Café Curtains Aren't Just for Kitchens—Here's Why a Designer Says They Belong Everywhere in Your Home

Window treatments appear in nearly every room in the house, but the kitchen has long been neglected, thanks to airflow needs and cooking residue. That is, until recently: Café curtains over the sink have made quite the comeback. These half-sized classic window coverings let in ample light for prep work, while adding just enough privacy and charm. 

And their widespread appeal isn’t limited to kitchens anymore. Interior designers are now hanging kitchen curtains in bathrooms, laundry rooms, and entryways for a softer, more tailored look. We spoke with an interior designer and curtain maker who is convinced these shades can do more than just complement a cooking or dining space—and she has the styling tips to prove it. 

What Are Café Curtains?

Café curtains (aka kitchen curtains) are fabric window coverings that cover just the bottom half of a window. A nod to Old-World kitchens, the style has grown in popularity alongside aesthetics like farmhouse and cottagecore.

“They’re the perfect blend of design and function—which, when it comes to window treatments, is the ultimate win,” says co-founder of Everhem, Haley Weidenbaum. “Cafe curtains typically cover the lower half to three-quarters of a window, which means they provide privacy exactly where you need it: at eye level. Most windows are placed so the top portion sits above that line anyway, so you’re not sacrificing much privacy while still letting in light."

Why You Should Design with Café Curtains

Café curtains have a charm and craftsmanship that feels nostalgic and intentional. And because they cover less space, you can be bolder with pattern or color—Weidenbaum says to think of them as a small canvas with a big impact. You can experiment with them over and over without incurring a significant cost. “A hint of color in a stripe, gingham, or a small-scale pattern is perfect for café curtains,” Weidenbaum says.

Visually, they let the architecture of a window shine, which is especially important in older homes with natural woodwork. Instead of covering a beautiful feature, café curtains let you enhance and highlight it.

“What I love most is that they’re often an unexpected design choice. When done right, they make a room feel thoughtful and curated,” Weidenbaum says. “I hope that when people see a room with café curtains, they think to themselves, 'That’s the perfect touch—I wouldn’t have thought of that, but it totally makes the space.'”

Café Curtain Ideas Beyond Kitchen Windows

Interior designers like Weidenbaum insist that you can install café curtains in rooms besides the kitchen or dining room. Here are a few unexpected places to incorporate them.

Entryways

Weidenbaum says entryway windows are a great spot for cafe curtains—you get privacy without blocking your view entirely, and you can still catch a glimpse outside. Install them on your front windows or get them custom-fit for the glass insert on your door. 

Powder Rooms

Bathrooms might not seem like the most ideal place for café curtains, but they're surprisingly effective here: “In spaces like powder rooms, where full blackout or full privacy aren’t necessary, but you still want some privacy and some light control, cafe curtains strike the right balance,” Weidenbaum says.

According to the designer, the half shades let in ample natural light while covering just enough of the window to give you that seclusion where it counts.

Play Rooms

Pick out a colorful, playful pattern for your child’s favorite space. “I love [café curtains] in kids’ playrooms or family living spaces,” Weidenbaum says, adding how they bring a touch of whimsy and warmth to rooms that are full of life and activity. “It’s that little detail that makes a space feel more lived-in and loved."

Around Sinks

According to Weidenbaum, one of the most charming and functional uses for café curtains is to add a skirt around a sink—especially in a bathroom, laundry room, or even a vintage-inspired kitchen.

“It softens the space, hides storage, and adds a touch of personality without the bulk of cabinetry,” she says. TikTok creators have also been covering dishwashers with stylish café curtains for a charming, cottagecore look.

Café Curtain Styling Tips

The most important piece of styling advice to remember: Install your café curtains as close to the middle of the window as you can. Simply mount your hardware at the vertical halfway point. If there are grid lines on your windows, Weidenbaum recommends going with the horizontal line that lands closest to the vertical halfway point.

Also, don’t be afraid to go bold where you usually wouldn't—use deep, complex colors and patterns. Weidenbaum suggests a double panel for instant volume and a touch of luxurious fullness, creating a more dramatic and visually-appealing windowscape.

Ideal Fabrics

In general, stick to lightweight materials for café curtains. "They drape nicely, hold their shape, and allow movement without feeling bulky,” Weidenbaum says. “You want something that hangs cleanly but doesn’t feel stiff." Choose fabrics like 100% linen, linen-cotton blends, or a sheer. Each offers an airy, relaxed feel and lets in just the right amount of light. 

Avoid heavier materials like velvet or any thicker fabric, which tends to look too dense and structured. "I’d steer clear of anything too heavy or rigid—it can overwhelm the smaller scale of a cafe curtain and won’t create the same soft, effortless look," Weidenbaum says.