15 Tips for Shower Curtains: Material, use and Alternative Partitions

Shower curtains are available in a variety of materials, from textile compositions to foil. The material has certain properties that determine the durability and cleanability of the curtain.

Basically, the trend towards natural living is also reflected in bathroom fittings. Accordingly, textile curtains are on the rise. Sustainably manufactured, they are long-lasting with proper care and retain their stylish aesthetics while having a comparatively good ecological balance.

Trevira is a fabric produced using a special process that is increasingly used in interior design. This means it has also found its way into the bathroom. According to the DIN 4102-B1 standard, it is flame-retardant and the fabric is also impregnated when used in the bathroom.

It is water-repellent but still hangs loosely like a textile curtain. Trevira curtains are usually machine washable at 40 degrees and can also be chemothermal disinfected. They are in the higher price range: a curtain measuring 120-200cm costs around $90.

For use in the bathroom, synthetic fibres are either impregnated or coated on both sides. This makes the curtain water-repellent while retaining its textile feel and appearance.

Shower curtains made of synthetic fibres are available in a wide range of colours and designs from specialist retailers. They are easy to clean and disinfect. Some models are available in different sizes starting at around $20.

A cotton shower curtain is basically a very elegant solution for separating the shower. However, for the curtain to be waterproof, it is necessary to either combine it with a second curtain or choose a curtain made of a cotton blend. There are also particularly high-quality pure cotton curtains that are offered waxed.

Only impregnation or coating can prevent mildew and mould. Shower curtains made from a cotton blend are generally a little more expensive than curtains made from synthetic fibres: a curtain with 75% cotton and 25% polyester measuring 180-200cm costs around $50.

Depending on the material, care and cleaning recommendations may vary. As a rule, shower curtains can be washed in the washing machine at 30 degrees on a gentle cycle without any problems. To dry, you can put the curtain back on the shower rod.

The classic shower curtains are often made of PVC. They are inexpensive to buy and available in many different colours, patterns and designs and are still used in many bathrooms today. As with textile curtains, it is worth taking a look at the composition and production.

Only an environmentally conscious approach to the resources used to produce relatively banal furnishing elements such as shower curtains is appropriate today. From this point of view, PVC is the worst choice because the starting point for the production of this material is crude oil or natural gas.

It doesn't always have to be a shower curtain. Especially if you're still planning to furnish your bathroom, a permanently installed partition or shower cubicle is also an option.

This is usually easy to clean and is an integral part of the overall concept of your bathroom. What a permanently installed door on the shower cubicle or a partition on the bathtub looks like depends on your design wishes and the available space.

A folding partition on the bathtub or a permanently installed partition next to the shower offers elegant splash protection and also looks classy.

The idea here is to ensure that the transitions between the design and the bathroom are not interrupted by brick and plaster walls. This makes small bathrooms appear larger and also offers welcome comfort.

Shower cubicles made of safety glass or artificial glass are available with folding or sliding doors, or, if there is enough space, without a door at all. They elegantly fade into the background and allow the wall design and fittings of the bathroom and shower to take centre stage.

In addition, modern cabins are easy to keep clean and therefore score highly for their exemplary hygiene. It is worth consulting a specialist when choosing the right shower cabin.

A folding bathtub wall or door is an elegant solution for a dual-use bathtub. Installing simple models on the wall and the edge of the bathtub is usually straightforward and can be done by yourself.

As its name suggests, the glass surface can be folded or swivelled depending on the size. The surface is also easy to keep clean. A folding wall measuring 120x70cm is available from just $80.

In bathrooms and in the production of glass showers, partition walls and shower cubicles, so-called toughened safety glass (ESG) is usually used. This is real glass that is manufactured using a special process.

In an emergency, the glass shatters into many small crumbs. ESG is available in various versions, including clear glass, frosted glass or structured glass. It can therefore be combined with many designs.

Tiles are ideal for use in bathrooms, both as floor coverings and as wall design elements. Traditionally they were more common, but modern concepts are also taking up their elegant and charming counterparts made of ceramic and porcelain stoneware.

So how about a combination of tiles and a glass partition? This creates an airy impression and highlights the elegance of the wall.

Natural stone is a wonderful choice for upscale bathroom furnishings. Natural stone types such as travertine or marble are treated, sanded or impregnated so that they can be used in damp environments.

Further care is also crucial: To prevent any veils from forming on the surface, natural stone elements should be cleaned regularly with gentle cleaning agents suitable for the material.

Bathrooms and showers made of natural stone in combination with glass partitions exude an extra touch of naturalness and luxury. This way you can create a modern wellness oasis in which the shower is the focal point but still fits elegantly into the layout of the bathroom.

If neither a shower curtain nor a partition wall is installed, this is a sign of exemplary, well-thought-out interior design. Here, the shower fittings, bathtub, toilet and sink are positioned in the room in such a way that they do not get in each other's way.

And yet they form a unified overall ensemble. If there is enough space in your new bathroom, how about a shower without any partition?

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