Solutions to Swing-Out Shower Curtain Rods

Straight Rod

• If you're looking for the simplest solution to a swing-out curtain rod, go with a straight rod -- it requires the least amount of money and time to install. Straight shower curtain rods work by utilizing either tension or mounting screws. For the former, you place a telescoping rod between the shower walls, expand it and lock it into place so that it tightly stays put. For the latter, you drill into the wall on either side, then attach two ends of the curtain rod with screws. Either way, you eliminate the spacial intrusion imposed by a swing-out rod -- straight rods stay close to the edge of the tub.

Hanging Curtain Rod

• For a more timeless look that doesn't put any stress on the walls -- or even require any walls at all -- enclose your shower in a hanging curtain rod. These thin, lightweight rods come in the shape of an oval suspended from the ceiling by matching skinny rods. This type of rod works best in high-ceilinged bathrooms, and fits a standalone tub -- like a claw-foot tub -- better than a swing-out rod. When you use this type of rod with two curtains, it also provides 360 degrees of coverage, preventing you from spilling water over the edge of any side of the tub.

Swinging Doors

• Glass shower doors give your bathroom a sleeker, more modern look than a swing-out curtain rod, making them an effective solution to any design problems posed by a rod and curtain. There are two types of glass shower door, each of which is suited for a different type of bathroom. The first is a swinging door, best-suited for a standing shower -- not a bathtub. This type of door swings open like any other door and runs all the way to the floor, giving you arguably better leak protection than a simple curtain.

Sliding Doors

• Sliding glass doors are ideal for someone who dislikes touching the shower curtain but doesn't want to sacrifice tub space. These type of doors work by sliding on tracks that you install directly onto the edge of the tub, so the barrier between the bathroom and the inside of the tub doesn't impact the amount of space on either side. Sliding glass doors ensure that you have as much room as possible on both the inside and the outside of the tub -- a sleek solution to the swing-out rod.