When you take care of your bathroom, you usually focus on the same basic elements. For example, you might try to clean the tiles and remove any mold or mildew that might have fond its way in. Additionally, that shower curtain you have might be torn, worn, or just plain old and needs replacing. And of course, you’ll probably check your plumbing, your toilet, and your air vents just to make sure there are no issues. However, most people tend to neglect an important part of each bathroom, a part that is quite crucial to your bath time — the shower curtain rod.
Without the rod, there would be nothing holding your curtain in place and water would splash everywhere, making a big mess and allowing for mildew to start growing. So, in order to prevent that from happening, you need the best type of rod on the market. However, it has to do more than hold your curtain in place; after all, water and moisture lead to rust, therefore, you’ll need a good, rust-proof rod to hold that curtain.
In this article, I will cover some of the best shower curtain rods that 2023 has to offer. The products on this list are all rust-proof, easy to find in regular retail, and quite durable. However, if you plan on finding a different rod, I’ll also provide you with a handy buyer’s guide that covers everything you need to know about rod shopping.
Rod Types
Curtain rods come in a variety of shapes and sizes. In order to pick the type that works best for you, you need to consider the size of your bathroom, where you bathe, and how easy the rod is to install and maintain. With that in mind, here are the most common curtain rod types.
Straight Rods
As their name suggests, straight rods are just that — long rods of metal or wood that do not curve anywhere. This type is by far the most popular because of how easy it is to install and remove. All you need are two brackets to fix the metal pole and several hooks or rings to hold the curtain. In fact, in order to install a straight rod, you don’t even have to buy one at the store — simply make one yourself.
Curved Rods
Lots of people have curved bathtubs or shower enclosures, so a straight rod just wouldn’t help there. Instead, a decent curved rod would do the trick; it fits the shape of the enclosure and the shower curtain hangs along its inner sides. That way, all the water goes into the drain and doesn’t splash your bathroom floor.
Curved rods are almost as popular as straight ones, and are just as easy to install. And just like straight rods, you can either buy a finished product or go the DIY route.
Circular Rods
A circular rod is similar in shape to the curved one, but there’s one major difference. Namely, these rods look like a big hoop and the curtain (or curtains) goes all the way around. If you happen to have a standalone tub that isn’t attached to a wall, this is the perfect rod for you.
Track Rods
Track rods feature gliders that help the curtain slide both ways. They don’t require any hooks or rings, and their design keeps the curtain from falling off. While a track rod might be a bit tricky to install, it works like a charm and has a stunning, almost futuristic look.
Tension Rods
If you need a rod that’s incredibly quick to install and doesn’t require you to drill or glue anything, then a tension rod is your best bet. These items use a spring suspension mechanism that keeps the whole rod in place. All you have to do is unscrew one end and extend it until it reaches both sides of the wall and stays there. And if you have to replace or remove the rod, simply unscrew it and pull the mechanism back into place.
Rust-Proof Shower Curtain Rod Buyer’s Guide
Now that you know the basics of shower rod types, you’ll need to figure out which one works best for you. However, choosing the best type is merely the first step. In order to get the best rust-free rod out there, you’ll have a lot more ground to cover first.
Shape
If you happen to have a corner tub, you might go for something called an L-shaped rod. It’s a type of curved rod that forms a rectangular shape when you attach it to the wall. However, if that setup is too rigid for you, you can try something a bit more elegant, like a D-shaped rod.
Material
Obviously, if you need a rust-proof rod, then choosing the best material is key. With that in mind, the best shower curtain rod material options on the market right now are:
- Stainless steel
- Chrome
- Plastic
- Wood
- Bamboo
Of these options, plastic should be your last resort, since plastic rods tend to look cheap and flimsy. On the other hand, if you’re aiming for durable, metal rods, you should make sure that they’re made of stainless steel or chrome, as they don’t rust easily. Bamboo and wood are excellent options if you want to give your bathroom that old-fashioned, rustic look.
Wall Type
Concrete, drywall, marble — there are so many different materials that modern walls are made from. So, you need to be extra careful when choosing the type of rod you want. After all, drilling and fastening screws for rods might cause tears and cracks in certain types of walls. Other types might just be too hard to drill into, so a tension rod might be the only option.
Decor
Yes, the rod might be just a piece of metal or wood that holds a curtain up. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t get one that looks stylish or elegant. After all, your bathroom should have a certain appeal, just like any other room in your house.
Installation
More than 99% of the time, you will have to install the rod yourself. Of course, doing it isn’t necessarily difficult, and you can find quick and easy DIY guides online. But some rods will take more time to install than others, and you should always aim for the most convenient option. However, if they come in a kit with other parts like faucets and showerheads, you might need to call a professional to help you out.
Size
It goes without saying that you need to measure your shower space in order to get the right length and width of your new curtain rod. Of course, don’t worry too much if you get the numbers wrong. After all, you can exchange or return the rod in most retail stores that sell them. Moreover, if you get a tension rod, you’ll be able to adjust the length yourself.
