How to Use Regular Curtains as a Stylish Shower Curtain
One of the most common questions I get when I post bathroom photos is:
“Where did you get your shower curtain?”
And every single time, I have to say, “It’s not even a shower curtain!”
Yep. They are just regular curtain panels.
I started using actual curtains instead of traditional shower curtains a while ago, and honestly, I don’t think I’ll ever go back. I buy them in a longer length, and pair them with an extra-long waterproof liner. That part is key. You get all the practicality of a normal shower curtain, but the style options are so much better.
Take our floral wallpaper bathroom, for example. I used a soft pinstripe curtain that blends beautifully with the wallpaper and teal trim. The extra height makes the whole room feel taller and more finished, even though it’s not a giant space. It adds softness, pulls in the tones from the wallpaper, and looks way more custom than anything I could’ve found in the bath aisle.
And then there’s the red bathroom, which is all bold and cozy and dramatic in the best way. That vintage looking curtain? Just a regular window panel I fell in love with. It brings in texture, warmth, and this charming, collected feel that really finishes off the space. Plus, it makes the whole room feel layered and intentional, which is kind of my favorite thing when it comes to home design.
So if your bathroom’s feeling a little meh, try swapping your shower curtain for something unexpected. Just grab a longer set of regular curtains, pair them with an extra-long waterproof liner, and hang the rod a little higher. It really does make a huge difference.
If you’ve ever felt totally underwhelmed by the shower curtain aisle, same. The options are usually limited to plasticky prints or bland neutrals that feel more "starter apartment" than "intentional design." So a while back, I started using regular curtains instead of traditional shower curtains, and I honestly haven’t looked back since.
Let me know if you give it a try. I’d love to see how it turns out in your space!
Links at a Glance
Red Bathroom
Vintage-Inspired Light Fixture
Brass Plate - Antique Store Find
Gold Frame - Antique Store Find
Blue Floral Bathroom
Wallpaper: Natalia by Peel and Paper
Curtain- used as shower curtain
The Amazon Curtains That I Love
Curtains are one of those things that seem small until you realize how much they totally change a room. I’ve browsed so many over the years. Some curtains are too thin, others look shiny or stiff, and plenty just feel kind of sad once they're up. Some of my absolute favorite curtains in my home are actually from Amazon, so I figured I’d round them up and share exactly what I have hanging in each space.
We already have shades on the windows, so I didn’t need blackout curtains here. I just wanted something with a little texture and pattern that would let the light in when I opened the blinds. The ones I found are a soft, creamy linen-look panel with a design that adds interest without feeling busy. You can hang them with the back tabs for a neat, pleated look or use the rod pocket for something more relaxed. They hang beautifully either way, feel way more expensive than they are, and don’t wrinkle like crazy straight out of the package. Exactly what I was looking for.
This setup might be my favorite. I layered two sets: an olive green velvet panel on the outside and a light-filtering linen-style curtain behind it. The velvet adds this warm, moody vibe to the room (perfect for all the vintage details in here), and the layered look makes the whole space feel a little more styled without a ton of effort. It’s a super easy combo that makes a big impact and pulls the whole space together.
Her room is a little more fun and playful, so I mixed a soft blush curtain with sheer white panels that have the cutest little pom pom trim. The blush ones have a light blackout lining, which is perfect for keeping her room cool and nap-friendly, and the pom pom detail adds just the right touch of whimsy when the curtains are open. Together, they feel sweet and polished without being over-the-top. And she loves them, which is a bonus.
I didn’t expect to love Amazon curtains as much as I do, but these really came through. Each one added something different to the room, whether it was softness, color, texture, or just making the space feel more finished. And honestly, I couldn’t be happier with how they turned out.
Links At A Glance
Primary Bedroom
Lamp (Antique Store)
Nightstand (TJ Maxx)
Office
Lamp (Thrifted)
My Daughter’s Room
Bed (Facebook Marketplace)