The Best Curtains To Pair With A Clawfoot Tub To Make Your Bathroom Feel More Spacious

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It's official: clawfoot tubs are back in style. The old-fashioned bathroom feature is back on trend for 2026, which means more and more people are going to start incorporating them into their bathrooms. The downfall of adding a freestanding tub to your space, however, is that it naturally takes up extra room. And in homes where bathroom square footage is already tight, you might not have space for a clawfoot tub and a separate shower. In this case, the two can be combined, allowing your clawfoot tub to double as a shower — a feature commonly found in older homes. Of course, this setup means you'll need to install a shower curtain to keep the water contained. And if you're working with a small bathroom, there's a specific style to keep in mind: a clear plastic curtain. 

The last thing you want when dealing with a small, cramped bathroom is a shower curtain that makes the space feel even more closed off. That's why a translucent curtain is the way to go — not only will it open up the space, but it will also help brighten it up by allowing natural light from windows to transfer throughout the entire bathroom. Another bonus of clear curtains, as interior designer Mattye Dewhirst has explained, is they don't take away from or clash with the existing decor of the space. "I love a clear shower curtain on an oval curtain rod so as not to obscure the view of the surrounding tile, beadboard, wallpaper, and the rest of the decor," she said in an interview with Martha Stewart magazine.

You might think that shopping for a clear curtain for your clawfoot tub is a straightforward task, but there are actually a few key things to consider before adding one to your cart. One of the most important details to pay attention to is the material the curtain is made of. While they might be the cheaper option on the market, PVC, short for polyvinyl chloride, is known to release toxic substances that can affect your health, so avoid those curtains. Instead, look into PEVA shower curtains, short for polyethylene vinyl acetate, which are chlorine-free and don't release the same kind of toxins. Curtains made of EVA, ethylene vinyl acetate, are another safer option. 

Another thing to think about is size. It's likely that a traditional shower curtain will be too narrow for your clawfoot tub, so make sure to measure it carefully to find a curtain that will wrap around it fully. You may need an extra-wide shower curtain to provide adequate protection.

Of course, if a plastic curtain doesn't fit your style, there are other options that can complement your aesthetic while still creating an open, airy feel. In place of a clear plastic, consider a sheer curtain made from natural materials for a spa bathroom look, such as linen or cotton. Or, if your aesthetic leans toward a farmhouse or English cottage vibe, opt for a sheer lace curtain — this Tudeco Lace Vintage Shower Curtain from Amazon comes in a range of sizes and pairs especially well with the vintage feel of a clawfoot tub.