The Cute Curtain Alternative That'll Create Privacy While Still Letting In Sunlight

Choosing the right curtains or shutters for your space can be a tricky balance between letting in light and maintaining privacy. While there are practically endless options to consider, it is important to find something both stylish and practical. There is one solution that checks both of these boxes. Take inspiration from the Europeans and try clever café curtains or café shutters. These options cover only the lower half of the window, enhancing privacy without blocking too much light. The story goes that café curtains were originally invented in Vienna to block diners from being in direct view of the street. You can apply this same philosophy in your dining or living space.

Café curtains don't have to be formal to be functional. Modern interpretations of this classic technique include breezy fabrics like linen and cotton gauze. If you want to elevate the casual fabric, try using high-end or statement hardware for a visual upgrade. For an affordable café curtain option, try the LAMIT Short Linen Curtains. If you can't decide when to use café curtains vs. standard curtains, you can actually hang café curtains in tandem with regular curtains. Hang a suspension rod so that a sheer café curtain covers the lower half of the window. This will create a sheer layer of privacy even when your primary curtains are open.

Decide whether you prefer the look of café curtains or shutters. Café shutters tend to be lower maintenance because they don't need to be washed. You simply need to wipe them down on occasion. They are a great cost-effective alternative to plantation shutters. However, shutters in general are a more expensive option than curtains. Another solution to consider is top-down/bottom-up blinds. These blinds have a similar effect to café curtains, as they allow you to bring the top down and only cover the bottom portion of the window. Try the MYSHADE Top-Down Bottom-Up Cellular Shades for an option that is only slightly more expensive than most comparable curtains.

If you want to be extra cost-savvy, making your own café curtains is a great option if you have old curtains or leftover fabric that you don't want to go to waste. DIY café curtains add a quaint charm to any kitchen or dining space. Cut your fabric to measure 1.5 times the width of your window and half the height of your window plus an additional 2 inches of overage. If you're not a professional sewer, you can use iron-on Klangfeiler Hemming Tape to hem the edges. Use clip curtain rings for an easy installation that doesn't require adding a rod pocket. Don't forget to avoid these major mistakes that can make your café curtains look outdated.