Since becoming an 'adult' with my own home, the cost of window treatments was one of the biggest shocks I've come up against when trying to source charming details for my rooms.
As someone who is mid-renovation and constantly looking for ways to elevate my home without breaking the budget, I thought I was priced out of the cafe curtain trend.
The problem is, I assumed achieving that kind of whimsical look would mean going fully bespoke, with custom fabric, fittings, and a hefty price tag to match. I was determined, however, to achieve that soft, European bistro vibe in my living room – and I am unnaturally stubborn when it comes to a design detail I absolutely must have in my home. So thankfully for my wallet, I stumbled upon Anthropologie's ready-made cafe curtain collection.
The lovely thing about this charming curtain idea is that it isn't just super pretty, but also a practical styling trick.
I'm big on maximizing natural light in all rooms of my home, and once learned that most of the light that comes in through your window enters via the top third. So to block that up with a window blind or shutters feels counterintuitive to that mission.
A cafe curtain, however, sits beautifully at the bottom of your window and dresses a window while providing privacy without completely blocking light. They soften a room and create that layered, lived-in feel we all crave.
Whether you’re looking to frame a kitchen window, bring softness to a bathroom, or add a pop of print to your bedroom, they’re an easy way to transform a window. They’re the kind of small change that makes a big difference, and once you see the styles Anthropologie has on offer, you’ll understand just why I'm so excited.
From delicate sheers to storybook prints, each style of Anthropologie’s cafe curtain collection has its own personality – whether you’re after something cottagecore, coastal, or chicly tailored – and they’re all surprisingly affordable. Here are the 9 styles I've bookmarked.
Shop Anthropologie's best cafe curtains
Available in yellow or a soft green, these woven striped curtains are perfect for adding a pop of color to your kitchen or breakfast nook. They're made from 100% cotton that is light-filtering yet still offers privacy.
For a softer take on stripes, this semi-sheer pair has a delicate weave that feels airy and timeless. Perfect for brightening a small space, they add just the right touch of understated texture and are available in neutral or a classic blue stripe.
Whimsical yet refined, these organic cotton curtains feature a charming bird print that feels straight out of a storybook. They’re ideal for adding personality to a bedroom, dining area, or reading nook.
Romantic and playful, these block-printed floral tie-top curtains add a cottage-inspired feel to any room. The tie detail makes them easy to hang and adjust, while the print brings instant character to plain spaces.
If you love a light, subtle look, these sheer woven curtains are a super versatile choice. They let the sunshine pour in while adding just enough softness to make a space feel warm and inviting, and will go with any scheme.
With their traditional William Morris-style print, these cafe curtains are perfect for creating a cozy botanical feel indoors. Available in this blue-green hue or a rich honey, style them in a kitchen or living space where you want to balance privacy with charm.
These playful, printed curtains bring a sense of storybook magic to your windows. Crafted from 100% organic cotton, they have a tunnel tab at the top that makes them super easy to hang and will look especially sweet in a children's room.
For a classic and elegant look, these linen-blend curtains feature a subtle embroidered floral pattern and are available in 4 different pastel shades. Their sheer finish diffuses light beautifully, making them ideal for layering with curtains or blinds, too.
The bold floral Hattie motif can be seen across many Anthropologie new-in pieces this fall, from wallpaper to furniture, and these statement cafe curtains - making them ideal for trying out the pattern drenching trend.
After trying these out for myself, I can confidently say that cafe curtains are one of those small but impactful design choices that can instantly change the mood of any room.
What I love most about Anthropologie’s collection is how easily (and affordably) they can be added to your home and paired with drapes or blinds to a stylish effect. Whether you lean toward bold florals, delicate embroidery, or classic stripes, there’s a style here that will slip seamlessly into your home.
See are dedicated guide on how to layer window treatments, according to experts here.
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