While shopping for bathroom accessories, there are certain things that you need to keep in mind. As if you don’t have a glass-enclosed shower, there will always be a shower curtain vs liner battle. A bathroom that does not have a partition between tub and wash basin area, needs a shower curtain or a shower liner.
However, the question arises which one is better shower curtain vs liner? For your convenience, we have elaborated on the difference between curtain and liner. This guide will help you to choose the one that works best for you. So let’s dive into it!
What is a Shower Liner?
A shower liner is a plastic or vinyl partition that prevents water from spilling out of the tub. The shower curtain is hung inside the tub so that the floor doesn’t get wet. Shower liners often come in either transparent or frosted designs.
If you are not sharing the bathroom with your roommate then you can use the shower liner without a shower curtain.
What is a Shower Curtain?
A shower curtain is made up of fabric that could be silk, hemp, or cotton. A shower curtain gives elegance to the bathroom as it comes in multicolors and decorative patterns. A beautiful shower curtain complements the bath area with beautiful colors and prints.
However, it does not prevent spillage and splashes of water and is primarily used for privacy purposes. A shower curtain is hung outside the tub so that the fabric doesn’t get wet.
What is the difference between curtain and liner?
Even though both shower curtains and liners are hanging materials that are used in the bathroom, there are certain differences that you are missing out on. If you do a shower curtain vs liner, they differ in material, cost, visibility, suitability, and level of waterproofness.
Material
The shower liner is made up of a thin fabric like polyester or vinyl that are water-resistant. A shower liner is affordable and can be used with or without a shower curtain. It is either transparent or frosted however still offers some privacy. So if you are hanging it in the kid’s bathroom you can keep an eye on them.
On the other hand, a shower curtain is made up of fabric like hemp, silk, or cotton. It is used as a decorative bathroom accessory that adds elegance to your bathroom. Moreover, it is opaque and offers complete privacy if you are using a shared bathroom. However, it gets wet easily and needs a shower liner in front as does not prevent water spillage.
Affordability
Choosing the right liner is important if you want to keep your bathroom floor dry. As shower liners are made up of vinyl, plastic, or polyester that makes it affordable. Shower liners are considered to be a cheaper option than shower curtains.
Whereas shower curtains are usually available in fabrics that have decorative patterns that make them expensive. In case you find some cheaper options the material will not be good enough to prevent molds caused due to water.
Visibility
A shower liner offer minimum visibility because they are available in transparent plastic that is not opaque. It is a good option if you are installing shower liners in your kid’s bathroom, you can keep an eye on them.
The shower curtains are completely opaque offering a maximum level of privacy. Installing shower curtains can be the best choice for those who are using shared bathrooms.
Suitability
As shower liners are transparent it is easy to see when they get dirty and need cleaning. Also, shower liners are machine washable and do not require much effort for cleaning. Furthermore, liners keep the floor clean which means it decreases the cleaning load.
After seeing the shower curtain reviews, we can assure you that as much as they look pretty they do increase the workload. With each shower not only does the fabric get wet but the water also splashes onto the floor. Shower curtains when getting wet, catch molds easily and damage the fabric.
Waterproofness
Shower curtains vs liners primarily differ in waterproofness level due to their material type. Shower liners are made up of waterproof material and are hung inside the tub. Not only do they prevent water splashes but also get dried easily. They are considered waterproof curtain options due to their material.
Shower curtains have a thicker fabric and get wet easily. They need a liner and are hanged out of the tub. They do not prevent water splashes and the floor gets wet after the shower.
Do you need both a Shower curtain and a Shower liner?
If a single person using a bathroom, then you can simply use liners because privacy is not needed in that case. Also, the main purpose of the liners is to offer waterproofness if you have tile over the greenboard. These liners are easy to clean.
However, if you are using a shared bathroom, you need both the shower curtain and shower liner hung. The liner serves as a barrier for shower curtains and prevents them from water splashes. Even though there are benefits of using liners, a shared bathroom also needs privacy so you use a shower curtain in combination with a shower liner. This will prevent the bathroom floor from getting wet and you will get your desired privacy as well.
Shower Curtain Vs Liner: Which is the Better Option?
Shower liners are a cheaper option but they are less decorative and just like we mentioned above it depends on how many people are using the bathroom. In terms of privacy shower curtain is a better option whereas in terms of cleaning and affordability, we can go with shower liners.
FAQs About Shower Curtain Vs Liner
Do I need a shower curtain or just a liner?
A shower curtain is mostly for decorative or privacy purposes whereas a shower liner is used to prevent water splashes or spillage. So if you don’t want the bathroom floor to get wet then you can just use a liner however if you want privacy as well then you can use both shower curtain and liner.
Which shower curtain material is best?
If you are looking for a shower curtain that gives charm to your bathroom and lasts long then you can go with fabric like silk, hemp, or cotton.
Should shower curtain and liner be the same size?
Even though the standard size of shower curtain or liner is 70 x 70 inches. However, you can always look for a shower curtain or liner size guide to select the best size for you.
What is the cleanest type of shower curtain?
Vinyl is considered one of the best low-cost and easy-to-maintain material types for shower curtains. As vinyl is water-repellent mildew and molds are not an issue in that case.
Where to buy quality liners?
Shower liners are available online as well as at any bathroom accessory shop near you. You must check the shower liner and shower curtain reviews before buying a quality liner.
How to clean liners?
Shower liners are easy to clean. You simply have to take the liner out of the curtain rings and place it in the washing machine. Select the delicate cycle, add hot water, and a few drops of detergent, and start the washing machine. That’s it!
Shower Curtain Vs Liner: Final Verdict
The shower curtain and shower liner can be used together as well as separately. Remember, however, they differ in their function. A shower liner is used to prevent water splashes and make sure that the floor doesn’t get wet. Whereas a shower curtain has more of a decorative purpose and offers privacy in a shared bathroom.
Even though a shower liner can be used on its own you can use a beautiful curtain to add elegance to your bathroom.
Share the joy
Written By Hugo Wanders
Hugo is a knowledgeable writer in the field of vacuums, cleaning supplies, and washroom products. He has a wealth of experience in this industry and is always up-to-date with the latest cleaning technology and techniques. Hugo's writing is practical and informative, and he provides useful advice and recommendations to help his readers make informed decisions about which cleaning products and equipment to purchase. He has a deep understanding of the importance of maintaining a clean and hygienic environment, and he shares his expertise to help his readers achieve this goal. Hugo's writing covers a wide range of topics, including vacuum cleaners, cleaning chemicals, washroom supplies, and more. His writing is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to keep their home or business clean and well-maintained.