The Best Shower Curtain Rods of 2024, Tested

By Amber Guetebier, Jasmine Harding, Glenda Taylor

Updated on Jul 10, 2024 7:18 AM EDT

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Shower curtains are often a focal point of bathroom design, but shower curtain rods that complement them are just as important. We tested 10 shower curtain rods that not only fit a variety of configurations but also offer a range of finishes to match any bathroom decor.

That’s because, for many shoppers, aesthetics matter nearly as much as function. David Mason, an interior designer and the founder of Knobs.co, an industry partner of the American Society for Interior Designers, says, “The most important factor is that the shower curtain rod is able to hold up your shower curtain and keep water from splashing out of the tub. However, a shower curtain rod is not only a functional piece in the bathroom, but it also adds to the overall aesthetic of the space.”

The ideal shower curtain rod will depend on your bathroom decor, the size and configuration of the shower or tub/shower combo, and the weight of the shower curtain. Our favorite product is the Briofox Industrial Shower Curtain Rod due to its sturdiness, easy-to-install design, and availability in multiple sizes and finishes. However, this guide includes a wide range of types, sizes, and designs to suit a variety of bathrooms. Read on to discover the best shower curtain rods to outfit your space.

We spent over 30 hours installing and testing each product in this guide to determine the best shower curtain rods for a variety of designs and budgets. We looked at several factors, including appearance and finish options, ease or difficulty of installation, and sturdiness and durability.

We left each shower rod in place for at least 3 days, during which time we hung heavy wet towels and pulled aggressively on the shower curtain. After 2 days, we added weight to each rod to test the manufacturer’s weight recommendation and noted its sturdiness. We also considered price and value for the product quality.

Finally, we scored each shower rod based on a rubric that included points for all of these factors. Once testing was complete, we used these scores to rank the products accordingly.

The best shower curtain rods are strong enough to hold the weight of a shower curtain—and several wet towels—and are rust-resistant. Tension shower curtain rods should have a strong spring and adapt easily to a wide range of sizes. And whether it’s a curved rod designed to give more elbow room or L-shaped corner shower curtain rods, they should all offer durability while complementing a bathroom’s decor. In fact, pairing one of the best shower curtains with a new shower curtain rod is an easy and affordable way to makeover a bathroom in a matter of minutes. Keep reading to learn more about our top picks in a variety of categories.

Our Ratings: Installation 5/5; Appearance 5/5; Sturdiness 5/5; Value 5/5

The Briofox stainless steel shower curtain rod is available in four sizes and adjustable from 27 to 90 inches—simply twist the ends in opposite directions to shorten or lengthen the rod between opposing walls. It comes in up to eight finishes, such as chrome, gold, and matte black, to suit a host of bathroom decor.

We installed this rod in a matter of minutes without any tools. During our testing, it was strong enough to hold the 30-pound maximum weight limit as suggested by the manufacturer, which is significantly more weight than the average household puts on a shower curtain rod. The rod is suitable for use on tile, fiberglass, and painted drywall alike, and the rubber endcaps help prevent it from sliding and protect bathroom walls from scratches. Though some users stated it can slip a bit over time, we only experienced a slight shift after adding heavy weights to the rod.

This Briofox rod edged out the Pottery Barn wall-mounted shower curtain rod as our Best Overall pick because it is easier to install and can be handy for users who prefer not to drill into their bathroom walls or acrylic tub surround.

Get the Briofox shower curtain rod at Amazon.

Our Ratings: Installation 4.5/5; Appearance 5/5; Sturdiness 5/5; Value 4.5/5

Simple but durable, this shower curtain rod from Pottery Barn is a good choice for those who prefer a long-lasting model. As a mounted rod, it best suits permanent installations. This rod is also contract grade, which means it’s great for high-traffic and commercial spaces. An added convenience is the inclusion of sturdy wall anchors in case there is no stud where the mounting brackets will go.

The installation directions were clear and straightforward. However, while the directions claim a tool-free installation, we recommend having a drill handy in case you need to drill into a stud. The rod is adjustable from 54 to 90 inches. During our testing, we adjusted the rod with ease to install it in a 58-inch-wide shower stall. Other than our Best Overall pick, this was the easiest installation process of all the rods we tested.

This Pottery Barn rod is made of steel and comes in a chrome or matte black finish, invoking a classic style that suits almost any bathroom decor. Since this rod is contract grade, it’s tested for stricter corrosion and load capacity standards—it will hold up to 45 pounds. We put this manufacturer’s recommendation to the test, and it held up to this weight and beyond without any buckling or bowing.

Get the Pottery Barn shower curtain rod at Pottery Barn.

