The shape of the shower rod is one of the main constraints when choosing the best shower rod for your bathroom and bathtub. Generally, there are two available shower rod shapes to choose from: straight and curved shower rods. However, although these designs are pretty similar, they are slightly different and will offer different levels of satisfaction to users.
Curved shower rods increase the space for the shower area, reduce injury risks and dirt, and make the bathroom luxurious. On the other hand, straight shower rods are easy to find, save on space and provide a true picture of the bathroom space. Between them, curved shower rods are the better option.
There are fixed and tension adjustable shower rods for both curved and straight rods. The fixed ones are drilled into the wall while the tension ones are held in place by tension. Besides the curved and straight shower rods, there are rectangular, L-shaped, and double shower rods.
Curved vs straight shower rod: differences
Here are features that make curved shower rods different from straight ones:
1. Space Usage
Straight shower rods take more space in your bathroom. On the other hand, curved shower rods allow an extra 33% space in your setting. As such, if you combine a toilet and a shower in one, a curved shower rod will give you an easier time with toilet placement since you have more space to play with.
2. Design And Style
Straight shower rods are old-style with an elegant vibe. On the other hand, curved shower rods are traditional designs with a modern vibe.
3. Depth Perception
Curve shower rods are not suitable to give you an idea about the bathroom area. Straight shower rods will help you better understand the bathroom area.
4. Sanitation Matters
Curved shower rods prevent curtains from getting touched easily, hence less dirty. On the other hand, straight shower rods result in curtain rods getting dirt faster.
5. Preventing Injuries
Curved shower rods prevent property and body injuries, while straight rods are risky to harm property.
6. Price Range
Curved shower rods are more expensive compared to straight shower rods. However, the price difference isn’t a major deciding factor since it’s not too big.
When choosing curved or straight shower rods, these factors come into play since they help you decide what works for your situation. A black shower curtain rod should match the look of most bathrooms without a problem.
Similarities between curved and straight shower rods
Although quite different, curved and straight shower rods are closely similar. They all come in various designs and have different durability and sizes. In addition, it is worth noting that the two require appropriate installation and setups. Not to forget, the two designs serve the same purpose which is holding your shower curtains in place.
Curved shower rods
These shower rods feature a curved profile that resembles a semi-circle from the name’s description. Their outward curving minimizes the chances of wet shower curtains during shower times.
Typically, individuals who like giving less attention to their shower curtains will adore curved shower rods. In addition, it is worth noting that curved shower rods will allow more space in the bathroom, giving you more comfort.
Pros
Using curved shower rods is beneficial. The benefits of using curved shower rods include:
1. Enhanced Space in The Shower
The outward bulging of the curved shower rods grants you more space in the shower area. Notably, the curved shower rods give you about 33% more space than straight rods. The enhanced space allows you to enjoy free movement in the shower without worrying about dirtying the linen with foam.
There are multi-positional curved shower rods that can be curved away from the shower to create more space in it and then curved towards the shower to create more space outside. This helps a lot with bathroom mirror placement since you can easily move the rod out of the way to have more space for the mirror.
2. Reduced Risks of Injuries and Harm
The curved shower rods reduce the risk of injuries and harm through considerable space. More space reduces the chances of getting entangled in the curtains and sliding on the floor when taking a shower.
Small bathrooms have reported high cases of people falling and getting injured. To avoid these problems, you should consider installing curved rods as they offer more space.
3. Makes The Bathroom Luxurious and Upscale
The perfect installation of curved shower rods makes your bathroom look more upscale and luxurious. In most cases, you are required to purchase and install an extra-long shower curtain that touches the floor. The long shower curtain on the curved rod gives an unquestionably fabulous look, perfect for a modern bathroom.
Cons
You are less likely to encounter any challenges after installing curved shower rods. However, curved shower rods have one constrain:
They Are Less Fit for Small-Sized Bathrooms
Curved shower rods require a bathroom with enough leeway to enhance more space. Small bathrooms will not be ideal for a curved shower rod installation. They may necessitate an extra room on their exterior, but this may lead to unnecessary additional costs since extra space is priced.
For example, a curved shower rod next to the toilet can reduce the amount of space available for the toilet area. Double curved shower rods like the Zenna Home NeverRust Rods consist of two curved rods which end up taking even more space in the bathroom.
Straight shower rods
These are reliable shower rods that give a good account in different settings. They are readily available at various stores at reasonable prices, meeting your shopping budget. Also, they are easy to install and require less time and effort. These shower rods can limit movements and pause significant risks of leaving your shower curtains dirty.
Pros
Here are some benefits of using straight shower rods:
1. Cheap And Easy to Find at Local Stores
Almost every shower rod store you visit today has straight shower rods. In addition, due to easy availability, they are more affordable than curved curtain rods. Therefore, they are appropriate for individuals working with fixed budgets.
2. Take Less Space
Most bathroom spaces are not enough, especially when bathtubs are installed at the same place as the shower. Straight shower rods cover less area in your bathroom, whether adjustable or single tension rods.
With the low space requirements, straight shower rods can be used in small-sized bathrooms without requiring extra space.
3. They Enable You to Get a Better Understanding of Your Showering Area
Straight shower rods cover the exact showering space in all shower rooms. This implies that you can see the same things inside and outside. Curved shower rods might not allow you to enjoy space estimation since you need to get inside to understand the room better.
Cons
It is not easy dealing with straight shower rods. You will always face some challenges. Here are the most common challenges with straight shower rods:
1. Shower Curtains Easily Stain
Using straight shower rods, soap and foams are easily smeared on shower curtains. Since they are always fit to size, your body will easily rub against the curtain, making them dirty in the process.
2. They Offer Less Space
Straight shower rods do not curve outwards for extra space inside the bathroom. Whatever you see from the outside is whatever you find on the inside.
However, if you have a bathtub you want to install in a relatively small bathroom, you may find it hard to do so with straight shower rods. With curved shower rods offering up to 33% more space, you can easily measure your bathtub and include the extra space in it.
3. They Bring a Plain and Ordinary Picture in Your Bathroom
If you are more interested in the luxurious designs of shower rods, straight shower rods are not for you. They do not offer a fantastic choice of making your bathroom look more precise and decorated.
Which is the better shower rod?
By comparing curved versus straight shower rods, curved shower rods are better than straight shower rods. They offer more space, aesthetic value, and comfort in your bathroom. You don’t need to worry about decorating your bathroom when you install the rods. In addition, there is a slight difference in the cost, so you can use your little extra money and buy a curved shower rod and a curtain.