Shower Curtain Rods Offer Multiple Function and Style Options
Shower curtains serve both a practical and decorative function in your bathroom. The right shower curtain will keep water where it belongs, in the shower or bathtub as opposed to the bathroom floor, and will enhance the style of the entire room.
To work well and look great, however, a shower curtain needs the right curtain rod as well. It’s difficult to enjoy showers with curtain rods that don’t fit properly. A shower curtain rod can make a surprising difference in the way that your bathroom looks too.
Spring Loaded and Fixed Rods
The type of rod that you choose will likely be determined by the location in your shower because some curtain rods require drilling into the wall to install them. There are two basic types of curtain rods. Fixed rods are available in specific lengths and are installed by fitting the ends into brackets that are attached to the walls.
Fixed rods come in both straight and arced shapes. Because they offer more room for the bather, rods that curve outward in the center, sometimes called crescent rods, are a popular choice. Some rods are specifically designed to surround free-standing bathtubs.
Tension rods use springs to keep the rod in place. They can be expanded incrementally by twisting the bar. If your bathtub or shower surround is tile, this type of rod will be easier in the shower than curtain rods that require drilling into the tile.
Material Options for Curtain Rods
While plastic rods are the most affordable and come in the most colors, they are not as durable as metal or wood rods. They’re best for adding a decorative touch to showers that aren’t subject to frequent use. Metal rods are available in an extensive range of finishes. You can enhance the style of your bathroom showers when the curtain rods match the finish of existing hardware and fixtures. They’ll act as unifying elements and add a feeling of cohesion to the space.
Decorative Options Offer Distinctive Style
Curtain rods are available with matching hooks, rungs and finials for a polished presentation. They’re especially appropriate for bathrooms decorated in formal or historical decorative styles. Some rods are designed to fit “rung-less” curtains, curtains with metallic-rimmed holes at the top that slide directly onto the pole. 
Safety Considerations
When it comes to bathroom safety, the curtains for your shower and the curtain rods that support them matter. The bar that holds your shower curtain in place should be strong enough to support a few wet towels as well as the curtain. If your household includes growing children, you may want to enhance the safety of your shower with curtain rods installed into sturdy wall brackets. You may also want to choose fabric curtains over vinyl curtains, as vinyl curtains are more easily pulled free from curtain rungs during a slip or fall.
Because shower curtains cover such large surface areas in bathrooms, it’s important to consider choices for shower curtains and rods carefully. You can enhance these natural focal points with rods that offer architectural interest or can choose shower curtain rods that coordinate with other elements in the room for a uniform and cohesive look. By exploring all the options for this practical fixture, you’re sure to find the ideal curtain rods for the showers and bathtubs in your home.
DirectBuy has a huge selection of bathroom remodeling products. Get what you need in home improvement products and enjoy confidential dealer pricing. Go to www.directhomediscount.com to learn more.
Tags: Bathroom Hardware, Bathroom Remodeling, DirectBuy, Shower Curtain Rod, Shower Rod