Our Ratings: Installation 5/5; Appearance 4/5; Sturdiness 4/5; Value 3.5/5

Made from premium stainless steel, this Teeck shower curtain rod won’t rust. The tension rod comes in four sizes and is adjustable from 26 to 85 inches. Users can easily adjust the rod by rotating the ends in different directions, and the rubber endcaps suction to the bathroom walls without leaving scratches, making it a great choice for tile walls or fiberglass surfaces. It is available in five finishes.

Since this is a tension rod, the installation doesn’t require a drill. The manufacturer claims that the rod holds up to 22 pounds, and it lived up to that claim in our testing. However, when we extended the rod to its maximum length, it bowed a bit in the middle from any excess weight. For this reason, we recommend choosing a length that goes beyond your maximum range to ensure a sturdier fit—in other words, if you need a rod that reaches 73 inches, don’t choose the rod that maxes out at 73 inches but instead select the next longest size to ensure a snug fit.

Get the Teeck shower curtain rod at Amazon.

Our Ratings: Installation 4/5; Appearance 5/5; Sturdiness 4/5; Value 5/5

Users can fully mount this Sikaiqi L-shaped shower curtain rod, which is the sturdier option, or attach the glue-on brackets to support the ends of the rod. However, the glue is only designed for use on tile. The rod itself is easy to assemble and adjusts to a square shape or a rectangular shape for a corner shower, ranging from 23.6 to 69 inches on each side of the L-shaped rod, depending on the configuration. It comes in a classic silver finish.

Installation via wall brackets is relatively straightforward and the instructions explain the steps well; however, we found it easier to install with two people. This rod’s installation requires a drill and a stud finder or the use of wall anchors if a stud is not available. The rod itself does not call for the use of a central additional ceiling-mounted support as some L-shaped rods do. This permits the user to hang a single curtain, rather than a split curtain, which is necessary with a ceiling support. The corrosion- and rust-resistant rod is suitable for all types of shower walls.

However, the Sikaiqi L-shaped shower curtain rod does include a ceiling mount. While some shoppers may not prefer this type of installation so they can use a single shower curtain, we found the rod felt significantly sturdier with the ceiling mount in place, allowing it to securely hold the manufacturer’s weight limit of 30 pounds. Without the ceiling mount, the rod began to bow at 20 pounds of weight.

Get the Sikaiqi shower curtain rod at Amazon or Walmart.

Our Ratings: Installation 1/5; Appearance 4/5; Sturdiness 4.5/5; Value 3/5

For shoppers with a freestanding bathtub looking for an oval shower curtain rod, this PrettyHome rod attaches to the wall at the head of the tub and hangs from a ceiling-mounted support bar on the opposite side. Because the ceiling mount is a bar and not just a wire, the shower curtain rod is more stable. Made from high-quality aluminum and available in a variety of 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.

Installation requires mounting brackets to one wall and drill mounting the support bar to the ceiling with the included fasteners and hardware. The ceiling mount bar is not adjustable; users may need to cut it if it’s too long, although this would not be ideal. Overall, we found this installation to be the most difficult of all of the shower curtain rods we tested. This was due in part to the complexity of the rod itself but also because the installation required multiple, tedious, time-consuming steps. Ultimately, if this is the right configuration for your bathroom, it is a sturdy product that will last.

Get the PrettyHome shower curtain rod hoop at Amazon.

Our Ratings: Installation 3.5/5; Appearance 4.5/5; Sturdiness 5/5; Value 4.5/5

When showering in an existing shower or tub/shower combo feels cramped, a curved curtain can make a shower more refreshing by adding extra space. This Zenna Home NeverRust double curved shower rod bows gently outward to offer up to 9 extra inches of elbow room in the shower and adjusts to fit tub spaces as long as 72 inches. However, keep in mind the amount of space will depend on how far away from the shower the rod fits. Because we have an acrylic tub surround, the wall and surround are not flush, which limited the distance from the tub that we could install the rod during our testing.

Because of the length, weight, and curved nature of the product, it was easier to install with two people. Once in place, the rod felt sturdy, and—even with limited distance from the tub—it still offered an additional 4 inches of elbow room. It is available in chrome, nickel, and black finishes to match existing faucets and is suitable for hanging shower curtain sets, such as a shower curtain with a liner or a single shower curtain and towels.

The Zenna Home shower curtain rod held up to our weight stress test, exceeding twice the manufacturer’s maximum weight without slipping. Some buyers may find the rod too heavy and the shower rod holders a bit too bulky, but this is the nature of double curtain rods in general.

Get the Zenna Home double-curved shower curtain rod at Amazon or The Home Depot.

Our Ratings: Installation 5/5; Appearance 4/5; Sturdiness 3.5/5; Value 4/5

Renters don’t have to spend a lot of money for a durable tension shower curtain rod that will complement a bathroom’s decor. The affordable HBlife tension curtain rod features rubber suction cups on either end to keep the rod in place. These cups can help prevent damage to walls, making this rod an ideal choice for renters or those living in short-term housing, dorms, or sublets.

