A small but significant change

If you’ve grown tired of your bathroom and are dreaming of a makeover, don’t jump straight into radical changes. Before you rip out the tiles and replace the bathroom furniture, try starting with a simple and inexpensive change – buy a new shower curtain and invest in a few small accessories – such as soap dishes, colourful soaps, hand towels, a bathroom-cosmetics organiser, or perhaps a candle holder in a similar colour scheme. Replacing the curtain will take at most a minute, and the effect can be truly spectacular.

The range of shower curtains is very wide; we can choose from various materials, styles, textures, patterns and colours. It’s worth seeing a curtain not only as a functional barrier against splashes, because it can also be a wonderful decoration, bring the bathroom to life and serve as the main accent of the interior scheme. Curtains can be plain, or come in all sorts of patterns – geometric, and even animal prints. You can find curtains with reproductions of famous works of art and with photographs – the creators’ imagination knows no bounds. There are also special curtains with children’s designs that will encourage any little one to bathe.

Curtains are made of polyester, cotton, vinyl or blends thereof. The choice of material depends on personal preference and does not affect the durability of the curtains. Make sure the material has sufficient weight so that it doesn’t cling to the body while you bathe. It’s worth choosing a waterproof, quick-drying fabric. Curtains may also have special antibacterial coatings that help maintain hygiene in the bathroom. Beyond appearance, it’s also important that the curtains are practical. Fortunately, some fabric curtains are machine-washable, which makes them much easier to keep clean. Especially with light-coloured curtains, make sure they can be washed at higher temperatures. This also helps prevent the growth of bacteria and mould. Polish manufacturers of shower curtains often offer a guarantee on their products.

In bathrooms with a muted colour palette you can opt for a curtain in a vivid colour; you can also go for bold patterns. Such a curtain will be a distinct accent, to which you can match further elements – ornaments and accessories. In interiors with patterned tiles or strong colours, it’s best for the curtain to fit into the room’s main tonality. If the curtain is only to protect against splashes, we can also choose from fabrics that are completely or partially transparent. If it is also meant to protect privacy – the curtain should definitely be matt. When choosing the size of the curtain, remember that a shower curtain often gathers when in use. Also pay attention to the appropriate size of the eyelets in the curtain, used to mount it on the rail.