I have just remodeled a bathroom. I need a creative idea for a shower curtain system. A standard rod will not work in that one side of the room has a low slanted ceiling. If I were to use a standard rod, it would be about 5 feet high and unsightly. I want a cord/wire system that will retract after use, similar to the ones used in hotels to hang laundry. Has anyone had experience with such a thing? I’m making the curtain so just need ideas for hanging it at an angle (high to low) or retracting it. Thanks for your ideas.
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It would be nice if you could furnish a pic of your bathroom so to better get a feel for just what might work.
Those retracting laundry cords do retract...but not with laundry on them. The cord simply retracts into its case. At least the ones I ever saw worked this way. I guess you wuld have to attach the curtain to this cable using very small (custom made by you) eyelets that would allow the cable to retract into its case but at the same time, the end of the cable lead (when retracting) would still "catch " the curtain and cause the curtain to bunch up and be held in place against the door jamb when retracted.
Perhaps a better option would be to install a funky designed door that is "stepped at the top...much the same way you step down a fence line on a steep graded hill. Solid glass door shaped in this manner would probably look good, and being clear, the overall sightlines would not be unobtrusive.
Just a thought.
Davo
Davo,
Thanks for your input. We have been told that we can't attach a glass door to the wall and to the jacuzzi tub because of the vibration when the jacuzzi is on. Hence, my idea to use a curtain of sorts. If we could just attach the door to the wall your idea of a stair step might work. I'll work on a digital picture.
Judie
I second the other poster who said you'd need some way to catch the curtain when retracting. However, remember that if you do that you will be bunching up a now wet shower curtain and you will grow a nice colony of mildew fairly quickly in the folds.
So, my idea for hanging the curtain on an angle would be to notch a rod at each end of the slope so that the curtain ring will settle into it when the curtain is open. Or, you could get those curtain rods on a swing arm and mount one on each end of the shower so you have a stepped rod - the lower one at the 5 foot mark and the upper at the upper level. The nice thing about that would be that you could then swing the shower curtain completely out of the tub for a bath. Another possibility depending on how severe the slope is, is to hang the rod on the angle and have a curtain that drops from the top.
Pictures would help!
Hello Aimless,
Thanks for your very interesting ideas. Challenging assumptions is what this project is all about. I like the notched idea, the swing arm idea and the rod at the angle close to the ceiling. It would have to be notched. How would you push the curtain back after it dried? I'm working on a picture. Stay tuned. Judie
How about a track mounted on the ceiling which has a slot in it that a curtain ring can ride in (0ne that has a ball bearing like end) you can then just fasten the curtain back at the wall (the high end,so as not to have a bunched,soggy curtain on the floor)with a tie system. When you are done with the jacuzzi you can let the curtain hang free to dry- and then tie back up or not. Does this make sense?Hazel8
Hazel8,
What great ideas I've gotten. I like the idea of tying it back after it's dried. The ball bearing idea is also good. Now I need to go to designer places to see what they've got by way of hardware. Thanks for taking the time to respond. Judie
Are you familiar with the tracks in masts that a sail slides into? perhaps there is a similar thing for a shower curtain- (my last suggestion on this subject) I think that these forums attract a nutty bunch of people who like to problem solve....enjoy,Hazel8
Hazel,
Thanks again for your ideas. I may even check with a nautical mfg. co.
I can't believe that this many people are interested in my bathroom. What a country!
Judie
i don't know what is on the other side of your wall... but i saw a rod that slid into the wall once... so you need somewhere for it to go... ie: the cavity of another wall with holes drilled in the studs or an empty space for it to push into... I'm pretty sure the one i saw was stainless steel and slid into a piece of pvc pipe fixed into the wall...
just an option if you have the space
pony
Hello Pony,
Your idea is imaginative, thanks. Unfortunately, one wall is an outside wall and the other is the divider between the shower and the sink. It does make my think about how to hide the retractable wire/fiber in the wall. Perhaps curved tubing...Thanks for chiming in on this unusual problem.
Judie
For the sloped rod I'd probably just use a normal old fashioned curtain tieback on the high end. For the swing arms, since they are level you can just push them to either side to frame the opening.
Thanks Aimless,
I'm astonished that so many people would invest time in this one bathroom problem. This is my first introduction to The Taunton Press and I'm very impressed. Thanks for your ideas. I'll let you know what I end up with.
Judie
http://www.curtains-us.web.com/shower_rods.htm
Try this link.. May give you some ideas..
Better late than never?
Hello Will George,
It's never too late. We're still undecided about the shower curtain. I did go to the site you suggested and some of the rods they show just might solve my problem. Hadn't even thought of Google-ing curtain rod ideas. Thanks for thinking of me and my dilemma. Judie
It seems I’m a bit late to the party but since Will came late I’ll throw my idea into the bucket also. How about finding or fabricating a rod that is collapsible into itself just like one of those space saving travel cups that kids use. It could be maybe 3 sections that slide into each other with the final section being maybe 2’ long that slides or folds up into the wall cavity.