The spring bar pops out of the shower rod for easy installation. While the manufacturer states it can hold 22 pounds of weight, it started to bow at 10 pounds during our testing. However, we did stretch the particular rod to its maximum length which—as previously mentioned in this guide—we advise against to ensure a more snug fit.

The HBlife rod is available in four sizes and adjusts to fit shower stalls and tub/shower combos from 26 to 98 inches. Additionally, it comes in basic black, silver, or bronze to suit just about any bathroom decor.

Get the HBlife shower curtain rod at Amazon.

Our Ratings: Installation 5/5; Appearance 4/5; Sturdiness 2.5/5; Value 4.5/5

The Amazon Basics tension rod is available in six sizes, with a wide range of 24 to 108 inches to suit a variety of showers. We installed it in just minutes thanks to a spring pull rod and rubber endcaps that will not damage shower walls. The manufacturer notes this rod has a maximum weight of 7 pounds, which is generally sufficient for a vinyl shower curtain and one or two wet towels. Our testing confirmed this claim: The rod remained stable when we put 5 pounds of weight on it but bowed in the middle and began to slip at 8 pounds of weight. It comes in five finishes. Like the HBlife shower rod, this tension rod would be an ideal option for dorm rooms, rental units, or other temporary housing.

Get the Amazon Basics shower curtain rod at Amazon.

The Zenna Home Adjustable Double Shower Rod was meant to be tension or wall-mount, but we found it difficult to install as a tension rod. Because someone might buy this for use as a tension rod, we don’t recommend it, but as a wall-mounted shower curtain rod, it is sturdy and offers the double-rod option.

While the Pretty Home L-Shaped Shower Corner Rod had an overall sturdy feel, it was problematic for two reasons: It is not adjustable, so if you measure wrong, your only option is to use a hacksaw to cut the pipe; and it does not come with a ceiling-mount option, which makes it significantly less sturdy. Anyone considering this rod will want to double-check their measurements and purchase a separate ceiling mount to ensure stability.

Design plays a big part in choosing among the best shower curtain rods for a bathroom. Ease of installation and durability are top considerations, too.

Most shower curtain rods are straight and attach to the walls of the shower. Other shower rods have shapes for a range of shower and tub configurations for added elbow room. Square or rectangular L-shaped and round/curved shower curtain rod options are available for open showers and freestanding tub/shower combinations.

Double shower rods feature two parallel rods: An outer rod for a decorative shower curtain and an inner rod for a waterproof liner. Some other shower rods feature a small outward bow that adds extra room to the inside of a tub/shower unit.

Shower curtain rods are typically made of metal or plastic. Many metal shower curtain rods are treated with a water-resistant coating to reduce the risk of rust and corrosion. Plastic rods have come a long way, but they still aren’t as durable as metal rods. Reserve these for lightweight shower curtains.

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 mismatched.

Metal rods are available in various finishes, including chrome, gold, brushed nickel, copper, and even simple black or white. Try to match the shower curtain rod to the finish on the faucet, shower head, and shower caddy. If those items are chrome, for example, consider choosing a chrome rod to complete the look.

Shower curtain rods are installed via two methods: tension and mounted. Each method has benefits and considerations.

Tension shower curtain rods are by far the easiest to install. Twist the rod to a length about an inch longer than the distance between the walls. Pull one side inward to shorten the rod and slide it into place.

Mounted rods are a bit trickier as you’ll need to drill holes in the walls and install mounts. For users who are handy with a drill and a measuring tape or a level, mounting a shower curtain rod can be a DIY task.

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 for some of the most frequently asked questions and their answers.

Tension shower rods are well suited to tile walls. A quality tension rod will have rubber endcaps to keep it in place without damaging the tile.

A curved shower curtain rod features a modest outward bow that provides several more inches of elbow room in the shower.

Just like a straight shower rod, you can place a curved shower curtain rod between the opposing walls of a shower or a tub/shower combo with the curved side outwards.

A standard shower curtain rod is approximately 75 to 77 inches above the floor.

Amber Guetebier is a writer, editor, and creative writing instructor who began writing for the Bob Vila team in 2021. Before becoming a freelance writer, she was a landscape designer and nursery professional. She writes about home and garden, parenting, travel, and more for various outlets, including CNET, Angi, ParentMap, and Scary Mommy.

Additional research provided by Glenda Taylor and Jasmine Harding.

Contributing Writer

Amber Guetebier is a gardener, landscaper, and nursery professional with 25 years of experience. She began writing for BobVila.com in 2021 and writes about plants and botanical oddities at Rotten Botany, along with other online publications such as Angi, Cubby, and Motherly.

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