The Best Shower Curtains in Australia (2026): 13 Picks That Actually Keep Water In

The Best Shower Curtains in Australia (2026): 13 Picks That Actually Keep Water In

By ·23 June 2026·Last updated 10 October 2026·11 min read

After studying thousands of Australian reviews, the Barossa Design Waffle Stall Curtain is our best overall shower curtain, the EUTXL waffle set is the best curtain and liner kit, and the Ohocut checkered curtain is the best value. Liners, sizes and mould tips covered.

COMPARE AT A GLANCE
Our pick
Barossa Design Waffle Stall Curtain product photo
Barossa Design Waffle Stall Curtain
Half width waffle weave panel for narrow stall showers, our best overall pick
$24.99
$27.99Save 11%
4.7(40474)
Also great
EUTXL Grey Waffle Shower Curtain and Liner Set product photo
EUTXL Grey Waffle Shower Curtain and Liner Set
A 3 in 1 hotel style fabric curtain with a snap in washable liner
$37.00
4.7(2676)
Fabric weight
230 GSM
Size
180W x 188H cm
Liner included
Snap-in fabric
Waterproofing
Water-repellent
230GSMCurtain + liner setWaffle weaveSheer window
Runner up
Ohocut Checkered Shower Curtain product photo
Ohocut Checkered Shower Curtain
Designer checkerboard look, waterproof
$23.35
4.7(1079)
Fabric weight
120 GSM
Size
183W x 183H cm
Waterproofing
Waterproof
Design impact
Checkerboard
Checkerboard printMachine washableWaterproofNo liner needed
Budget pick
Amazon Basics Linen Style Shower Curtain product photo
Amazon Basics Linen Style Shower Curtain
Budget pick: a plain white linen look curtain, backed by more than 30,000 ratings
$18.90
4.6(36462)
Size
183W x 183H cm
Material
100% polyester
Waterproofing
Needs a liner
Review volume
36,462 ratings
Best budgetBright whiteAmazon ChoiceLinen look

Prices checked 8 November 2026 on Amazon AU and subject to change.


Which shower curtain should you actually buy in Australia?

Our best overall shower curtain in Australia is the Barossa Design Waffle Stall Curtain, a 230GSM waffle weave panel rated 4.7 stars and sold by Amazon AU. It is a half width 91cm panel for narrow and stall showers, so for a standard bath choose a full width curtain with a liner from the picks below. If your shower has a glass screen instead of a curtain, our guide to the best shower squeegees for glass screens compares eight squeegees.

For a standard bath, buy a fabric waffle curtain with a snap in liner, like the EUTXL Grey Waffle Shower Curtain and Liner Set, a 230GSM waffle weave measuring 180cm by 188cm with a snap in liner. It is the closest thing to a hotel bathroom you can get from a curtain, it keeps water where it belongs, and the liner pops off to go in the wash when it starts to look grubby. If you only care about getting water off the floor for the lowest possible price, the Barossa Design clear PEVA liner does that one job and has more reviews than almost any shower curtain on Amazon Australia.

Once the curtain is up, our shower storage ideas that need no drilling cover caddies and shelves that keep bottles off the floor.

If the window rather than the shower needs a soft curtain, see our guide to sheer curtains that filter daylight.

Shower curtains look like the simplest purchase in the house, and then you live with the wrong one. It clings to your legs. It goes spotty with mould inside a month. When it does, a shower cleaner for mould and soap scum is the first fix. It is 20cm too short and the water runs straight onto the tiles and into the grout. Australian bathrooms make all of this worse, because our humidity, our older rentals with odd-sized recesses, and our love of open walk-in showers mean a generic American 72-inch curtain often does not fit and does not seal.

We went through the Australian Amazon catalogue, the major homewares retailers, and thousands of local reviews to find curtains that fit real Australian showers, resist mould in our climate, and can actually be bought on Amazon Australia. Below are seven picks reviewed in full for seven different bathrooms, six more listings in the table and cards, plus the buying advice that the retailer category pages leave out: how curtains and liners differ, what GSM means, how to size for a high ceiling, and how to stop the mould before it starts. Most of that fight is won by drying the room out, so if your bathroom has no working extraction, a bathroom exhaust fan matters more than the curtain you choose.


Compare the best shower curtains at a glance

Every curtain below can be bought on Amazon Australia, carries a real star rating from genuine buyers, and has been chosen for a specific bathroom or budget rather than for a generic top ten list. Prices change often, so check the listing for the current price. The quick version: pick a fabric curtain for looks and feel, pair it with a liner for waterproofing, and size up if your ceiling is high or your shower is a walk-in.

