Types and choice of rod for curtains in the bathroom
The bathroom is almost always limited in space, so housewives choose functional things, and only then beautiful ones. Such, at first glance, insignificant detail like a curtain rod for a bathroom and a shower tray can be the very element that will perform a protective function against moisture and will transform the room for the better.
Description of the bathroom curtain holder
Water procedures are an intimate process. A curtain on the bar will help to create a privacy zone. The assortment offered by manufacturers is divided into two types according to the material of manufacture: metal and plastic.
Aluminum curtain rod has become popular because of its lightness and practicality. It resists corrosion, decay and deformation in high humidity conditions. The material is sanded and painted. The only drawback is the appearance of scratches on the surface.
Stainless steel is more durable than aluminum, the service flow is unlimited. Steel is polished or chrome plated, resulting in a product that is resistant to any damage.
Note! There is a cheaper version of steel - thin-walled, the appearance is no different, but the "content" will disappoint. The material is unreliable.
A stick for curtains in the bathroom made of plastic is in demand because of its cheapness. However, the miser pays twice. The material is fragile and will not last long; it will fade over time and acquire a yellow coating. The pluses include hassle-free care and an attractive look, since the choice of color palette is unlimited.
The combination boom consists of a metal bar and plastic flanges. This combination made the product cheaper, but plastic resin fixings cannot be strong.
Also, cornices differ in design:
- Corner;
- Semicircular;
- Telescopic;
- Sliding;
- L-shaped;
- Double.
Corner
Corner cornice is intended for a room with a non-standard layout or for a corner bathtub, which must be closed on both sides. The product is constructed from a hollow one-piece steel pipe. Available angular bars: L-shaped, U-shaped and asymmetric.
Above the round and oval baths, which stand against the wall, a U-shaped crossbar made of stainless metal alloys is installed. The cornice is necessarily attached with two points to the wall and two to the ceiling, for additional structural strength.
Asymmetric is necessary when the bathtub or shower tray has irregular shapes. Such a rod is able to repeat the lines of plumbing due to the couplings that connect the elements.
Important! Even the strongest asymmetric bar will not withstand more than 10 kg, since it has a weak point - coupling joints.
Semicircular
The semicircular cornice is very popular for fixing the curtain along the contour of triangular, round and oval bathtubs. It looks modern and, most importantly, is easy to install. The arc rod is presented on sale from aluminum, stainless steel and metal-plastic.
Important! Do not attempt to bend the aluminum bar to make the radius of the product larger, the material will burst.
In order to choose the right semicircular cornice, you need to measure the radius of the bath and the distance from wall to wall, then choose a specific option that is suitable for measurements. The following sizes can be found in stores:
- From 80x80 to 150x150 cm - symmetrical baths;
- Asymmetric baths;
- 90x110 and 90x120;
- 100x120 and 130x85;
- 140x90 and 140x75;
- 150x100 cm.
Telescopic
The best choice if none of the standard sizes fit the bathroom is a telescopic shower curtain rod. Its design is remarkable in that:
- One pipe is in the other and extends to the desired length;
- No complicated installation work is required, since it has a spacer type mount;
- Not whimsical in regular care.
Unfortunately, it is only suitable for a short distance, since its length is from 85 to 135 cm.
There is a kind of telescopic cornice - expander. He is able to "turn" at the required angle.
Sliding
The sliding mechanism of the cornice is designed so that a crossbar of a smaller diameter is inserted into a pipe of a larger diameter with a spring system inside, which fixes the mechanism in a given position. The number of fixation points can be more than one, depending on the length of the telescopic rod. The length is reached up to 270 cm.
The steel surface is covered with paint of various colors; it will not be difficult to find to taste.
A sliding rod for a curtain in the bathroom has its drawbacks:
- Not suitable for heavy wet fabrics, only light material will withstand;
- Requires precise installation;
- It will last longer if the shutter fixing method is woven or plastic.
L-shaped
The rod is a one-piece steel tube, 25 cm in diameter, bent at a right angle (90 degrees). Such models are well suited for rectangular and triangular bathtubs, as well as for a square shower tray. The following sizes are available: 190x190, 170x75 and 175x70 cm.
The corner does not sag and holds the heavy curtain well. It will last a very long time, if you do not specifically break the crossbar and provided it is rigidly connected to the mount.
Important! L-shaped cornices assembled from several elements are less hardy due to joints and connections.
Double
Manufacturers offer double bar curtain rods. One can be used to dry towels, the other to hold the curtain. Or hang it on the first beautiful curtain, which will carry an aesthetic function, and on the second, practical one - not soaking material. The market provides a choice of products: with straight or arched rods.
Which one is better to choose
It is clear that the choice is dictated by the shape and size of the plumbing, as well as the size of the room and its architectural features, so you should arm yourself with a meter and take measurements:
- distance between walls;
- the width and length of the bath;
- unusual details or how far the bath protrudes from the wall.
It is necessary to take into account the materials of wall decoration in the place where the cornice will be attached. This refers to hollow spaces in the wall or a fragile connection of tiles, plastic panels. The mounting options will depend on this: ceiling, wall or ceiling-wall type of fixation.
Consider in advance what kind of fabric you will use for the curtain. The reliability of the curtain rod depends on the severity of the curtain, so be guided by the following data:
- gripping the bar with a 15 mm mount - light weight;
- grip 20-25 mm - average weight;
- 40 mm - for heavy fabrics.
Little things should not be overlooked either. The split curtain rings will be more convenient and easier to replace. Use plastic clips to prevent them from making loud metal noise.
How to install correctly
The curtain rod is attached using fittings:
- Mounting dowels and self-tapping screws;
- On suction cups;
- Flange mounted;
- On a bracket-type mount;
- With mounting hooks.
Note! Suction cups cannot hold a lot of weight, they will not last for a long time.
As mentioned above, there are several ways to attach the cornice: to the wall, to the ceiling and the combined version. Cornices are fixed to the wall, requiring only two attachment points. These are L-shaped, arc and sliding rods.
Asymmetric or bent in several places sticks, like corner U-shaped ones, require a combined fastening, or additional support in the form of a stand from the floor.
Ceiling fixing is needed for a cornice with several elements fixed to each other by couplings. Elements are attached with brackets. You can show your imagination and make such a fastening an element of decor using chains, rods, tubes, etc.
Note! Ceiling mounts will not work with stretch canvases, clapboard and plastic panels.
The sliding bar has a special fastening method. As a result of unscrewing the pipe with moving tips, its length increases until it becomes tight between the walls. Due to this, the spacer occurs. We fix the length by clamping the retractable crossbar at the location of the spring. It provides the immobility of the structure.
In a house where comfort and order reigns there are no trifles. The safety of using the curtain rod, as well as ease of use, depends on the right choice. Make the effort now and have enjoyed it for decades.
Video: installation of a curtain rod for a curtain in the bathroom
50 designs for bathroom curtain rods
