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If you're looking to infuse your country home with a touch of vintage charm, cafe curtains are the perfect window treatment solution. At Retro Barn, we've curated a collection of cute, old-fashioned cafe curtains that effortlessly complement farmhouse, rustic, or cottage style decor.
Cafe curtains, also known as tier curtains, are a classic window dressing that supposedly originated in French cafes. These short curtains typically cover only the lower portion of a window, allowing natural light to filter in while providing a cozy, intimate feel. Sometimes paired with a matching top treatment, these simple, unfussy curtains make an ideal choice for country style interiors, where the focus is on creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
What is it about cafe curtains that makes them such a perfect fit for a rustic country home? For starters, their vintage inspired charm aligns perfectly with the old fashioned, lived-in vibe that defines the farmhouse and cottage looks. The uncomplicated, no-fuss nature of cafe curtains also complements the emphasis on simplicity and functionality that is so central to these design styles.
At Retro Barn, we offer a variety of cafe curtain styles to suit your country decor needs. From classic tiers in timeless gingham or floral prints to charming valances that add a touch of whimsy, our selection is sure to inspire. When it comes to fabric choices, we gravitate towards natural, breathable materials like cotton and linen, which effortlessly capture the rustic, down-to-earth essence of country living.
When styling cafe curtains in your space, the key is to let them enhance the overall aesthetic without overpowering it. Pair them with other vintage inspired accents, such as distressed wood furniture, rustic lighting, and cozy textiles, to create a cohesive, harmonious look. And don't be afraid to experiment with different lengths and top treatments to find the perfect balance of privacy and natural light.
As you embark on your journey to create the rustic country home of your dreams, consider cafe curtains for any room. With their timeless appeal and versatile styling potential, these window treatments are a surefire way to infuse any space with a warm, inviting ambiance. Explore our collection of country style curtains- including tier sets, valances, and swags. These can be mixed and matched to create a look that is perfect for your home. Let's explore a few of the most popular ways to use cafe curtains in your home...
This is a really simple look that works great if you have a lovely view- but also if you don't! By placing the curtains only on the bottom half of your window, it allows you to enjoy the blue sky and possibly the treetops, but it blocks out anything you would rather not see. It also provides lots of light while maintaining your privacy. And since cafe tiers are made up of a set of 2 matching panels, you can easily part the curtains if you like. To mount tier curtains in this fashion, simply install a conventional rod outside of the molding. Or, for an even easier approach, try a tension rod in between your window molding. No matter how you choose to hang them, tier curtains over the bottom half of your window is a classic look.
If your window happens to be the right size, you can certainly use cafe tiers to cover the entire window. Most of our tier curtains are available in 24" or 36" lengths, making them just perfect for smaller windows. And if you happen to have an odd size window requiring a different length, cafe tiers can be easy to make using fabric yardage, dishtowels, cloth napkins, or even tablecloths. Cafe tiers are really the easiest of all curtains to create, so just let your imagination run wild. If you don't want to create a rod pocket (which is probably the hardest part), you can simply use clip rings to hang your curtains from a rod. Your cafe tiers can end right at the window molding (as shown here), or they can even extend a little below. Either way, cafe tiers are a charming and functional way to cover smaller windows.
This is the most common way to use tier curtains, and the classic "cafe curtain" look we all know and love. A three piece window treatment, combining a set of tiers and a matching window valance. One really can't go wrong with this classic style. The tiers generally cover one half to two thirds of the window, depending on your window size and personal preference. Curtain rods can be conventional, decorative or tension style. And again, the tiers can be open or closed depending on your view and privacy needs. Next is just a sight variation...
Look how cute this set becomes when you pair it with a fancy valance. (Maybe fancy is not the right word, but you get the idea.) A coordinating valance that features just a little more style and pizazz than the tier set. Something to really set it off an make a statement. A layered valance design, or one with trim, embroidery or other unique elements really gives a nice look to your cafe curtain ensemble. This would be ideal on a kitchen window, or maybe the breakfast nook. Super simple, but also super cute!
Here is another popular variation. Instead of a valance, try a matching swag curtain. Swags create a graceful arch, which softens the top portion of your window and quite literally frames your view. If your view is not so great, try adding a pretty wreath in the center of the arch. Wreaths are not just for the holidays- they can definitely help to disguise an ugly window. Oh, and a neat thing about swags to note- if your window is too wide for one swag to cover, try adding a matching valance between the two swag panels. Once you shirr the swag ( which consists of 2 matching panels) and the valance in the center, it all becomes one unit that hangs nicely together to accent your wide window.
If you're in search of cute country style curtains, please check out our Country Curtain page. We've handpicked a collection of old-fashioned cafe curtains in a range of different styles. From classic tiers in timeless gingham, or floral prints, to charming valances that add a touch of whimsy, our selection is sure to inspire. Tier sets, valances and swags are all sold individually, so you can easily pick and choose what you need for a particular window. Here are a few links to get you started- Tier Sets, Valances, and Swags. Each item should have a list of all coordinating pieces made from the same fabric to make your decorating job a little easier. And if you should need help, please don't hesitate to contact us. We love curtains (maybe a little too much) and we love to help!
