Q: Does anyone know a good resource for extra-long shower curtains? I just moved into a loft with 13' ceilings, and my 72" shower curtain isn't cutting it. It looks like the right size would be 96" but I can't find anything other than just plain white fabric in that length. I want something with a little style that doesn't cost too much. Any ideas?
Sent by Laura
Editor: Laura- I grew up in an apartment with high ceilings, and my mom's trick was always to use a sheet to make her shower curtains because those standard 72" ones didn't help at all. All you need to do is hem to the correct length, add buttonholes or grommets to the top of the sheet for the rings, and voila!
Readers, do you have any other suggestions for Laura?
Comments (26)
Google: 96" Shower Curtain
You can buy extra long shower curtain liners pretty easily - I think they are 84" long.
This leaves you three options - if you want a curtain much taller than that, you'll need to make it - and have two shower curtain rods, with the shorter, liner inside.
The other options are to pick one of the limited fabric designs on-line or to make your own - a sheet is probably the cheapest fabric.
The real issue is the holes. If you plan to use grommets, you can put them in yourself - or you can use something that clips onto the fabric. However, if you want stitched holes, I hope you live near someone who has the specialized embroidery machine.
I used a sheet for mine and left the wider boarder on it, which I have at the bottom, to weight the fabric properly.
wow, bepsf, you're so helpful!
laura, i had this issue awhile back, and i couldn't find anything stylish readymade. bedbathstore.com and others offer extra long curtains, but they're usually pretty basic. i ended up with a plain white waffle weave curtain. i think colleen is right in suggesting you may have to make your own if you're wanting something more decorative. just get the extra length liner, and look for a sheet or fabric that suits your taste.
Or try what Modern In MN did here:
http://moderninmn.blogspot.com/2008_07_01_archive.html
I would get some cheap drapes from IKEA (if you have one nearby) because they are usually really long and meant for you to hem yourself (with an iron and wonder-under). If you find some with grommets, you can just run those across the rod. Or add button holes to accommodate the rings. Not sure what the exact situation is, but you could buy a pole and liner to hang at standard height, then hang the higher rod in front with your decorative curtain/drapes.
bessantdesigns.com
My trick requires some (simple) dyi ... That is, if you're like me and you really do the double shower curtain thing, with a liner inside, and a linen curtain on the outside. For the liner, buy two regular size liners, of the kind that's woven with some nylon in it (so, not the pure plastic kind). Cut the line of gromets off of one, and then cut the other liner so as to have the length you'd like to see added. So you have one trimmed liner that's say, 72 inches minus 3 inches at the top that had the gromets, and then a 25 inches liner (or whatever will add the length you need, factoring in about an inch of overlap) that has the gromets, having cut the bottom. Stich the two things together, easy breasy, you've got a long liner. Yes, it's got (hopefully clean) stiches somewhere along the top portion but that's the inside of your bath enclosure, so whatever.
And then you can basically get whatever regular, pre-made window curtain you want as your outside shower curtains. There are some cheap, simple ones at Ikea.
Dropcloths have that kind of unbleached linen look and can be had for cheap. Like above--have someone add grommets (though be careful to get good ones or they'll rust!), make a pocket, or do curtain clips.
I've used 96" curtain panels as shower curtains a myriad of times...get the tab top ones and they slip right over a curtain rod.
I use "Sunbrella" fabric, which is indoor/outdoor.
Water and mold/mildew resistant. You will not need a liner.
Purchased at Joann Fabrics, many patterns and solids to choose from.
Comes in 45 and 60 inch widths. Purchase width according to how much you want curtain to gather.
Purchase length in yards according to how long you want curtain. Can hang from ceiling if you wish.
I used 3.5 yards of fabric, which is 90 inches long/7.5 feet.
Used Ikea rod mounted from ceiling, and rings with clips to hang panel.
Used fusible web to hem top and bottom of curtain.
I used the straight Ikea track, similiar to ModerninMN.
Wanted a clean line/modern look. Used clips that came with accesory kit. Curtains hang straight from ceiling.
I don't always agree with bepsf, but a google search did come up with quite a few options and instructions on making your own...good luck.
