Café curtains are a charming and practical way to soften a kitchen window while still allowing natural light to fill the room. Traditionally hung across the lower part of the window, they provide privacy without blocking daylight.
One of the most common questions people ask when choosing café curtains is how high they should sit in the window. The position of the curtain pole can affect both the appearance of the window and how much light enters the room.
Below is a simple guide to help you decide the best position for café curtains in your kitchen.
The Traditional Position for Café Curtains
Traditionally, café curtains are hung across the lower half of a window.
This style originated in European cafés, where the lower section of the window was covered to provide privacy for diners while the upper section remained open to allow plenty of daylight inside.
For most kitchen windows, the curtain pole is usually placed around halfway up the window.
This creates a balanced look while allowing light to fill the upper part of the room.
Placing Café Curtains Two-Thirds Up the Window
Some people prefer to position café curtains slightly higher than halfway, particularly in kitchens where privacy is important.
Placing the curtain pole around two-thirds of the way up the window or 2/3 window down can work beautifully in:
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ground floor kitchens
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cottage kitchens facing the street
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homes where neighbours overlook the window
This placement still allows light into the room while providing a little more privacy.
Café Curtains Above the Kitchen Sink
Many café curtains are hung above a kitchen sink, which often sits directly beneath a window.
In this case, the curtain pole is typically placed a few inches above the sink level, allowing the curtain to fall neatly below while still leaving space for taps and splashes.
This placement creates a soft, relaxed look and works particularly well in farmhouse and country-style kitchens.
Balancing Privacy and Natural Light
The ideal height for café curtains depends largely on the balance you want between privacy and natural light.
If privacy is the main concern, placing the curtain pole slightly higher on the window can provide better coverage.
If the window overlooks a garden or private space, positioning the curtain pole closer to the middle of the window allows more daylight into the room while still adding softness and texture.
Typical Café Curtain Drops / Height
Most kitchen café curtains fall between:
30cm and 60cm (approximately 12–24 inches)
This usually allows the curtain to sit comfortably within the lower half of the window while maintaining a balanced appearance.
Every window is slightly different, so it is always best to measure carefully before choosing your curtain length.
If you are unsure how to measure your window, you may find our guide to measuring café curtains helpful.
Why Linen Works Beautifully for Kitchen Windows
Linen café curtains are particularly well suited to kitchens because they allow light to filter gently through the fabric.
Natural linen creates a soft, relaxed look that works beautifully in cottage kitchens, farmhouse interiors and country homes.
Over time linen develops a lovely natural texture, giving kitchen windows a timeless and effortless charm.
Frequently Asked Questions About Café Curtains
Where should café curtains sit in a kitchen window?
Café curtains are traditionally placed across the lower half of a window. Many people position the curtain pole halfway up the window or slightly higher depending on how much privacy they would like.
How high should a café curtain pole be?
A café curtain pole is usually installed around halfway up the window, although some people prefer to position it slightly higher for additional privacy.
What drop should café curtains be?
Most kitchen café curtains fall between 30cm and 60cm (12–24 inches) in length (height), depending on the size of the window and the position of the curtain pole.
Do café curtains block much light?
No. Café curtains are designed to cover only the lower part of the window, allowing natural light to enter through the upper section while still providing privacy.
Linen Café Curtains for Kitchens and Cottage Windows
If you are considering café curtains for your kitchen, our collection of linen café curtains is designed to bring a soft and timeless look to kitchen windows.
Each curtain is carefully made using natural linen and designed to hang beautifully while allowing light to filter gently through the fabric.