Plastic shower curtains often cling, stain, and smell musty despite regular washing. Designer Nureed Saeed notes that curtains in damp areas rarely dry fully, leading to mold.
Here are 12 bathrooms showcasing glass or linen alternatives to plastic curtains, blending functionality with design.
Glass Enclosures That Raise Bathroom Design
In El Segundo, California, Natalie DiPiazza replaced a curtain with a hinged glass door to highlight graphic blue tiles. This approach keeps the tile visible while preventing water spillage.
In Portland, Oregon, Michelle Ruber refinished an original tub and added aqua glass tiles with a clear glass door. This upgrade shows how glass can enhance a bathroom without replacing the tub.
For a 52-square-foot bathroom in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, Susan Klimala installed a sliding glass door on a chrome barn-door track. This space-saving design complements a black, white, and gray palette with oak accents.
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In San Jose, Pamela Lin used a glass panel covering 60% of the tub’s width, protecting the spray zone while leaving the rest open. This mimics tub screens from big-box stores but with a custom touch.
Custom Solutions for Unique Spaces
In Toronto, Kate Dickson designed a custom glass enclosure to fit a sloped roof. Custom panels can adapt to alcoves, angled ceilings, and nonstandard heights.
Jaci Springfield paired a glass panel with an outward-swinging door, making water controls accessible while showcasing shower tile. She emphasizes the need for regular maintenance with a squeegee.
In a small bathroom by Nu Interiors, Nureed Saeed chose a single glass panel for a spa-like feel and easy cleanup. However, in areas with mineral-heavy water, the glass requires wiping after each use to stay clear.
A Spanish Revival home in Los Angeles features fully sliding glass doors that enclose the tub, preventing water escape in a tight space.
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Glass isn’t maintenance-free. It shows water streaks more than curtains, and partial tub screens may not contain splashes as well as full doors. Contractor Michael Guttilla notes that glass tub screens start at about $200, while custom installed screens or doors run about $1,000 to $5,000. Mounting a screen may mean drilling into tile, and many manufacturers recommend professional installation.
Fabric Curtains for a Soft, Custom Look
In Denver, Jenny Murphy of J Reiko Design + Co. opted for a custom linen pinch-pleat curtain in a 50-square-foot family bathroom. This choice softens the space, offering a drapery-like appearance that contrasts with typical glass enclosures.
Danielle Blundell of Apartment Therapy faced a costly plumbing issue in her bathroom. She concealed a main pipe by installing a 74-by-88-inch cotton-linen pinch-pleat curtain with a custom waterproof liner. This solution hides the problem while adding elegance.
In Miami Beach, Stephanie Tatem of Tatem Interiors combined functionality and style. An outdoor-fabric curtain hangs from a recessed ceiling track, serving as a decorative element. Behind it, a glass partition ensures water containment, blending the softness of fabric with the practicality of glass.
Curved and claw-foot tubs are usually better served by a ceiling-mounted rail and a curtain, since glass panels are generally a poor fit for unusual shapes. Renters can get the linen look without changing any tile: a fabric curtain on a higher rod, with a waterproof liner, since cotton isn’t waterproof. Wet rooms are a true renovation that means tearing out the existing bathroom. Whatever you choose, moisture is still the enemy, so run the exhaust fan after every shower. Pick glass to show off the tile, linen to soften the room, and keep the air moving. That’s the trick.
