Most people don’t think much about their shower curtain. It’s just there, right? Blocking water, offering privacy, maybe showing off a cute pattern if you’re feeling fancy. But here’s the truth: a high shower curtain can completely change your bathroom’s vibe. It’s not just a design choice; it’s a style statement.
When I first raised my shower curtain rod, I didn’t expect much. I figured, “Okay, maybe it’ll make the space look slightly taller.” Boy, I was wrong.
It looked like I had renovated the entire bathroom. The space felt bigger, brighter, and more expensive. Ever noticed how hotels hang their curtains super high? Yeah, that’s no coincidence.
14 High Shower Curtain Ideas You’ll Want Right Now
So now, we’re talking about how a high shower curtain isn’t just a detail—it’s the detail. I’ll walk you through stunning examples and share how each one brings something different to your bathroom: luxury, coziness, personality, or that “magazine spread” look we all secretly want.
1. High, Dramatic Floral Curtains Above the Tub
Ever walked into a bathroom that made you stop and say, “Whoa, this looks expensive”? That’s exactly the energy this setup gives. High floral curtains framing a bright window instantly turn a simple tub area into something out of a luxury hotel—or maybe an old European villa.
The black and cream toilet pattern feels both timeless and bold, especially against the dark vanity and matching door. Here’s the thing about dramatic prints: they bring a sense of story. You’re not just bathing—you’re bathing in a piece of art.
Want to recreate it? Choose a pattern with a strong contrast (like black and ivory) and hang it as close to the ceiling as possible. Pair it with dark accents or black fixtures to balance the softness of the florals. It’s basically the “little black dress” of bathrooms.
2. Tall White Shower Curtain with Gold Accents
Now, if you prefer a more modern, minimalist look, this one’s a beauty. Picture a tall white curtain hanging from a gold rod near the ceiling, paired with a white vanity and an arched mirror. It’s clean, airy, and super fresh—like your bathroom just took a deep breath.
The trick here lies in contrast and materials. White gives you that open, spa-like feel, while gold adds just enough warmth and luxury to keep things interesting. The vertical subway tiles echo the curtain’s height, amplifying that stretched, elegant look.
If your bathroom’s small, this is your best friend. Stick to one main tone (white or cream), add a little metallic shine, and raise the curtain to ceiling level. You’ll be shocked how much taller the room feels.
3. Patterned Green Fabric with Scalloped Valance
Here’s one for the bold decorators: a custom green shower curtain with a scalloped trim valance. It’s coordinated with striped wallpaper, creating that beautiful mix of pattern-on-pattern that looks straight out of a designer’s portfolio.
What makes this one shine is balance. The bold patterns work because they’re in the same color family. Green on green = cohesive, not chaotic. The tie-backs give it structure, showing off the white subway tile underneath.
IMO, this setup works best when you want your bathroom to feel like an extension of your bedroom—soft, layered, and full of personality. Pro tip: use decorative trim or scallops to add charm without overwhelming the space. It’s playful, not pushy.
4. Floor-to-Ceiling Pink Toile Curtain
Okay, this one’s a total showstopper. We’re talking floor-to-ceiling pink shower curtain with a green toile pattern. It’s dramatic. It’s fearless. It’s the Barbiecore-meets-English-cottage crossover we didn’t know we needed.
Here’s why it works: commitment. The designer didn’t just throw in a pink curtain—they matched it to the wallpaper, creating a cohesive, layered look. The scalloped valance adds dimension and elegance, while the full length of the curtain elongates the walls.
If you’ve ever felt your bathroom lacked personality, this is your sign. Go for a patterned curtain that ties into your wall color and hang it high. Don’t be afraid of color—especially in small spaces. A little drama never hurt anyone 😉
5. Lively Green Botanical Print
Nature lovers, this one’s for you. A custom high-hung curtain in green botanical print instantly brings energy and freshness to your bathroom. The bold scalloped edge and matching valance give it a polished, tailored feel while keeping it vibrant.
Against white subway tile and green wallpaper, it feels like stepping into a chic garden suite. The secret? Repeating the same tone in different textures—matte tiles, glossy fabric, and printed wallpaper.
Want to bring this vibe home? Choose one color (like sage, olive, or emerald) and repeat it across surfaces. A high curtain with a soft botanical print ties it all together effortlessly. It’s like giving your bathroom a breath of fresh air.
