Skip The Bathtub Curtain: 6 Amazon Finds That Look High End

Add Hunker on Google:
Google Discover

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

A bathtub curtain isn't the most exciting piece of home decor, which is why you've probably settled on one with zero design appeal. Of course, they have the important purpose of preventing splashes so that your bathroom floor stays dry, but there are plenty of alternative products out there that do the same thing while also looking more high-end than your standard drab shower curtains. And the best place to find them? Amazon.

Besides looking unappealing, there's a toxic problem with plastic shower curtains you might not know about. Because they're typically made from PVC, they release chemicals into the air that can be harmful if inhaled (something that can be worsened by high heat and humidity). If you're looking for a safer and nicer-looking option, there are plenty of alternatives, from bathtub guards to magnetic folding screens.

Before you decide on one, you'll want to think about the installation option that suits your home best. Do you have an existing rail above your tub that you're planning to keep, or are you willing to install a new system? Do you have a built-in bathtub that allows for a screen door, or does your freestanding tub mean you're limited? Whatever your circumstances, there's an option on Amazon, and this list includes the very best that pair practicality and style. To help you choose, we've set strict criteria for what makes the list, with each product having a 4-star rating or above and at least 60% of reviewers offering a five-star rating.

Sliding Bathtub Shower Door

If you have a tub with straight, even edges, a glass door can be a great alternative to a bathtub curtain. They're especially useful if you hate the sensation of a shower curtain sticking to your skin, too. The ENSO SENKA Sliding Bathtub Shower Door is a great option, measuring 56 to 60 inches wide and 58 inches tall. This makes it suitable for most standard-sized tubs, where it leaves 28 inches for walk-in clearance.

You can install this shower door to slide left or right depending on your preference and the layout of your bathroom. The aluminum frame sits on tracks with a roller mechanism, with the bottom track installed with a leak-proof barrier. The frame also comes in four different finishes: matte black, brushed nickel, brushed gold, and chrome. The matte black option comes in at $300, with other color choices slightly more expensive. There are also handles that attach to both panes of glass to operate the slide system (and double up as useful towel storage!)

Measuring and drilling is required for installation, so you might want to hire a professional if you don't feel confident fitting it yourself. However, many reviewers say they managed to install this shower door themselves. The general consensus among users is that it's sturdy and heavy, but a few do warn that the holes in the frame may need to be drilled slightly larger on the non-threaded side to allow the screw to pass through. Of course, unlike a bathtub curtain, the glass will also need cleaning to keep pesky water marks at bay, but it's a fair trade-off for the style benefits.

Ceiling Mounted Rollup Bathroom Shower Curtain

If you have a freestanding bath or you prefer the look and easy maintenance of a curtain over a glass door, you might want to consider a roll-up curtain instead. The Jakooz Ceiling Mounted Rollup Bathroom Shower Curtain/Liner is similar to a roller blind in operation, rolling up and down with a cord. Unlike a standard curtain, however, it doesn't require any rods, hooks, or rings.

The way this shower curtain alternative works is simple. The curtain's casing mounts directly to the ceiling with screws and it rolls up so that it's completely out of sight when not in use. The material itself is 55 inches wide and can drop up to 95 inches, with the casing measuring 56 inches. This means it fits standard tubs and is also suitable for bathrooms with high ceilings. On top of that, it has a weighted bottom so that the curtain stays in position for better protection from splashes. It's worth noting, however, that unlike a standard bathtub curtain that dries while it hangs in place, you will have to leave the curtain open to dry before rolling away.

This roll-up curtain is available in four different patterned designs, all at $120, with many reviewers commenting that it looks better than a typical shower curtain on a rod. A few do warn that installation can be tricky, though, with some noting that the drywall anchor screws are difficult to work with. They recommend using the toggle bolt method instead, which also comes included with the product.

Bathtub Splash Guard

If you prefer the look of no bathtub curtain altogether but don't want the maintenance of a glass door, you could use splash guards on the corner of your tub instead. The Spidfee Shower Splash Guard is designed to block the gap where water often pools or splashes at the edge of your bathtub. It's essentially just two plastic guards with a silicone base that can be fitted to the corner of your tub and the wall using caulk (which comes supplied with the product).

The silicone material at the base means it can fit corners that aren't a perfect 90 degrees, something that's highly rated by reviewers. The plastic guards themselves have a smooth glossy surface on one side and a textured matte surface on the other, offering a translucent effect. One reviewer does mention, however, that both the left and right guards are designed the same, so you will have a different finish on either side of your bath (although it isn't too noticeable to the eye).

Ratings for the product are generally high, however. It has a 4.5-star rating across over 2,000 reviews and the $18 price tag for the 9 ¼ by 9 ¼ option makes it great value for money. It's worth noting some of the limitations, though. First, it only offers splash protection at the very corners of your tub, so it probably won't be effective at keeping all water from splashing onto your floor. The guards also won't be suitable for a freestanding bathtub that isn't in contact with the wall, bathtubs where the edges aren't flat, or tubs that are too narrow.

Foldable Tub Shower Door

Glass shower door ideas are visually sleeker compared to shower curtains, helping to make your bathroom look more high-end. If a sliding system like the one above doesn't appeal, consider a folding door like the Foldable Tub Shower Door from SANODUSCHA for $210. This glass door has a trifold mechanism and measures 47 inches wide and 55 inches high. The screen is secured to the wall by a bracket (meaning it's only suitable for baths that are adjacent to a wall) which can be mounted left or right depending on your bathroom layout. When in use, it can be opened out 46 ½ inches for excellent protection from splashes. This is aided by seals at the bottom of the screen and in between the panels, which help to keep it watertight.

The beauty of this screen is that when it's not in use it can be folded away against the wall. Reviewers say this compact design makes it easy to enter the bath and makes it easier to clean, too. While this bathtub alternative isn't as highly purchased as others on the list (there are currently only eight global ratings at the time of writing), it ranks highly with an average 4.6-star rating. Reviewers often mention the ease of installation, although one use does point out that the glass is thinner than expected at ⅕ inch in thickness.

Magnetic Folding Shower Curtain

If you're looking for unique shower curtain ideas that look high end compared to a standard bathtub curtain, try the AJAZZ Magnetic Folding Shower Curtain. It's designed to pull all the way across your tub, securing at either end with magnets for a more seamless look and better protection from splashes. It's made from a waterproof polyester fabric, and the inclusion of magnetic seals at either end prevent the material from flapping or sticking to your skin.

If you're not a fan of DIY, there's some good news about this curtain: There's no drilling necessary when installing it. Instead, it can be hooked to a suspension pole above your bathtub (this needs to be purchased separately). Adhesive magnets can then be stuck to the wall on either side of your curtain, which attach to a corresponding magnet that you pin onto the curtain fabric to match up with the wall.

The curtain itself comes in multiple size options. The piece measuring 72 inches long and 77 inches wide is $20 and fits most tubs, and the material has a fixed fold which produces an elegant drape when closed. There are also eight color options available, so you're not short on style choices to suit your space. It's worth noting, though, that this curtain won't be suitable for a bathtub that isn't against two walls, since it requires a surface to attach your magnets to. Some reviewers also mention that the strength of the magnets fell short of expectations, ultimately limiting the effectiveness of the product against water splashes.

Recommended