Should you replace your bathroom vanity doors with curtains? Interior designers on whether it's as practical as it is stylish

A bathroom is a space of tranquility, the place we start the day and unwind at the end of it. But a room full of hard lines and cold surfaces doesn't quite give off the right vibe, so more people are replacing their bathroom vanity doors with curtains. But is it a good idea?

Your bathroom vanity ideas are the main furniture piece and storage space, so making the right choices can make or break your design. And while opting for a curtain over a door might be a stylish choice, is it practical in a bathroom?

Here, we've turned to interior designers to find out whether you should replace your bathroom vanity doors with curtains, and whether it's a stylish and practical addition to your bathroom ideas.

Should you replace your bathroom vanity doors with curtains?

A bathroom vanity is one of the most functional features in your bathroom, especially when it comes to hidden storage. It's one of the only places to keep the less aesthetic essentials and linens, but this doesn't mean you can't add a stylish touch.

'While bathroom vanity doors are undeniably practical, replacing them with curtains can infuse softness into a space that may feel quite utilitarian. Curtains not only introduce an element of warmth but also provide an opportunity to add pattern, scale, and color – bringing a touch of fun to a bathroom design,' says interior designer Lauren Gilberthorpe.

As well as adding to the visual appeal of your scheme, there are practical benefits of choosing vanity curtains, too. Creative consultant and textile designer Rosanna Falconer introduced curtains in her bathroom, and it wasn't just for the aesthetic.

'They are much more forgiving to frequent use than heavy doors. Their ease of use encourages a tidy approach to the vanity top, meaning our beautiful creamy Caesarstone quartz can be showcased at its best. It feels calming to have a clean space,' she says.

What's the best fabric to use for bathroom vanity curtains?

There are some things to consider before replacing your bathroom vanity doors with curtains. The fabric you choose needs to not only drape correctly but also be able to withstand the damper conditions of a bathroom.

'When selecting curtains for the bathroom, materials like linen and cotton are superb choices. These fabrics are breathable and have a lovely drape, creating an airy feel while also being easy to care for. For added durability, consider moisture-resistant options such as treated cotton or polyester blends, which can withstand the humidity typical of bathroom environments,' suggests Lauren.

'Choose a washable fabric. Our bathroom is well-ventilated and quite large. Curtains can work in smaller bathrooms but I would urge you to consider possible dampness; ensure the fabric can withstand this and dry quickly,' Rosanna adds.

As well as choosing an appropriate material for its practical qualities, it's also important that the fabric is in keeping with the rest of your bathroom design – you don't want your bathroom vanity curtains to feel like an odd addition to your scheme. Luckily, there are a few different ways to choose a fabric design that works in your existing space.

'I quite like to choose a patterned fabric that features a color from the existing bathroom. This could be a neutral that perfectly matches the tiles or even a lighter-weight sheer fabric that is more subtle than heavier cotton. I would also suggest bringing larger swatches of fabric samples to review under both natural and artificial light as this can dramatically change the overall look,' Lauren advises.

For a more statement design, Rosanna suggests looking to the 'hero piece' of your bathroom and use as the inspiration – not only will it tie in the focal point of your space, but it will help a bolder color to work in your bathroom.

'Start with your hero piece for the room and then ensure the palette ties into that. In our case, this was the hand-painted porcelain basins. The tiles, paints, and then finally the curtains had to tie into that.'

What's the best way to hang bathroom vanity curtains?

How you hang your curtains will depend entirely on your vanity style and personal preference. The simplest choice is to hang your curtains on an exposed rod, and make a feature of it.

'For hanging curtains around your bathroom vanity, opt for a discreet rod mounted beneath the countertop. Use curtain clips for easy access, and consider a decorative pole in a matching finish to the bathroom hardware (such as brass or brushed chrome),' says Lauren.

Alternatively, if you prefer the look of curtains with hidden fixtures, Rosanna's approach may appeal. 'We had gathered curtains made, fitted on two discreet tracks. The tracks are uncorded (much more practical for frequent use).'

'They were made on a triple-row heading tape so that I can adjust the hooks should the fabric shrink with washing. The top of the tape is fitted just below the top of the curtain to help hide the track neatly under the vanity counter,' she adds.

You'll also need to decide whether the curtains will run around all three exposed sides of the vanity or just across the front where the doors would sit. A full curtain would require more alterations as the vanity would lose solid supports all the way around but can create a much more striking look in larger schemes.

Alternatively, simply adding a vanity curtain in place of the doors is a much easier project, and offers a balance of clean, strong lines and a softer finish. Both designs look beautiful and remain functional, so it really comes down to which would work best in your bathroom and the style that you prefer.

So, if you're considering replacing your vanity doors with curtains, you can rest assured it's a designer-approved design choice. Make sure to choose a fabric that works with your bathroom design and can withstand a damper environment for the best results.