The 10 Best Shower Curtain Rods to Complement Your Bathroom Decor

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.

For many shoppers, aesthetics matter nearly as much as function. David Mason, an interior designer and the founder of Knobs.co, a member of the American Society for Interior Designers, said, “The most important factor is that the shower curtain rod is able to hold up your shower curtain and keep water from splashing out of the tub. However, a shower curtain rod is not only a functional piece in the bathroom, but it also adds to the overall aesthetic of the space.”

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. We’ve included a range of types, sizes, and designs on our list to suit a variety of bathrooms. Read on for the best shower curtain rods to outfit your space.

1. BEST OVERALL: Briofox Industrial Never-Rust Shower Curtain Rod
2. RUNNER-UP: Teeck Shower Adjustable Tension Shower Curtain Rod 
3. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: HBlife Tension Shower Curtain Rod
4. UPGRADE PICK: Pottery Barn Classic Shower Curtain Rod
5. BEST FOR CORNER SHOWER: Sikaiqi L-Shaped Corner Shower Curtain Rod
6. BEST FOR CORNER TUB: PrettyHome L-Shaped Corner Shower Curtain Rod
7. BEST HOOP WALL MOUNT: PrettyHome Shower Curtain Rod Hoop
8. BEST DOUBLE-STRAIGHT: Zenna Home Adjustable Double Shower Rod
9. BEST DOUBLE-CURVED: Zenna Home NeverRust Double Curved Shower Rod
10. ALSO CONSIDER: Amazon Basics Adjustable Tension Curtain Rod

How We Chose the Best Shower Curtain Rods

The best shower curtain rods on our list 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. Mason also suggested adjustable curtain rods for certain shoppers: “Opt for a shower curtain rod with adjustable length to fit various tub sizes and allow for flexibility in positioning your curtain.” He explained that this is especially useful for those who move frequently or have multiple bathrooms with different-size showers.

To suit different bathroom styles, most of 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.

Best Overall

Briofox Industrial Never-Rust Shower Curtain Rod

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Product Specs 

• Type: Tension rod
• Material: Stainless steel
• Shape: Straight

Pros

• Multiple finishes available to suit current bathroom fixtures and curtains
• Also comes in a few sizes; each provides strong support for heavy-duty curtains
• Easy to install compared to similar options; won’t leave scratches on walls

Cons

• Can lose its grip; may need readjustment over time

Available in four sizes designed to fit either shower stalls or tub/shower surrounds, the adjustable Briofox stainless steel shower curtain rod features a strong, thick 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 end caps that won’t slide on walls or leave scratches.

Get the Briofox shower curtain rod at Amazon or Sears.

Runner-Up

Teeck Shower Adjustable Tension Shower Curtain Rod

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Product Specs 

• Type: Tension rod
• Material: Stainless steel
• Shape: Straight

Pros

• Adjustable; twist, spring design allows for easy extending and retracting
• 4 sizes available, spanning a wide length range from 26 to 85 inches
• Varied length options makes it useful for beyond the shower

Cons

• Some reviewers note it can be difficult to fit tightly

Made from premium stainless steel, the Teeck shower curtain rod won’t rust, and because it’s a tension rod, there’s no drilling required to install it. The rod comes in four sizes (the smallest length contracts down to 26 inches and the largest extends up to 85 inches) 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 end caps suction to the walls without scratching. This rod is a great choice for use with tile or fiberglass surfaces. Once installed, this rod holds up to 22 pounds.

Get the Teeck shower curtain rod at Amazon or Sears.

Best Bang For The Buck

HBlife Tension Shower Curtain Rod

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Product Specs 

• Type: Tension rod
• Material: Stainless steel
• Shape: Straight

Pros

• Affordable compared to similar options; multiple lengths to choose from for any shower
• Rustproof design allows for long-term use and durability
• Attractive, simple design goes with many bathroom fixtures

Cons

• Spring can weaken over time; it may not last as a permanent fixture

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.

Get the HBlife shower curtain rod at Amazon or Sears.

Upgrade Pick

Pottery Barn Classic Shower Curtain Rod

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Product Specs 

• Type: Mounted
• Material: Steel
• Shape: Straight

Pros

• High weight capacity; can safely hold up to 45 pounds
• Contract grade, which means this rod is suitable for heavy-usage settings
• Simple classic design is plain enough to suit almost any bathroom; comes in 2 finishes

Cons

• Does not appear to be adjustable; may not fit some showers

Simple but durable, this shower curtain rod from Pottery Barn is a good choice for those who need a long-lasting pick. It’s a mounted rod, so it best suits permanent installations. It’s also contract grade, which means it’s suitable for high traffic and commercial spaces.

