We’ve covered tips before on how to make smaller bathrooms look bigger. In our 1960s house none of the bathrooms have generous footprints, so creating the illusion of height and space has become a regular design challenge. One of the simplest, most effective tricks we’ve tried is hanging an extra-long shower curtain high above the tub to visually raise the ceiling. It’s an inexpensive change with a big impact—especially in a compact bathroom.
I used this technique in our girls’ black and pink bathroom and was thrilled with the result. The room feels taller and more cohesive, and the fabric adds softness and pattern that standard shower curtains rarely provide.
Pin it for later! ⤵️
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Full disclosure
What you need to hang a shower curtain higher
This project is simple and uses common hardware, but the result is dramatic. You may not even need a specialty extra-long shower curtain—window curtain panels or long tablecloths can work just as well when paired with a proper liner.
- Double shower curtain rod — a curved or straight double rod allows you to hang a decorative panel on the outer rod and a waterproof liner on the inner rod.
- Pair of 90″ or longer window curtain panels — these give you more fabric options than standard shower curtains and create a custom look.
- Extra-long waterproof shower curtain liner — necessary to protect fabric panels from water and humidity.
- Shower curtain hooks — for the liner on the inner rod.
- Curtain ring hooks — for attaching fabric panels to the outer rod, or use rod-pocket panels if preferred.
Related: Easy DIY No Sew Curtains With Trim: Step By Step Tutorial
How to measure for a shower curtain
Proper measuring is key to a polished installation. Remember that shower curtains look their best with fullness, so allow extra width for folds rather than buying a panel that hangs flat and tight.
Measure the total length of your shower rod from one end to the other, then add at least 12 inches to give the curtain a gathered, rippled appearance when closed. If you prefer a more generous, billowy drape, add more width. Divide that total width by two to determine how wide each curtain panel should be if using a pair.
Next, measure from the shower rod down to the floor to determine curtain length. Decide whether you want the curtain to skim the floor, hover slightly above it, or puddle a little—then choose panel and liner lengths accordingly. Using longer panels hung higher will visually lengthen the walls and make the ceiling feel taller.
For example, if your shower rod span is 60 inches and you want a full, luxurious drape, you might choose two panels totaling about 100 inches in combined width to create lots of soft folds.
Related: Best Luxury for Less: Curtains, Rods & Shades
Related: How to Make Easy No Sew DIY Cafe Curtains
The benefit of using window curtains as shower curtains
Standard shower curtain options are often limited in fabric, texture, and pattern. Using window curtain panels opens up a much broader range of colors, materials, and design details—pinch pleats, trims, stripes, and textured weaves that are rarely available for the typical shower curtain.
Long tablecloths or thrifted textiles can also be repurposed for a custom look. The key is protecting those textiles with a waterproof liner behind them so the fabric stays dry and lasts longer in a humid bathroom environment.
Beyond aesthetics, heavier fabric panels hung higher add sound dampening and a feeling of luxury. They also allow you to coordinate the shower with the rest of the bathroom decor, creating a seamless, tailored appearance.
Related: Our Black and Pink Bathroom Refresh
Related: 14 Tricks to Make a Small Bathroom Look Bigger
How to hang a shower curtain higher
Follow these simple steps to raise your shower curtain and add instant height to the room:
1. Install the double shower rod high on the wall, just below crown molding. If your bathroom doesn’t have crown molding, position the rod 2–3 inches below the ceiling. Placing the rod high is the main optical trick; it draws the eye upward and visually lengthens the wall.
2. Hang a long, waterproof shower curtain liner on the inner rod using standard shower hooks. The liner protects your decorative panels from splashes and humidity.
3. Attach the decorative curtain panels to the outer rod with curtain rings, or slide rod-pocket panels onto the rod if you prefer that look. Rings make it easy to swap panels and are helpful when using unconventional fabrics like tablecloths that don’t have a rod pocket.
4. Smooth or steam any wrinkles for a tailor-made finish. A garment steamer works well on most fabrics, and steaming also helps the panels hang evenly for a clean, high-end appearance.
That’s all there is to it—quick, affordable, and transformative. If the raised curtain blocks overhead lighting, consider adding a battery-operated ceiling light so you don’t need to run new wiring.
When choosing panels, opt for machine-washable fabrics or ones that can be easily spot-cleaned since bathroom textiles will occasionally absorb moisture. Neutral fabrics, vertical stripes, or small-scale patterns work well to enhance the vertical emphasis and keep the bathroom feeling open.
Here are a few curtain styles that work beautifully as extra-long shower curtains: black and white stripes, linens, pinch-pleat panels, subtle florals, textured plaids, and scalloped or ruffled edges for a softer look. These options allow you to tailor the style to match modern, farmhouse, or vintage bathroom decor.
- Black and white stripe curtains
- Toile or floral panels
- Pinch pleat or tailored linen blends
- Textured or plaid panels for visual interest
Have you tried hanging an extra-long curtain in your bathroom? I’d love to hear about your results—this trick is simple enough to try in a weekend and can make a small space feel surprisingly spacious.
Pin it for later! ⤵️
More Bathroom Decorating Tips
14 Tricks to Make a Small Bathroom Look Bigger
Simple Spa Bathroom Ideas to Create Luxury for Less at Home
Affordable Vintage Bathroom Mirrors + How to Upgrade a Builder Grade Mirror
See more bathroom decorating ideas here.