Shower Curtain Rods

Protect Your Bathroom Floors With a Shower Rail

Shower curtain rails are a practical and stylish addition to any bathroom. Although attention is usually drawn to the curtain, shower rails belong to that finite group of household objects that you don't notice until there is a problem. Available in a variety of fittings, choose from the range of affordable shower rails designs on eBay and protect your bathroom floors from shower spray.

Shower curtain rails provide the benefits of fixed screens in protecting your floor from water spray while expanding the space of the bathroom when the shower's not in use. They also allow for greater flexibility in design and shape as they can be manufactured from a wide range of materials. When hanging a shower curtain, choose a shower rail that is designed to take the weight. See the manufacturer's site for recommended strengths and fittings.

From plain poles to filigreed end pieces, shower rails can be as discreet or opulent as your decor. For longer shower stalls or over-bath showers that are naturally open-ended, choose a shower rail style with L-shaped or U-shaped fittings. If you're a fan of vintage bathroom themes, look for matching shower rail materials. eBay offers a range of styles and designs to suit all decorative tastes.

Depending on the configuration and walls of your bathroom, you need to plan how you are going to fit your shower curtain pole. If the wall is tiled, you should consider a tension curtain pole. The rubber at each end pushes against both tiles, creating the tension that will let you hang a shower curtain of the appropriate weight. Tension poles aren't only for tiles - they can work on most wall surfaces. You can also screw brackets to the wall and fit the rail that way. Each shower rail may have a slightly different procedure, so refer to the manufacturer's instructions.

Plastic is the generally the cheapest shower rail material available. Most commonly produced in white or cream, this type of shower rail is suited to bathrooms that see a lot of traffic such as student accommodation or short-term rental properties. If you're looking for something more luxurious, you should consider stainless steel, chrome, or brass for a vintage effect. Metal poles are often more robust and are easier to keep clean.