How to Choose Shower Curtain Hooks or Rings

Shower curtain hooks last a long time, and many people use the same set for every new curtain they buy. This can result in having shower rings that are faded, cracked or that clash with the room's décor. Shower hooks and rings come in a variety of fun and stylish choices, so it's easy to select pieces that will brighten and enhance the look of your bathroom. Read on for the seven things to consider before choosing the perfect shower curtain hooks for your room.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. 
   Hook styles are the easiest to hang.

   Consider what type of shower curtain ring to buy. Hook styles make it very easy to hang the curtain and/or liner, but they also come off the easiest. They also tend to stick on textured shower rods. Plastic rings are more difficult to hang, but they're less likely to scratch painted curtain rods. There are also shower curtain rings with rollers built-in, so that they easily roll across the top of the rod. Consider which option is best for you.

2. Choose curtain rings that work with your bathroom décor. Colored plastic rings would look great in a brightly decorated children's bathroom, but not in a country style room with warm colors and wood tones.

3. Remember the other fixtures in the room. If you have chrome or brushed silver fixtures, try to stay with silver finishes on your shower hooks. If you have a mixture of elements, consider going with a colored ring that matches the curtain instead.

4. 
   You can buy matching shower rods and hooks.

   Consider the style of curtain rod. If you have an ornate design, you'll want similarly designed rings or hooks. Plain rods can carry off more styles, but an ornate jeweled shower hook would not look its best against a solid painted or plastic curtain rod. Many stores now carry matching sets of curtain rods and rings, so you'll get the perfect look for your room.

5. Consider the finish of the curtain rod. Regardless of the other finishes in the room, the curtain rings shouldn't clash with the rod. Even if you have bronze fixtures, put chrome rings on the chrome rod and they'll disappear from view. The same is true of colors. Unless it's a whimsical theme décor, you won't want to put pink shower curtain rings on a blue curtain rod. Choose a matching or metal hook in the case of colored rods.

6. Work with the style of the shower curtain. Like other elements of the décor, the rings should work with the curtain they're holding up. Think of the curtain as the dress and the curtain hooks as the jewelry. All the elements should work together for the perfect outfit.

7. 
   Work with the print of your curtain.

   Work with the color and print of the curtain. In a floral print, choose rings that match the predominant color. Alternately, you can select a hook with a flower or leaf shape, to attractively blend with the curtain. Simple or clear style curtains can work well with clear plastic or plain metal rings. This will leave the focus on other design elements in the room. (See Tips section.)

Tips & Warnings

• Many stores now sell matching curtains and rings, along with other bathroom accessories. This makes the process very simple, but don't be afraid to mix sets and come up with your own matching styles.
• You can bring the curtain with when you shop at the store, to match colors, but it's probably not necessary. Rings and hooks are available in a variety of choices, but the options aren't endless. If you're looking for a green ring, there may be a bright green option and a sage option. It should be easy to choose which option works best with the curtain you have at home. Keep in mind that it's a small element of the room and doesn't need to be a perfect match.
• Keep in mind that product pictures online might not accurately reflect the color of the actual piece.

Resources

• Selection of Shower Curtain Hooks on Linens N' Things
• Matching Hooks and Rods on Bed, Bath & Beyond

[ValerieDavid]

on 12/28/2007 Thanks grouch! We actually have shower doors in our master bath, but with vaulted ceilings and pale walls it looked pretty cold in there. I added a curtain to cover the doors, and some matching throw rugs, and it really warmed up the space! Thanks for your comments. :)

[grouch]

on 12/27/2007 Great article. These are all wonderful tips to consider. I love my shower doors and would not give them up for the world but when the curtain is the option you have hit the nail on the head with all of your considerations.