How to Spruce Up a Fabric Shower Curtain

Spruce up your fabric shower curtain and give it a fresh new look.

If you have an old shower curtain that could use some sprucing up, there are plenty of things you can do to give it a new lease on life. From simply giving it a good cleaning to embellishing it will ribbons, lace or faux flowers, your shower curtain's spiffy new look will also give your bathroom a fresh, new attitude. Making over your shower curtain is a fun, easy project that lets you use your creativity.

Things You'll Need

• Ribbons, lace, pom-pom trim or other embellishments
• Straight pins
• Sewing machine
• Waterproof fabric glue

Instructions

1. Clean your shower curtain thoroughly. Most fabric shower curtains are made from water-friendly fabrics that can be machine washed. Check its care label to be certain. If it is stained, soak it in hot water to which you have added oxygenated non-chlorine bleach and wash and dry on the gentle cycle. If your shower curtain cleans up nicely you may find that it doesn't need further sprucing up.

2. Gather your materials or shop for materials. Some embellishment ideas are to sew pom-pom or fringe trim across the top and bottom of the curtain, sew a wide band of contrasting material or ruffles across the top or bottom, sew on a series of grosgrain ribbon "stripes" or glue a border of bright silk flowers across the top. If your shower curtain has stains that won't come out, sew a series of colorful pockets onto the curtain, strategically placing the pockets to cover the stains. When finished, place faux flowers in the pockets so they peek out the top or use the pockets to store lightweight shower accessories.

3. Lay the shower curtain out on the floor or on a large table. Plan the finished look of the curtain by placing embellishments on it without attaching them. Play with the arrangement until you are satisfied with the way it looks. Pin the embellishments in place.

4. Attach the embellishments with a sewing machine or with waterproof fabric glue. Let the glue dry overnight.

5. Hang the shower curtain. Add to its new look at this point by hanging it with pretty ribbons or ties you've cut from contrasting fabric. Cut lengths of ribbon or fabric, put one through each hole in the shower curtain and tie each directly to the rod. Bows give a feminine look, while knots are more gender neutral. Hang a vinyl shower curtain liner with the shower curtain on the tub side so your pretty "new" shower curtain faces the room. The liner will help the curtain look better longer by keeping it dry as well as keep water from splashing on the floor.

Tips & Warnings

• Once you have embellished your shower curtain, try to keep washing it to a minimum. When you do wash it, hand wash it carefully and hang it to dry.

References

• Make It and Love It: Decorate My Home, Part 15 -- Shower Curtain
• Natural Surroundings: DIY Ruffled Shower Curtains
• Evolution of Style: Shower Curtains With Flair