8 Other Places to Use Cafe Curtains (Besides the Kitchen)

• By Taryn Williford

If you ask me, the café of the home shouldn't have the monopoly on cafe curtains. Those short-tier curtains that cover the bottom half of windows are perfect for more than just the kitchen. Cafe curtains perfectly balance privacy and luminosity, letting plenty of light in while keeping inquisitive eyes out. And the best part? You can get them up quickly (without holes in the walls) with nothing more than a tension rod, curtain clips and a light piece of fabric.

In the Bathroom

No room is more in need of both light and privacy than a small bath. An airy, white cafe curtain is also a great style shortcut to a rustic farmhouse-style bath, as seen above in an interior by designer Kara Mann.

In the Dining Room

Not so far off from the kitchen (in both location and utility), it's not a surprise that cafe curtains work well in the dining room, too. Here's a colorful Rhode Island breakfast nook from House Beautiful.

In an Office or Workspace

You want to have plenty of light to work by, but a short curtain can help cut glare or back lighting that makes it hard to see the computer screen, like you can see in action here in a home by Collins Interiors.

In the Bedroom

Most people want more control over the light in their bedroom, but if you're an early riser, cafe curtains certainly add a unique style to bedroom windows, like here in designer Jenny Keenan's cottage.

In a Nursery

Small curtains are a lovely and delicate detail for a nursery, like here in this girls' room from The Little Umbrella.

In the Living Room

The windows behind the sofa are a great location for cafe curtains, too, as seen here in a room from designerSara Gilbane. They're low maintenance; no need to open them in the morning for light or close them in the evening for privacy.

In a Small Nook

The small imprint of a half-curtain just adds to the coziness of a window seat or reading nook, like this one from Better Homes and Gardens.

In the Foyer or Entryway

If you have glass panes on or around the front door, like here in this entry from At Home in Arkansas, a cafe curtain is a light and brilliant way to cover it up.