PickBest forMaterial and weightSizeRating
EUTXL Grey Waffle Shower Curtain and Liner SetBest curtain and liner set230GSM waffle weave, snap-in fabric liner, weighted hem with two magnets180cm by 188cm4.7 from more than 2,600 ratings
Ohocut Checkered Shower CurtainBest value120GSM waterproof polyester, usable without a liner, no weighted hem183cm by 183cm4.6 from more than 1,000 ratings
Amazon Basics Linen Style Shower CurtainBest budgetPolyester with a linen-look weave, built-in ring holes183cm by 183cm4.6 from more than 36,000 ratings
Barossa Design PEVA Shower Curtain LinerBest clear linerChlorine-free PEVA, 12 rustproof grommets, 3 hem magnets180cm by 183cm4.5 from more than 94,000 ratings
Barossa Design Waffle Stall CurtainBest overall: narrow and stall showers230GSM waffle weave polyester, water repellent, no magnets91cm by 183cm4.7 from a large review base
XOGUIBO Extra Long Shower CurtainHigh ceilings and walk-ins85 percent polyester and 15 percent linen blend, scalloped edge183cm by 229cm4.5 from more than 250 ratings
Inhousolu Tufted Boho CurtainMost luxurious feel256GSM tufted woven fabric with tassels, 14 rust-resistant hooks184cm by 184cm4.4
Biscaynebay Hotel Quality Fabric LinerFabric liner or plain curtain100 percent polyester, water repellent, weighted hem, rustproof metal grommets72 by 72 inchesShown on the card
Alyvia Spring Waterproof Fabric LinerWaterproof fabric liner or curtainCoated polyester, PVC free, 3 hem magnets, rustproof metal grommets72 by 72 inchesShown on the card
ANSIO Solid White Shower CurtainMould and mildew resistant plain curtain100 percent polyester, water repellent, 12 plastic hooks included180cm by 180cmShown on the card
WELTRXE PEVA Shower Curtain LinerClear waterproof linerPVC free clear liner, 0.2mm thick, 3 hem magnets, 12 rustproof metal grommets72 by 72 inchesShown on the card
Amazon Basics Polyester Shower CurtainPlain white curtain or linerPolyester treated for mould and mildew resistance, weighted, plastic hooks included180cm by 180cmShown on the card
PANGSINNE Black Waffle Shower CurtainDark waffle weave256GSM polyester waffle weave, weighted, 12 rustproof metal hooks included72 by 72 inchesShown on the card

What does each pick do best?

  • Best overall: Barossa Design Waffle Stall Curtain, a half width 91cm waffle panel that suits narrow and stall showers.
  • Best value: Ohocut Checkered Shower Curtain, a designer looking waterproof curtain.
  • Best budget: Amazon Basics Linen Style, a plain white linen look fabric curtain that needs a separate liner.
  • Best clear liner: Barossa Design PEVA liner, the most reviewed product on this page.
  • Best curtain and liner set: EUTXL Grey Waffle Curtain and Liner Set, a complete fabric plus liner kit with a sheer privacy window.
  • Best for high ceilings: XOGUIBO Extra Long curtain, a 90-inch drop for tall recesses.
  • Most luxurious feel: Inhousolu Tufted Boho curtain, a heavy 256GSM textured fabric.

How we evaluated shower curtains

Last checked: 9 October 2026, covering the stock, seller and rating of every listing on Amazon Australia.

NestPath is a research desk, not a laboratory. We do not hang every curtain in a test bathroom and time how fast it dries. Instead, we study the evidence that already exists at scale, then filter it through what Australian buyers actually need. Here is how we narrowed a huge category down to the picks in this guide.

Fabric weights, sizes, care details, ratings and seller information come from each card's Amazon AU listing. For sizing and material advice we also used the shower curtain measurement guide on IKEA Australia's website and the care and material FAQ from Bed Bath N' Table, and for cleaning advice The Rooms Chronicle, a hotel housekeeping journal, with Dulles Glass for the glass screen comparison.

  • Australian availability first. We only considered curtains that can be bought on Amazon Australia, and we read the seller on each listing so an overseas sale is flagged on its card instead of surprising you with a long wait.
  • Real ratings, real volume. Every pick has a genuine star rating, and we say plainly where the review count is small. We read the Australian reviews specifically, because sizing and humidity complaints from Australian buyers tell you more than five-star praise from a different climate.
  • Fit for Australian bathrooms. We weighted curtains that come in extra-long and extra-wide sizes, because Australian recesses, walk-ins and older rentals are rarely the standard American 72 by 72 inches.
  • Mould and moisture behaviour. We looked for quick-drying fabrics, water-repellent finishes, PEVA and EVA liners over cheap PVC, and machine-washable construction, since mould is the number one reason a curtain gets binned here.
  • Honest weak points. For each of the seven full reviews we read the one and two star reviews as closely as the five star ones, and we tell you the genuine flaws under each product so you can decide whether they matter to you.
  • Price spread. We deliberately span budget to premium so there is a sensible pick whether you are kitting out a rental or finishing a renovated ensuite.

Best curtain and liner set: EUTXL Grey Waffle Curtain and Liner Set

The EUTXL waffle set is the one to buy if you want a curtain and liner in one box, because it solves the two biggest shower curtain problems at once: it looks expensive and it is genuinely functional. You get a 230GSM waffle weave fabric outer that feels like cotton rather than plastic, plus a snap in fabric liner that pops off for washing, plus the hanging rings, all in one box. It carries a 4.7 star rating from more than 2,600 buyers, which is the joint-highest rating on this page.

Also great
EUTXL Grey Waffle Shower Curtain and Liner Set
EUTXL

EUTXL Grey Waffle Shower Curtain and Liner Set

4.7(2,676)

It solves the two biggest shower curtain problems at once: it looks expensive and it is genuinely functional. You get a hotel style waffle outer, a snap in washable liner and the rings in one box, with a 4.7 star rating from more than 2,600 buyers.

$37.00

Amazon.com.au price as of 05:01 am AEDT, subject to change

Available to order at Amazon AU, ships after a lead time, last verified on 9 November

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The honeycomb waffle texture is what hotels use, and it is the detail that makes a cheap bathroom look considered. At 180cm wide by 188cm tall it is generous enough for a standard recess, and the weighted hem with two corner magnets stops the dreaded mid-shower cling against your legs. There is a sheer mesh window along the top that lets daylight into the shower while keeping the lower two-thirds private, which is a smart touch in a small windowless Australian bathroom where it can feel like showering in a cupboard.

