DIYer's Clever Harbor Freight Hack Creates Stunning Shower Curtains On A Budget

Shower curtains are a must-have for most bathrooms, and while many are fairly affordable, luxury curtains can cost hundreds of dollars. TikTok creators @joyful.little.things found a budget-friendly alternative to a traditional shower curtain on a trip to their local Harbor Freight store. Their solution wasn't just economical; it was easy to adapt for either a full-sized bathtub or a walk-in shower, and the finished product doesn't look like something they only spent a few bucks on. A painter's drop cloth is just one of many inexpensive Harbor Freight tools worth buying, even as an unexpected shower curtain solution. The drop cloths are made from undyed canvas (most with finished edges) in the $10 to $15 range, such as the 6x9 Canvas Drop Cloth selling for $10.99 a piece. Otherwise, a pair of sharp scissors, a sewing kit, and a package of curtain hooks with clips are all you need to complete this shower curtain hack.

Most bathtubs are around 60 inches long, but showers can vary in size depending on their type and location in the bathroom. Measure the width of the tub or shower enclosure and height of the curtain rod to choose the right shower curtain size and inform your drop cloth purchase. Drop cloths come in standard sizes, like 6 feet by 9 feet and 9 feet by 12 feet. You'll likely need to size up and then cut down the length and width to perfectly fit your shower space. The couple who repurposed their find decided that cutting it into two equal pieces best suited their needs for their tub, but you may decide one piece works just as well for your setup.

Start prepping your shower curtain conversion by folding the drop cloth in half lengthwise, forming a big rectangle. Smooth out the wrinkles, and use sharp shears to cut the fabric along the fold. Keep in mind that you'll need to hem the unfinished edges you create when you cut the drop cloth to keep the fabric from unraveling. If desired, you can even fold over a foot or so of the curtain to create a valance for added interest. Use curtain hooks or loops with alligator clips attached to them to hang the shower curtain by either hooking them over the shower rod or inserting the rod through the loops. Loops are more secure, but make sure you buy loops or hooks that are large enough to fit over the rod.

Most of Harbor Freight's canvas drop cloths are off-white, a color that can make a bathroom look bigger, but you could also dye them. Choose a solid color that enhances the bathroom's decor, or use a more advanced technique like tie-dye or batik for a more striking focal point. If you want to follow these DIYers' lead a step further, create a bathroom window curtain from a drop cloth that matches the shower curtain for a cohesive room design. After setting up your new shower curtain, all you'll need is a waterproof shower curtain liner for the backside, and your upgrade will be ready to use!