Installing a shower curtain in the bathroom is a simple procedure that you can complete in under an hour. There are different models of poles and curtains, but the main ones are two: the pressure ones and those to be mounted on the wall. If the shower space is abnormal you may need to modify the instructions in this article to suit your needs.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Measure Height
Step 1. Check the length of the curtain
If it is new, this value should be noted on its packaging; otherwise you have to do it yourself using a tape measure. Standard curtains are usually perfect squares with sides equal to 185cm.
Step 2. Measure the shower space to hang the curtain correctly
You should leave about 5 cm of margin between the floor and the bottom edge of the curtain itself which, to do its job effectively, should hang over the edge of the tub by at least 12-13 cm.
The space of 5 cm from the floor ensures that the tent does not get too dirty and does not absorb excess moisture
Step 3. Add about 10cm to the length of the curtain
This way you can estimate at what height to hang the stick. It may be necessary to change this value to meet your specific needs, but this method usually allows you to place the cane in the correct place.
Step 4. Use a tape measure to record the measurement on the wall and make a mark on it
Determine the point in which to fix the stick on both walls with the help of the measuring tool and mark the area with a marker; you have to place the ends of the stick right on these marks.
Part 2 of 4: Install a Pressure Stick
Step 1. Increase the length of the rod by turning one segment counterclockwise
This kind of stick consists of two segments, one inside the other. Find the junction point and place a hand on each side of it; twist one of the two parts counterclockwise to extend the stick.
- The pressure model is not fixed permanently to the wall, but remains suspended thanks to a very strong spring inside it that exerts pressure on the ends.
- By turning the segments clockwise you shorten the rod.
Step 2. Extend the holder until both ends snap into place on the points you identified earlier
Keep expanding the stick counterclockwise until the garments rest against the walls. Change their position to bring them to the points you want; then lengthen the shaft a little more to create a constant pressure to support it.
- In general, this type of pole can be adjusted to fit most showers without having to take any measurements in advance.
- If you still want to make some measurements, know that the final length of the stick should be about 2-3 cm greater than that of the available space; this way you make sure that enough pressure is generated to maintain grip.
Step 3. Make sure the rod is stable by checking the tension
Check its strength by turning a segment clockwise to shorten the support and bring it back to its original position, then repeat the process from scratch; afterwards make sure that the stick is well placed and cannot fall.
- The more you have to stretch the stick to secure it in place, the less stable it is.
- If you can't fit it securely, you probably need to buy a stick of a different size.
Step 4. Use a spirit level to check that the stand is perfectly level
Hold it horizontally and place it over the central area of the stick; the small bubble inside the tool should tell you if the shaft is parallel to the ground or crooked.
If necessary, make small changes to straighten it
Part 3 of 4: Install a Stick on the Wall
Step 1. Check the hardware
Some poles must be permanently fixed to opposite walls and are equipped with the appropriate hardware. Each kit is different, but generally speaking you should have two brackets and at least eight screws to secure them to the walls.
Step 2. Drill holes in the wall to hang the brackets
After having taken the appropriate measurements and calculated the height at which to place the pole, follow the specific instructions of the kit regarding installation; a drill is usually needed to attach the brackets to the walls.
- If the walls are plasterboard you must use specific anchors.
- You can get more details regarding drywall anchors by reading this article.
Step 3. Snap each end of the stick into the brackets
Once fixed, check that it is installed in a workmanlike manner before hanging the curtain and upholstery; if there are any loose screws, use the drill to tighten them to the wall.
Part 4 of 4: Hanging the Curtain and Cover
Step 1. Put the hooks on the stick
Standard tents typically need 12 hooks, which are sold precisely in packs of a dozen for convenience. If you are using hooks that have some decoration or embellishment, make sure they are facing the bathroom and not the inside of the shower.
- The hooks are also available in the form of rings that open and close easily by snap; once opened, attach them to the stick but - for the moment - do not close them.
- After attaching them to the rod, check that they are suitable for its diameter and that they can slide along the entire support.
- Most of these elements have standard sizes that fit almost any curtain rod and hole; however, if you are using particularly large or small rings, you should first measure the diameter of the holes to make sure everything matches.
Step 2. Align the left edge of the cover with that of the curtain
Make sure it faces the outside of the shower while the liner stays inside. Find the holes in the upper left corner of both fabrics and overlap them so that a loop can go through both of them.
- The liner is typically made of clear plastic which acts as a barrier between the shower and the curtain.
- It is not an indispensable element, but it is comfortable and is often used especially in association with non-waterproof curtains.
Step 3. Thread the hooks through the holes in the curtain and upholstery
Start from the far left corner and hang the fabrics from the various supports, making sure that each hook goes through the holes in both. Proceed to the right repeating the process until you have joined the 12 hooks to their respective holes.
- If you are using rings, snap them closed after threading them through the holes.
- Make sure the liner faces the "wet" side of the shower and the curtain faces the "dry" side.
Step 4. Check that the rod is securely fixed and that the curtain can slide freely
Arrange it as you normally would and observe it carefully. Check that the stick can easily support the weight of the structure; if necessary, gently tug on it to check its tightness. Open the curtain making sure that hooks and rings slide smoothly.
- If the rod does not support the weight of the tent you should purchase a longer or sturdier push rod.
- If the curtain and upholstery don't slide easily, you should switch to larger loops / hooks.
