Bathrooms & Toilets

How High to Hang a Shower Curtain Rod? (Answered)

Written by

Rosanne Jones

Writer, Designer

FACT-CHECKED BY

Steven D. Carrico

Architect

how high to hang a shower curtain rod

In a shower room, hanging shower curtains partnered with a shower curtain rod is a must. Aside from enhancing the visual appeal, these two also provide numerous benefits, including promoting and maintaining hygiene, safety, and privacy.

But how high should it be positioned? Ideally, the shower curtain rod must be hung at least 3 to 5 inches more than the length of the shower curtain. In this article, we will discuss some useful tips on how high to hang a shower curtain rod.

How High Should You Hang a Shower Curtain Rod?

where-should-shower-curtain-fall

There are various styles and measures for shower curtain rods available. They bring a lively and vibrant ambiance to your bathroom, leaving a glamorous atmosphere and appearance.

Each style is designed to complement different shower layouts in a fashionable manner, all the while providing an edge over the other. They also come in a wide variety of sizes, colors, types, and designs.

Depending on the size, the installation height for curtain rods should be 3 to 5 inches more than the typical shower curtain height. The average curtain height measuring 72×72 inches would mean 75 to 77 inches above the floor.

Overall, however, its height from the floor will depend on the measurements of the shower curtain, bathtub, shower stall, and of course, personal preference.

Where Should You Hang a Shower Curtain Rod?

1. Standard curtain

shower-curtain-standard-height

The shower curtain’s standard height and width is 72×72 inches, making it the ideal height for a tub or shower stall which is usually 60 inches wide.

The extra fabric allows for adequate folding when the curtains are closed, but knowing how far should a shower curtain be from the floor prevents the excess fabric from creating a damp environment that promotes the growth of mold and mildew.

Based on the computations taken into consideration, for this case of an average shower curtain height, the minimum shower rod curtain height is 75 inches from the floor, while the maximum height is 77 inches.

2. Extra-long curtain

hanging-shower-extra-long-curtains

Shower curtains also come in a tall shower curtain height, also known as extra-long size, which measures 84 inches high and 70 inches wide, and in a floor-to-ceiling size which measures 96 inches long and 72 inches wide.

3. For shower pan/walk-in shower

curtain-for-shower-pan

Determining where to place the shower curtain rod also depends on the style of shower you have. In fact, you do not need to consider the curtain height for tub when your bathroom does not have one.

In this case, you can leave the shower curtain touching the floor or a gap of less than 1 inch.

4. Overlapping style

install-curved-shower-curtain-rod

Measure where should a shower curtain fall and overlap in the bathtub or shower lip to prevent water from escaping. Ideally, a minimum overlap of 1 inch is generally required for a shower. The maximum overlap is half an inch less from the interior height.

A bathtub, due to its curved shape, is commonly installed with a curved shower curtain rod and necessitates a longer overlap, typically about 3 inches. To avoid stepping on the shower curtain, the maximum overlap should approximately be half an inch from the floor.

Take these measurements together to determine the minimum and maximum height to place the shower curtain rod. This will ensure that it will not be hung too low or too high.

Minimum Height
Shower Curtain Length + (2) Height of tub/shower – (3) Maximum overlap
Maximum Height
Shower Curtain Length + (2) Height of tub/shower – (3) Minimum overlap

Things to Consider When Hanging a Shower Curtain Rod

Things-to-Consider-When-Hanging-a-Shower-Curtain-Rod

1. Users’ height

Should shower curtain be higher than shower head? If there are tall people living in the house. For this, opt to use the maximum height so that water doesn’t get out and the person does not hit their head on the rod.

2. Shower room height

Hanging the shower curtain rods higher also gives the illusion of extra height. It makes the ceiling appear higher than it is. However, careful consideration should be done as, in some cases, this may make the room seem cramped.

On the other side, hanging shower curtain rods at a lower height can be done if the bathtub installed isn’t quite aesthetically pleasing. Hanging the shower curtain rod a bit lower will let the shower curtain cover and hide fixtures.

This should make it easier for you to decide how far a shower curtain should be from the floor.

3. Wall or ceiling mounted

Shower curtain rods may either be mounted on walls or in the ceiling. Wall-mounted rods make them a great choice for tenants since they do not harm the walls. Installation can either be through tension or fixed.

A tension rod is installed by extending it to the wall, then twisting and tightening it. Fixed curtain rods, on the other hand, require tools and screws for installation, thus offering a more secure mounting option.

Unlike wall-mounted shower curtain rods, ceiling-mounted ones require support from the ceiling, which makes them ideal for freestanding tubs and areas where privacy is essential.

Furthermore, as you choose between installing on tile or wall, you should prepare the right tools for drilling if necessary.

Conclusion

Ultimately, choosing the most suitable shower curtain rod is essential when achieving both practical and aesthetic goals for the shower room so that it complements the layout, wall type, other fixtures, and personal preferences.

A well-chosen rod secures your shower curtain in place and enhances the overall appearance of your bathroom, so keep the tips listed herein in mind when deciding how high to hang a shower curtain rod.

Related: Can I Hang Shower Curtains Without Liners?

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