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Short Café Curtains Are Long on Style
More casual than full-length curtains, these abbreviated window treatments offer privacy without obscuring light and views
Houzz Contributor. Fresh out of journalism school, I fell into decorating media and immediately discovered a new passion. An Atlanta native, I spent several years as an editor for Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles magazine before making the leap to national publications and websites such as Houzz, Better Homes and Gardens and Southern Accents. I live in Birmingham, Alabama, with my husband and son, who’ve gotten used to coming home and finding the furniture rearranged. When I'm not dragging case goods across the floor, I enjoy good food and wine, college football, music of all kinds, and traveling.
Houzz Contributor. Fresh out of journalism school, I fell into decorating... More »
You don't often see café curtains in interiors these days, but they used to be everywhere — or at least that's how it seemed when I was a kid. Fortunately, they appear to be inching back on the radar. Lately I've spotted café curtains in the most unlikely settings, from an industrial loft to a contemporary living space.
There's a lot to love about these classic cropped window treatments. Originally hung in European cafés to screen diners from passersby, they provide a note of softness without the volume of full draperies, and because they cover only part of the panes, they allow light in without sacrificing privacy. Are they for you? Take a look at the ways they're used in these stylish spaces and decide.
There's a lot to love about these classic cropped window treatments. Originally hung in European cafés to screen diners from passersby, they provide a note of softness without the volume of full draperies, and because they cover only part of the panes, they allow light in without sacrificing privacy. Are they for you? Take a look at the ways they're used in these stylish spaces and decide.
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This space is so simple and sleek that exposing a bit of the outside view adds to its interest. Simple white café curtains create an enveloping feel around the banquette without completely obscuring the windows.
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| Paired with bistro-style bar stools, a brief linen curtain rounds out this kitchen and hints at the look of a Parisian café. |
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by Hendel Homes
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| This bedroom turns the traditional look on its ear — its elements are classic at heart, but it's lightened with just a little quirkiness. Café curtains, which are less formal than full draperies, look right at home. |
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I love this idea for adding privacy to a narrow hallway while softening the light. Full, gathered café curtains on the windows add a pleasing note of softness.
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Here's proof that café curtains can work in an industrial-style setting. The trick? Keep the color neutral, the material casual and the lines clean.
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Ikat café curtains offset the hard surfaces and sharp angles of metal kitchen cabinets.
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A gingham café curtain gives this breakfast nook the feel of a coastal cottage.
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by Julie Smith
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| This curtain style often is paired with a valance to soften the upper window. Bright poppy pink lends this space a cheery punch of color. |
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by Julie Smith
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| Here, the valance helps to draw the eye upward, making the low ceiling feel less oppressive. The low profile of the headboard also sits below the curtain line, so it doesn't appear to take up excess space. |
Comments
olldbobbi I remember seeing these in windows of restaurants. When your table is by a window they afforded privacy, but still let in plenty of light. Fabulous!
8 months ago · Like
jamawag love the article, ideas, photos - but try to find these. I looked everywhere: brick & mortar and on line and only found cheesy cafes in walmart, jcp type stores. If anyone knows where they can be found, pls let me know!
8 months ago · Like
olldbobbi jamawag - Agreed! Or they have chickens, roosters, apples, heaven knows what all over them. However, if you sew, these are the easiest things in the world to make AND you get to pick your own fabric.
8 months ago · Like
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libscout Country Curtains is a great company for cafe' curtains.
8 months ago · Like
eztia Yes, Country Curtains will certainly have lots of options!
8 months ago · Like
jamawag OMG - Country Curtains was a fabulous idea. They have tons! I know what I'll be doing this weekend. Thanks so much for the idea!
8 months ago · Like
highuintas Jamawag and Bobby P -- I've been also looking everywhere and have not found except the ones with chickens, sunflowers, etc. I will check Country Curtains now.
8 months ago · Like
highuintas Do I have to purchase specific ones to hang them with the rings?
8 months ago · Like
47olive i have them in pure white. they add light and a crisp view of the outside. (great selection at Bed, Bath and Beyond, K-mart and Walmart)
3 months ago · Like
Trudy Conley My builder asked way too much for transoms in my sunroom. So they set the 6 foot windows higher from the floor. If I hung roller blinds or even curtains at say 1/3 from top would that look ok? 
2 months ago · Like
Ideabook published on Sept. 13, 2012.
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