Bathrooms are often a great place to add a little decorating touch. Many homes have more than one bathroom, so you can have multiple themes that fit the primary occupant’s tastes, and you can make each one unique. One way to add that individual touch is with a unique shower curtain and rods, or even a unique toilet seat.
These relatively simple items serve that dual goal mentioned above. They provide a function: to keep the water from the shower inside the shower and off the bathroom floor. But they are also a major contributor to the look of the whole bath.
Enter the bathroom of a friend or acquaintance. You might first see the lovely brass sink fixtures or an outstanding vanity. But you can’t escape noticing very soon the beautiful shower curtain and the elegant rod that holds it in place.
Like curtains for other rooms, they reflect the personality of the occupant. They allow creating of a design scheme that is reflected in the towels, the washcloth holder, and other decorative and useful bathroom elements.
For the kids’ bath it might be something fun, say a superhero theme. Spiderman can protect the floor from water while the kids battle that evil grime they picked up outside. Younger children may like the look of their favorite cartoon character displayed near the tub. It can encourage a reluctant one to get in it.
For the parents, a country theme might be just what is called for. A scene of bears in a forest, sharpening their claws on tall pines, can provide an atmosphere of calming nature. At the same time, the deep greens and browns offer a color scheme that can be reflected in the towels.
But don’t forget about the curtain rod.
Though they get second billing, they are still vital to integrate with the total design. Why spend good money getting the perfect light muslin shower curtain for a sailing theme, only to spoil it with a cheap white plastic rod? Instead, look for an elegant chrome or brass to complete the appearance of the ship’s gear.
Look for one that offers more than just a sturdy straight line from one wall to the next. Look for something that has ends designed to match the rest of the decorating effort.
In the sailing case, that might be something as simple as hooked ends to resemble a cleat used to tie off a sail. In the kids’ case, it might have a cute little faux-wrought iron web near the wall. In the country theme, it might have the color and shape of a tree limb.
In all cases, the rod and curtain either form the base of or continue the scheme of the whole bathroom. That expands this utilitarian space into another room full of beauty. After all, most people spend more than 5% of their waking day in the bathroom. Make it a pleasant place to be with the right shower rod and curtain.