Cafe curtains have been making a bit of a comeback lately. As you may have noticed, they were once only seen in grandma’s homes, but they’re back in style once again. And the reason is quite simple.
A chic and versatile window treatment, these charming vintage-inspired half window curtains are currently especially popular among interior designers. Cafe curtains are thought to originally date back to 19th century Vienna, Austria, where they were used to decorate the bottom half of bistro windows to provide privacy for diners while still allowing sunlight to stream in from above.
This curtain idea will complement almost any interior design style, giving off a cozy farmhouse, cottagecore vibe, while providing just the right amount of light, creating a cozy, intimate atmosphere.Here, experts explain why you should embrace the cafe curtain trend.
Will cafe curtains be popular in 2024?
(Image courtesy of Gilded Hearth)
The idea of a café corner, or “cafécore,” is a big topic among this year’s interior design trends. Promoting comfort and connection, the trend aims to evoke the atmosphere and style of your local bistro café and bring it into your home.
Pinterest trend forecasters predicted that cafes will skyrocket in popularity in 2024, and they weren’t wrong. We’re already seeing designers incorporating cafe corners into kitchen designs, creating coffee corners, coffee stations, and coffee bars. You name it, we’re obsessed with it.
And subtle cafe curtains are just the right accent for a European-style gathering area.
(Image courtesy of Shannon Eddings)
Of course, they’re especially popular in kitchens, bathrooms and dining areas because they strike the perfect balance between functionality and beauty.
These adorable miniature curtains are the perfect solution for decorating windows where you want to let in natural light and enjoy the view outside. They will add a quaint yet sophisticated touch to your kitchen window, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere.
“Café curtains are the perfect window treatment for rooms that need privacy, natural light, and a touch of charm,” says interior designer Shannon Eddings, who designed the pink kitchen shown above. “Their history in French cafés and English country homes gives them even more appeal.”
Charis Striped Cotton Blend Tailored 56″ Wide Cafe Curtains (Set of 2)
Top Pinch Pleat Unlined Cafe Curtains & Decorative Panels
Emogene Toile Cotton Tailored 84 inch wide cafe curtain
(Image courtesy of East London Cross)
And cafe curtains aren’t just for windows: They’re also being used creatively as a kitchen balance idea, replacing traditional cupboard doors. Pictured above is a pale yellow pantry with under-counter curtains from East London Cloth.
This trend reflects a move towards more relaxed, individual, living-kitchen spaces. Replacing cupboard doors with curtains softens the look of your kitchen, adding texture and colour that is both practical and aesthetically pleasing. It’s a great solution for open shelving, allowing the fabric to hide clutter and add a decorative element.
“In recent years, people have been embracing new ways of using fabrics in the home, most notably replacing areas such as window shutters that were once dominated by woodwork with curtains,” points out Gemma Moulton, founder of East London Cloth. “Café curtains are a beautiful way to add a veil of privacy whilst letting in lots of light. Fabrics also have a cosy, enveloping feel, are fantastic for acoustics and are a great way to add colour and interest to a room,” adds Gemma.
(Image courtesy of Shannon Eddings)
But you don’t have to stick to one “look” – cafe curtains come in all shapes and sizes, with a variety of prints and patterns, and with a variety of mounting hardware and hanging methods.
“Cafe curtains have been around for a long time, but they are not only becoming more popular, but perhaps Chic“The curtains themselves can be as pretty or elegant as you want, depending mainly on the fabric and hardware you choose,” says interior designer Bethany Adams.
“A pretty pattern in cotton with clip-on rings would be perfect for a kid’s bathroom, a foyer or a rustic kitchen, for example. Ringed cafe curtains with sewn-in silk pinch pleats have a more elegant look and pair well with sophisticated, expensive finishes. Both are great and appropriate uses for cafe curtains, but they’re not exactly the same.”
(Image courtesy of deVOL Kitchens)
Helen Parker, creative director of deVOL, a company that makes timeless kitchen and accessories such as distressed brass cafe curtain rails, is a big fan of the vintage look.
‘Not only are cafe curtains the most beautiful window coverings available, they’re also a really useful and professional way to divide a room, hide a view and provide privacy,’ says Helen.
“Find a window, find a delicate piece of thin, flimsy fabric and attach one of our brass rails to create a beautiful vignette. All of our rails come with nifty little brass clips. [seen above] You can hang muslin, vintage cotton, antique lace, or simple, crisp linen panels in an instant.’
(Image courtesy of Colours of Arley)
Cafe curtains are typically made in either soft, airy linen or ruffled floral patterns, but for a more contemporary space, try these bold red stripes from custom stripe fabric maker Colours of Arley.
Louisa Tratalos, founder of Colours of Arley, says: “Café curtains are an incredibly popular choice for window treatments. When used properly, they never look garish, but rather give the impression of a bit more edge than traditional curtains. The overall look you want to achieve will depend on the type of fabric you choose, from fluffy, lightweight linens to heavier fabrics for more quirky designs.”
“Stripes work great with any pattern, so whether your space is filled with painterly florals, scalloped patterns, or geographic patterns, stripes will be the perfect match,” she suggests. “If your home leans toward the minimalist side, stripes are a great way to incorporate pattern without overloading the design. In general, thinner stripes tend to have a more classic feel, so for a modern update, opt for thick, bold stripes in vibrant colors for a fresh new take on an old trend.”
deVOL Antique Brass Cafe Curtain Rail
Cafe Rod Aluminum Adjustable Single Curtain Rod (Set of 2)
Classic Cafe Pole – Brass – 50cm – 120cm
Full of vintage charm, cafe curtains can be incorporated into any style of home. From dainty florals to organic linens to contemporary stripes, they add a touch of elegance to any space. Why not try this trend for yourself?