The liner is the part that earns this set its place. Instead of buying a separate clear liner and fiddling with two sets of hooks, the EUTXL liner snaps to the back of the curtain and unsnaps when it is time to clean it. You wash the liner, not the whole curtain, so the good-looking outer stays looking good for longer. The fabric is described as triple-treated to repel water, oil and stains, and Australian and overseas reviewers consistently mention that it hangs straight and dries without that sour, damp smell that kills cheap curtains. For the money, it is the most complete package here, because the curtain, liner and rings all arrive together.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

A handful of reviewers found the sheer top window let a little water through if the spray hits it directly, so position your shower head below the mesh line if you can. The set uses split rings rather than standard hooks, which are quick once you understand them but momentarily confusing on first hang. And grey is grey: if your bathroom palette is warm, check that the cool tone works before you commit, as a couple of buyers noted the colour reads cooler in person than on screen.


Best value shower curtain: Ohocut Checkered

The Ohocut Checkered curtain is our value pick because it brings a genuine design statement to a bathroom, and it does it without needing a separate liner for casual use. It holds a 4.6 star rating from more than 1,000 buyers. The retro checkerboard print is the kind of thing you would expect from a boutique homewares brand.

Runner-up
Ohocut Checkered Shower Curtain
Ohocut

Ohocut Checkered Shower Curtain

4.7(1,079)

It brings a genuine design statement to a bathroom and does it without needing a separate liner for casual use. It holds a 4.6 star rating from more than 1,000 buyers.

$23.35

Amazon.com.au price as of 11:01 pm AEDT, subject to change

Verified in stock at Amazon AU on 8 November

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This is a 100 percent polyester curtain in a waterproof finish, which means for a low-traffic bathroom you can hang it on its own and skip the liner entirely. Australian reviewers describe it as the same material as a normal good-quality shower curtain, well made, and true to the photos, which is high praise in a category full of colour-accuracy complaints. At 183cm by 183cm it fits most standard tubs and recesses, and Ohocut also sells longer 78-inch and 84-inch drops if you need more coverage.

What makes it the value champion is the look-to-price ratio. A plain white curtain disappears; a checkerboard print becomes the feature of the room. It is machine washable, so when it starts to look tired you put it through a cold cycle rather than replacing it. For renters who want personality without spending real money, or for a kids bathroom that needs to be both cheerful and wipeable, this is the easy recommendation. If you shower hard and often, add a cheap clear liner behind it and it will last even longer.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The biggest theme in the negative reviews is colour: a few buyers of the green and lavender variants felt the shade was brighter or more saturated in person than the listing suggested. The pink and white checkerboard we recommend seems to match its photos more reliably, but check recent review images for whatever colour you choose. At 120GSM it is lighter than our premium picks, so it will not feel as substantial in the hand, and it has no weighted hem, which means it can billow in a draughty bathroom.


Best budget shower curtain: Amazon Basics Linen Style

The Amazon Basics Linen Style curtain is our budget pick, a plain white fabric curtain with a 4.6 star rating from more than 36,000 buyers. It is the definition of a safe, boring, do the job purchase, and sometimes that is exactly what you want. It is an Amazon Choice product, which means it is the curtain Amazon itself pushes to the front of the category, and the sheer weight of Australian reviews backs that up.

Budget pick
Amazon Basics Linen Style Shower Curtain
Amazon Basics

Amazon Basics Linen Style Shower Curtain

4.6(36,462)

It is a plain white linen look curtain and one of the most reviewed in this guide, a safe, neutral do the job purchase. Because it is fabric rather than waterproof, pair it with a clear liner for the best result.

$18.90

Amazon.com.au price as of 05:01 am AEDT, subject to change

Verified in stock at Amazon AU on 9 November

Buy on Amazon

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This is a 100 percent polyester fabric curtain with a subtle linen-look weave in bright white, sized at 183cm by 183cm. The understated texture reads as more expensive than the price, and white goes with everything, which is why it is the default choice for rentals, granny flats and anyone who just wants their bathroom to look clean and neutral. Built-in ring holes make it quick to hang, and Australian reviewers repeatedly mention months of daily use with no mould and no deterioration after regular machine washing.

The one thing to understand is that this is a fabric curtain, not a waterproof one. Amazon labels it as not water resistant and explicitly recommends using it with an interior liner, which is normal for a fabric curtain of this style. So the honest budget plan is this curtain plus a clear PEVA liner behind it, which still comes in cheaper than most single waterproof curtains and gives you a better result: a soft fabric look on the outside and a proper waterproof barrier on the inside. If your bathroom palette is neutral and your budget is tight, this is the most reliable starting point on the page.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The recurring complaint is length: a few buyers found it too short for a tall recess, so measure from your rod to where you want the hem before buying, and consider an extra-long alternative if your ceiling is high. It also genuinely needs a liner to be waterproof, so factor that into the cost. And being plain white, it shows soap scum and the occasional pink mildew spot more obviously than a printed curtain, which means you will be washing it a little more often.


