Don't Toss Your Old Shower Curtain: Turn It Into An Affordable Backsplash For Your Desk

When your shower curtain gets old, it goes into the trash. At least, that's the typical way to handle it. But instead, why not try some creative hacks before throwing away your old shower curtains? For example, you can turn it into an affordable backsplash for your desk. 

The idea for this clever DIY comes from TikTok creator @sarah_elizabeth_pgh. The idea is to create a backsplash, sort of like those seen in kitchens, and to use it for your desk instead. In order to make this backsplash, the creator used a piece of homasote board and covered it with an old shower curtain. You can use whatever shower curtain you have, though opaque ones are better in order to hide the board, and patterned or colorful ones are more visually distinctive. 

Since shower curtain are usually made of plastic, you can wipe it clean after your craft projects. And because it's an old piece of shower curtain, you don't have to worry about getting it dirty permanently. If the backsplash ever gets too covered in paint or ink, simply pull the piece of shower curtain off from the board, and replace it with a new one. Plus, homasote boards are easy to customize: you can find them in lots of different sizes. You can also swap it for a simple plank of wood, or get a piece of cork board instead. The latter is helpful if you'd like to use the backsplash for organization purposes, where you can use push pins and press them into the cork to hold pictures, sheets of paper, or Post-it notes. And if you'd like this backsplash to be magnetic, use a whiteboard, or other magnetic board, instead and cover it with your old shower curtain (if so, you'll need to use glue instead of staples to attach the curtain in place).  

In order to make this backsplash, you need to clean your shower curtain and make sure there is no soap scum on it. In many cases, you can clean you shower curtain in the washing machine. Do check the care label on your curtain, but most materials like PEVA/EVA should be hand washed, while PVC, fabric, or polyester can be washed that way as long as you use a cool setting and gentle cycle.

@sarah_elizabeth_pgh

Love to reuse things instead of tossing them. #creativediy

♬ original sound – sarah_elizabeth_pgh

Once clean and dry, lay the shower curtain flat on a surface, and add your chosen board on top of it. Cut the shower curtain around it, giving about 1 foot of space on all sides. Fold one side over, and secure it in place at the back of the board, either using a wall stapler, push pins, or glue. Repeat this step with all four sides of the board, making sure the curtain is tight. When you're done, place the backsplash onto your desk against the wall. To hold it in place, add a few pieces of Command strips to the back. 

While working at your desk doesn't come with quite as many "splashes" as doing the dishes or cooking, it does come with some mess. Having a backsplash will allow you to safely use your desk for arts and crafts without ruining the wall, whether you're using paint, glue, or other messy mediums. Even if you're not an avid crafter, this type of backsplash is a great stylistic addition to your desk if you're using patterned shower curtains. Plus, it's an affordable way to add a bit of visual interest to your room without paying for an expensive makeover.