Top 20 Shower Curtain Liners Available for Online Purchase

While it might seem unexpected, a shower curtain liner serves more than just containing water within your shower or tub. High-quality liners combat mold and mildew, which are not only unsightly but also harmful to health, by ensuring your shower curtain stays dry. This feature helps prolong the life of your curtain, saving you from frequent replacements and unnecessary expenses.

To make your shopping experience seamless, we curated a selection of the 20 finest shower curtain liners available, assessing each based on material, dimensions, ease of installation, and cost. Additionally, we sought expert insights from interior designers Stephanie Mahaney of Stephanie Rae Interiors and Bob Berriz of Berriz Design, who shared professional tips on selecting the ideal shower curtain liner.

Best Decorative

“Since a shower curtain liner isn’t a permanent fixture, why not make it enjoyable?” suggests Mahaney, and we couldn’t agree more. Decorative liners can transform a dull bathroom into a vibrant space. Options like the sunset-themed Quiet Town Sun Shower Lido Pop or the ocean-inspired Eforcurtain Colorful 3D Water Cube Shower Curtain Liner offer bold, colorful designs to suit any aesthetic.

Prefer a solid-colored decorative liner? The N&Y Home Fabric Shower Curtain Liner, an affordable polyester blend, is available in 15 distinct colors. For a playful touch, consider the Kenney Decorative Printed PEVA Shower Curtain Liner, featuring a vibrant multicolored design at the bottom.

Best Fabric

Fabric shower curtain liners offer a softer, more luxurious feel compared to plastic options. Although they come at a higher price, the premium look they provide is worth the investment. “The texture and visual appeal of fabric can significantly enhance the bathroom’s ambiance,” notes Mahaney. For a fresh, open feel, we recommend the Brooklinen Linen Shower Curtain Set, available in a crisp white design.

Another top pick is The Company Store Fabric Shower Curtain Liner, made from 100% polyester, offering a soft texture and machine-washable convenience. For a more affordable option, consider the Truly Calm Embossed Fabric Microfiber Shower Curtain Liner, available in three neutral tones to complement any bathroom decor. The Maytex Water-Repellent Fabric Shower Curtain Liner is another budget-friendly choice, featuring a semi-sheer design for added privacy.

Best Clear

Clear or plastic shower curtain liners are timeless classics that complement any decor. They excel at repelling water, mold, and mildew, and are often more affordable. Opt for liners labeled “PEVA” or “EVA,” as these eco-friendly plastics are free from harmful off-gassing. Fortunately, most modern clear liners are made with these materials, ensuring safety and durability.

A top pick at Mytour is the West Elm Shower Curtain Liner, a sleek EVA vinyl option. For those seeking practicality, the Amazon Basics 8-Gauge PEVA Shower Curtain Liner features nine pockets for storing shower essentials or even devices. For a straightforward choice, the Down Luxe Waterproof Clear Shower Curtain Liner is ideal, crafted from PEVA plastic with three magnets to prevent leaks. Similarly, the Glacier Bay PEVA Shower Curtain Liner offers a frosted finish for added style.

Best Heavy-Duty

Does your bathroom require a heavy-duty shower curtain? Perhaps you have a high-pressure showerhead or share the shower with others, necessitating a more robust liner to endure frequent use. To identify a heavy-duty liner, Berriz suggests opting for thicker materials. If you’re shopping online, here are our top recommendations.

For a premium yet sturdy choice, consider the Crate & Barrel White Shower Curtain Liner, featuring magnets to prevent the material from flapping or getting stepped on. The Liba Waterproof Plastic Shower Curtain Liner boasts a robust eight- or 10-gauge plastic, making it exceptionally thick. Additionally, the Parachute Shower Curtain Liner offers water resistance and a minimalist, neutral design that complements any decor. Lastly, the Kate Aurora Hotel Heavy Duty 10 Gauge Vinyl Shower Curtain Liner is available in an extra-long size for added versatility.

Best Under $20

Shower curtain liners are generally more affordable than shower curtains, but options range from budget-friendly to high-end. Here are four excellent choices under $20 that deliver quality without breaking the bank.

The BigFoot Shower Curtain Liner offers three variants—lightweight, standard, and heavy-duty—and is crafted from PEVA plastic with rustproof metal grommets. The Mainstays Lightweight PEVA Shower Curtain Liner is priced under $3 and fits most standard showers. For added privacy, the Pottery Barn EVA Vinyl Shower Curtain Liner is semi-opaque, while the Room Essentials Lightweight Color Shower Liner is a $3 bargain available in three colors (Target’s Room Essentials line consistently delivers).

How to Shop for Shower Curtain Liners Like a Pro

Material

Shower curtain liners are available in a variety of materials, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Plastic liners are the most affordable, highly durable, and versatile enough to complement any shower curtain.

Fabric liners, in contrast, offer a softer texture and a more luxurious appearance. However, each material has its own set of limitations.

Mahaney notes that while plastic liners lack the warmth and sophistication of fabric options, some fabric liners may dry more slowly, which could impact your purchasing decision.

“Thicker linen fabrics, in particular, tend to dry slower compared to thinner cotton options,” she explains. A useful tip? Keep the shower curtain fully extended while drying. If left bunched up, drying time will significantly increase.

Size 

Ensure you measure your shower or bathtub, including the surrounding space, to confirm the liner fits properly. It should cover the enclosure and be long enough to prevent water from reaching the floor.

“When determining size, measure your shower enclosure and add a few extra inches for overlap—it’s better to choose a larger liner than a smaller one,” advises Berriz.

Mahaney suggests utilizing extra length to enhance the space. “Hanging shower curtains and liners closer to the ceiling creates a more elevated feel,” she says. “Measure your bathroom ceiling height and opt for the tallest curtain available.”

Installation

Most shower curtain liners are simple to install, though hooks may need to be bought separately. However, options like the Brooklinen Linen Shower Curtain Set include 12 hooks, making it easy to attach the liner to your existing rod—a definite plus!

Hookless liners are another option, sliding directly onto the shower curtain rod. Consider which method suits you best: threading the liner onto decorative hooks (allowing you to avoid removing the rod when changing liners) or opting for a hookless design to eliminate hooks entirely.

Questions You Might Ask

Do I really need a shower curtain liner?

As previously mentioned, a shower curtain liner plays several crucial roles, such as containing water within your shower or bathtub to prevent spills onto the bathroom floor. It also acts as a barrier to keep your shower curtain dry, reducing the risk of mold and mildew growth.

Are plastic shower curtain liners better than fabric ones?

Neither type is inherently superior. Plastic liners are more effective at repelling water, while fabric liners offer a softer feel and a more elegant appearance. The decision ultimately depends on your preferences.

How often should you replace your shower curtain liner?

It’s generally recommended to replace shower curtain liners every six months in humid climates or poorly ventilated bathrooms. Otherwise, replacing them annually is a good guideline.

This practice helps prevent the buildup of mold and mildew in your shower. Fabric liners can be machine-washed, while plastic liners can be cleaned using a vinegar and water solution to maintain hygiene.

Take Our Word for It 

This piece was authored by Ashley Zlatopolsky, a bedding and bath expert at Mytour with over a decade of experience. To identify the top shower curtain liners, we assessed key factors such as material, cost, and installation ease. Ashley also consulted interior designers Stephanie Mahaney and Bob Berriz for professional insights.