Best clear liner: Barossa Design PEVA Shower Curtain Liner

If you buy any fabric curtain on this page, you almost certainly want this behind it. The Barossa Design clear PEVA liner is the most reviewed product on this entire list, with more than 94,000 ratings and a 4.5 star average, which makes it one of the most trusted shower-curtain products on Amazon Australia full stop. It is the workhorse that keeps water in the tub and keeps your good curtain dry.

Also great
Barossa Design Plastic Shower Liner Clear
Barossa Design

Barossa Design Plastic Shower Liner Clear

4.5(94,220)

The most reviewed product on this entire list with more than 94,000 ratings. PEVA skips the chemical smell of PVC, and as a clear liner it is one of the most useful upgrades you can make: it catches the water so your fabric curtain stays dry and clean.

$24.99

Amazon.com.au price as of 11:01 am AEDT, subject to change

Verified in stock at Amazon AU on 9 November

Buy on Amazon

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PEVA is the material to look for in a clear liner. It is a chlorine-free plastic that skips the harsh chemical smell of old-school PVC and the off-gassing that comes with it. This liner is 180cm by 183cm, comes with 12 rustproof metal grommets and three magnets along the bottom hem to weigh it down against an iron-core tub, and can be used either as an inner liner behind a fabric curtain or as a standalone curtain in a plain bathroom. It wipes clean with a damp cloth and dries fast, which is the whole point of a liner.

The reason it works as a system is simple. Your fabric curtain does the looking-good; this liner does the getting-wet. The liner catches the spray, keeps it inside the tub, and dries quickly so mould never gets a foothold, while your fabric curtain stays dry and clean on the outside. When the liner eventually clouds up or gets spotty, you replace just the liner rather than your whole setup. It is the single highest leverage purchase you can make for a shower.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

This is a thin, lightweight liner, and the reviews reflect that honestly. Several Australian buyers describe the plastic as flimsy and the magnets as more decorative than strongly weighted, and a few reported stitching or sizing issues. That is the trade-off with any budget PEVA liner: it is cheap and it does the job, but it is a consumable you will replace every year or so rather than a forever product. If you want more heft, step up to a heavier fabric liner, but for most people the low price and easy replacement are the appeal.


Best overall: Barossa Design Waffle Stall Curtain

Standard curtains are too wide for a narrow stall shower, where they bunch up and get caught when you slide them. The Barossa Design Waffle Stall curtain is built for exactly that problem: it is a half-width 91cm by 183cm panel designed for narrow recesses, stand-up showers and the small enclosures common in Australian apartments and ensuites. It is our best overall pick on the strength of its rating: a 4.7 star average across a large review base, the joint highest on this page, on a listing sold by Amazon AU. Its 91cm width is the catch, so it suits narrow and stall showers rather than a standard bath.

Top pick
Barossa Design Waffle Stall Curtain
Barossa Design

Barossa Design Waffle Stall Curtain

4.7(40,474)

It is our best overall shower curtain: a half width 91cm waffle panel built for narrow stall and cubicle showers where a standard curtain bunches and snags. It uses 230GSM spa feel fabric, is water repellent and machine washable, and is sold by Amazon AU.

$24.99$27.99
Save 11%

Amazon.com.au price as of 11:01 am AEDT, subject to change

Verified in stock at Amazon AU on 8 November

Buy on Amazon

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It uses the same 230GSM waffle-weave polyester as our premium picks, so it feels like cotton, drapes with weight, and brings a spa-like texture to even the smallest shower. The water-repellent finish lets water bead and slide off, and it dries quickly, with Australian reviewers specifically praising it for caravan, campervan and mobile-home showers where a narrow, well-behaved curtain matters even more. Rust-resistant metal grommets and a reinforced top header mean it holds its shape rather than tearing out at the rings.

If your shower is a separate cubicle rather than over a bath, measuring matters more than usual. A full-width curtain in a stall is a daily annoyance; a correctly sized half-width panel just works. This is the curtain to buy when a standard one has always felt like too much fabric for your space. Pair it with a matching narrow liner if your stall has no door and you want belt-and-braces waterproofing.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

Because it is water-repellent rather than fully waterproof, a few reviewers saw a little water on the floor after a shower, so for a doorless stall a clear liner behind it is worth adding. It does not include weighting magnets, so in a draughty bathroom it can move more than a weighted curtain. And at 91cm wide it is genuinely narrow, so double-check your opening before ordering, as it is built for stalls and will not span a standard bath.


Best for high ceilings and walk-in showers: XOGUIBO Extra Long

Australian renovations love a high ceiling and a tall walk-in shower, and a standard 183cm curtain leaves an awkward gap that lets water and steam escape. The XOGUIBO Extra Long curtain solves that with a 90-inch, roughly 229cm drop, so it reaches further down the wall and into the recess. It carries a 4.5 star rating from more than 250 buyers and brings a soft, neutral, hotel-style look in a scalloped beige linen blend.

Also great
XOGUIBO Scalloped Shower Curtain Linen
XOGUIBO

XOGUIBO Scalloped Shower Curtain Linen

4.5(255)

A 90-inch, roughly 229cm drop in a scalloped linen blend for high ceilings and tall walk-in showers. It is an unlined fabric curtain, so pair it with an extra-long liner for the full-height drape plus waterproofing.

$30.00$36.99
Save 19%

Amazon.com.au price as of 11:01 am AEDT, subject to change

Verified in stock at Amazon AU on 9 November

Buy on Amazon

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The fabric is an 85 percent polyester, 15 percent linen blend with a fine natural texture and a cute black scalloped edge, which gives it a boutique feel rather than a flat builder-grade finish. At 183cm wide and 229cm tall it is designed for the almost-floor-to-ceiling look that makes a tall shower feel intentional rather than gappy. Reviewers consistently describe it as looking elevated and well made for the price, with clean lines that punch above what you pay.

