Shower curtains and bath mats: what size, which material, and how to stop the slipping

Most bathroom frustrations come down to three things: a curtain that clings or goes mouldy, a mat that slides, and a floor that is wet anyway. Each has a straightforward fix, and none of them is expensive. This guide covers what to look for in a shower curtain, the difference between a mat that goes inside the shower and one that goes beside it, and how to keep all of it clean.

Shower curtains: the 180 x 180 cm question

180 x 180 cm is the common size for a shower curtain in the UK, and it is the size of the diamond weave fabric curtain in this range. It drops from a standard rail to just above the floor or the rim of a bath, and it is wide enough to pull across a bath-length opening with a little gather. Measure your rail height before buying: the curtain should finish inside the bath or tray, not on the floor, and not so high that water escapes under it.

Fabric or plastic?

A fabric curtain hangs with weight, so it does not blow inward and cling to you the way a thin plastic sheet does. The one here is waterproof polyester with a diamond weave texture, mildew resistant and quick drying, with stainless steel eyelets and the hooks included. It goes in the washing machine, which is the real advantage over plastic: when it starts to look tired, you wash it rather than replace it. It comes in pink or white.

Whatever the material, leave the curtain pulled across after a shower rather than bunched at one end. A curtain that dries open dries faster and stays fresher.

Two kinds of mat, two jobs

People buy one mat and expect it to do both jobs. It will not.

Inside the shower or bath you want a rubber or PVC mat with suction cups underneath and drain holes through it. Its job is grip on a wet, smooth surface. The non-slip shower mat here is 100 x 40 cm soft PVC with suction cups, a raised bubble surface for grip, and drain holes so water does not pool on top. Suction cups need a smooth, clean tray to hold – they will not grip a textured or tiled floor.

Beside the bath or shower you want an absorbent mat: microfibre pile on a non-slip backing, to take the water off your feet and stay put on tiles. The 2-piece microfibre set is an 80 x 50 cm bath mat and a 50 x 40 cm pedestal mat with a TPR non-slip backing, in brown, dove grey or grey.

If you are starting from scratch, the 3-piece set covers both jobs in one box: the two microfibre mats plus the 100 x 40 cm PVC shower mat, with the mat colours and the shower mat colour chosen separately.

The pedestal mat

The small U-shaped mat sits around the base of the toilet. It is easy to dismiss until the floor there is permanently damp. It comes in the 2-piece and 3-piece sets here rather than on its own, and matches the bath mat.

Washing

• Fabric curtain: machine washable. Hang it straight back on the rail to dry.
• Microfibre mats: machine washable on a gentle cycle. Dry flat or hang; keep them away from direct heat, which hardens the rubber backing.
• PVC shower mat: machine washable; lift it after each use and hang it over the side so the underside dries.

One more for a cold bathroom

A plush toilet seat cover is a small thing that people are oddly grateful for in winter. The one here is soft flannel plush, zips around the seat, fits most standard oval seats and is machine washable, in blue, green, grey or pink.

What to buy

• Diamond weave fabric shower curtain, 180 x 180 cm – waterproof, hooks included, pink or white
• Non-slip shower mat, 100 x 40 cm – suction cups and drain holes, blue, pink or white
• 2-piece microfibre bath mat set – bath mat and pedestal mat, non-slip backing
• 3-piece set – both microfibre mats plus the shower mat
• Plush toilet seat cover with zip
• Browse all shower curtains and bath mats, or the bathroom accessory sets guide for the rest of the room

Frequently asked questions

Will 180 x 180 cm fit my shower? It suits a standard rail height over a bath or a tray. If your rail is unusually high, measure from rail to tray rim first.

Why does my shower mat slide? Suction cups only grip a smooth, clean surface. A textured tray or soap film underneath stops them holding. Clean the tray and press the mat down.

Can the microfibre mats go in the tumble dryer? Air drying is safer for the rubber backing.

Do I need a liner with a fabric curtain? This one is waterproof polyester, so it is used on its own.