Dress Up A Basic Shower Curtain With A Common Thrift Store Find

The bathroom is one of those places that feels difficult to makeover without breaking the bank. Often, you think you need to replace something important, like the floor tiles or the vanity, to make a noticeable impact on usability or update the design. However, if you get creative, small changes can make a big difference in this space. Switching out fixtures and fittings, like toilet roll holders or countertop storage, is easy. You can modify your shower curtain, too. If you love the trending cottagecore vibe or want to embrace retro or even antique elements, give your room a vintage touch with a lace curtain overlay. All you need to achieve the look is a sheer curtain from your local thrift store to hang in front of a waterproof liner.

The key to adding a touch of luxury to your bathroom without paying high prices is scouting out elegant fabric second hand. You can craft a stylish DIY shower curtain with a unique twist using nearly any type of textile: gorgeous lacy privacy curtain, a velvet drape, a kitschy gingham tablecloth, or even a pretty patterned sheet. If possible (though not essential), look for fabrics that are naturally more waterproof, like plastic lined materials, outdoor furniture upholstery fabric, waxed cotton, nylon, or polyester. The sky is the limit on how many gorgeous new aesthetics you can create in the bathroom by simply adding thrifted material over your existing shower curtain. Change the fabric with the seasons or with a new find every time you visit the second hand store.

Before starting this project, check the measurements on your current shower curtain to see what dimensions your fabric find needs to be. The standard size for shower curtains is 70 inches by 72 inches, but this can vary across brands. Curtain size can also be influenced by fixture placement, such as showerhead height and whether you have a stall or tub. With your measurements in hand, it's time to set out in search of some fabric that fits your preferred bathroom décor aesthetic. Lace is a nice touch for a vintage look, but you can also go with a faux satin brocade for a luxurious feel. Visit your local thrift store to find something that works for you, or dig around in the back of your linen closet or that of your family's.

Once you've found some fabric in the right size, it's time to revamp your bathroom. First, check if the fabric needs hemming and do so using your sewing machine or hemming tape for a no-sew option. After washing — and ironing, if needed — the piece of material, it's time to hang it on top of the existing waterproof shower curtain. If your thrifted find has grommets installed already (perhaps you nabbed some quality drapes for cheap), you can easily loop your existing shower curtain rings through them. If not, get some Azmoncy Curtain Rings with Clips and simply clip the fabric to them. Get creative and add tiebacks or stitch smaller pieces of fabric together in a patchwork. Try this chic shower curtain hack for an instantly elevated look — using two fabric panels instead of one.