The key thing to know is that this is an unlined fabric curtain that Amazon lists as not water resistant, so it is built to be paired with a clear liner behind it. That is the right way to do an extra-long setup anyway: the long fabric curtain gives you the dramatic full-height drape, and a separate extra-long liner does the waterproofing. If your shower is a tall walk-in or your ceilings are above the usual height, this is the curtain that finally fits properly. Measure your rod-to-floor height first so you order a drop that lands where you want it.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

Some buyers found the linen-look fabric a little sheer or see-through, which is normal for an unlined natural-blend curtain and another reason to run a liner behind it. The material can feel slightly textured or, as one reviewer put it, a touch itchy if you brush against it wet, though most people never touch the curtain in normal use. And as an extra-long curtain it costs more than a standard size, so it only makes sense if you genuinely have the height to use it.


Most luxurious feel: Inhousolu Tufted Boho Curtain

When you want the curtain to be the most expensive-feeling thing in the bathroom, the Inhousolu Tufted Boho curtain is the pick. It is a heavy 256GSM woven fabric, as heavy as any on this page, with raised chenille style tufted stripes and tassel detailing that gives a genuine boutique hotel weight and texture. It holds a 4.4 star rating from buyers who repeatedly use words like luxury and classy in their reviews.

INHOUSOLU HOME DECOR Inhousolu Long Woven
INHOUSOLU HOME DECOR

INHOUSOLU HOME DECOR Inhousolu Long Woven

4.4(25)

The most luxurious feel on the page: a heavy 256GSM woven fabric with raised chenille-style tufting and tassels that hangs dead straight. Water-repellent rather than waterproof, with 14 rust-resistant metal hooks included, so add a liner for daily use.

Amazon.com.au price as of 05:01 am AEDT, subject to change

Stock at Amazon AU changes often, last checked on 9 November

Check availability on Amazon

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At 184cm by 184cm in a contemporary navy, it is a statement curtain that filters light for privacy while staying soft and substantial in the hand. The tufting is the headline feature: denser, longer tufts than most textured curtains, finished with decorative tassels, so it reads as designer rather than discount. It ships with 12 stainless steel buttonholes and 14 rust-resistant metal hooks, two spare, which is a thoughtful detail that tells you the maker expects this curtain to last and be rehung.

This is the curtain for a renovated ensuite or a guest bathroom you want to show off. The heavyweight fabric hangs dead straight, resists wrinkles, and gives the room the kind of tactile quality that cheap shiny polyester never manages. As with the other premium fabric curtains, it is water-repellent rather than waterproof and has no liner included, so pair it with a clear liner for everyday use. Several reviewers noted it is even good enough to repurpose as a textured window drape, which tells you how nice the fabric actually is.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

It has the lowest review count of our picks, so it is newer and less battle-tested than the Barossa or Amazon Basics options, though the existing reviews are strong. It does not include a liner, which at this price point a couple of buyers felt it should, so budget for one. And the tufted texture, while gorgeous, holds a little more moisture than a flat curtain, so make sure your bathroom ventilates well and give it room to dry fully between showers.


What should you look for in a shower curtain?

The short answer is fit, material and a plan for waterproofing. Get those three right and almost any curtain on this page will serve you for years. Here is what actually matters once you stop reading marketing copy.

What is the difference between a shower curtain and a liner?

A shower curtain is the decorative outer layer you see; a liner is the waterproof inner layer that does the real work of keeping water in the shower. Fabric curtains, the linen-look, waffle and tufted styles, generally look the best but are only water-repellent at best, which is why they are designed to be paired with a clear PEVA or EVA liner hung behind them. Some waterproof polyester curtains, like the Ohocut, can be used on their own in a low-traffic bathroom. If you want both good looks and proper waterproofing, the reliable formula is a fabric curtain on the outside plus a clear liner on the inside, or an all-in-one set like the EUTXL that includes a snap-in liner.

What material is best for a shower curtain?

For the liner that touches the water, PEVA or EVA is the sweet spot: it is waterproof, free of the harsh chemical smell of PVC, and cheap to replace. For the decorative curtain, polyester is the workhorse because it is durable, quick-drying, machine washable and resists the wrinkling and shrinking that plague natural fibres. Linen and cotton blends look and feel the most premium and breathe well, but they are not waterproof and need a liner. Avoid old-style PVC vinyl where you can, as it tends to smell and stiffen over time.

What size shower curtain do I need?

Measure before you buy, because this is where most regret comes from. A standard curtain is around 180cm by 180cm, which suits a typical over-bath shower. For coverage, you want the curtain wider than your opening so it overlaps the walls, and long enough that the hem sits inside the tub or near the floor of a recess without pooling on the ground. High ceilings and tall walk-ins need an extra-long drop of 200cm or more, while narrow stall showers need a half-width panel around 90cm so the fabric does not bunch. Measure from your rod to where you want the hem, then add a little, rather than guessing.

The type of shower changes the right drop. IKEA Australia's shower curtain guide says a curtain for a standing shower needs to be long enough to reach the floor so water does not flow out into the bathroom, while a curtain for a bathtub should be shorter so it stays inside the tub during a shower and outside it during a bath.

What is GSM and does it matter?

