But enough of that nonsense, let’s talk legitimately about shower curtains for a second.  Hookless isn’t for everyone and is not a proper indicator of quality (our Kontextur shower curtains which have hooks our at our highest price point).  Either one is worth checking out, it is always fun to see the newest products.

Kontextur Shower Curtain

From a shower curtain standpoint, this could range anywhere from an abstract contemporary shower curtain or a representation of something a little more specific and functional like a hookless shower curtain,  Some people have a more artistic side, while others are more practical, well love you all!

-ang

What a sweet option for a child's bathroom!

We aren’t just talking about a shower curtain with grommets, we are talking about hookless shower curtains with a patent flex rings that go right onto the curved shower curtain rod or bar in less than 10 seconds.  Now that’s technology!

Take a look a this quick video to see how it works!

Arcs & Angles Hookless Shower Curtains

Have a great day!

So here are some inexpensive, easy and fun ways to update your bathroom in weekend!

1. Paint.  Everyone knows a fresh coat is a instant way to make a room look clean and crisp.

2. Clean, Bleach, Repeat.  Old bathrooms may have tile that is too expensive to replace.  Instead, clean it well and bleach it to give it back it’s fresh “out of the box” glow.  An old tooth brush may help here, with the grout cracks.

3. De-clutter. Get rid of exposed toiletries.  Put them under the sink or in a closet.

4. Lighting.  Allow some natural light to come in.  Take down the dark curtains and put some sheers.  You could even cut an old twin sheet in half to create some thin but functional privacy.

5. Add more space.  To your shower that is.  Traditional shower curtains/liners can be boring.  Replace it with a hookless shower curtain with a curved shower curtain rod.  Arcs and Angles sells many different styles and even a retro fitted bar that adds 30% more elbow room to your shower.  Now that’s cool!

6. Light a candle.  Adding a fresh scent such as lavender or chamomile can actually change your mood, relaxing you every time you step into your new haven!

Creativity comes out of a lack of resources…don’t let money stop you from adding much needed pizazz to your bathroom today!

Pros

• Easy installment: A hookless shower curtain is much easier to install than your traditional shower curtain that uses shower curtain rings.  Several videos on YouTube that show how quick and easy installment can be – around 10 seconds.  I particularly like this video.
• Abundant options: These unique shower curtains are all the rage now for designers.  Several great options already exist, but as time continues, more options, colors, and designs will become available.
• Versatility: With little work a hookless curtain can go from your shower to your living room as drapes.  We have talked about reusing or re-purposing your shower curtain, and this is the easiest way.  Simply slide your curtain off your curved shower curtain rod and onto your living room curtain rod, cutting and hemming it to fit your needs.
• Cost: Prices for a hookless curtains are comparable to prices for traditional shower curtains.

Cons

• Purchasing: Although several options now exist for the hookless type of shower curtain, some stores may not carry many options yet.  This means you may need to do research on finding the curtain you like and perhaps ordering it offline.
• Hookless options: Currently, two hookless options exist, (1) large holes created by grommets that require you to have a detachable shower curtain rod, and (2) large slitted holes that allow you to simply slip the curtain around your rod (these are the kind most regularly seen in today’s hotels).  The slitted option can often have less aesthetically pleasing options, which may be a deterrent.  Many prefer to go with the grommetted curtains, but if you do not have a detachable shower curtain rod, you will be unable to string your curtain for hanging.  If this is the option that most catches your attention but you do not have the correct rod, we recommend one like this curved shower curtain rod, which detaches from one side and swivels out for easy curtain hanging.
• Shower limitations: If you do not have a traditional size shower, you may not be able to use a hookless shower curtain.  My husband and I have a clawfoot tub and shower.  We need a curtain that wraps completely around so that all sides are enclosed.  There are several hooked plastic liners that meet this need, however, I have not been able to find a hookless version that does.  Unfortunate for us.

It may seem silly, but one way to get out of the mourning of such an inspiring and talent artists is to remember your favorite Jackson moments, with pictures, figurenes, and music.  