The rod is made of steel and comes in a chrome or matte black finish. It’s rather plain, with a classic style that suits almost any bathroom. Since this rod is contract grade, it’s tested for stricter corrosion and load capacity standards—it will hold up to 45 pounds. Mounting hardware is included for installation.

Pottery Barn shares that the curtain rod is 54 inches long and has a two-piece easy-toggle design to make it easier to install. However, the brand does not provide more detailed information about the shower rod size.

Get the Pottery Barn shower curtain rod at Pottery Barn.

Best For Corner Shower

Sikaiqi L-Shaped Corner Shower Curtain Rod

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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 since it doesn’t have a central support post
• Multiple mounted installation options for added user-friendliness

Cons

• Installation is more involved and is best with 2 people

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. It’s adjustable, measuring 27.55 to 39.37 inches long on each side of the L-shaped rod.

The rod itself does not call for the use of a central 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.

Get the Sikaiqi shower curtain rod at Amazon or Walmart.

Best For Corner Tub

PrettyHome L-Shaped Corner Shower Curtain Rod

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Product Specs 

• Type: Mounted
• Material: Aluminum
• Shape: L-shaped

Pros

• Mounted installation is secure; holds up to 25 pounds once installed
• Several finishes available to suit a variety of bathroom decor styles
• Comes with mounting brackets and fasteners for installation

Cons

• Dimensions are not easily adjustable, though the rod can be cut

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 25 pounds of fabric weight. It does not require the use of a ceiling-mounted support bar, although users can use one to increase stability.

Get the PrettyHome L-shaped shower curtain rod at Amazon.

Best Hoop Wall Mount

PrettyHome Shower Curtain Rod Hoop

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Product Specs 

• Type: Wall-mounted
• Material: Aluminum
• Shape: Rounded rectangle

Pros

• Simple and utilitarian style will suit most bathroom decor styles
• Lightweight and durable for long-term use; wall-mounted for long term use
• The best option (functionality and style-wise) for use with freestanding tubs

Cons

• Difficult to install; requires 2 people to get the job done

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, and in a variety of 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.

Get the PrettyHome shower curtain rod hoop at Amazon.

Best Double-Straight

Zenna Home Adjustable Double Shower Rod

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Product Specs 

• Type: Tension or mounted
• Material: Aluminum
• Shape: Straight

Pros

• Can be used as a tension rod or wall-mounted for flexible installation options
• Dual-rod design is very useful; rods are spaced apart to fit curtain parts or towels
• Wide adjustability range, ranging from 44 to 72 inches long

Cons

• Many reviewers found it difficult to install alone; better as a 2-person job

Double shower rods offer much more flexibility but take up very little extra space. This shower curtain rod from Zenna Home features two parallel rods instead of one. This setup can be used to hang a liner on the interior rod and a curtain on the exterior, or to hang the curtain on the inside rod and towels on the outside.

This specific rod is made from aluminum and is adjustable from 44 to 72 inches long. It can be installed as a tension rod or a mounted rod, which makes it even more versatile. It holds up to 25 pounds, so it’s suitable for most uses, even holding up heavier shower curtains or towels.

Get the Zenna Home double shower curtain rod at Amazon or Sears.

Best Double-Curved

Zenna Home NeverRust Double Curved Shower Rod

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Product Specs 

• Type: Tension rod
• Material: Aluminum
• Shape: Double curved

Pros

• Slightly curved design creates extra elbow room inside the shower
• Adjustable rod (adjusts from 50 to 72 inches) fits multiple shower sizes
• Reviewers note the rod is easy to install (with a twist installation design) and very sturdy

Cons

• Requires 2 people to install correctly
• Limited finishes available; will not match any bronze or gold colors

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 tub spaces 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, nickel, and black finishes to match existing faucets, and it’s suitable for hanging two curtains or for a single curtain and towels.

Get the Zenna Home double curved shower curtain rod at AmazonorThe Home Depot.

Also Consider

Amazon Basics Adjustable Tension Curtain Rod

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Product Specs 

• Type: Tension rod
• Material: Unidentified “metal”
• Shape: Straight

Pros

• Comes in multiple finishes and sizes for bathroom settings and more
• Length range spans from 24 inches short to 108 inches long
• End caps have rubber pads to prevent slipping and falling

Cons

• Low weight capacity; cannot hold more than 7 pounds

Coming in 5 finishes, the Amazon Basics Tension Curtain Rod comes in multiple sizes and easily installs with a spring pull rod and rubber end caps that will not damage shower walls. The size range is wide, spanning from 24 to 108 inches long.

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.

Get the Amazon Basics shower curtain rod at Amazon.

Jump to Our Top Picks

What to Consider When Choosing a 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 curtain rod options 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 end caps 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.