Budget
Shower rod prices vary depending on what the item is made of. For example, most plastic rods are cheap, but they aren’t as sturdy or hard as wooden or metal rods. On the other hand, a decent stainless steel rod will always cost at least $50. Options that are more expensive than those usually come with extra features and a longer warranty period.
Other Things to Consider
Before you make your final decision, here are a few more details you’ll want to keep in mind when shopping for shower curtain rods:
- What mechanism does the rod use?
- Is it resistant to rot and mildew?
- Does it use angles and brackets?
- If you’re buying a tension rod, how good are its pads?
- Can you use your rod in a different room if you need to?
- Can you use double rods in your bathroom?
Top 9 Best Rust-Proof Shower Curtain Rods for 2023
1. Bendable Curve Arch Chrome Finish
Picking the right shape for a shower curtain rod is difficult, but it’s a hundred times harder if your bathtub has an irregular shape. So, instead of banging your head against the wall trying to pick out the best shape, why not get an option that can have any shape you want?
By far, the biggest benefit of the bendable curve arch rod is how flexible it is. You can quite literally bend it into anything and make it fit the shape of your tub. Moreover, it comes with 24 curtain hooks and gliders made of stainless, rust-free steel.
2. Moen CSR2167BL Triva
Curved shower rods like Moen CSR2167BL Triva offer more than just a rust-proof finish and durability. The matte black or glossy chrome finish both give this product a stunning, irresistible look. With this rod, you’re letting people know that you’re a person who enjoys the finer things in life, someone with a keen eye for detail and unbridled beauty.
3. Claw Foot D-Shaped Shower Kit
What’s better than a D-shaped shower rod that won’t rust and that’ll provide you with all the privacy you need during a shower? Well, how about a shower rod kit with faucets and showerhead included? Some assembly might be required, but once you’re done, you’ll have yourself a sturdy, durable set that will keep your bathroom floor tiles dry and mold-free.
4. AMG Ultra-Twisted Cage Rod
The AMG Ultra-Twisted Cage rod has one feature that regular tension rods don’t. Namely, it doesn’t use a solid flange to stick to the wall. Rather, it has a bauble that consists of chrome coils which help the rod adhere to the wall more firmly.
Of course, the shape of the bauble isn’t just there for the tension. In fact, its spiral shape reduces the surface area where grime, dirt, condensed water, and soap scum cling to. That makes them incredibly easy to clean, which is an absolute time-saver. In addition, the spiral design makes it one of the most attractive tension rods on the market today.
5. AllZone Tension Shower Curtain Rod
Rods will vary in size, but few will be able to cover both cramped, small bathrooms and spacious ones. The AllZone tension rod is the perfect example of this type of product, since it can stretch to 81 inches, almost twice its original length. In addition, it’s incredibly easy to install, and the all-white finish makes it stand out among so many metallic-colored options out there.
6. Barclay L-Corner Rod
Sometimes, simplicity is the best solution. Lots of rods on this list will have amazing designs and striking colors, but if you value performance over looks, then you’ll need a classic like Barclay.
On its surface, Barclay looks like a typical L-corner rod. However, it has a lot more to offer than you might think. For instance, it’s made of a solid piece of brass with chrome plating, i.e., it’s not hollow like most curtain rods out there. That makes it somewhat bulky, but it’s an excellent choice if you need to hang some towels or clothes over it while you shower.
7. BRIOFOX Shower Curtain Rod
Lots of curtain rods tend to be a little lightweight, which is perfectly fine since they only need to hold your shower curtain. But there are folks out there who want something a bit heavier, a bit bulkier, and a bit stronger, and BRIOFOX is there to deliver.
This amazing product is coated in hand-polished stainless steel, so you won’t have to worry about rust any time soon. In addition, it’s easy to install and has a powerful, non-slip flange that will keep it in place on both tiles and drywall.
8. Kingston Brass Adjustable Double Curved Rod
The Kingston Brass might be a little difficult to install at first. But once you have it on, you will no longer have to worry about rust.
Namely, the product comes coated in four different colors: polished chrome, oil-rubbed bronze, brushed nickel, and black. And underneath those colors is a 201-grade stainless steel base. Moreover, it’s a double rod, so you’ll have plenty of room for an additional curtain, or a space to hang your bathrobe or towels.
9. Zenna Home NeverRust Tension Mount Curved Rod
Curved tension rods like Zenna come with a lot of benefits. First off, you can install them in mere minutes. Next, their stainless steel frame will prevent any rust from appearing on the surface. Finally, with their soothing, elegant colors and that smooth curve, these rods will increase the appeal of your bathroom.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, buying a decent shower curtain rod isn’t easy, especially if you’re looking for a durable, rust-proof product. Hopefully, this article has helped you decide on what kind of rod works best for you and your particular bathroom setup. And with any luck, the rod you end up buying might be just as useful in any other room of your home.