GSM means grams per square metre, and it is a good shorthand for how substantial a fabric curtain feels. A basic curtain sits around 90 to 120 GSM and feels light. The premium picks here run 230 to 256 GSM, which is noticeably heavier, hangs straighter, clings less, and feels closer to a hotel curtain. Higher GSM does not automatically mean more waterproof, but it does mean a more luxurious drape and usually better durability. If a curtain feels disappointingly thin in reviews, a low GSM is often why.

A new fabric curtain often arrives creased from its packaging, and a handheld steamer relaxes it while it hangs: our guide to garment steamers that freshen curtains and clothes compares the models we checked.


How do you care for a shower curtain and stop mould?

The answer to mould is airflow and washing, not scrubbing. Mould grows because the curtain stays damp, so the whole game is helping it dry between showers and cleaning it before spots set in.

  • Spread it out after every shower. A bunched-up curtain traps moisture in the folds, which is exactly where mould starts. Pull it fully across so air can reach the whole surface and it dries quickly.
  • Ventilate the bathroom. Run the exhaust fan during and after your shower, or crack a window. In humid Australian summers this is the single biggest factor in whether your curtain goes spotty.
  • Machine wash regularly. Most fabric curtains and many liners are machine washable on a cold gentle cycle. A wash every few weeks strips soap scum and early mildew before it becomes permanent. Adding a couple of towels helps scrub the fabric.
  • Wipe the liner down. A clear PEVA liner wipes clean with a damp cloth and mild soap. Do this when you spot the first cloudiness rather than waiting.
  • Replace the liner, not the whole setup. Liners are consumables. When yours is past saving, swap in a fresh liner and keep your good fabric curtain.
  • Skip the tumble dryer on high heat. Most curtains say to air dry or tumble on low, as high heat can warp or melt liners and shrink fabrics.

What other bathroom basics will you want?

A shower curtain is one piece of a working bathroom. These are the companion buys that most people pick up at the same time, with direct links to the products on Amazon Australia.


How does the competition compare?

Plenty of curtains nearly made this list, and it is worth knowing why they did not. The bedding chains, Spotlight, Bed Bath N Table, Pillow Talk and Adairs, all sell perfectly good printed polyester curtains, and if you want to match an exact decor scheme in store they are a fine choice. They simply do not offer the review depth or the extra-long and stall sizing that the Amazon picks above do, and you cannot vet thousands of buyer experiences before you commit.

At the premium end, Australian linen specialists like 3HLinen sell genuinely beautiful weighted linen curtains, with strong ratings. They are lovely, and if budget is no object and you want real linen, they are worth a look. For most first home buyers, though, paying that much for a curtain that still needs careful care is hard to justify. We left out the huge field of novelty printed curtains, the cats, skulls and slogans, because while many are well rated, they are decor jokes rather than the dependable, good-looking everyday curtains this guide is about. And we skipped curtains that were out of stock or had too few reviews to trust, no matter how good the photos looked.


Frequently asked questions

Do you need a liner with a fabric shower curtain?

Usually yes. Most fabric curtains, including linen-look, waffle and tufted styles, are only water-repellent or not water resistant at all, so a clear PEVA liner behind them does the actual waterproofing while the fabric stays dry and good-looking. Some waterproof polyester curtains can be used alone in a low-traffic bathroom, and all-in-one sets like the EUTXL include a snap-in liner so you do not need a separate one.

What is the best material for a waterproof shower curtain?

For true waterproofing, PEVA or EVA is the best everyday material: it is fully waterproof, free of the chemical smell of old PVC vinyl, and inexpensive to replace. Polyester is water-repellent and the best choice for a decorative curtain because it is durable and quick-drying. Cotton and linen look the most premium but are not waterproof and need a liner.

How do I stop my shower curtain going mouldy?

Keep it dry and clean it before mould sets in. Spread the curtain out fully after each shower so it dries instead of trapping moisture in folds, run the exhaust fan or open a window, and machine wash the curtain or wipe the liner down every few weeks. Replace a cheap liner once or twice a year rather than trying to scrub set-in mould out of it.

What size shower curtain is standard in Australia?

The most common size is around 180cm by 180cm, which suits a typical over-bath shower. Tall walk-ins and high ceilings need an extra-long drop of 200cm or more, and narrow stall or cubicle showers need a half-width panel around 90cm wide so the fabric does not bunch. Always measure from your rod to the desired hem before buying.

Can you machine wash a shower curtain?

Most fabric curtains and many fabric liners can be machine washed on a cold, gentle cycle, which is the easiest way to remove soap scum and early mildew. Check the care label, avoid bleach unless it is specified, and air dry or tumble on low heat, since high heat can shrink fabric or warp a plastic liner.

Are PEVA shower curtains safe and better than PVC?

PEVA is generally considered a better choice than PVC. It is a chlorine-free plastic that does not carry the strong chemical smell or off-gassing associated with old-style PVC vinyl curtains, while still being fully waterproof and cheap. For a clear liner, PEVA or EVA is what to look for on the label.

How do you clean a shower curtain?

Take it off the rail and put fabric curtains and fabric liners through a cold, gentle machine cycle with your normal detergent. Two old towels in the drum give the fabric something to scrub against and lift soap scum. A cup of white vinegar in the rinse cuts limescale and the musty smell. Wipe a clear PEVA liner down in place with a damp cloth instead, since it dries in minutes. Air dry or tumble on low, because high heat shrinks fabric and warps plastic.

