The Best Modern Alternatives To Traditional Cafe Curtains

Cafe curtains can add a quaint charm to any room in your home. Despite what you might have heard, there are plenty of other places besides the kitchen to use cafe curtains. Designed to hang from the middle of a window, they are a great way to provide privacy while still letting light in. With a bit of a modern makeover, these curtains might be just what you need for some aesthetics. However, if quaint isn't what you're going for, and you're embracing a modern look, you might have a hard time finding a cafe curtain that can fit a more streamlined design. 

Yes, they tend to lean a little frilly, but they do provide a practical service. Luckily, there are alternatives that can give you the same effect without the roosters and eyelets. From window films to sheers to shades, there are options that will balance your need for privacy with a desire for natural light. With such a wide array of options available, you will have no trouble finding the window treatment that gives you as much, or as little, privacy as you need.

If you want to maximize your natural light, and aren't all that concerned if people can see the shape of you moving around inside, there are two great options. Let's start with window films, which are renter-friendly and super easy to install. They also come in a wide-variety of designs, mimicking everything from colorful stained glass to minimal abstracts. You can even achieve a simple frosted glass look. To start, all you need is a clean window, scissors to cut your film, and a razor blade to trim any overlap. Best of all, you can use them just on your lower window sash if you want to leave the view above unobscured, similar to the desired effect of cafe curtains.

Alternatively, you can find window sheers, a privacy curtain that lets light in and adds effortless style to your home. Due to their simplicity, sheers work well in minimalist designs. They come in a variety of colors, but no matter which one you choose, they will let in plenty of light.

If you live on a busy street or in a ground floor apartment, you might want more privacy than sheers or window clings can provide. In that case, shades might be perfect for you. We know what you're thinking: Shades block too much light. That does not have to be true!

Take the BERISSA No Drill Cellular Shades for example. Starting around $39, these shades are an affordable way to get the privacy of cafe curtains without the frills. The key is finding shades that can work from the bottom up. 

During the day you can cover just the bottom portion of your window, leaving the top open to let light in while providing privacy. The especially great thing about this solution is that you can control the amount of light you let in. So, if you install these in your bedroom, you can close them all the way at night to keep the room nice and dark while you sleep. If you want to completely block the light at night, you can also DIY a custom blackout shade that's actually pretty.