6 tips to choose which curtains for the bathroom

Probably, many with horror recall the first curtains for the bathroom, which were made of thin polyethylene and did not have the most attractive appearance. And what an unpleasant sensation it was if, while taking a shower, you accidentally lean against it, and it starts to stick to you. And these endless soapy stains and yellow spots from constant contact with water ... But save furniture spray is still necessary. Fortunately, progress does not stand still, and now we have several options for the execution of this desired accessory. Today we will give some tips for choosing curtains into the bathroom and consider their most popular types.

1. The role of curtains in the bathroom

Many consumers are used to doing without screens in their bathroom, but those who regularly use this item know that in fact the curtain performs immediately several functions:

  • Function zoning. Any kind of decorative curtain helps to clearly identify the area of ​​adoption of water procedures.
  • The protective function is to prevent the ingress of water and soapy foam onto furniture, floors and, most importantly, onto sockets. This is especially true in the case when the sockets do not have protective covers and are located above countertop washbasin in close proximity to bath.
  • In cramped conditions, when the bathroom is so smallwhat accounts combine it with the bathroom to achieve at least a slight sense of spaciousness, an opaque curtain will create more secluded conditions for the adoption of water procedures. With the help of it, all family members will comfortably attend the bath at the same time.
  • And of course decorative function. With the help of this element, which occupies a fairly vast space, you can very quickly transform the interior of the bathroom and give it the desired mood. And if necessary, you can also dramatically change the situation just by replacing the curtain with a new one.

Due to the fact that for the manufacture of blinds, various materials you have the opportunity to choose the model that is most suitable for the interior of your room. Also, design This item may also be different. Let us consider these features in more detail.

2. Materials used for manufacturing

The whole variety of curtains for bathrooms offered on the trading floors, depending on the materials used, can be conditionally divided into two large categories. In turn, they include several varieties.

Soft designs

Soft varieties include all types of curtains, which are made of the following materials:

  • Curtains from tissue. In no case can it be considered that absolutely any piece of fabric that matches the design and shade of your room can be used as a protective screen. Only a special polyester fabric impregnated with a special water-repellent compound can properly isolate the wet zone. This is explained by the fact that natural tissues simply can not withstand the regular effects of moisture, and on their surface the process of formation and reproduction will soon begin various fungi and bacteria.An exception are expensive designer models made of linen or other natural fabrics soaked in special solutions. Fabric curtains are very pleasant to the touch. Many models have a weight on the bottom edge. This allows the curtain to keep its shape and maintain its position. The upper edge is also reinforced so that the fasteners are held tight, the curtain does not slip out under its weight, and there are no traces of sharp teeth of iron “crocodiles”. This type of curtain can be washed in a washing machine at a temperature of no more than 30 degrees and even ironed at low temperatures. Term them service with proper care can reach 12 years. This was reflected in their not very democratic value.
  • Curtains frompolyethylene. It is the most affordable, but at the same time the most impractical kind of curtains. Traces of the effects of detergents quickly appear on it, and with careless handling they are easy to tear. But, despite their short lifespan, they are still popular due to the wide variety of colors and low cost. They can be both transparent, and vice versa. Be plain or have absolutely any pattern. Probably, this design variability captivates many consumers. One statement can still benefit them - with their main function, water resistance, they cope perfectly well.
  • Curtains from vinyl. This material is based on high strength polyvinyl chloride. Three varieties of this material are used - PVC (PVC) EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) or PEVA (polyethylene vinyl acetate). Let's see if differences between them, because they can affect the state of your health. PVC contains chlorine, which is known for its poisonous effect on the body. In addition to this harmful substance in the composition, PVC also contributes to the formation of a known carcinogen - dioxin. More than 108 harmful volatile organic substances can emit curtains from poor-quality PVC. Among them: toluene, ethylbenzene, phenol, xylene, acetophenol and many others. Be sure to check before buying what the curtain is made of. EVA and PEVA materials contain 10 times less harmful substances and do not have an unpleasant odor. Drawing on their surface is applied with special, safe for health, persistent dyes. Over time, they do not lose their brightness and saturation. In addition to the distinctive composition, there are differences in density material. EVA is considered the densest, but differences in density do not affect the strength of the product. In terms of its characteristics, vinyl is even superior to fabric models, which have a rather long service life. This material is very pleasant to the touch. It retains its shape well, absolutely does not absorb moisture, does not stretch, dries quickly, but is very malleable. This type of curtain can be washed manually at a temperature of no more than 40 degrees, but in no case should you wring or iron. They will take their original shape under their own weight. Persistent stains are not an indicator that it is time to change the curtain, because they are easily washed with chlorine-based detergents. The surface of this material does not absorb dirt and is not a suitable environment for the formation of mold. It should be noted and diverse design vinyl curtains. Their surface may have a relief, but at the same time remain transparent. She can also repeat the color of natural stone or very realistically imitate expensive silk fabric. Very popular are models that depict reproductions of paintings by famous artists. You can find striped curtains with various geometric patterns or floral prints. In general, everything that your soul wants. This kind of curtains will be not only very practical and durable but will complement absolutely any interior solution.Despite all the advantages, the cost of vinyl screens remains affordable.

