Jean Carroll
The best shower curtain rods are easy to install—and stay in place without constantly slipping. They are made from durable materials and come in finishes that match most existing fixtures and bathroom decor.
All our top picks are available in at least two finishes, including chrome, nickel, brass, black, and more, to match those most commonly found in bathrooms.
Users only need opposing walls to fit this tension shower curtain rod between.
Appropriate for tile, fiberglass, and painted drywall, the Briofox shower curtain rod has rubber endcaps that won’t slide on walls or leave scratches. Stainless steel Shape: Straight Pros Multiple finishes available to suit any current bathroom fixtures
Won’t slide or leave scratches on walls Cons Can lose its grip over time Get the Briofox shower curtain rod on Amazon. Runner-Up 2 Teeck Shower Curtain Rod, 40–73 Inches Photo: amazon.com SEE IT Made from premium stainless steel, the Teeck shower curtain rod won’t rust.
Stainless steel Shape: Straight Pros Rustproof design is suitable for long-term use Great for fiberglass and tile walls Cons Can be difficult to fit tightly Get the Teeck shower curtain rod on Amazon. Best Bang For The Buck 3 HBlife Tension Curtain Rod Photo: amazon.com SEE IT Users don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a durable tension shower curtain rod that will complement a bathroom’s decor. The affordable HBlife tension curtain rod is available in several sizes and adjusts to fit shower stalls and tub/shower combos.
The rubber suction cups on each end of this curtain rod keep the rod firmly in place without damaging the bathroom walls, and the spring bar pops out so users can slide shower curtain rings on. Stainless steel Shape: Straight Pros Affordable compared to similar options Stainless steel Shape: L-shaped Pros Sturdy design is suitable for long-term and heavy-duty use
Made from high-quality aluminum, the rod is available in various finishes to complement the user’s current bathroom fixtures. This corner shower bar is corrosion- and rust-resistant and will support up to 20 pounds of fabric weight. Aluminum Shape: L-shaped Pros High-quality materials are suitable for long-term use
Comes with mounting brackets and fasteners Cons Dimensions are not adjustable Get the PrettyHome L-shaped shower curtain rod on Amazon. It attaches to the wall at the tub’s head and hangs from a ceiling-mounted support bar on the opposite side.
Made from high-quality aluminum in finishes to match most bathrooms, this hoop-shaped curtain rod won’t rust or corrode.
Because this rod has a hanging support bar, a split shower curtain will be necessary to enclose the tub completely. Aluminum Shape: Rounded rectangle Pros Style matches most bathrooms Works well with freestanding tubs Cons Difficult to install; likely requires 2 people Get the PrettyHome shower curtain rod hoop on Amazon.
Best Double-Straight 7 Zenna Home NeverRust Adjustable Double Shower Rod Photo: amazon.com SEE IT The Zenna Home NeverRust Adjustable Double Shower Rod will support an inner waterproof shower curtain and a decorative outer curtain or towels on two separate rods without damaging bathroom walls. This versatile rod is spring-loaded for tension installation and comes with fasteners for a permanent wall mount.
It features NeverRust aluminum, and it’s suitable for installation on all types of shower walls.
Aluminum Shape: Double straight Pros Versatile installation; can fit various shower sizes Sturdy and well constructed for long-term use Cons Pricey compared to similar options It bows gently outward to offer an additional 9 inches of elbow room in the shower.
The double curved rod adjusts to fit tubs up to 72 inches long. This tension rod features strong springs and rubber ends that won’t damage bathroom walls. Aluminum Shape: Double curved Pros Creates extra elbow room inside the shower
Unidentified “metal” Shape: Straight Pros Comes in multiple styles, finishes, and sizes for any bathroom Design plays a big part in choosing the best shower curtain rod for a bathroom. Still other shower rods feature a small outward bow that adds a little extra room to the inside of a tub/shower unit.
Many metal shower curtain rods come treated with a water-resistant coating to reduce rust and corrosion risk. The bathroom is often the smallest room in the house, so anything that’s “off” with the decor will stick out like a sore thumb. Something as simple as a shower curtain rod that doesn’t blend in can leave the bathroom looking completely mismatched.
Metal rods are available in various finishes, including brass, stainless steel, aluminum, and even copper. Users who aren’t homeowners and want to avoid drilling into the walls might also consider a tension rod. Users who aren’t homeowners and want to avoid drilling into the walls might also consider a tension rod.
For the most part, shower curtain rods are straightforward, but if this is the first time you’ve purchased one—or if you’re wondering about how to install one—read on. Standard shower curtain rod height is approximately 75 to 77 inches above the floor.
Over the course of his decades-long career, Bob Vila has helped millions of people build, renovate, repair, and live better each day—a tradition that continues today with expert yet accessible home advice.
The Bob Vila team distills need-to-know information into project tutorials, maintenance guides, tool 101s, and more.
These home and garden experts then thoroughly research, vet, and recommend products that support homeowners, renters, DIYers, and professionals in their to-do lists.