We had the same issue in our old place--solved with a pair of Ikea curtain panels (http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/60141667)
and a second curtain rod hung at ceiling height.
The fabric is synthetic, but looks more or less like silk shantung and comes in several colors including orange, dark green, dark pink, green-blue (our choice-which doesn't appear to be on the site, but I saw them in the store last month). The curtains are extra long and can be hemmed if needed with the fusible tape included in the package. We left them full length--to the floor, and hung two rods--one lower for the liner (thus allowing us to use the existing shorter liner) and a second rod up against the ceiling for the curtains, hung by the rod pocket; no need for curtain rings and a more luxurious look. Received many compliments on the dramatic shower curtains, which not only hid an unsightly tub, but were washable too. Just rehang damp and allow to air dry.
"wow, bepsf, you're so helpful!"
My point was, there are TONS out there - one just has to do a quick search.
i'd like to think that before someone posts a question to AT readers, they've already taken the time to do a "quick search" on google, and are looking for more personalized advice. :)
I bought two shower curtains at my local "homegoods" store and took them to my drycleaner to sew them together for the extra length. Two shower curtains and alterations cost me just under $30.00 for the whole project. Very simple.
It would be kind cool to take the boring white one and stamp it with a simple linoleum black print design or homemade potato print (these can turn out quite nice if you are careful). Also a stencilled pattern (like branches or whatever) would be good, white on white would be very stylish...
You could give in to the whiteness and supplement by getting really good light fixture as a centerpiece.
This is all I've got for this subject.
I just ran into this issue myself and wanted to avoid sewing two panels together. I went to the home/upholstery section of a local fabric store and asked them to show me extra wide bolts of fabric in the color family I wanted. I ended up buying 2.5 yards of a print that was 110" wide. I took the frabic to a local seamstress and gave her the exact measurements I wanted. She's going to put twelve 1" grommets across the top for me, but you could also ask for tailored buttonholes. Then you just need to purchase an extra long liner to hang on the inside. Of course, the cost of this project will totally depend on the cost per yard of the fabric. But you might be able to get some wide fabrics online or on sale at a furniture/housewares store that sells fabric.
Good luck!
Amazon has a 96" long white shower curtain.
http://www.amazon.com/InterDesign-96-Inch-Carlton-Shower-Curtain/dp/B002EVOAOA/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1267021459&sr=8-3
Since the white is too simple, you could try dyeing it.
You could also consider lowering the height of the rod itself rather than trying to make/get and extra long curtain.
Suspend it from the ceiling using cable or vertical rods, or attach it lower down on the walls if it's an alcove shower.
Wow, I just put up my shower curtain last night and realized that it's much too short...this could not have come at a better time. The only suggestion I have would be to make one out of a sheet, but someone already suggested that. I plan on doing that tonight after I return my too short one.
Hi, my company makes custom shower curtains and other soft home furnishings to your exact specifications. We use linen or cotton fabric in the color of your choice and add embroidery or embellishments. I have over 30 styles to choose from and each piece is custom made upon order so it can be color coordinated to your bathroom. My website is down for an upgrade this week, but if you're interested, email me and I can send you pictures of current installations and options.
Grand Trunk Road Trading Co.
sales@grandtrunktraders.com
We have the same problem. We have a shower curtain track and used metal ball chain to hang the curtain from the track. Longer chain = longer curtain. I'm happy with how it looks and extra happy that I didn't have to do much work.
First, purchase enough yardage of some fabric that you love. Sew a quick hem at the top and bottom. Then, skip creating grommets and purchase curtain rings with clips from your local IKEA. You'll have your very custom shower curtains at the right length, and the rings will look so chic.
I have the same issue. Similar to sdlo, I tied ribbons to each grommet on a regular length shower curtain to hang it lower. Super easy and pretty!
Thanks for all the suggestions (well, most of them. I already know how to use google, thank you very much).
I already have the suspended system that was featured on Modern in MN and still needed a longer curtain. My favorite suggestion was from blendedsplendid. I just ordered a plain white curtain and when it gets here I will be painting or stenciling it.
I'll send pics when its finished. Thanks again!