Not Cotton Or Linen: The Pretty Bathtub Curtain Material That Adds Vintage Charm

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Dreaming of transforming your contemporary bathroom into a vintage space? You don't have to go so far as to swap your sleek glass and tile shower stall for the claw-foot bathtub with brass fixtures just yet. A full overhaul would cost an arm and a leg. Instead of busting your household budget — or your bathroom walls — to create the vintage bathroom of your dreams all in one go, start with a few small, affordable touches. You can, for example, swap your basic bathtub curtain for a thrifted upcycle with more character by using a lace shower curtain.

Cotton or linen shower curtains are often the go-to options for anyone trying to add warmth, texture, and vintage charm to a space. You can, however, take your interior design up a notch by employing chic ways to decorate with lace curtains that don't involve windows. This airy, ethereal material naturally lightens a bathroom. Plus, since you should always leave your shower curtain closed after showering, the perforations in the fabric allow moisture to escape, keeping the shower area drier and reducing the risk of mold and mildew growth.

Are you wondering what kind of lace shower curtain is best for your bathroom? It really depends on your priorities and how much time you want to put into the maintenance of the curtain. Those made with synthetic fibers tend to be more mildew-resistant than their cotton or linen counterparts. On the other hand, lace shower curtains made with natural fibers are more breathable and eco-friendly (especially if they're organic), but need frequent washing.

Lace shower curtains are very flexible. You can mix and match the curtain, liner, rings, and rod to suit your personal taste. The shower curtain sets the tone, so start there. If you're hoping to channel your inner upper-class resident of Victorian London, look for a jewel-toned curtain, like this Wansoul Burgundy Red Lace Shower Curtain with a scalloped hem. Or for an Old World French countryside vibe, choose the Wazzio Vintage Lace Shower Curtain in beige. It features tassels on the bottom hem. Tie back the curtain when it's not in use to up the romance.

Prefer something with lots of personality? Go for a curtain made of chunky lace in a bright hue, like the Lumina Garden Boho Crochet Shower Curtain in teal. Next, you need to pick the perfect shower curtain liner. Transparent liners let in lots of light, but if you'd value privacy, an opaque liner may be the better choice. There are also tinted liners, like this pretty Barossa Design Clear Lavender Shower Curtain Liner, that you can match to your bathroom's existing color palette. To finalize the look, play around with different styles of shower curtain rings. A set of Chictie Nickel Shower Curtain Hooks would add modern flair, while bronze rings are more authentically vintage.

Every two to three weeks, give your shower curtain a refresh with a natural cleaning method — following the manufacturer's care instructions, of course. That typically involves handwashing the curtain in cold water with a non-abrasive detergent. Gently rub the fabric together to clean it, then rinse the curtain with fresh water. Press out the water (resist the urge to wring the fabric), then hang the curtain over the shower rod to dry.