I bought an 'adjustable' curved shower rod, online. It's composed of 2 curved pieces, one slides inside the other. It's terrible - the diameters of the 2 pipes/rods are very different. There is enough room for the rod to move, and the rings don't slide over the junction. I'm guessing you can buy a solid piece, and cut it to fit. I doubt 43" will be a problem. Look for some curved shower rods online, and then research the manufacturers. Most will have details about installation, more than retailers' sites. Pick up the phone and call the manufacturer if you still have probs.

Yes! My Aunt ran the curtain up to the ceiling and to the floor, it really changes the look of the bathroom. She did black velvet curtains with a clear liner it looks really really good.

It's getting to the point where accessories are about to be installed in my bathroom. I like my shower curtain to be a little higher than the standard 72", but don't want it to be too high that its impossible to find curtains for it. I want it to be the right height for the extra long shower curtains. What's a good height to place the rod? Is 84" too high?

I think that the best bet is to make them as consistent as possible in relation to window, regardless of ceiling height.