The 1950s Kitchen Trend That Feels Surprisingly Fresh in 2025 — And Not Just in the Kitchen
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Café curtains are officially back! A one-time staple of country kitchens, especially in the 1950s, these short-and-sweet curtains have gotten a fresh look in the last few years. Trust us, these aren’t the same ruffly ones your aunt had in her quintessentially ’90s kitchen. The patterns are fresher, the colors are bolder, and the uses are broader.
Below, we break down what exactly café curtains are, why they’re trending again, and how you can stylishly incorporate them into your own home, plus we share some of our favorite café curtains (including hardware!) that you can shop for right here, right now.
What are Café Curtains?
Technically speaking, café curtains are simple, half-height curtains designed to cover only the bottom half of a window. Unlike typical drapery, café curtains are prized for their balance of light-filtering and privacy-providing. They date back to the 1800s, when European bistros embraced half-height curtains to let in light while allowing their coffee-sipping patrons to enjoy conversation in privacy. Their popularity in the United States began in the 1900s.
Are Café Curtains in Style?
Yes! Café curtains are enjoying a resurgence thanks to renewed interest in breezy cottage style (see: cottagecore) and pattern-happy design trends (see: maximalism). The best part? Café curtains—when done right—have some serious staying power. “They are simply timeless,” says designer Cameron Ruppert.
What Fabric is Used for Café Curtains?
Though café curtains were once crafted from materials homemakers had on hand—tea towels, fabric remnants, lace—most modern iterations are made from linen and cotton fabrics that feel pretty-yet-practical thanks to dynamic patterns and a variety of pleating possibilities.
While there are plenty of ready-made options, custom curtain makers such as Pepper Home and Everhem have also gained a cult following for their pieces, which are fabricated from designer-grade fabrics at direct-to-consumer prices.
Where Can I Use Café Curtains?
Not just for kitchens anymore, café curtains can bring seclusion, softness, as well as a dose of pretty, to a variety of rooms. Below, we share some of designers’ favorite places to hang café curtains and tips on how you can get the same look at home.
In the Bathroom
In large bathrooms, café curtains add privacy where you need it most. To level-up your design, pick stylish finishing details such as tab tops or pleats. In a pinch, rod-pockets will do just fine.
In the Bedroom
Looking for even more privacy? Pair your café curtains with relaxed Roman shades to create an elegant, layered look that offers double the coverage when you want it. Choose materials that contrast for a more statement-making display or stick to complementary styles that happily blend in.
In the Pantry
Rustic red whipstitch-edged curtains prove that jams and jellies aren’t the only pantry staples you need. DIY’d decorative edges, which can easily be done with some crafty ingenuity and a bit of ribbon or yarn, transform store-bought café curtains into a wholly bespoke piece.
In the Powder Room
Don’t overlook the hardware! Opt for hardware that makes a statement. In this powder room, brass rods with French-style returns bring sophistication, as do pinch pleats.
In the Breakfast Nook
Have a classic white kitchen? Café curtains are the perfect vehicle for pattern. Pick bold prints for added visual oomph and stick to classic graphics—think ticking stripes and gingham—for more of a farmhouse flair.
Shop Our Picks
We’ve scoured our favorite sources for the best café curtain styles at the best prices. Below, check out our editor-approved café curtains and the must-have hardware you need to bring the look to your home.
Blockprint Café Curtains
Folksy Café Curtains
Chinoiserie Café Curtains
Mughal Flower Café Curtain
Bold Stripe Café Curtains
Plaid Café Curtains
$79.99 at twopagescurtains.com
Gingham Café Curtains
Ticking Stripe Café Curtains
French Return Rod
Finial Rod
Brass Curtain Clip
Brass Tension Rod
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