How do you remove mould from a shower curtain?

Act early, because set-in black spotting rarely comes out completely. Soak a fabric curtain in warm water with white vinegar or an oxygen bleach for an hour, then machine wash it cold with two towels. On a clear PEVA liner, spray the spots, leave it 10 minutes and wipe. Chlorine bleach works on white polyester but will strip colour from anything printed. A liner is a consumable: for the Barossa Design PEVA, replacing it beats scrubbing it.

How do you stop a shower curtain blowing in?

Weight is the fix. The billowing is a pressure difference between the warm air inside the shower and the cooler room, and a light curtain has nothing to resist it. Choose a curtain with a weighted hem and magnets, like the EUTXL Grey Waffle set with its two corner magnets or the Barossa Design PEVA liner with three, and make sure the magnets meet an iron-core tub. A heavier fabric helps too: the 256GSM Inhousolu hangs far straighter than a 120GSM polyester.

What is the best brand of shower curtain in Australia?

There is no single brand that owns the category. Barossa Design has the deepest review base on Amazon Australia across liners and stall curtains, EUTXL makes the waffle-and-liner sets, and Amazon Basics is the safe budget default. Off Amazon, Kmart, IKEA and Spotlight sell curtains, and Bunnings carries the plain liners. At the premium end, you will find Australian linen specialists such as 3HLinen.

What type of shower curtain is best?

A fabric curtain with a waterproof liner behind it is the best type for most bathrooms: the fabric gives the look and the liner keeps the water in. IKEA Australia notes that a polyester curtain is not completely waterproof, only water repellent, while a PEVA liner is fully waterproof.

What is the best shower curtain in Australia?

The Barossa Design Waffle Stall Curtain is our best overall shower curtain in Australia, a 230GSM waffle weave panel sold by Amazon AU with a 4.7 star rating. It is only 91cm wide, so for a standard bath choose a full width curtain such as the EUTXL waffle set and add a clear liner.

What are the current shower curtain trends?

Textured fabric is the clearest trend among the curtains in this guide: waffle weave, tufted boho and linen blend styles in neutral colours, with a bold checkerboard print as the statement option. Bed Bath N' Table describes its waffle and embossed curtains as plain white with textured detailing.

What to avoid when buying a shower curtain?

Avoid a curtain that is too short for your shower, because water runs out under the hem, and avoid old style PVC vinyl, which tends to smell and stiffen over time. Also avoid a fabric curtain without a liner plan: Amazon lists the Linen Style curtain in this guide as intended for use with an interior liner.

What is better than a shower curtain?

A glass shower screen is the usual step up from a curtain. Dulles Glass notes that a rigid glass panel stays in one position, while a curtain can billow inward, shift sideways or get tucked outside the tub edge by accident. For renters, a weighted fabric curtain with a liner is the practical choice.

How do hotels keep shower curtains clean?

Hotels launder shower curtains and liners on a rotation and wipe liners down so mildew cannot start. The Rooms Chronicle, a hotel housekeeping journal, advises washing curtains separately from their liners in non chlorinated detergent on a delicate cycle for 10 to 17 minutes, and says mildew grows where moisture is left on the liner.


Complete the bathroom

A curtain is one part of a bathroom that works. If you are setting up or refreshing yours, these NestPath guides cover the pieces that go with it, each researched the same way for Australian buyers.


About the author

Anish Puri founded NestPath in 2026 after going through the Australian first-home-buyer process himself. NestPath focuses on Australian first-home buyers because the existing review sites are American, generic, or both. Anish handles editorial selection across the homeowner hub. Reach out: hello@nestpath.com.au

DETAILED REVIEWS
Top pick
Barossa Design Waffle Stall Curtain
Barossa Design

Barossa Design Waffle Stall Curtain

4.7(40,474)

It is our best overall shower curtain: a half width 91cm waffle panel built for narrow stall and cubicle showers where a standard curtain bunches and snags. It uses 230GSM spa feel fabric, is water repellent and machine washable, and is sold by Amazon AU.

$24.99$27.99
Save 11%

Amazon.com.au price as of 11:01 am AEDT, subject to change

Verified in stock at Amazon AU on 8 November

Buy on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, NestPath earns from qualifying purchases.

Also great
EUTXL Grey Waffle Shower Curtain and Liner Set
EUTXL

EUTXL Grey Waffle Shower Curtain and Liner Set

4.7(2,676)

It solves the two biggest shower curtain problems at once: it looks expensive and it is genuinely functional. You get a hotel style waffle outer, a snap in washable liner and the rings in one box, with a 4.7 star rating from more than 2,600 buyers.

$37.00

Amazon.com.au price as of 05:01 am AEDT, subject to change

Available to order at Amazon AU, ships after a lead time, last verified on 9 November

Buy on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, NestPath earns from qualifying purchases.

Runner-up
Ohocut Checkered Shower Curtain
Ohocut

Ohocut Checkered Shower Curtain

4.7(1,079)

It brings a genuine design statement to a bathroom and does it without needing a separate liner for casual use. It holds a 4.6 star rating from more than 1,000 buyers.

$23.35

Amazon.com.au price as of 11:01 pm AEDT, subject to change

Verified in stock at Amazon AU on 8 November

Buy on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, NestPath earns from qualifying purchases.