6. Vibrant Floral Curtain with Mustard Yellow Wallpaper
Now we’re talking fearless color mixing! This high floral curtain in orange, green, and blue totally pops against mustard yellow wallpaper. Add in a white marble vanity, and boom—instant eclectic luxury.
What’s genius about this combo is contrast. Warm yellow + cool blue tones = perfect balance. The tailored valance softens the boldness, giving the whole setup a curated, intentional look rather than chaos.
If you’re nervous about mixing prints, here’s the hack: keep one dominant pattern (like the curtain) and let everything else complement it. A little bravery with color can transform your space from “cute” to “Pinterest-worthy.” FYI, this one definitely lands on the “bold and beautiful” side.
7. Tapestry-Style Tree Pattern with Brass Fixtures
Old-world charm lovers, this one’s pure magic. A rich, high shower curtain with a tapestry-like tree pattern feels luxurious and timeless—like something you’d find in a historic manor house. Paired with light blue trim and antique brass fixtures, it’s sophistication at its finest.
The beauty here lies in texture. The heavy fabric adds weight and drama, making the space feel grounded and serene. The subtle blue accents keep it fresh, so it doesn’t feel too dark or dated.
If you love vintage or traditional design, go for patterned curtains with depth—think botanical, damask, or tapestry-inspired prints. Combine them with aged metals like brass or bronze, and you’ll have a bathroom that feels truly one-of-a-kind.
8. Simple Linen Curtain Framing a Bank of Windows
Alright, let’s switch gears from bold patterns to something refreshingly calm — the high-hanging linen shower curtain. Picture this: a soft linen drape framing three windows above a white tub, falling gracefully from ceiling to floor. No frills, no fuss — just pure, understated elegance.
This look proves that minimalism doesn’t mean boring. The floor-to-ceiling drop draws your eye upward (again, that magical height illusion), while the linen’s texture adds warmth and softness. When paired with checkered marble floors and subway tile, the contrast between rustic and polished feels perfectly balanced.
The key takeaway here? Neutral doesn’t have to be plain. It’s all about layering natural materials — think linen, marble, and metal — to create visual depth. If your bathroom gets a lot of light, linen is especially stunning because it catches and diffuses sunlight in the most flattering way.
Pro tip: Always pre-shrink or steam linen before hanging it high. The last thing you want is your elegant curtain turning into high-water pants.
9. Dark Green and White Floral Curtain with Emerald Tile
Ever wanted your bathroom to look like it belongs in a boutique hotel? This high, vibrant shower curtain in dark green and white floral print is your shortcut there. Against deep emerald subway tiles, it’s the kind of contrast that makes people stop mid-scroll on Pinterest.
The gold curtain rod ties it all together, adding warmth and just enough shine to make the space pop. Gold + green is an underrated combo — luxurious yet organic.
If your bathroom leans toward bold colors, this is your moment. Pair rich tones with clean prints and metallic accents for a perfectly balanced space. And remember: glossy tile + matte fabric = design gold. Literally and figuratively. 😉
10. Taupe Curtain with Patterned Tile and Brass Fixtures
Let’s talk about drama — not the messy kind, but the glamorous, moody kind that makes your bathroom feel like a five-star suite. A heavy taupe shower curtain, hanging from ceiling to floor on a curved rod, adds instant sophistication.
The patterned taupe subway tile keeps it from feeling flat, while brass fixtures warm up the palette beautifully. It’s cozy, cocoon-like, and ridiculously elegant.
What I love here is how the curved rod changes everything. It gives your shower space a custom, enclosed feel, almost like a spa pod. If you’re aiming for “quiet luxury,” this look nails it. Keep the tones soft and the textures plush, and you’ll never want to leave your bathroom again.
11. High White and Gray Striped Curtain
This is proof that small bathrooms can still have major personality. A white and gray striped curtain hung near the ceiling does double duty — it emphasizes height and adds visual rhythm. The stripes draw the eye up (yep, again with that trick), while the color contrast brightens the whole room.
When paired with a dark blue wall and light blue vanity, the result is charmingly nautical without screaming “beach house.” The look feels crisp, modern, and easy to replicate.
If your bathroom feels cramped, go vertical with narrow stripes. Avoid thick or busy patterns — they’ll make the space feel cluttered. And here’s a bonus: stripes never go out of style. They’re basically the denim of home decor.
