Shape: L-shaped
Pros
- Sturdy design is suitable for long-term and heavy-duty use
- Works with a single shower curtain
- Corrosion- and rust-resistant design provides ample durability
- Multiple installation options for added user-friendliness
Cons
- Installation is more involved
Get the Sikaiqi shower curtain rod on Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
Dress up the bathroom with the PrettyHome L-shaped corner shower bathtub rod designed to fit a tub with an open wall on one side. Made from high-quality aluminum, the rod is available in various finishes to complement the user’s current bathroom fixtures.
Users might need to drill mount it to adjacent walls for stability with the included mounting brackets and fasteners. This corner shower bar is corrosion- and rust-resistant and will support up to 20 pounds of fabric weight. It does not require the use of a ceiling-mounted support bar, although users can use one to increase stability.
Product Specs
- Type: Wall-mounted
- Material: Aluminum
- Shape: L-shaped
Pros
- High-quality materials are suitable for long-term use
- Several finishes available to suit many bathrooms
- Strong and sturdy for long-term use
- Comes with mounting brackets and fasteners
Cons
- Dimensions are not adjustable
Get the PrettyHome L-shaped shower curtain rod on Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
Add a shower curtain to a freestanding tub with the PrettyHome hoop shower curtain rod. It attaches to the wall at the tub’s head and hangs from a ceiling-mounted support bar on the opposite side. Made from high-quality aluminum in finishes to match most bathrooms, this hoop-shaped curtain rod won’t rust or corrode.
Installation requires mounting brackets to one wall and drill mounting the support bar to the ceiling with the included fasteners and hardware. Because this rod has a hanging support bar, a split shower curtain will be necessary to enclose the tub completely.
Product Specs
- Type: Wall-mounted
- Material: Aluminum
- Shape: Rounded rectangle
Pros
- Style matches most bathrooms
- Lightweight and durable for long-term use
- Works well with freestanding tubs
Cons
- Difficult to install; likely requires 2 people
Get the PrettyHome shower curtain rod hoop on Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
The Zenna Home NeverRust Adjustable Double Shower Rod will support an inner waterproof shower curtain and a decorative outer curtain or towels on two separate rods without damaging bathroom walls. This versatile rod is spring-loaded for tension installation and comes with fasteners for a permanent wall mount. The rod adjusts from 44 to 72 inches to fit various-size showers and tub/shower combos. It features NeverRust aluminum, and it’s suitable for installation on all types of shower walls.
Product Specs
- Type: Tension rod
- Material: Aluminum
- Shape: Double straight
Pros
- Versatile installation; can fit various shower sizes
- Suitable for all shower-wall types: glass, fiberglass, tile, etc.
- Sturdy and well constructed for long-term use
Cons
- Pricey compared to similar options
- Limited finishes available; may not match existing finishes
Get the Zenna Home double shower rod on Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
If showering in an existing shower or tub/shower combo feels cramped, check out the Zenna Home NeverRust Double Curved Shower Rod. It bows gently outward to offer an additional 9 inches of elbow room in the shower. The double curved rod adjusts to fit tubs up to 72 inches long.
The rust-free aluminum will keep this curved shower curtain rod looking new for years. This tension rod features strong springs and rubber ends that won’t damage bathroom walls. The decorative wall mounts give it a polished look. This double curved shower curtain rod is available in chrome and nickel finishes to match existing faucets, and it’s suitable for hanging two curtains or for a single curtain and towels.
Product Specs
- Type: Tension rod/double
- Material: Aluminum
- Shape: Double curved
Pros
- Creates extra elbow room inside the shower
- Adjustable rod fits multiple shower sizes
- Can be used to hang towels if necessary
Cons
- Requires 2 people to install correctly
- Limited finishes available; will not match any bronze or gold colors
Get the Zenna Home double curved shower curtain rod at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Target.
Photo: amazon.com
Coming in more than 5 finishes and styles, the Amazon Basics Tension Curtain Rod comes in multiple sizes and easily installs with a spring pull rod and rubber endcaps that will not damage shower walls. Suitable for use in showers, bathtubs, stalls, closets, and windows, this curtain rod is durable and lightweight while being able to handle the average shower curtain and liner. The only downside of this product is that it cannot hold more than 7 pounds of weight.