A hookless shower curtain could be personalized with the stars’ face or text from one of your favorite songs.  My personal favorite is the Thriller Album Cover.  And to go with your hookless shower curtain, don’t forget your curved shower curtain rod. Read about this pair in a previous post: Hookless Shower Curtains

To find Michael memorabilia start combing the internet, craigslist, and ebay to find collectables.  Also, keep your eyes open at yard sales and flea markets for rare affordable Jackson treasures.  

You can go all out and have pictures, album covers and figurines, or just keep it simple with a mmicheal jackson shower curtain.  Either way, the dedicated Michael Jackson fan will appreciate the tribute and the visit to your bathroom.

Due to writer’s block, let’s take a short break from everything Derby, and revisit a previous topic – reusing our used shower curtains.  In a previous post, we discussed how to bring new life to our old vinyl shower curtains, and today a few tips on how to reuse your used fabric shower curtain.  This is an appropriate topic as Earth Day just passed and we were encouraged to remember being friendly to our Earth and environment.  Therefore, below you will find several ways to reuse your fabric curtain, most of which only require minimal skills in creative or artistic ability, like sewing.

• With sturdier curtains, use the fabric material to reupholster a well-loved chair.
• Create new, bold accent pillows for the couch or bed.  Sew on some buttons or cute trim, and no one will even know it was once a shower curtain.
• Create new window curtains.  If there are windows in your bathroom, you could even keep your old curtain remnants in there with the new shower curtain.
• A sturdier curtain can make a great picnic blanket on sunny afternoons.
• Create a table cloth or runner.
• If you are more talented in the sewing arena, try to make a great skirt or dress with a bold and modern printed curtain.
• Cut up the curtain into quilting squares and get your sewing on.
• The way I have most commonly reused my old fabric shower curtains is by relocating it in my house as a wall tapestry.  Hookless shower curtains are especially nice for this, as their large grommets add an extra appeal and make hanging easy.  My best experience with this was a bold white shower curtain with orange polka-dolts.  My husband and I actually bought it purposefully for a wall-hanging, and it did a great job hiding part of the wall that had been damaged and we didn’t have time to repair promptly.
• Another wall art option is to cut out several pieces of the fabric and fame it in fancy frames.  Hang several frames together as a series.  Below is a picture where one person used fabric and cross-stitching hoops to accomplish the same idea.  You could also simply stretch the fabric around a canvas or something else that can keep your fabric taut and forget the faming altogether.

Below are several pics of either great fabrics to use for wall art or more examples of what reusing your fabric shower curtain could look like.

If it is likely you will reuse your fabric shower curtain in one of the above ways mentioned, try to purchase your curtain with that in mind.  Ask yourself these helpful questions: Will I continue to like this pattern or print across time?  Can this pattern or print fit somewhere else in my home décor (as in another room)?  Is this fabric sturdy enough for me to create something new from it?  (Sheer fabric curtains, do not do well with cutting and sewing projects.)  I hope these ideas and tips have been helpful and inspiring.  If these don’t sound appealing to you, get your own creative juices going and happy curtain crafting!

-ang

Yesterday concluded the 2009 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club where Angel Cabrera took home the coveted Green Jacket.  In honor of Angel and golf’s finest tournament, a look, today, at golf shower curtains.

Although Father’s Day is a few months away, giving your father a golf-themed bathroom can allow him to be the envy of all of his friends.  Golf shower curtains bring to mind a calming pasttime as one envisions quiet, lush, green fields.  A luxiourous golf shower curtain can turn a plain bathroom into a masculine haven.  There are several golf-themed bathroom accessories, like these golf ball shower curtain hooks, that can be used to bring the theme full-circle.  Or, if you prefer a more contemporary feel, try a sleek, hookless shower curtain and a complementary green paint scheme for the walls.  Spruce up the rest of the bathroom with a magazine rack filled with appropriate magazines like Golf Digest, Golf, and Golf Week.  This gives Dad the opportunity to catch up on tips for his backswing during his downtime.  You can also purchase one of those fun golf ball water globes .

This Father’s Day make Dad feel like one of the pros in his very own course-inspired bathroom.  He may not have a green jacket, but he can feel like a king in his own turf.

Happy Golfing!

-ang