12. Voluminous Beige Curtain Beside a Glass Shower
Here’s a masterclass in mixing modern and soft. A tall, voluminous beige shower curtain next to a glass shower screen creates the perfect blend of cozy and contemporary. The neutral tones, round sink, and brass fixtures make the whole space feel intentional and calm.
This one’s a great example of how fabric can soften a hard-edged modern bathroom. The glass adds structure; the curtain adds soul. Together, they balance each other beautifully.
If you’re going for this vibe, stick with earthy neutrals — taupe, beige, or warm gray — and play with texture over pattern. Think of it as “quiet design confidence.” It doesn’t shout, but it definitely gets noticed.
13. Blush Velvet Curtain for Luxe Texture
If there were ever a “wow” curtain, this is it. A floor-to-ceiling velvet curtain in blush or champagne turns your bathroom into pure elegance. Velvet automatically says luxury, but when hung high next to white subway tile, it feels balanced — glamorous yet grounded.
The way velvet reflects light adds so much depth. Even in a small bathroom, it makes the space feel plush, like stepping into a boutique powder room in Paris. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t want that energy while brushing their teeth? 🙂
Velvet can be intimidating, but don’t overthink it. Stick with soft shades like blush, taupe, or ivory, and avoid over-accessorizing. The curtain is the star here. Everything else should quietly support it.
14. Taupe Floral Curtain with Ruffled Top
Last but definitely not least — a warm taupe shower curtain with a delicate floral block print and ruffled top edge. It’s classic, feminine, and wonderfully nostalgic. The dark rod with brass rings gives it a tailored finish, while the white subway tile keeps it from feeling overly vintage.
This look is perfect if you love cozy, romantic interiors. The ruffles soften the space, while the floral print adds charm without being too loud. It’s the kind of detail that makes people lean in and say, “Oh wow, where did you get that?”
To pull it off, choose earthy neutrals with subtle patterns and mix in warm metallics like aged brass. The combination feels timeless — like something that’s always been there but still looks fresh.
How to Choose the Perfect High Shower Curtain
Now that we’ve swooned over all these gorgeous designs, let’s talk about how to pick the right high shower curtain for your space. Not every bathroom needs a dramatic velvet moment (though I’ll never discourage it). The right one depends on your layout, lighting, and personality.
Here’s the cheat sheet:
- Small bathrooms: Go for light colors and simple patterns to open up the space.
- Tall ceilings: Play with rich textures or layered valances to fill vertical space.
- Low ceilings: Use vertical stripes or solid neutrals to elongate the room visually.
- Bold decor lovers: Mix prints, but stay within a consistent color palette.
- Minimalists: Stick to natural fabrics like linen or cotton — they age beautifully and never feel overdone.
And don’t forget curtain length. Your goal is to kiss the floor or hover just above it. Anything shorter ruins the illusion.
Installation Tricks That Will Make a Big Difference
You’ve got your dream curtain — now make it look professional. Hanging it right can make or break the look.
A few insider tips:
- Mount the rod close to the ceiling. Even 6–8 inches higher than standard will make a world of difference.
- Use sturdy hooks or rings. Heavy curtains need solid hardware (trust me, you don’t want a 3 a.m. rod collapse).
- Steam your curtain after hanging. Wrinkles ruin drama — and we’re here for drama, not drama. 😉
- Layer it. Add a waterproof liner behind decorative fabric if you want that high-end drape look without worrying about mildew.
- Curved rods = instant upgrade. They expand your shower space and make your curtain hang more gracefully.
The result? A bathroom that looks styled, not slapped together.
Conclusion
So here’s the thing: a high shower curtain isn’t just about function — it’s about transformation. It turns an ordinary bathroom into a space that feels taller, calmer, and more luxurious, no matter your budget.
Whether you go for floral drama, velvet glam, or linen simplicity, height always wins. That extra few inches above the tile? It’s the secret sauce to making your bathroom feel designed, not just decorated.
Honestly, once you’ve tried it, you’ll never go back to standard height again. Every time you walk in, you’ll catch yourself thinking, “Wow, this looks amazing — and all I did was move a curtain rod.”
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be in my “spa-like” bathroom pretending I’m at a boutique hotel. You should probably go measure your curtain rod height too.
