Shower Liner vs. Curtain: Is There a Difference Between the Two?
Compare a shower liner vs. shower curtain.
While shower liners and shower curtains are very similar products they have fairly different functions – but do you need them both? Keep reading to learn the difference between the two.
Shower Liner vs. Curtain: What's the Difference?
Whether you have a tub/shower combo or a standalone shower (without a hinged door), it's likely that you already use a shower curtain, possibly even a liner too. They both typically get hung on the same shower curtain rod, but what purpose do they each serve? Keep reading to learn how to distinguish the two and to learn how they work together.
Shower Liner
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Placement: A shower curtain liner is typically hung on the inside of the rod, nearest to the tub or shower pan. When in use, the liner must be placed inside the tub or shower base. Many liners have weights or even suction cups in or on the hem to help them remain in this position.
Purpose: Since it is placed within the tub or shower when in use, the purpose of a shower liner is to protect your bathroom floor by preventing the shower water from dripping out. Additionally, the liner is designed to act as a barrier that prevents soap scum, mold, and mildew from getting onto your more porous shower curtain – thus preserving the curtain's life. Without a liner, you would have to replace the shower curtain more often.
The water-resistant material of the shower liner is easier to wipe down (and even machine-washable in some cases) when necessary. Read Cleaning 101: How to Clean a Shower Curtain & Liner for some extra care tips.
Material: Shower liners are most commonly made from a water-resistant polyester or vinyl, both of which repel water from the shower and are easy to clean. They are generally sheer, without any patterns or designs, though you can find some opaque liners.
Cost: Shower liners are typically the cheaper of the two as they are designed to be replaced more frequently than shower curtains.
(Shop this image: abstract shower curtains, houseplants, and round bath mats.)
Placement: A shower curtain is designed to hang on the outside of the curtain liner and is placed outside the tub or shower pan. It's possible to find extra-long shower curtains to ensure it is correctly draped in this position. Read the Average Shower Curtain Size guide for more sizing info.
Purpose: While shower curtains do help to keep some water off your bathroom floor, that is not their primary purpose. Since they feature different designs, they act more as a decorative addition that gives your bathroom a particular style (and can easily be changed out to update the look).
Shower curtains are also usually opaque in order to offer privacy when closed. They are usually not water-resistant, meaning they can absorb water and take longer to dry, particularly when used without a liner.
Material: You can find shower curtains in different materials like linen, 100% cotton, cotton blend, polyester, vinyl, and they are usually available in an array of patterns and colors. These are generally not waterproof or water-resistant the way shower liners are.
Cost: Shower curtains typically cost a little more than shower liners since they serve a more decorative purpose and are meant to last longer.
Tip!
Here is our inspo guide to help you pick the right style for you: Shower Curtain Ideas for Every Style.
Can You Use One Without the Other?
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Shower Curtain: Many vinyl or polyester shower curtains can be used without liners since these materials are water-resistant. Bear in mind though, this means the curtain itself will then be exposed to all the soap scum and dirt and will require more regular cleaning. You will also likely find more water on your floor after showering, than with a liner. The majority of fabric curtains are best used with liners.
Shower Liner: It is entirely possible to use a shower liner without a curtain. While there are opaque liners available, the majority are sheer, which means you won't have as much privacy when showering (depending on your living situation), but they will still keep water off the floor and handle any dirt and soap.
Tip!
For the best results, we recommend browsing for shower curtains that come with a compatible liner or a built-in liner! For shower curtains with built-in liners, the liner is usually attached with buttons so you can easily remove the liner for cleaning.
(Shop this image: toile shower curtains, curved shower curtain rods, rectangular bath mats, and shower benches.)
To increase the lifespan of your shower liner and curtain, and prevent mold and mildew from forming, it's recommended that you pull them completely closed every time you enter and exit the shower. This will allow the air to fully circulate across their entire surface and decrease the chance of mildew growth.
Liner: As mentioned before, it is possible to find machine-washable liners, but you can also just use warm water and detergent to wash off any soap scum and dirt. You should aim to clean your liner about once a month. If you find it is too difficult to completely clean, it might be time for a new liner.
Curtain: There are far more machine-washable shower curtains available since they are more commonly made from fabrics like cotton and linen rather than plastic-like materials like polyester and vinyl. You can wash yours every three months, since it should be protected by the liner.
