Reasons to buy a shower curtain

1. Soften the surfaces. Great swaths of fabric (waterproofed or backed with a water-resistant liner) can temper the overall aesthetic of a bathroom that’s in danger of becoming too harsh or sterile. This classic, serene design, with a harmonious blend of marble, tiles and dove-gray paint, is softer and less clinical thanks to the beautiful floor-length shower curtain that runs the length of the bath. Make sure your curtain — or at least the outer fabric section — can be washed at home, so any hint of mildew or staining can be nipped in the bud.

2. Personality. Simply put, shower curtains can instantly inject a blast of color, print and personality with the minimum of fuss, expense and effort. Be bold with color in the bathroom and remember, you don’t have to stick with top-to-bottom white for a fresh feel. I love the brave accents of acid yellow in this bathroom, which glow against the dotted shower curtain in a neutral, earthy hue.

3. Rev up a roll-top. Roll-top baths with a shower fitted above can be notoriously difficult to pull off — particularly when it comes to dealing with water spills and splashes. Glass panels are generally a no-no where curves and awkwardly shaped tubs are concerned, unless you go for something custom, so your best bet is to install a robust ceiling-mounted rail and finish with a heavy-duty, waterproof shower curtain that can be swept all the way around the inside the tub. I love the muted, earthy palette of tobacco, biscuit and putty here, which gives this traditional bathroom a classy, timeless look all its own.

4. More modern. Hands up if you think shower curtains are a thumbs-down for the modern bathroom. It’s a chic, barely there curtain that’s almost as invisible as any glass screen, but with just a hint of shimmer to add another layer of texture to the graphic brown and white look.