After analyzing the three main varieties of soft curtains for the bathroom, you can make conclusion, that plastic curtains are suitable only for those who quickly get bored of the monotony and regularly there is a desire to change something in the interior. More practical and regular people, of course, will give preference to the first and last version of the products. The safest product of the last group will be a screen from PEVA.

Rigid construction

They have characteristic differences from soft structures, which include not only the material used for their manufacture, but also the installation method. Currently, only two types of material are used:

  • Plastic - lightweight synthetic material that is able to hold a given shape. The first plastic curtains appeared simultaneously with the first sales shower stalls. Any pattern is very easily applied to the plastic surface, due to its flexibility, the curtains can have not only a strict rectilinear shape, but also various bends and curved sections. Thanks to this property of plastic, you can find stunning designer models of the most incredible forms. The interior of the bathroom with such a curtain will be unique, and its cost will not be too sky-high. TO disadvantages plastic products can be attributed to their fragility. In case of an accidental impact, a crack will easily form on its surface or a small fragment will break off. Over time, stains or cloudiness appear on the surface caused by constant contact with hard water and detergents. To avoid unwanted pollutionevery time after taking a bath, wipe the curtain dry. The first couple of times you will do it with a certain enthusiasm, but over time it will be quite tiring and annoying.
  • Glass - more noble material, moreover, environmentally friendly. Glass products can be classified as classic. This material is used everywhere. The durability and hygiene of glass products attract many consumers. Needless to say, glass curtains are almost invisible, airy and weightless. They do not clutter up the space, do not burden it, but they do an excellent job with the assigned tasks. A little spoils the sensation of using such a product is the need for careful and regular care. After all, even the smallest soap stain will be very noticeable on a transparent surface. To simplify this point, modern manufacturers cover their products with a thin layer special anti-plug coverings. The difference is significant - drops of water will no longer leave traces in the form of limescale, and various contaminants will simply repel from the surface. Not only in terms of care, glass has surpassed plastic. It does not become cloudy even after many years, since it is not subject to aging. You will not see traces of material fatigue on the surface in the form of a network of thin cracks that can hide plastic. If you somehow manage to break the curtain of tempered glass, then the possibility of injury in this case will be zero. The material does not form sharp fragments, but breaks up into small rounded fragments. TO disadvantages glass products include significant weight, high cost and inability to bend. If you need to make a curtain of a non-standard configuration, then this will be possible only with an individual order, and the cost will be high. Toughened glass products are subject to destruction, but only with a very strong impact on the end face.

3. What factors influence the choice of material

The choice of material for the curtain should be based not only on the cost of the finished product, but also on itscompatibility with common the interior. It is about the stylistic features of your bathroom.

  • If the room is decorated in style provence or other romantic style, with a bright wall decoration and the ceilings, then a curtain made of ordinary polyethylene will instantly spoil the feeling of lightness and comfort inherent in this style. A textile curtain with floral print in pastel colors is more suitable here. Hue At the same time, the picture can overlap with individual elements of the interior. Many models have frills and ruffles on the upper edge or end with them. This option will be the most suitable.
  • For discreet modern interiors in the style of minimalism or loft the perfect complement would be a glass curtain. She will not draw attention to herself and will not spoil the situation with an inappropriate ornament.
  • For style eco, which is becoming more popular every day, both textile and glass screens are suitable. Glass will emphasize the naturalness of the interior. And the textile will make it softer and more comfortable. In this case, the background of the product may have the color of natural fibers and have a floral pattern of soft, green shades.
  • Plastic curtains are suitable for bathrooms decorated in Scandinavian style. After all, these interiors are characterized by their simplicity and versatility.
  • Classic the premises should be supplemented with fabric curtains imitating a heavy, luxurious fabric. To increase the effect, you can pick up the curtain with a decorative garter when not in use. Whether a little gold or bronze shades will give chic, but will not look vulgar.
  • Interiors in style modern easy to recognize thanks to the large number of curved lines and recesses of furniture of non-standard shapes. Plastic curtains can take the necessary shape with enviable ease. That is why they are the favorite of many designers. Only their surface should not remain transparent or just dull. Wood is the predominant material in this style. Therefore, if the furniture in the bathroom is made with imitation of wood, let the surface of the curtain will have a similar color.
  • Curtain of polyethylene Suitable for bathrooms that do not have a distinctive style and whose colors are neutral. Not everyone decides to make room walls bright red or orange, fearing that such a finish will quickly get bored. To diversify and paint in such cases, you can use the available and a variety of curtains from this material.

