You probably think that custom textiles for your home are beyond your means, but it doesn’t have to be that way. You can start customizing your home's look in your bathroom, with that big swath of cloth known as the shower curtain. Want to learn how to make a custom shower curtain? I knew it. Stay on board and keep reading.

Use Multiple Shower Curtains for a Custom Look

As you explore the shower curtains options in bath departments, you will find that size, color and design selections for moisture resistant panels are very limited. They are usually only 72” X 72”. Rarely is this wide enough or long enough to make an interesting statement to surround the large opening. One solution is to use multiple shower curtains, which can be cut and sewn together to add length and/or width.

Use a Window Treatment and a Vinyl Liner

Another way to customize a shower curtain is to utilize any window treatment. Start by purchasing the largest shower curtain liner that you can find and hang it on the existing rod. Now you have created your water resistant barrier. These are usually quite cost effective, so purchase two.  Since vinyl curtains are prone to mildew or pink mold over time, it is convenient to have an additional liner on hand. If you have a glass enclosure or sliding doors, this is not necessary.

Next, place a tension rod about eight to twelve inches in front of the liner (or glass door) so that your decorative treatment will hang freely. The placement of the rod should also be a couple of inches higher to conceal the liner or top of the glass enclosure when you enter the room. Allow enough space above this rod for ventilation so excess moisture can escape. You've just installed your new drapery hardware!

From this point on, treat the shower opening like any other window.  Measure the height and width of the space and begin designing. Here are some creative options:

• If you are a good seamstress, your options are limited only by your imagination and budget. You can sew a custom window treatment complete with all the embellishments, like decorative trim, an interesting swag tie or a valance. The fabric does not need to be expensive. I have even started with a flat sheet that is the same color or pattern as the adjoining room. 

• If sewing is not your forte, many department stores offer “ready made” window treatments. These will work just fine. They are available in a variety of styles like, pocket, tab tops, rings or pleats. Hang the window treatment on your new tension rod just as you would any other curtain.

• There are also various options for the hardware to hang your new shower curtain. These include no-sew clips with rings, grommets or even ribbon ties. Make sure that it will slide easily along the tension rod so it can be pushed back to access the shower.

• Depending upon your courage level, tightly woven fabrics can be painted. Select solid-color fabrics. Stencil or even free-hand a design in the pattern and colors of your choice with water-based acrylic/latex paint. Once the design has been applied, it should be heat set. Place a thin fabric (like a handkerchief) over the painted area and iron it on the highest setting the fabric will allow. Do not steam. This method will even allow you to wash the shower curtain without damaging the painted design.

• Does your family take quick showers? Or, is there a tendency to linger in the steamy luxury?  If you are concerned about consistent exposure to high humidity, consider applying a spray-on water resistant treatment to the back side of the fabric.
  
  
• Make sure that your tension rod is strong enough to support the weight of your DIY shower curtain creation.

With a little imagination, you can create a decorative shower treatment that will compliment any style or color scheme. The addition of a custom shower curtain can be the perfect touch that adds a designer look to your bathroom. 

Kass Wilson is a Networx writer. 

Updated September 4, 2018.