Cafe Curtains for the Kitchen
Cafe curtains are great for adding privacy to a kitchen. These kitchen curtains span across the lower half of the window leaving a gap above the curtain allowing in plenty of light. Plus you can look out without anyone looking in. They add privacy without blocking the view or the light too much.
As cafe curtains are informal in style, they are particularly suitable for kitchens, in fact it is unlikely that they will be suitable for other rooms in your home. These curtains originated in the cafes of Europe, where they allowed patrons to drink their coffee and enjoy the street scene without being viewed from outside. Because of their origins, they are often called French cafe curtains.
For the heading on cafe style curtains, you can use a simple casement heading through which you slot a rod, which must be positioned at the the right height above the window sill or lower edge. You could also use tab tops or simple tie tops for a heading.
As for fabrics for kitchen cafe curtains, you can use anything from very sheer voile or organza to very heavy cotton or linen. Sheer cafe curtains are best with gathered casement or tie top headings whereas the heavier fabrics are better for tab tops.
If you would like to decorate the top of your windows, you can do so with a window valance and often cafe window curtains and matching valances (so-called kitchen curtain tiers) are sold in a set. These tiered curtains are mainly suitable for family kitchens and those with a country look rather than ultra modern kitchens. You will find many examples of lace cafe curtains and valances which you would not dream of putting next to gleaming stainless steel and shiny cabinets. If you have a contemporary kitchen go for a tab top cafe curtain either in a plain fabric or one with a striped or plaid design.
Here are some great examples of cafe and tier kitchen curtains. Of course, there is not space to show many examples so if you do not see anything to your liking take a look at the huge selection of discount cafe curtains for sale HERE.
 Embroidered White Cafe Curtain (Click image for details) |
Beautifuly embroidered white cafe curtain with eyelet detail. Can be easily slotted onto a rod across the window. 100% easy care polyester. Click here for further details. |
 Daisy kitchen curtains with Tab Top (Click Image for Details) |
Bone colored (off white) kitchen curtains with yellow and white embroidered daisies, button centers and green embroidered leaves. Matching valance available. 100% polyester, machine washable. Click here for details.
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These attractive green cafe curtains have matching valances with gathered headings and green gingham trim. 70% Polyester/ 30% Cotton Click here for details. Also available in blue at this page.
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 Green Kitchen Cafe Curtains (Click Image for Details) |
 Sunflower Kitchen Curtains Cafe Style (Click Image for Details) |
Striking sunflower design on this cafe style kitchen curtain set. Matching valance and swags included to complete the tier. 70% cotton, 30% polyester. Easy Care. Click for further details and low price.
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Priscilla 24″ Kitchen Curtains with standard rod pocket. Matching valance available separately. Machine washable 100% easy care polyester. Click here for further details.
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 Lace Cafe Curtains and Valances (Click Image for Details) |
How to Measure for Kitchen Curtains
When buying kitchen curtains make sure you know your measurements before you begin because the measurements affect
- whether you can buy cheaper ready made curtains and window treatments or whether you have to go the custom route
- how much fabric you will need (and therefore how much curtains will cost)
When you go shopping consider two measurements. (And if you buy in a shop make sure that the person taking the order knows which measurements you are talking about). You need to know
- the size and shape of your windows
- the approximate size of kitchen curtains you require including the desired length (window length or floor length)
Step by Step Measuring Guide
1. Decide on The Type of Curtains
Curtains are measured differently depending on the type of curtain – floor length, tab top, formal, cafe curtain or whatever so don’t measure until you have an idea of this
measure for kitchen curtains
2. Decide on the Position of the Curtain Rod, Rail or Pole
You would normally put this about 6 inches above the top of the window. If you are using a double rail and valance or pelmet you may want to position the rail a little higher to let in maximum light but consider also the room and kitchen window proportions when you do this and keep things in balance.
3. Size of Rod, Rail or Pole
Decide how much you want the curtain rods to extend at each side of the windows. Two to three inches would be the norm (excluding any finials) but you may want more clearance to let in maximum light. Again consider the window and room proportions when you do this. An inch or two further would be fine however.
4. Length of Curtains
Plan where the curtains will end. If you want window length curtains this would normally be 2 or 3 inches below the window sill. So the finished length of curtain would be from the rod or pole to the finished length plus an allowance for any part of the curtain heading which sits above the curtain rods.
5. Width of Curtains
Measure where the curtains will start and end across the width. You will normally have a pair of curtains, which together make twice the width (the wider the curtains the more fullness you achieve). So if the desired width is 60 inches then you need 2 curtains each 60+ inches wide.
6. Two Important Measurements
What this boils down to is that when you go shopping you need two main measurements
- the drop (or length)
- the total width required for curtains (kitchen curtains are usually sold in pairs – look at the size of each curtain to make sure – but you may also find some are sold in separate panels)
If you are looking for kitchen cafe curtains (which cover only the lower part of the window), these will normally be sold in standard drop lengths so with typical country or lace style cafe curtains you would select a standard length and then adjust the position of the curtain rods rather than deciding on the specific length you want your curtains to be. Of course if you choose custom kitchen curtains, you get to choose the length!
Kitchen Curtains Online
Welcome to Kitchen Curtains Online. Here you’ll find everything about completing your kitchen design with the right window treatment. You can even update your whole look with the fabric you hang at your windows if you haven’t time or money for making over your whole kitchen.
You’ll find information on this site about choosing the right kitchen window curtains, where to shop for the best deals and about measuring up for them so that the size is right as well as the price.
I hope you’ll find lots of tips in our handy guides and checklists.
But why a site about kitchen curtains?
Well, I do think they tend to be an afterthought – something that we totally forget about until our cabinets, tiles and appliances are in place – and sometimes they can go on being an afterthought for far too long. (I have been guilty as charged here myself in the past)
So I want to show that the right kitchen curtain can be an asset to your home and make the difference between a so-so kitchen and a kitchen that looks like a million dollars.
And I would like you to be aware of the choice you have with the full range of styles, colors, themes and types of kitchen curtains on offer these days so that you don’t go just picking the first set you come across that are vaguely suitable.
cafe style kitchen curtains
If you’re not sure whether you want cafe style curtains or nets, valances or tab headings, patterned curtains or plain, if you’re not sure about modern contemporary style, retro or country cottage curtains then I hope we can help you to get started.
I am aware you may have budget restrictions – sometimes after paying for a kitchen remodeling there’s not much left to splash out on kitchen window treatments – so you will find ideas here for saving money too. Just don’t forget the next time you budget for a makeover to keep a little money back for kitchen curtains to complete your room because they really can make a difference!
Trends do change in kitchen curtains or drapes (but not so much as they do in clothes) so it’s good to keep your eye on interior design magazines but the most important thing with choosing kitchen curtains is your kitchen itself and how you want it to look so the right curtains will be a personal choice and not something that this site or an interior style magazine can dictate.
So I hope you’ll enjoy the kitchen curtains ideas and tips I’ve added here and please feel free to leave a comment to let me know how you get on.
Welcome!
I hope you find just what you are looking for here. Please note, unless otherwise labeled, all product links will take you to great deals on Amazon.com. See affiliate disclosure.