Of all the furnishing in your home, the shower liner likely doesn’t top anyone’s list of head turners. But if you regularly step out of the tub and onto a small lake on the bathroom floor, it’s time to get a little more familiar with the setup. But what’s the difference between a shower liner versus a curtain — and do you really need both? 

In this article, we’ll cover what a shower liner and curtain do and how to choose the right materials, styles, and sizes for your bathroom setup. Whether setting up a new shower space with decor in mind or just trying to fix that daily puddle, we’ve got you — and your bathroom floor — covered.

What’s a shower liner? 

A shower liner is a waterproof layer that hangs inside your bathtub or shower. It's designed to keep water from splashing out onto your bathroom floor, soaking your bath mat and creating a potential fall hazard. Shower liners also keep your shower curtain dry, avoiding buildup of mildew, mold, and soap scum. This makes cleaning easier and extends the life of decorative curtains. 

Where do you place the shower liner? 

Shower liners are typically hung on the same set of hooks as a shower curtain but positioned on the inside of the tub or shower base. Many liners are designed with small weights or magnets at the bottom to help them stay in place and prevent water from escaping. 

What are shower liners made of? 

Typically, shower liners are made with non-porous materials like vinyl or plastic, although there are fabric liners made of water-resistant polyester as well. These materials are easy to clean — sometimes even machine-washable — and they hold up well in damp environments. Usually, liners are clear or semi-transparent, though there are options with solid colors or subtle textures if you prefer more coverage. 

Shop for shower curtain liners on Onton

What’s a shower curtain? 

A shower curtain hangs on the outside of your shower setup. Unlike the shower liner, which repels water, the curtain’s job is to maintain your privacy and add a little style to your bathroom. It hangs outside the tub or shower, providing a decorative barrier while you wash, and further helps prevent splashes of water from reaching the bathroom floor. 

Where do you place the shower curtain? 

Shower curtains are hung on the same rod as the shower liner but positioned on the outside of the tub or shower base. Curtains come with grommets or holes for easy hanging and can be pulled back or drawn shut as needed. 

What are shower curtains made of? 

There are lots of different types of shower curtains made from a diverse range of materials, including fabric (cotton, linen, polyester) and plastic (vinyl). Fabric curtains are great for creating a softer look (think breezy Mediterranean patterns or bold bohemian paisley). Vinyl shower curtains, on the other hand, add a sleek, glossy finish that can dial up the drama on maximalist interior design. 

Find unique patterned shower curtains on Onton

Shower liner versus shower curtain: Key differences and when to use each

Shower liners and curtains are peas in a pod — one’s the protective layer, the other’s the thing being protected. Technically, you can use one without the other, but together they make a functional, stylish duo. 

Here’s how the two stack up. 

Placement and installation

When you’re figuring out how to hang a shower curtain and liner, keep this in mind: Shower liners hang inside the tub or shower to keep water in, while curtains hang on the outside, facing the rest of the room. They’re both hung on the same curtain rod using shared hooks, keeping the shower curtain protected when it’s pulled open and shut. 

Size

Shower curtain liner sizes should match the dimensions of your shower curtain so that you don’t have any extra material bunched up on the floor. If you have a shower stall, buy liners and curtains specifically for this use case. 

Maintenance and cleaning

The best shower curtain liners are low-maintenance. Rather than scrubbing with a sponge and soap, look for a shower curtain liner you can toss in the washing machine. It’s not just fabric shower liners that are machine washable — many plastic and vinyl liners can withstand a rinse cycle, too. 

Be sure to remove the rings and check the care label to avoid cleaning mishaps. After the wash, hang it up to dry. The same goes for fabric shower curtains: cotton, linen, and polyester are often machine-washable, though they'll require special handling to avoid damage when drying. 

To keep your shower curtain liner and shower curtain in better shape long-term, pull them fully closed after each wash so they can air-dry evenly. That little habit prevents extra mildew, water spots, and damp aroma from settling in. 

Style versus functionality

Shower liners are all about utility — they’re meant to keep floors and walls dry and protect your shower curtain from damage. Although there are liners with subtle details, like ribbed textures or frosted finishes, they’re meant to be backstage crew, not the star of the show. 

Shower curtains, meanwhile, take up a lot of visual space and set the tone for your bathroom decor. Whether you lean into coastal design with cool blues and nautical stripes or go minimalist with an off-white linen fabric curtain, a good curtain completes the look. 

Cost 

Liners are generally inexpensive, especially if you opt for a basic plastic or vinyl. Curtains vary widely in price depending on the material and design, with fabric options typically costing more than vinyl and polyester. Expect anywhere from $10 for a basic white polyester liner to upwards of $75 for organic cotton with bold patterns. 

Do you need a shower curtain liner if you have a shower curtain? 

Technically, no, but for maximum protection, yes. A shower curtain on its own will give your floors and walls some protection, but likely not enough. Without a shower curtain liner, you’ll end up with soggy bath mats, extra cleanup, and a curtain that wears out fast from moisture and mildew. A shower liner isn’t necessary, but it’s definitely the practical choice. 

Find the perfect shower curtain with Onton

Do you need fresh ideas to decorate your main or guest bathroom? Let Onton’s AI-powered search engine help you explore your bathroom design ideas. Try a prompt like “floral fabric shower curtain” to find the perfect design. 

Once you narrow down your favorites, use Onton’s Imagine tool to see how they work in your space. Upload a picture of your bathroom and experiment with different styles and finishes. It’s a quick, intuitive way to design your dream washroom. 

Dream up your ideal curtain/liner duo today with Onton.