As for such a characteristic as length of the product. The curtain can only reach the sides of the bathtub, which is not very practical, because its edges should go at least 10 cm behind them for reliable protection. The curtain can reach the middle of the bath or almost to the floor. Width curtains should be 15-20 cm longer than the bath itself.

4. Types of curtains for the bathroom

With possible materials and features of the interiors that affect their choice, we familiarized ourselves. Now consider the various types of execution hard and soft designs:

  • The most common and common form of curtains is straightforward. They can be either soft or hard and have the shape of a regular rectangle.
  • A very rare species that is not often used yet - rolled curtains. They work on the principle of window curtains. Due to the small distribution, choosing the desired design will be very problematic. And their functionality is comparable to conventional screens made of thin fabric or polyethylene. The following types of screens listed below can only be rigid.
  • Swing the view of the curtains works on the principle similar to the work of ordinary interior doors. Open one or two sections at the same time. Such curtains will be appropriate only in spacious rooms, because when opened they will take up a lot of space. If the edges of the wings are not glued with a special silicone tape, then water will fall through the gap to the floor. Pay attention to this point when buying.Usually this type of curtain consists of two straightforward paintings.
  • Folding curtains work on the principle of "accordion" and can consist of both two and five sections. This structure allows you to repeat the contour of a curved bath having radial faces or many angles, but at the same time maintain a simple shape of the paintings. The advantage of this type of curtains is their compactness and mobility. If you do not intend to use it, you can assemble it and deploy it to the wall. Thus, it will occupy a minimum of space, which is very handy in small bathrooms. Typically, one edge of such a screen is mounted directly to the wall to give rigidity to the structure. This means that it should not have shelves, plumbing and other elements that impede installation.
  • Retractable The curtain has only two panels. One of them is fixed and is attached directly to the side of the bathtub and to the wall, as in the previous version. And the second is advanced if necessary. At the same time, it can be attached to the first with hinges, or have a guide with rollers at the bottom. This allows you to move it like a sliding interior door. This view is also a very compact solution.
  • Corner views Curtains are the perfect solution for corner baths. They most clearly reproduce the contours and will be more effective than the "accordion". Corner structures can be oar if the bath model has the shape of a quarter circle. If the bathtub is asymmetric in shape, then when installed in a corner at the junction of two walls, one of its edges remains free. The deaf part of the curtain, fixed, is attached to its board and to the wall. A larger radius edge is protected by one or two curved doors.
  • Partial A type of curtain can be used for any form of bath. Such a screen is set opposite the position mixer or shower rackwhile the rest of the bath remains open. Usually this is a single leaf of a rectangular or radius shape, which is attached to the side of the bath and to the adjacent wall.

The most affordable cost and ease of installation, of course, will be a straightforward view of the curtains. However, it is not always possible to efficiently delimit the wet zone. Choosing the most suitable variety of curtains, consider room dimensions and characterization of the walls. Glass curtains have a large weight, which means that the fasteners for them will be more serious. Gypsum stone can not withstand such a load. The same goes for the bath itself. It must be securely installed and not wobble. If you install to the sides acrylic products you can do it yourself, then when installing the curtain on the bath from artificial or natural stone is better to seek help from specialists.

5. Methods of fastening soft curtains

Rigid structures are attached to the sides and walls. As for the soft curtains, special ones are intended for them. cornices. Budget models are made of durable plastic and can be sliding. This design allows you to maximize the length cornice under the inter-wall distance. It is enough to determine the height, lean one edge close to the wall, and push the other until it touches the opposite wall. Scrolling the movable edge a bit will lock it in the required position. The edges of such a cornice are sometimes made in the form of a cone or cylinder at the end of which there is a rubberized insert. With its help, the cornice "sticks" well to the surface tile and does not slip.

