An Ode to the Café Curtain

We’re not saying Roman shades are a thing of the past, we’re just saying they have some competition. The café curtain certainly isn’t a new design element, but they have gone in and out of popularity over the years. Café curtains are thought to date back to the 19th century, originating in Vienna, Austria. They’d adorn the bottom half of windows in cafés, bistros, and coffee shops, dressing up an otherwise large, plain window, creating some privacy for diners while allowing sunlight to filter in from the top.

Today, the café curtain is an excellent way to bring some Old World charm into your home. The light, breezy look is oh-so European and relaxed, with a slight nod to one of the 2023 design trends we’re loving.

Café curtains are an affordable and low-stakes way to elevate a space, and we’ve gathered inspiration from some of Shea and the design team’s most recent projects to show you all the ways you can bring the time-honored design trend to life in your own home.

Look No. 01 |  Elevated Laundry Room

Look No. 02 | Pantry Detail

Look No. 03 | Bathroom Retreat

Look No. 01 |  Elevated Laundry Room

Look No. 02 | Pantry Detail

Look No. 03 | Bathroom Retreat