Budget pick
Amazon Basics Linen Style Shower Curtain
Amazon Basics

Amazon Basics Linen Style Shower Curtain

4.6(36,462)

It is a plain white linen look curtain and one of the most reviewed in this guide, a safe, neutral do the job purchase. Because it is fabric rather than waterproof, pair it with a clear liner for the best result.

$18.90

Amazon.com.au price as of 05:01 am AEDT, subject to change

Verified in stock at Amazon AU on 9 November

Buy on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, NestPath earns from qualifying purchases.

Also great
Barossa Design Plastic Shower Liner Clear
Barossa Design

Barossa Design Plastic Shower Liner Clear

4.5(94,220)

The most reviewed product on this entire list with more than 94,000 ratings. PEVA skips the chemical smell of PVC, and as a clear liner it is one of the most useful upgrades you can make: it catches the water so your fabric curtain stays dry and clean.

$24.99

Amazon.com.au price as of 11:01 am AEDT, subject to change

Verified in stock at Amazon AU on 9 November

Buy on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, NestPath earns from qualifying purchases.

Also great
XOGUIBO Scalloped Shower Curtain Linen
XOGUIBO

XOGUIBO Scalloped Shower Curtain Linen

4.5(255)

A 90-inch, roughly 229cm drop in a scalloped linen blend for high ceilings and tall walk-in showers. It is an unlined fabric curtain, so pair it with an extra-long liner for the full-height drape plus waterproofing.

$30.00$36.99
Save 19%

Amazon.com.au price as of 11:01 am AEDT, subject to change

Verified in stock at Amazon AU on 9 November

Buy on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, NestPath earns from qualifying purchases.

INHOUSOLU HOME DECOR Inhousolu Long Woven
INHOUSOLU HOME DECOR

INHOUSOLU HOME DECOR Inhousolu Long Woven

4.4(25)

The most luxurious feel on the page: a heavy 256GSM woven fabric with raised chenille-style tufting and tassels that hangs dead straight. Water-repellent rather than waterproof, with 14 rust-resistant metal hooks included, so add a liner for daily use.

Amazon.com.au price as of 05:01 am AEDT, subject to change

Stock at Amazon AU changes often, last checked on 9 November

Check availability on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, NestPath earns from qualifying purchases.

Biscaynebay Hotel Quality Fabric Shower
Biscaynebay

Biscaynebay Hotel Quality Fabric Shower

The Biscaynebay is a 100 percent polyester fabric liner with a weighted hem and rustproof metal grommets, measuring 72 by 72 inches. It is water repellent and machine washable in cold water, so it works behind a decorative curtain or on its own, and this listing is the pink version.

$27.52

Amazon.com.au price as of 05:01 am AEDT, subject to change

Verified in stock at Amazon AU on 9 November

Buy on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, NestPath earns from qualifying purchases.

Alyvia Spring Waterproof Fabric Shower
ALYVIA SPRING

Alyvia Spring Waterproof Fabric Shower

The Alyvia Spring is a black fabric liner with a waterproof coating, three magnets in the hem and rustproof metal grommets, measuring 72 by 72 inches. Its listing says it is PVC free and BPA free with no plastic smell, and that it is machine washable.

$17.82

Amazon.com.au price as of 11:01 am AEDT, subject to change

Verified in stock at Amazon AU on 8 November

Buy on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, NestPath earns from qualifying purchases.

ANSIO Shower Curtain for Bathroom
ANSIO

ANSIO Shower Curtain for Bathroom

The ANSIO is a solid white 100 percent polyester curtain measuring 180cm by 180cm, sold as mould and mildew resistant and water repellent. It comes with 12 plastic hooks and is machine washable. It could not be bought on Amazon Australia on 14 October 2026, when the listing showed no buy option.

$23.41

Amazon.com.au price as of 05:01 pm AEDT, subject to change

Verified in stock at Amazon AU on 8 November

Buy on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, NestPath earns from qualifying purchases.

WELTRXE Shower Curtain Liner 72x72 Inch
WELTRXE

WELTRXE Shower Curtain Liner 72x72 Inch

The WELTRXE is a clear 0.2mm liner that its title calls PEVA and its description calls EVA, both PVC free, with three hem magnets and 12 rustproof metal grommets. It measures 72 by 72 inches and wipes clean with a damp cloth.

$38.83

Amazon.com.au price as of 11:01 pm AEDT, subject to change

Verified in stock at Amazon AU on 8 November

Buy on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, NestPath earns from qualifying purchases.

Amazon Basics Polyester Shower Curtain
Amazon Basics

Amazon Basics Polyester Shower Curtain

The Amazon Basics Polyester curtain is a plain white 180cm by 180cm curtain, treated for mould and mildew resistance and weighted to hang in place. It is water repellent and machine washable, comes with plastic hooks and can also be used as a liner.

$14.90

Amazon.com.au price as of 05:01 pm AEDT, subject to change

Verified in stock at Amazon AU on 8 November

Buy on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, NestPath earns from qualifying purchases.

PANGSINNE Black Shower Curtain 256GSM
PANGSINNE

PANGSINNE Black Shower Curtain 256GSM

The PANGSINNE is a black 256GSM polyester waffle weave curtain with a weighted hem and 12 rustproof metal hooks, measuring 72 by 72 inches. Its listing describes it as water repellent and machine washable, and it is sold by Xiluo Wansheng rather than Amazon.

$21.18$24.48
Save 13%

Amazon.com.au price as of 11:01 am AEDT, subject to change

Verified in stock at Amazon AU on 8 November

Buy on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, NestPath earns from qualifying purchases.

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