TikTok's IKEA Curtain Track Hack Will Beautifully Transform The Look Of Your Bathroom

If you're like most people, your bathroom is probably one of the smallest rooms in your home. As such, it provides fewer opportunities for impactful interior design changes. But making a small bathroom feel bigger doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. In fact, TikToker @kelseywalraven shared a simple, budget-friendly hack that will transform your space from basic to luxurious. Just hang your shower curtain from the ceiling instead of the standard rod. "[Hanging a curtain rod close to the ceiling] draws your eye up, and it gives the illusion that your ceilings are taller, even if they're not," former "Queer Eye" cast member and interior designer Bobby Berk told the "Rachel Ray Show." When applied to shower curtains, the result is a dramatic effect that makes your bathroom look taller and more impressive. 

To replicate this trick you need three items: a single curtain track, a set of long curtains, and a shower curtain liner. In the video, @kelseywalraven specifically uses the single VIDGA curtain track from IKEA, as well as a set of the ROSENROBINIA curtains in the 98-inch length. She also opts for the Clear Shower Curtain Liner available from the AmazerBath store on Amazon. If you wanted to shop everything all in one place at IKEA, the Swedish retailer sells its own shower curtain liner called the NÄCKTEN for a total steal at just $3 per piece. When all is said and done, this project will cost you about $60 or less!

The first step outlined in this project is installing the VIDGA curtain track on the ceiling. But we suggest starting with another crucial step before starting anything — taking precise measurements. Doing so will ensure you get the look you want without wasting time or money buying the wrong products for the job.

First, measure the width of your shower opening from wall to wall, as it may impact how much curtain track you need to buy. Most bathrooms will fare just fine with the 55 ¾-inch length of a single VIDGA, but it's still good to know for sure before buying. Second, measure exactly where you intend to mount the curtain track from floor-to-ceiling so you can be sure which length of curtain you need. And if you have a tub, measure from the ceiling to about halfway down the wall of the tub to see where your curtain liner should fall.

If you choose the NÄCKTEN liner from IKEA instead of the AmazerBath option, keep in mind it's only 71 inches long. This means it may not reach the tub or extend to the floor if installed on the ceiling track. You can always hang it on the existing shower rod behind the new curtain. But that may cause a visual interruption in the continuous floor-to-ceiling silhouette. Ultimately, you can opt for either option based on your specific bathroom measurements and your desired look.

There are so many things to consider when picking out a shower curtain: material, texture, and color, to name a few. While IKEA has a great selection to choose from, you can always look to other stores for a wider variety, since it's possible to hang non-IKEA options on the VIDGA track. To choose a curtain, start by assessing the interior design of your bathroom. From there, consider a color, pattern, and texture that compliments existing details. For fabric, linen is a popular natural fiber choice for curtains, as it drapes well and is easy to wash when needed. But polyester and polyester blends come in many different styles, and also tend to be more affordable options. 

In addition to the curtain's look, it needs to be long enough to create the elegant, floor-to-ceiling effect. In the original video, the creator argues that the curtains for this hack should be so long that any excess length pools a bit on the floor. Even if you don't want that much excess fabric, it's still best to buy longer curtains that extend beyond the height of your room. You can always make curtains that are too long, shorter — and there's even a way to get a neat hem without shelling out money at the tailor. This Klangfeiler hemming tape available for just $8 on Amazon makes shortening your curtains an affordable and easy DIY option.