Café curtains are a charming and practical way to add privacy to a kitchen window while still allowing plenty of natural light into the room. Traditionally hung across the lower portion of the window, they are often seen in country kitchens, cottages and French-inspired interiors.
If you are considering café curtains for your home, the first step is to measure your window correctly. Fortunately, this is very straightforward and only takes a few minutes.
Below is a simple guide to help you measure with confidence.
Step 1: Decide Where the Curtain Pole Will Sit
Café curtains are usually hung across the lower section of a window rather than covering the entire height.
Common positions include:
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halfway up the window
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two-thirds up the window
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just above the level of the kitchen sink
The aim is to maintain privacy while still allowing natural daylight to enter through the upper part of the window.
Once you have decided where the curtain pole will sit (sometimes called a café curtain rod), measure the width of the window at that point.
Step 2: Measure the Width of Your Window
Using a tape measure, measure the full width of the window recess or the space where the curtain pole will be installed.
Café curtains look best when they have a little fullness rather than hanging completely flat.
As a general guide:
Curtain width = 1.5 (minimum) to 2 times the width of the window
For example, if your window measures 80cm wide (approximately 31½ inches), the total curtain width should ideally be between 120cm and 160cm (47–63 inches).
This gentle gathering creates the soft, relaxed look that café curtains are known for.
Step 3: Measure the Drop (Height)
Next measure from the curtain pole down to where you would like the curtain to finish.
Many café curtains finish:
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just below the middle of the window
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just above the window sill
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lightly touching the sill
In most kitchens the finished drop is usually between 30cm and 60cm (approximately 12–24 inches), although every window is different.
Step 4: Allow for the Curtain Heading
If your curtain has a rod pocket or heading, a small amount of fabric will sit above the pole.
Allow for this when measuring so the finished curtain length sits exactly where you would like it to.
Why Linen Works Beautifully for Café Curtains
Linen is a particularly lovely fabric for kitchen windows.
It gently filters natural light while still providing privacy, and its relaxed texture suits both traditional and modern country kitchens.
One of linen’s most appealing qualities is that it becomes even more beautiful with time, developing a soft, natural character through washing and everyday use.
A Final Tip
If you are unsure about the width to choose, it is usually better to allow a little more fabric rather than too little.
Soft gathering creates the classic café curtain look and allows the fabric to hang naturally.
Frequently Asked Questions About Café Curtains
How wide should café curtains be?
Café curtains usually look best when they have gentle folds rather than hanging flat. A useful guide is to choose curtains that are around one and a half to two times the width of the window.
Where should café curtains sit in a window?
Café curtains are traditionally positioned across the lower half of a window. Many people place the curtain pole halfway up the window or slightly higher so the lower section provides privacy while the upper part allows light into the room.
What length should café curtains be?
The length depends on the height of your window and personal preference. Most kitchen café curtains fall between 30cm and 60cm (12–24 inches) in drop, often finishing just above or lightly touching the window sill.
Are linen café curtains easy to care for?
Yes. Linen is a durable natural fabric that can usually be washed at low temperatures. Over time linen develops a relaxed texture that many people find particularly attractive in kitchen interiors.
Linen Café Curtains for Kitchens and Cottage Windows
If you are looking for beautifully made linen café curtains, our collection is designed to bring a soft and timeless look to kitchens, cottages and country homes.
Each curtain is carefully made using natural linen and designed to hang elegantly while allowing light to filter gently through the fabric.