DIY Shower Curtain Wall Art: How to Make Large Wall Art on a Budget
DIY Shower Curtain Wall Art: How to Make Large Wall Art on a Budget
Blank walls can be one of the biggest decorating challenges, especially when you need oversized artwork. Large canvas prints can easily cost several hundred dollars, but I found a simple DIY solution that gives you the same statement look for a fraction of the price.
This DIY shower curtain wall art project is one of my favorite budget-friendly home decor projects because it’s inexpensive, customizable, beginner-friendly, and easy enough to complete in an afternoon. I made two completely different pieces using the exact same method—one for our bedroom and another for our living room—and both transformed the space without breaking the budget.
If you’re looking for an easy way to create oversized wall art, here’s exactly how I did it.
DIY Shower Curtain Wall Art Project at a Glance
- Project: DIY Shower Curtain Wall Art
- Skill level: Beginner friendly
- Time needed: A few hours
- Best for: Bedrooms, living rooms, large blank walls, budget home decor
- Main supplies: Shower curtain, wood frame, screws, staple gun, scissors or utility knife
- Budget: Varies by shower curtain and wood prices, but much cheaper than buying oversized canvas art
In This Tutorial
- Why use a shower curtain?
- Supplies you’ll need
- Step 1: Build the frame
- Step 2: Lay out the shower curtain
- Step 3: Stretch and staple
- Should you add a backing layer?
- Finished DIY wall art projects
- Frequently asked questions
Why Use a Shower Curtain?
Shower curtains come in hundreds of beautiful designs, from landscapes and florals to abstract artwork, vintage prints, seasonal scenes, and modern patterns. Because they’re already produced in oversized dimensions, they’re the perfect starting point for creating custom wall art.
Instead of spending hundreds of dollars on a large canvas print, you can transform an inexpensive shower curtain into a one-of-a-kind statement piece that fits your decorating style.
Another advantage is the incredible variety available. Whether you’re decorating a cozy farmhouse living room, a modern bedroom, a nursery, or even a home office, there’s almost certainly a shower curtain that matches your vision.
If you’ve been searching for affordable oversized wall art or an easy DIY home decor project, this method is one of the simplest ways to fill a large blank wall without blowing your decorating budget.
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Supplies You’ll Need
- Shower curtain (I used this fall scene shower curtain for the living room and this daisy shower curtain for my bedroom)
- Wood for the frame – Account for enough for the perimeter of the frame as well as 2-3 support boards
- Screws
- Drill or driver
- Staple gun and staples
- Scissors or utility knife
- Measuring tape
Optional (recommended):
- Black fabric
- Felt
- Foam insulation board
- Corrugated plastic sheet
I’ll explain why I recommend one of these later.
| Item | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Shower curtain | $15–30 |
| Lumber | $15–30 |
| Screws | $3–8 |
| Staples | $2–5 |
| Optional backing material | $5–15 |
Step 1: Build the Frame for Your DIY Shower Curtain Wall Art
The first step was building a simple wooden frame.
I used boards to create a rectangle that worked with the size of my wall and shower curtain. I also added a couple of vertical support boards to keep everything rigid and prevent the frame from bowing over time.
The frame doesn’t need to be fancy since it will never be seen.
Step 2: Lay Out the Shower Curtain
Once the frame was finished, I spread the shower curtain face down on the floor.
Then I carefully centered the frame on top of it so there would be enough material to wrap around all four sides.
Taking a minute to center everything makes wrapping much easier later.
Step 3: Stretch and Staple
Starting in the middle of one side, I pulled the shower curtain tightly around the frame and stapled it in place.
Then I moved to the opposite side and repeated the process.
From there I worked around the frame, alternating sides while keeping even tension so the artwork stayed smooth.
Once all four sides were secure, I neatly folded the corners like wrapping a present and stapled them down.
Finally, I trimmed away the excess shower curtain material where needed.
DIY Shower Curtain Wall Art – My Finished Projects
The first version I made was a large floral piece for our bedroom using a daisy shower curtain.
After seeing how well it turned out, I decided to make another oversized piece for our living room using a beautiful fall tree design.
Even though the artwork is completely different, both projects were made using the exact same process.
Seeing how versatile this technique is has me wanting to make even more versions for different seasons and rooms.
Should You Add a Backing Layer?
There was one unexpected issue that I discovered after finishing my first project.
When sunlight hit the artwork at just the right angle, you could faintly see the support boards through the fabric.