Product Specs
- Type: Tension rod
- Material: Unidentified “metal”
- Shape: Straight
Pros
- Comes in multiple styles, finishes, and sizes for any bathroom
- Rubber suction-cup pads prevent slipping and falling
- Durable spring pull rod
- Affordable compared to similar options
Cons
- Cannot hold more than 7 pounds
Get the Amazon Basics shower curtain rod on Amazon.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Shower Curtain Rod
Design plays a big part in choosing the best shower curtain rod for a bathroom. Ease of installation and durability are top considerations, too.
Shape
Most shower curtain rods are straight and attach to the walls of the shower. Other shower rods have shapes for a range of shower and tub configurations for added elbow room. Square, L-shaped, and round/curved shower rods are available for open showers and freestanding tub/shower combinations.
Double shower rods come with two parallel rods: an outer rod for a decorative shower curtain and an inner rod for the waterproof liner. Still other shower rods feature a small outward bow that adds a little extra room to the inside of a tub/shower unit.
Material
Shower curtain rods are typically made of metal or plastic. Consider choosing a durable one that goes with the current bathroom’s decor. Many metal shower curtain rods come treated with a water-resistant coating to reduce rust and corrosion risk. Plastic rods have come a long way, but they still aren’t as durable as metal rods. Reserve these for lightweight shower curtains.
Bathroom Decor
The bathroom is often the smallest room in the house, so anything that’s “off” with the decor will stick out like a sore thumb. Something as simple as a shower curtain rod that doesn’t blend in can leave the bathroom looking completely mismatched.
Metal rods are available in various finishes, including brass, stainless steel, aluminum, and even copper. Try to match the shower curtain rod to the finish on the faucet, shower head, and shower caddy. If those items are chrome, for example, the shower curtain rod chosen should be, too.
Tension vs. Mounted
Shower curtain rods install in two ways: through tension or mounting. Each has benefits and considerations.
- Tension: A tension rod, sometimes called a “spring-loaded rod,” requires two opposing walls, a common configuration in both shower stalls and tub/shower combos. A strong spring inside the rod exerts outward pressure to hold the rod in place. Many tension rods are adjustable. Twisting the rod’s ends in opposite directions will either lengthen or shorten the rod to fit into various spaces. The endcaps on tension rods are typically covered with nonslip rubber. These rods will support shower curtains that weigh up to approximately 20 pounds. Tension rods are well suited to fiberglass and tile walls, where users might not want to drill through the walls to mount the rod. Users who aren’t homeowners and want to avoid drilling into the walls might also consider a tension rod.
- Mounted: Straight, mounted shower curtain rods adjust to fit the space between the shower walls. The dimensions of shaped rods, however, may be fixed. Mounted shower curtain rods will support curtain weights from 25 to 30 pounds.
Installation
Tension shower curtain rods are by far the easiest to install. Twist the rod to a length about an inch longer than the distance between the walls. Pull one side inward to shorten the rod, and slide it into place.
Mounted rods are a bit trickier as users have to drill holes in the walls and install mounts. For users who are handy with a drill and a measuring tape or a level (for getting the bar level), mounting a shower curtain rod is a DIY task. For users who aren’t comfortable installing a mounted rod, a tension rod is a good idea. Both are strong enough to hold most shower curtains.
FAQs
For the most part, shower curtain rods are straightforward, but if this is the first time you’ve purchased one—or if you’re wondering about how to install one—read on.
Q. How do I choose a shower curtain rod?
Select a finish that matches that of your sink and shower faucets. Choose either a mounted or a tension rod depending on your DIY skills. If you aren’t comfortable drilling into walls to mount a rod, opt for a tension rod.
Q. Do tension shower rods work on tile?
Tension rods are well suited to tile walls.
Q. What is the purpose of a curved shower curtain rod?
A curved shower rod has a gentle outward bow that provides more elbow room in the shower.
Q. Where should you place a curved shower curtain rod?
A curved shower rod should be placed between the opposing walls of a shower or a tub/shower combo.
Q. How high should a shower curtain rod be?
Standard shower curtain rod height is approximately 75 to 77 inches above the floor.
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