9 Types of Shower Curtain Rods Explained In Detail

While choosing a curtain rod for your shower, are you stuck between a straight and curved rod? But, are there only these two types available? And is it true that all shower curtain rods are the same?

No! Shower curtain rods come in many styles, colors, materials based on shapes, installation, and bathroom designs. 

Designing a bathroom while renovating your home is kind of an exciting part, isn’t it? In a bathroom, a shower curtain takes the place of a centerpiece. However, choosing the best shower curtain rods for your bathroom to hold it is just as crucial.

Speaking of shower curtain rods, they should be strong enough to handle the weight of the curtain. But, also should they match the design of the bathroom. With the proper equipment like shower curtains rods, you get a pleasant shower experience and give a frame and depth to your bathroom.

To get this experience, buying the perfect shower curtain rods is vital. So, what are the types of shower curtain rods other than straight or curved? Keep reading to find out almost all the available types of curtains rods. 

Types of Shower Curtain Rods 

There are different shower curtain rods types available. With so many options, selecting a particular rod might get confusing. Therefore, to make your job easier, we have hunted the internet and listed the common types of shower curtain rods.

Let us discuss each type of shower curtain rod based on shapes. Besides shapes, shower curtain rods are further distinguished as per the installation style -fixed or adjustable/tension. 

Once you set out to buy a shower curtain rod, the first question you will face is -whether you are looking for a fixed or tension curtain rod? 

To explain in brief, the difference between the tension/adjustable and fixed shower curtain rods lies in the way of hanging these rods. 

Fixed shower curtain rods are mounted directly onto the bathroom walls with the help of hardware tools. The name itself suggests that they are not adjustable, limiting their versatility to fit an oddly shaped bathroom. Thus, they are perfect for standard-size bathrooms, and they only come in three variables -41, 60, 72 inches. 

Whereas tension curtain rods, without the tools, easily slide between two walls and are kept in place by the spring inside compressing to fit your bathroom dimensions. Almost all tension rods are adjustable. It makes tension rods popular in people who hate drilling their bathroom walls or tiles. 

Since we know the basics, let us look at the different types of shower curtain rods.  

Straight Rods

Straight shower curtain rods are self-explanatory and ‘straight’ forward to understand. They are directly attached to the wall and extend from one end of the shower or bathtub to the other. In addition, you also have an option of getting double-straight shower curtain rods in which two separate rods extend from one end to the other. 

We see people who love minimalistic design get straight or double-straight curtain rods for their bathroom. Hence, it is one of the most basic and typical curtain rods we see in bathrooms. Straight shower curtain rods are available in fixed and adjustable or tension rods. 

Fixed Straight 

Fixed shower curtain rods are generally fastened into the wall using metal hardware. They come in a variety of lengths, suiting standard-size showers and bathtubs. 

But, on the other hand, they demand drilling into the tile of your bathroom for installation and may lead to wall damage which makes them inappropriate for rental places.

Adjustable Straight 

To save drilling and damaging your bathroom wall, you can check adjustable straight shower curtain rods. The installation is drill-free, and most importantly, the rod remains in place by a spring suspension mechanism. 

Hence, well-suited for rental places. Furthermore, it also serves as a smart short-term option for people confused about what kind of look they desire for their bathrooms. 

Adjustable Straight Tension 

Adjustable straight tension shower curtain rods are improvised or modified adjustable straight rods. As it uses a spring mechanism, its range of lengths is somewhat limited compared to the straight adjustable shower curtain rod. 

The tension rods are usually adjustable in a few inches, about 2-3″. Therefore, they are suitable for DIY hanging storage, as they have a more secure fit, making them less likely to tumble down.

Curved Rods 

Another common type is curved shower curtain rods. As the name implies, curve rods bend in a way that forms a curve outwards in the center. This type of shower curtain rods suits confined shower places and an oval bathtub. 

Therefore, people are shifting from straight to curved rods. Besides, a curved shower rod adds up to 33% more space to your shower. The innovative property of a curve rod offers a seemingly fresh look to your bathroom without costing you a fortune. 

Curved shower curtain rods like straight come in the adjustable and fixed shower curtain rod. 

Fixed Curved 

Fixing a single curved shower curtain rod to a standard size and length bathtub/shower combination works well. It is crucial that you have the required length because you will be drilling holes in the wall to attach it.

Adjustable Curved

Similar to the adjustable straight shower curtain rod, the adjustable curved rod can be adjusted to varying lengths, and spring suspension helps it to remain intact in its place.

Did you know?

Rectangle Curtain Rods

Rectangle shower curtain rods are uncommon. The rectangle rods are designed to support the shower curtain by hanging down from the ceiling. This type of curtain rod is often installed in a bathroom having a bathtub that does not connect to the wall. 

Hence, it does not have a place to hang a shower curtain rod. It is often in bathrooms with tubs and no showers making it even more uncommon. 

It is only available as a fixed shower curtain rod (and not a tension rod/adjustable rod) because it must be attached to a wall and ceiling. Despite that, it still serves its purpose. 

L-Shaped Rods

Types of shower curtain rods such as L-shaped rods are designed for a corner shower, in particular. This type is uncommon and has limited use because it only fits a particular bathroom, in this case, bathrooms with corner showers. 

The L-shaped rod creates an enclosure whenever your bathtub-shower combination is flush against just one wall. Know that L-shaped rods are long and need long shower curtains and only suit corner shoer designs. However, on the other hand, they offer easy installation while maximizing the shower space in your bathroom. 

D-Shaped Rods

One U-shaped and the other straight shower curtain rod combined make the D-shaped shower curtain rod. While the longer side of the rod connects to the wall, the opposite rod connects using a ceiling rod. As a result, it encloses the entire bath and shower space. 

Unlike L-shaped, to install this type of shower curtain rod, your shower and tub must not be flush against a wall at either end but should rather sit at the center of a long wall. Note that they are easy to install. 

Plus, they are a perfect addition to your freestanding showers and tubs. The only downside to D-shaped shower curtain rods is that it needs additional support, or else it keeps falling.  

Circular or Carousel Rods

The circular or carousel type of shower curtain rod suits the combination of stand-alone clawfoot bathtubs and showers. Apart from these, they also blend well with the outdoor showers at a beach house or even cabins.

One or two ceiling rods are often used with a carousel shower curtain rod to create a perpendicular angle. You can find rods in rectangular or oval shapes. 

Track Rods

Track shower curtain rods are hookless solutions that are frequently used to enclosed showers and clawfoot tubs combos. A track shower curtain rod attaches to the gliders rather than shower rings or hooks. 

The gliders on the rod are a better alternative for attaching the shower curtain. Thus, the curtain will be more secure, and there will be fewer chances of it falling.

Enlarger Rods 

If your tub or shower is too narrow or small for you to not bump into your wet shower curtain, you might consider using a larger shower curtain rod.

Enlarged curtain rods have the advantage of bending in the middle, allowing you to stand further away from the rod and providing enough room to stand.

Customized Rods

It is possible to order curtain rods cut to a custom length from online shops and even local stores. This comes as an additional expense, but if your shower or tub isn’t a standard size, you can get a good fit for a rod with this service.

It should be noted that not all rods are eligible for special cuts, so be sure to check first.

Takeaway 

A good understanding of the different types of shower curtain rods available and how best to integrate them into your bathroom design can go a long way towards keeping your bathroom dry and protecting it.

It may also help you come up with additional attractive design ideas for your next bathroom remodel or rental property. However, it solely depends on your requirements, taste, and preferences.