Invigorate Your Kitchen with Cafe Style Curtains
Is your kitchen decor looking a little tired and dull? Do your solid, full-length curtains block out too much natural light? Cafe curtains just might be the perfect solution to breathe new life into your cooking space without a major renovation.
Cafe style curtains refer to the curtains that only cover the lower half or two-thirds of a window pane. With their signature horizontal tiers and airy, layered look, these charming retro-inspired curtains can instantly infuse your kitchen with warmth, texture, and charm.
Benefits of Cafe Curtains in Kitchens
There are many great reasons to consider dressing your kitchen windows in cafe curtains:
- They allow light to filter in from the top half of the window, keeping the room bright and airy.
- The fabric softens the hard surfaces of countertops and cabinets for a cozier feel.
- Adding tiers, ruffles, or other embellishments creates visual interest and movement.
- They are a relatively inexpensive and simple way to refresh the look of your kitchen.
- You can still open the window for fresh air since they only cover part of it.
Common Cafe Curtain Styles and Materials
One of the best aspects of cafe curtains is the multitude of stylish designs available. Whether your kitchen decor skews traditional or modern, there's a cafe curtain to match.
Cottage
Cottage style cafe curtains feature ditsy florals, checks, plaids, and other charming prints. Details like ruffled edges or cute bow ties add to the cozy, down-home vibe. These curtains look best in natural fabrics like cotton, linen, or lace.
Vintage
For a retro 1950s inspired look, opt for solids or prints in nostalgic colors like bright reds, sunny yellows, and teals. Cotton or faux silk fabrics maintain the vintage aesthetic. Add interest with tie-tops or grommets.
French Country
French country decor embraces elegant toile patterns depicting pastoral garden or farm scenes. Linens with a rough-hewn texture and cottons in calm neutrals suit this style. For extra charm, hang cafe curtains with a valance swag overhead.
Coastal
Capture breezy coastal vibes with cafe curtains in ocean blues, sandy tans, and other beachy hues. Nautical motifs like anchors, shells, or stripes set the seaside mood. Embellish curtains with ties, tassels, embroidery or laser cut patterns. Linen and cotton blends work well.
Modern
Make a sleek style statement with bold, graphic prints or solid cafe curtains in sophisticated neutrals or dark hues. Focus on crisp pleats and clean lines for a contemporary edge. Sheer polyester or linen/cotton blends tailor the look.
Hanging Styles
One of the fun aspects of cafe curtains is experimenting with different hanging methods to achieve your ideal look.
Rod Types
Consider using spring rods, tension rods, or cafe rods designed to hold the weight of layered tiers.
Tiers
The signature look involves hanging two or three curtain tiers to create a horizontal layered effect. Go for a fuller cascading look by overlapping tiers, adding swags, or using curtains much wider than the window.
Lengths
Most cafe curtains end at the lower third or midway point of a window. For more privacy, opt for full length curtains on the bottom tier only.
Coordination and Placement
Place your pretty new cafe curtains in spots where they can make the biggest visual impact. Try hanging them:
- Over the sink or around kitchen windows to soften the view
- Behind a bar or kitchen banquette to frame the seating area
- Around glass cabinet doors to both conceal and decorate their contents
Select curtain fabrics and colors that coordinate beautifully with your countertops, floors, appliances and other kitchen elements. Tie everything together for a pulled-together look.
Cafe Curtain Don'ts
While cafe style curtains offer tons of charming appeal, there are a few pitfalls to avoid:
- Don't hang curtains too long or they will block your view and defeat the purpose.
- Skip heavy opaque fabrics that won't let light through.
- Resist cluttering your windows with too many accessories and let the curtains shine.
Tips for Choosing Your Own
Ready to give your kitchen a fresh new look with cafe curtains? Keep these tips in mind:
- Select cozy fabrics that integrate well with your existing kitchen decor elements.
- Mind the size of your windows when selecting prints - small patterns can get lost on large windows.
- Carefully measure so your curtains fit the windows properly.
- Machine washable cottons or polyester blends minimize fuss.
With their light and breezy vibe, cafe curtains can give your kitchen a much needed boost of charm. Experiment with fabrics, prints, and hanging styles to find your perfect look. With so many affordable choices, it's easy to give this fun retro trend a try. Your kitchen will thank you!