There are two accepted methods of washing. Immersing yourself in a bath and wallowing for as long as you like, or having a shower. This latter option involves having a jet of water from a dedicated attachment or as part of your tap arrangement, cascading over you, and most importantly, allowing you to stand up, instead of having to lie down (like in a bath).
Generally, two types of enclosures for showers are used. Shower cubicles – a stand alone enclosure with a door that you can open and close that includes a shower tray to stand on that is the same shape as the enclosure. Or the other option which is shower units affixed to a wall, that are in line with the bath, with the idea being that you step into the bath, turn the shower on and stand underneath to wash.
When you get into the bath to have your shower, you will find that water comes off you at all angles – shoulders, head, knees etc. This can often make for a wet bathroom! The solution that has been in use for a long time to remedy this is the shower curtain.
Shower curtains are made out of plastic or material and drop from near to the ceiling (on their own dedicated curtain pole) down to below the bath lip. This way, all of the water that would normally be collected outside the bath is kept in it! It sounds so simple, yet, if you do not get it right, you could be looking at all sorts of repair bills for flooded floors, damage to the ceiling below, ruined carpet…
So what to look for when choosing a luxury shower curtain? Price will normally be a very good guide. Below a certain figure, only value curtains will be found – often opaque clear plastic. When you pay more, the quality will invariably be higher. Materials can range from man made such as polyester, rayon and vinyl to natural fabrics like cotton, jute and even silk (silk luxury fabric shower curtains are about as opulent as you can get!) The more natural and finer the fabric, the higher the price.
After this, decide what color or design you want. Luxury shower curtains are a lot like wallpaper – a large area that can be used to add color or pattern to an area, and create a design statement. A Victorian bathroom can benefit from a sheer white curtain to match the white porcelain and complement the rich wood tones of the furniture. A bright and splashy curtain can look good in a small modern bathroom, adding a sense of fun to the surroundings. As a rule of thumb, you do not want the curtain to stand out more than other elements in the room, unless you are happy having it stowed away at all times.
Something else to look for is durability. You pay more not only because the materials are such a step above lesser items, but also because their fabric lasts longer, the pattern does not fade when exposed to sunlight as quickly and ripping and tearing your pride and joy in the bathroom is not such a common occurrence.
There are many different brands and makes available: Balineum, DKNY, Eddie Bauer, Tommy Hilfiger and not forgetting Fieldcrest luxury shower curtains.
There are some things to remember and think about before you go out and get what you want.
Firstly, what style do you want? Remember, it needs to look like it is part of the bathroom, that way, it will complement the design, not detract from it.
Secondly, make your mind up about what fabric you want. The more delicate the material, the more you will have to pay.
Lastly, try to have a firm idea of what price you are willing to pay. This way, there will be no shocks when you explain what you paid, and your bank balance will thank you as well.
Now that you have an idea of what you want, it is time for the fun part. Go out shopping and good luck!