Sometimes such telescopic models are also made of thin metal. Its surface is protected against corrosion by powder coating. The most reliable cornices are made of stainless steel or other metals, followed by the application of a chrome coating. All of the above models are in the form of hollow tubes. Metal cornices can be not only smooth, but also have the form of a circle, a fragment of a circle or a rectangle.This design allows you to hang a soft curtain not only in front of the bath, but also protect it from all free sides. Metal cornices are attached to the wall or ceiling using threaded connections, which are often included. Herself curtain to the ledge can fasten in the following way:

  • Using clothespins that are called Crocodiles. They can be metal, to match the cornice or plastic. The undoubted advantage of using such fasteners is the absence of the need to make holes in the curtain web. Particularly reliably they fix dense vinyl or textile curtains that have a thickening on top. Disadvantage "Crocodiles" is that on a thin curtain made of polyethylene, they can leave punctures. With a sharp movement, the edge of the curtain can pull out, and in a humid environment, metal clips can corrode and leave traces of rust on the canvas.
  • Ring mounts or hooks strung on a cornice, imply the presence of special holes in the upper edge of the screen. In order for the holes in the curtain not to stretch and not to diverge with time, their edges are additionally reinforced, making the material thicker in this place, or clamping the edges of the hole with metal plates.
  • Eyelets which are used for fastening conventional curtains, perhaps the most aesthetic and elegant option. Such fastenings are often found on fabric blinds and quite rarely on vinyl. Holes are made in the canvas that are larger than the diameter of the cornice to ensure smooth and free sliding of the curtain. Their edges are crimped with metal plates. Eyelets help create beautiful, smooth bends on the canvas. Their cost, in comparison with other types of fasteners, is quite high.
  • One of the most modern fasteners - magnetic clamps. They are a loop, on both edges of which magnets are fixed. In order to fix the curtain on the cornice, it is enough to evenly place magnets on it, and then thread the rod into the loops formed. To look more harmonious, their surface is decorated with decorative elements. The canvas holds pretty tight, because the magnets are tight against each other. However, they can still not withstand too heavy a curtain.
  • Sometimes in order to "put" a curtain on the ledge, they make a special pocket. To do this, the upper edge is tucked several times and hemmed. After that, a long “corridor” for the bar is formed along the entire length of the curtain. In this case, you should first put the curtain on the ledge, and only then mount it to the wall. To be able to freely remove the curtain with a pocket, it is better to mount the cornice with the help of special arcuate supports in which the bar simply rests without a rigid connection. Suspended in this way, the curtain will hold very securely. However, significant disadvantage is the difficulty of sliding the web along the bar. Even if the pocket is several times wider than the diameter of the cornice, this does not facilitate the task.

6. How to extend the life of the curtains for the bathroom

To keep your curtain neat, tidy for a long time, it needs proper care:

  • If you use a soft variety of curtains, make sure that after each adoption of water procedures, its canvas completely dried out. To do this, let her hang for some time in a straightened form. Water itself drains from the surface, after which you can collect the curtain and move it to the side. If this rule is neglected, mold may form on its surface. Polyethylene blinds are especially prone to this.
  • With a certain frequency, it is necessary to wash the curtains with the use of delicate detergents. Even if your type of curtain can be machine washed, it is better to prefer manual. So you maintain the integrity of the surface for longer and protect it from bruising.For washing, soak the curtain in the bath with a small amount of detergent. After it “sags” a little, wipe the surface with a soft sponge and rinse with clean water. Do not crush or twist the fabric too much. Strong bends may not straighten out.
  • Curtains from plastic should be wiped dry with a soft cloth after each contact with water. So you will protect their surface from the accumulation of limescale and turbidity.
  • In no case should you use abrasive cleaners to clean plastic products. Their surface is easy to scratch. When choosing a detergent, be sure to ensure that it is suitable for use on plastic surfaces and does not cause structural changes.
  • Glass curtains, although they do not collect dirt on the surface and do not retain traces of drops, do not refuse to rub with a soft cloth. Once every two weeks they can be disinfected.

No supernatural care actions are required. However, regular adherence to these rules will significantly extend the life of any type of curtain. If you have not used this bath accessory before, be sure to try it. If not as protection against water, then as an interesting element of the interior.

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