It wasn’t noticeable most of the time, but once I saw it, I knew I wanted to improve the next version.
For my second project, I stapled black plastic bin liners across the frame before wrapping the shower curtain. This helped reduce the visibility of the frame somewhat, but it wasn’t my ideal solution.
If I were making another one I would use something with a little more structure between the frame and the shower curtain.
Some options I think would work even better include:
- Black felt
- Thick fabric
- Foam insulation board
- Corrugated plastic sheets
Any of these should create a smoother backing while preventing the frame from showing through in bright sunlight.
Is DIY Shower Curtain Wall Art Worth It?
Absolutely.
This is one of those DIY projects that looks much more expensive than it actually is.
It’s:
- Budget friendly
- Beginner friendly
- Customizable
- Lightweight
- Easy to complete in a few hours
- Large enough to make a real statement in a room
The best part is that you aren’t limited to one decorating style. Whether you love farmhouse, modern, coastal, floral, seasonal, or abstract artwork, there’s almost certainly a shower curtain that matches your style.
Frequently Asked Questions About DIY Shower Curtain Wall Art
Can you use any shower curtain for wall art?
Yes! Fabric shower curtains generally work best because they’re easier to stretch tightly around the frame, but many polyester shower curtains work well too. Just choose a design you love and make sure it’s large enough for your frame.
How much does DIY shower curtain wall art cost?
The total cost depends on the shower curtain and lumber you choose, but it’s typically much less expensive than buying oversized framed artwork or a large canvas print. It’s an easy way to create statement wall art on a budget.
What size should I make the frame?
Build your frame to fit both your wall and the usable portion of your shower curtain design. Leave enough extra fabric around all four sides so you can wrap and staple it securely to the back of the frame.
Do I need a backing layer?
It’s optional, but I highly recommend it…especially if your shower curtain is light-colored or slightly see-through. Without a backing layer, the support boards may become visible when sunlight hits the artwork. Black felt, thick fabric, foam insulation board, or corrugated plastic all work better than the plastic bin liners I originally used.
Can one person make this project?
Yes! I completed both of my oversized wall art projects by myself. Having a second person can make stretching the fabric a little easier, but it’s definitely a beginner-friendly DIY that one person can handle.
Can I use this method for different decorating styles?
Absolutely. One of my favorite things about this project is how versatile it is. Whether you like farmhouse, modern, coastal, boho, floral, abstract, or seasonal décor, there are countless shower curtain designs that can be turned into oversized wall art.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though this is a beginner-friendly project, there are a few things I’d do differently after making two of these oversized wall art pieces.
Don’t skip the support boards
Adding two or three support boards keeps the frame from twisting or bowing over time, especially for larger pieces.
Center the shower curtain before stapling
Take a few extra minutes to make sure the design is centered on the frame before attaching it. It’s much easier to adjust now than after you’ve started stapling.
Stretch the fabric evenly
Start stapling in the middle of each side and work outward, alternating sides as you go. This helps distribute the tension evenly and prevents wrinkles.
Add a backing layer
If your shower curtain is light-colored or slightly transparent, consider adding black felt, foam insulation board, thick fabric, or corrugated plastic to the frame before wrapping the curtain. This helps prevent the support boards from showing through when light hits the artwork.
Fold the corners neatly
Treat the corners like wrapping a present. Taking a little extra time here gives the finished piece a much cleaner, more professional look.
Tip: If your shower curtain has fold lines from the packaging, let it hang for a day or lightly steam it before attaching it to the frame. Starting with smooth fabric makes it much easier to achieve a wrinkle-free finish.
Final Thoughts on DIY Shower Curtain Wall Art
Sometimes the best DIY projects come from looking at everyday items in a different way.
A simple shower curtain became a custom piece of oversized wall art that completely transformed two rooms in our home. While I’d make one small improvement by adding a thicker backing next time, I’d absolutely use this method again.
If you’ve been searching for affordable large wall art, this project is a fun weekend DIY that delivers a high-end look without the high-end price.
What design would you choose? A landscape, floral print, abstract artwork, or something seasonal? Let me know in the comments. I’d love to see what you create!
If you’ve been putting off decorating a large blank wall because of the cost of oversized artwork, I hope this project shows you that you don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars to make a big impact. With a simple wooden frame, a shower curtain you love, and a free afternoon, you can create custom wall art that’s completely unique to your home.
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