Stylish Shower Curtains for a Song Jan 27, 2006 – By Shaunna Privratsky
Many of us use a shower curtain every day. It is hardly noticeable and we
only care if we must replace it. Yet how many of us realize that a shower
curtain is the simplest way to update, glamorize or set the theme of our
whole bathroom?
Bed and bath realtors know the potential of the once humble shower curtain.
Forget plain white or clear; today's choices run the gamut of the rainbow
with thousands of styles, patterns and themes decorating the shelves.
The prices are as myriad. You can expect to pay anywhere from $15 all the way
up to $80 for an upscale curtain. Decorators are cashing in with custom
designed curtains with more layers than an old-fashioned ball gown. However,
you don't have to apply for a loan to get a fabulous shower curtain for less.
My best-kept secret [until now] is sheets. A twin-size is usually sufficient
for a standard full-size tub and shower area. All you do is pick out a
pattern or color that will complement your bathroom dιcor and buy an
inexpensive plastic liner. Lay them out together and mark where the holes are
on the sheet.
You can sew buttonholes if you like. Most sewing machines come with a
button-holer attachment to make this very easy. An alternative is cutting a
small slit, then sealing the edges with hot glue to prevent fraying. Use
toothpicks or other tools to prevent painful burns on your fingers.
The final step is to attach the sheet and liner together on inexpensive
shower rings. Don't invest in high-priced double rods: they take up more
space and are inefficient. Shower rings are sold in sets and come in all
colors. I bought a clear plastic set at the Dollar Store years ago, and
they've matched every change in my dιcor since then.
To eliminate even a hint of sewing, there are two ways to hang your new
shower curtain. You can purchase drapery rings that grip the fabric instead
of go through it. They are like hoops with a pressure type grip on the
bottom. Just lie out your sheet and liner together and place the rings at
even spaces, and then hang.
The other no-sew solution is hot glue. Put the sheet and liner together and
apply a line of glue near the top. Then you can hang the curtain with drapery
rings or use the holes in the liner.
You can hang your curtain as is, or embellish it as much as you like. You can
add trim by sewing or with hot glue. Fringe is the hottest trend in trims; it
comes in fantastic colors and in every length and style imaginable. A
"valance" is easy to add: simply fold a three to six inch top and sew or hot
glue. Then follow the above steps to hang. Remember that this step shortens
the overall curtain.
Another fun add-on is one or two tiebacks. This can be a simple strip of
fabric in a complementary color or a length of fancy trim. A dramatic look
would be a larger sheet with a center opening and two elaborate tiebacks. Cup
hooks make great tieback hardware for less than a dollar a set.
Shower curtains can add color, pattern and drama to your bathroom. With these
easy and no-sew solutions, you can be singing in your stylish shower in no
time.
Shaunna Privratsky is a dedicated dollar-stretcher and loves to write
about it, with over 400 published articles and twelve e-books. She lives in
North Dakota with her husband, two children and three frisky cats. Visit The
Discount Diva at http://shaunna67.tripod.com/id21.htmlfor more money
saving tips.
